As we know, most Protestants don't recognize the Sacraments (at least not as being Sacraments). However, the Church holds that Protestants have two legitimate sacraments - baptism and marriage. They are missing out on the other five. It struck me as I was thinking about gay marriage and the outcry that fundamentalists and other groups have put up in opposition that these groups are actually defending the sacrament as instituted by God. When you listen to their discussion of the issue, they are VERY close to understanding the sacramental nature of marriage - that God instituted it as something between man and woman, I just don't think they have come to an appreciation the access we get to God's grace through that sacrament. Anyway, here's hoping that maybe some dialogue could open up about this issue.
4 comments:
Hi! Great post! I have a little award for you on my blog
Could you flesh this out a bit Joseph? I'm a little lost. How does their defense of marriage show that, 'They are very close to understanding the sacramental nature of marriage'? Is it just because they recognize that it was instituted by God, or is there something more?
Thanks.
Cheryl,
I think there is a little more to it than just recognizing that it is instituted by God, but by realizing that it is an unchangeable institution that has a direct connection to our lives in a very natural way. I think the only thing they don't really understand is the access to grace that comes through the marriage bond, but other than that their understanding shows a deeper meaning while on the surface being slightly superficial. I guess it's easier to think in my head than it is to explain, haha.
No, I think I get what you're trying to say now. Thanks for the clarification!
Post a Comment