Is Communing From the Cup an Endangered Species?

Author

• Mary Birmingham, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Date of Award

7-6-2006

Document Type

Graduate Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Theology

Department

School of Theology and Seminary

First Advisor

Christian McConnell

Subject Categories

Religion

Abstract

The intention of this paper is to affirm the practice of communion under both species by giving voice to an ancient tradition's inherited understanding of wine as a sign of the eschatological reign of God, the new Covenant. The four-pronged approach will be to articulate the reason communion from the cup is an endangered practice. The second step will be to craft a three-part defense of why the practice should be safeguarded. The third step will be to affirm the role and function of symbol since those who would appeal to the theory of concomitance would assert that no matter how fully developed a theology of the cup might be; the theology is subsumed in one species complete and whole anyway. By emphasizing the role of symbol this paper will attest to the importance of its function. Fourthly and finally this paper will conclude by illuminating the way in which participation in the cup defines and strengthens the faithful for mission.

Recommended Citation

Birmingham, Mary, "Is Communing From the Cup an Endangered Species?" (2006). School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses. 1948.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/sot_papers/1948