ACTS 2:42–47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer
(Acts 2:42).
Jesus’ institution of the Lord’s Supper leads us to a consideration of the sacraments. There has been a renewed interest in the sacraments in this century, and today we want to consider several reasons why. First, there has been a liturgical revival in the churches in recent years. This draws attention to the nature and function of the sacraments.
Second, during the last 150 years, we have seen the rise of the discipline known as “comparative religion,” which focuses on man as worshiper, as distinguished from a study of God and objective truth. Cultural anthropology, psychology, and sociology have contributed to this discipline. These studies have shown that in all societies there are symbols, gestures, and actions that have special religious or “sacramental” significance.
Third, this century has seen a renewed study of signs and symbols in human culture, investigating such questions as: How do gestures relate to language? What is “body language”? What is the impact of architectural space on human life? What images does a society use to create an ideal vision of itself?
Fourth, with this interest in symbolism has come an appreciation of the difference between Greek philosophy, which expressed itself abstractly, and Hebrew philosophy, which expressed itself in concrete images. While this contrast can be exaggerated, the study of it has highlighted the role of symbolism. For instance, the Hebrew expressing the greatness of God says things like: “God owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” The Greeks might say: “All things cohere in Him.”
Thus, while our thoughts and verbal expressions are significant to us as human beings, our symbols, rituals, and imagery are absolutely integral to our lives.
CORAM DEO
Ezekiel 29–31
James 5
WEEKEND
Ezekiel 32–35
1 Peter 1–2
What is the impact on life of a mainly mental religion? What about a religion that incorporates physical actions and orients its people toward doing certain things? What if all we ever do in church is soak up information? If we are starving and Jesus gives us real bread and wine, what does that impel us to do?
For further study: 1 Chronicles 16:23–36; What Are the Sacraments? series
WEEKEND