Expert: Paul Andrew Anderson - 12/24/2011

Question
I have been saved for 33 years. For 12 years I have been a Southern Baptist. (I'm Baptist and I live in the South.) My question: Why am I corrected every time I say "communion" instead of "The Lord's Supper"? Thank you for your time and attention.

Answer
This is an awesome question; and a logical one, because the term "communion" translates (to English) from Latin as "sharing in common" whereas from the Greek it means "fellowship." This variable often brings confusion (and even contention) within English speaking religious groups. Also, it was (and still is) an attempt to create/maintain the divide between Protestants and Catholics. Therefore, pondering the history behind it will make it more relevant to your overall understanding. See these:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blessed_Sacrament
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communion_(Christian)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communion_of_Saints
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agape_feast
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invisible_Church
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Covenant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Covenant_Theology