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Christianity--Church History/Church History "In Remembrance of Me"

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Expert: - 2/10/2011


Question
In I Cor 11:24-25 Christ said to take the bread and the cup "in remembrance of me." Over the centuries, are there ways other than communion that the church has "remembered" Christ? Have there been varying approaches to communion that have resulted from differing beliefs about "how" to remember Him? Some bloggers seem to ponder whether the "remembering" is really done by God - using the communion experience as a re-confirmation of God's new covenant (like the rainbow for Noah's descendants). Thoughts?

Answer
Hi Marge,

To the best of my knowledge, this has often been within the context of the Eucharistic service.  The connection with "in remembrance" could be connected with "shed for the blood of many" and which is a reference back to the sprinkling of blood by Moses on the Israelites in the Old Covenant.  

"Remembering" being done by God, not that He forgets it, but that He confirms it, could certainly be a meaning (although not grammatically, because it is clear Jesus was speaking to the disciples).  Indeed, in 1 Corinthians it even says, "for as long as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes."  Perhaps the Lord's Supper can be seen as a confirmation of God's saving work in Christ.

As to "remembering" Christ outside of the context of the Eucharist, this passage doesn't have much of a connection in my mind with other things.  The term "anamnesis" is pretty technical, and if it is simply "bringing to mind" as we think of it today, the cup is unnecessary.  I "remember" Christ when I wake up and make the sign of the cross, when I pray, when I suffer, when I see liturgical art, when I serve others, etc.  

As to the Sacrament, that technical rite is done for a reason that is both a conferral of grace by God on His people, and also a sharing "particiaption" if you will in the body of Christ given for you and the blood of Christ shed for you.  This rite is considered the focal point for Christianity, and it is from this rite that our daily lives, service, prayer, etc., should be molded.

Thank you for your quesiton.  Does this help?

Chris

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Christopher Heren

Expertise

I can answer many questions regarding the theology of the early church, particularly those areas pertaining to Christology and the Trinity. I can also answer many questions pertaining to the early Reformation period, particularly those questions which relate to Lutheran theology and practice. While I can answer questions from just about any time period, my weakest area is modern church history, where my knowledge is much more limited to the theology of major academic and popular movements (though not their history). Any questions which also address the development of certain liturgical practices of the church (East and West) I can usually field, or point to where the answer might be found.

Experience

I have grown up in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and currently attend a Lutheran seminary. I have recently converted to Eastern Orthodoxy (Orthodox Church in America). My knowledge of the Reformation stems from this background. I have also intensely studied the early church for about five years now, and have learned from Lutheran, Reformed, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox sources. My interaction with many traditional denominations has also led to my integration of this history with the study of the doctrine and proclamation of the church. My interest in church history has led me to alter my M.Div education and pursue an M.A. in religion. From there I hope to further my education in historical theology. I have also corrected one Lutheran expert here regarding the identity of the Virgin Mary in Lutheran theology by referring to both the Book of Concord (1580 AD) and the Council of Ephesus (431 AD) My knowledge of ancient languages includes some Latin, Koine Greek, and biblical Hebrew.

Organizations
Paleontological Society of America

Education/Credentials
B.S. Geology/B.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Integrative Biology) - University of Illinois 2005. M.S. Biology (degree unfinished) - Bradley University 2006-2007 A.A. Philosophy - Illinois Central College 2008 M.A. Theological Studies (History of Christianity) - Luther Seminary 2011. MTh. Systematic Theology - Luther Seminary (projected 2012).

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