I did not suggest there are no dinfreefces. They are very real and very divisive. I do suggest, however, that Eucharist has the power to overcome such dinfreefces. Baptism has the power to wash away our sins and incorporate one into the church, the sacrament of reconciliation has the power to forgive, marriage actually unites, and ordination makes one a deacon, priest, or bishop. Why can’t Eucharist actually unite? Why does it seem that Eucharist is the only sacrament that does not accomplish what it proclaims (i.e. Christian unity)?Also, The church has taught time and time again than Protestants are already formal members of the church through baptism. There is only one church, divided though it may be.Finally, to address your comment on transubstantiation. Certainly this is a challenge for many Protestants. But are you suggesting it is not a challenge for Catholics? What about a 7 year old at first communion e28093 do they fully understand and believe transubstantiation well enough to commune? I find the theological threshold in this regard is artificially high for non-Catholics wishing to receive. I nearly have to present a doctoral dissertation every time I have requested to receive with my wife (and have been denied every time since our wedding mass). Individual Catholics are not examined that closely to see if they understand all of the nuances of Eucharistic theology.
I did not suggest there are no dinfreefces. They are very real and very divisive. I do suggest, however, that Eucharist has the power to overcome such dinfreefces. Baptism has the power to wash away our sins and incorporate one into the church, the sacrament of reconciliation has the power to forgive, marriage actually unites, and ordination makes one a deacon, priest, or bishop. Why can’t Eucharist actually unite? Why does it seem that Eucharist is the only sacrament that does not accomplish what it proclaims (i.e. Christian unity)?Also, The church has taught time and time again than Protestants are already formal members of the church through baptism. There is only one church, divided though it may be.Finally, to address your comment on transubstantiation. Certainly this is a challenge for many Protestants. But are you suggesting it is not a challenge for Catholics? What about a 7 year old at first communion e28093 do they fully understand and believe transubstantiation well enough to commune? I find the theological threshold in this regard is artificially high for non-Catholics wishing to receive. I nearly have to present a doctoral dissertation every time I have requested to receive with my wife (and have been denied every time since our wedding mass). Individual Catholics are not examined that closely to see if they understand all of the nuances of Eucharistic theology.