A sacrament is a Christianity rite that mediates divine grace. Among many Protestantism, the word ''mediates'' would mean only that it is a visible symbol or manifestation of invisible grace. Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Church hold that sacraments are not mere symbols, but cause their recipients to receive divine grace. Christian churches and sects are divided regarding the number and operation of the sacraments, but they are generally held to have been instituted by Jesus. Sacraments are usually administered by the clergy to a recipient or recipients, and are generally understood to involve visible and invisible components. The invisible component (manifested inwardly) is understood to be God's grace working in the sacrament's participants, while the visible (or outward) component entails the use of water, wine, or oil that is blessed or consecrated. ==Etymology== The term sacrament is derived from the Latin ''sacramentum'', meaning "a consecrated thing or act," i.e. "something holy"; '"to consecrate", which itself was a Church Latin translation of the Greek language ''mysterion'', meaning "mystery". ==Application== The seven sacraments traditionally recognized by Roman Catholic Church are (see also Catholic sacraments): * Baptism * Eucharist * Catholic marriage * Holy Orders * Confirmation (sacrament) or Chrismation * Penance * Anointing of the Sick In addition to these seven, some Christian groups (Anabaptist and Brethren groups, in particular) consider feet washing to be a sacrament (see Gospel of John 13:14). The seven sacraments accepted by Roman Catholicism are generally accepted by Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy, but these traditions do not limit the number of sacraments to these seven. The numeration, naming, and understanding of sacraments and the adoption of the remaining sacraments vary according to religious denomination. Most Protestants consider only baptism and Communion, to be sacraments, as only these were directly instituted by Jesus. They believe that the other five rites are not made sacraments by the New Testament. So while almost all Protestant churches have marriage ceremonies, and many have ordination clergy and a ceremony conferring ordination, they do not consider these rites to be sacraments. As is often the case, views within the churches of the Anglican Communion vary. Traditionally, Baptism and Communion are considered to be the two great sacraments of the Gospel. Anglo-Catholicism have always counted the sacraments at seven. Many others do now as well, with the other five considered lesser sacraments. The catechism of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America states: "God does not limit himself to these rites; they are patterns of countless ways by which God uses material things to reach out to us." Roman Catholics also have ''sacramentals'', acts of worship that differ from sacraments proper, but which are also means of grace. Items such as the rosary or the various scapulars and holy medals issued by some Roman Catholic groups are counted among these sacramentals. For the Eastern Orthodoxy Christian the term “Sacrament” is a Westernism that seeks to classify something that is rather difficult to classify. Preferably the term “Mystery” is used, the reason being that the “How it is possible” is unanswerable to human understanding. God touches us through material means such as water, wine, bread, oil, incense, candles, altars, icons, etc. How he does this is a Mystery. On a broad level, the Mysteries are an affirmation of the goodness of created matter, and are an emphatic declaration of what that matter was originally created to be. On a specific level, while not systematically enumerating Mysteries, the most profound Mystery is without a doubt, the Eucharist in which direct communion with God occurs. This perceived vagueness is considered by the Orthodox to be piety and respect for something profound and incomprehensible. Orthodox do not like to try and classify things to any great degree as this is seen to be a fruitless and unnecessary waste of time. The Community of Christ practices eight offical sacraments along with seeing other rites as sacramental in nature. The Salvation Army does not practice formal sacraments for a variety of reasons, but does not however forbid its members from receiving sacraments in other denominations [http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/en/Library/factSheets/Sacraments.htm]. Religious Society of Friends do not practice formal sacraments, believing that all activities should be considered holy. The Salvation Army also does not practice sacraments, believing that it is better to concentrate on the reality behind the symbols. ==See also== * Eucharistic theologies contrasted * Means of Grace * Sacrament (Mormonism) ==References== ===Ecumenical=== * ''Baptism: Christ's Act in the Church'' by Laurence Hull Stookey (1982, ISBN 0687023645) * ''Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (Faith and Order paper)'', World Council of Churches (1982, ISBN 2825407097) * ''Eucharist: Christ's Feast With the Church'' by Laurence Hull Stookey (1993, ISBN 0687120179) ===Orthodox=== * ''These Are the Sacraments: The Life-Giving Mysteries of the Orthodox Church'' by Anthony Coniaris (1981, ISBN 0937032220) ===Roman Catholic=== * ''Doors to the Sacred: A Historical Introduction to Sacraments in the Catholic Church'' by Joseph Martos (2001, ISBN 0764807188) * ''Sacrament: The Language of God's Giving'' by David Noel Power (1999, ISBN 0824517989) ===Anglican=== * ''A Guide to the Sacraments'' by John MacQuarrie (1997, ISBN 0826410278) ===Protestant=== * ''Grace Upon Grace'' by Gregory S. Neal (2000, ISBN 0967907403) * ''Sacraments & Discipleship: Understanding the Sacraments in a United Methodist Context'' by Mark W. Stamm (2001, ISBN 0881772852) * ''The Sacraments in Protestant Practice and Faith'' by James F. White (1999, ISBN 0687034027) ==External links== * [http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/faith/bem1.html Baptism, Eucharist, & Ministry] (an Christian ecumenism statement by the World Council of Churches) * [http://www.fordham.edu/Academics/Programs_at_Fordham_/Theology/Graduate_Studies/CompsSysTheo_Sacrame_8356.html Sacramental Theology reading list] * [http://www.revneal.org/Writings/sactheol.html The Sacraments as Means of Grace] by Gregory Neal Christian liturgy, rites, and worship services Sacraments Seven sacraments Methodism
''Content moved to Catholic sacraments; we need a general articles on sacraments here.'' ---- I took a very rough stab at this simply to have some general discussion here instead of the above comment. Not a bad idea to separate them, I suppose. user:Wesley This looks pretty good, and I think it is necessary to have this, since non-Catholics use the term in such a different (symbolizing) way - I would add matter to action in the initial definition, because that's where Orthodox and Catholic theology go - in the Catholoic definition there has to be ''res'' ("thing") to have ''sacramenta'' -- the holy oil, the blessed water, the bread and wine, and the bodies of the people (in marriage). I've never quite understood what the ''res'' in confession is, in fact. --user:MichaelTinkler == Orthodox sacramental theology == Would a paragraph trying to explain triune Orthodoxy sacramental theology be appropriate ? I mean, discussing how the sacraments may be divided as to whether they flow from eucharistic grace, baptismal grace, or .. um .. chrismatic grace ? : I'm not familiar with these sorts of divisions... still only been Orthodox a few years, and have lots left to learn. I remember that John Wesley talked about different types of grace, so perhaps this idea would apply to more than just Orthodoxy? User:Wesley 16:54, 21 Jan 2004 (UTC) ---- Catholics also practice foot-washing, but do not enumerate it on the list of seven sacraments. Does Catholicism hold that the foot-washing rite has some supernatural effect? And what about the Ash Wednesday rite? User:Michael Hardy 20:13, 23 Dec 2003 (UTC) :Two questions in one: :*a) Foot-washing is done in Maudy Thursday as a significant way to show that the Priest/Bishop is a servant as Christ was. It ''can only'' have a supernatural effect as any other liturgical act (say, a simple blessing, or blessing the meals, or...) though its importance is great as a symbol. However, it is not meant to have any effect on those whose feet are washed. :*b) Ash in Ash Wednesday is similar (now the ''receiver'' is properly the receiver of the ashes). It is a showing of penance, and as such it shows the receiver's will to approach God. But there is no divine guarantee that it ''gives grace''. :The matter is difficult. In ''practical terms'', the Church (and hence each Christian) could live without Ash and without foot-washing, but it cannot live without the Sacraments, more or less. Also, the Seven sacraments come by Apostolic Tradition while the others are "newer". One could boldly say that God has committed himself to give grace through the Sacraments: i.e. if I properly receive a Sacrament, I receive the grace. :As you know, the above does not imply He cannot give it by other means. You are a Mathematician as well. :In any case, I wanted to say I like the new first sentence very much. User:Pfortuny 21:54, 23 Dec 2003 (UTC) :: Incidentally, I believe the Orthodox also practice foot washing on Holy Thursday, much as you describe it above. As you said, God can bless us in many many ways, but certain sacraments are (nearly?) essential. User:Wesley 16:54, 21 Jan 2004 (UTC) ==Wider use of sacrament== Are we sure sacrament should only refer to Christian rites? I was coming here to see if there was anything about the use of cannabis as a sacrament in the Rastafarian religion. Maybe Sacrament should be desimbiguated, and this aricle made into Sacrament (Christianity) and I could create a Sacrament (Rastafari) article. --User:SqueakBox 02:51, 16 Feb 2005 (UTC)
See other meanings of words starting from letter:
Words begining with Sacrament:
Sacrament
Sacrament
Sacramental
Sacramentals
Sacramentals
Sacramentals
Sacramental_bread
Sacramental_character
Sacramental_index
Sacramentary
Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento,_CA
Sacramento,_CA/Mayors
Sacramento,_California
Sacramento,_California
Sacramento,_California/Mayors
Sacramento,_Coahuila
Sacramento,_Kentucky
Sacramento,_KY
Sacramento-San_Joaquin_Delta
Sacramento/Mayors
Sacramento_(CA)
Sacramento_airport
Sacramento_Attack
Sacramento_Bee
Sacramento_Bee
Sacramento_City_College
Sacramento_class_fast_combat_support_ship
Sacramento_class_support_ship
Sacramento_County
Sacramento_County,_CA
Sacramento_County,_California
Sacramento_County,_California
Sacramento_County,_California
Sacramento_County_Parks
Sacramento_Delta
Sacramento_delta
Sacramento_Gold_Miners
Sacramento_International_Airport
Sacramento_Jazz_Jubilee
Sacramento_Kings
Sacramento_Kings_players
Sacramento_Monarchs
Sacramento_National_Wildlife_Refuge
Sacramento_National_Wildlife_Refuge_Complex
Sacramento_perch
Sacramento_Railroad_Museum
Sacramento_Regional_Transit_District
Sacramento_River
Sacramento_River_Cats
Sacramento_River_Delta
Sacramento_River_Delta
Sacramento_Solons
Sacramento_solons
Sacramento_sports
Sacramento_State
Sacramento_state
Sacramento_State_University
Sacramento_Surge
Sacramento_TV
Sacramento_Valley
Sacraments
Sacraments
Sacrament_(Mormonism)
Sacrament_meeting
Sacrament_meeting
Sacrament_of_Confession
Sacrament_of_Confirmation
Sacrament_of_the_Altar
Sacrament_of_the_Infirm
Sacrament
A sacrament is a Christianity rite that mediates divine grace. Among many Protestantism, the word ''mediates'' would mean only that it is a visible symbol or manifestation of invisible grace. Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Church hold that sacraments are not mere symbols, but cause their recipients to receive divine grace. Christian churches and sects are divided regarding the number and operation of the sacraments, but they are generally held to have been instituted by Jesus. Sacraments are usually administered by the clergy to a recipient or recipients, and are generally understood to involve visible and invisible components. The invisible component (manifested inwardly) is understood to be God's grace working in the sacrament's participants, while the visible (or outward) component entails the use of water, wine, or oil that is blessed or consecrated. ==Etymology== The term sacrament is derived from the Latin ''sacramentum'', meaning "a consecrated thing or act," i.e. "something holy"; '"to consecrate", which itself was a Church Latin translation of the Greek language ''mysterion'', meaning "mystery". ==Application== The seven sacraments traditionally recognized by Roman Catholic Church are (see also Catholic sacraments): * Baptism * Eucharist * Catholic marriage * Holy Orders * Confirmation (sacrament) or Chrismation * Penance * Anointing of the Sick In addition to these seven, some Christian groups (Anabaptist and Brethren groups, in particular) consider feet washing to be a sacrament (see Gospel of John 13:14). The seven sacraments accepted by Roman Catholicism are generally accepted by Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy, but these traditions do not limit the number of sacraments to these seven. The numeration, naming, and understanding of sacraments and the adoption of the remaining sacraments vary according to religious denomination. Most Protestants consider only baptism and Communion, to be sacraments, as only these were directly instituted by Jesus. They believe that the other five rites are not made sacraments by the New Testament. So while almost all Protestant churches have marriage ceremonies, and many have ordination clergy and a ceremony conferring ordination, they do not consider these rites to be sacraments. As is often the case, views within the churches of the Anglican Communion vary. Traditionally, Baptism and Communion are considered to be the two great sacraments of the Gospel. Anglo-Catholicism have always counted the sacraments at seven. Many others do now as well, with the other five considered lesser sacraments. The catechism of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America states: "God does not limit himself to these rites; they are patterns of countless ways by which God uses material things to reach out to us." Roman Catholics also have ''sacramentals'', acts of worship that differ from sacraments proper, but which are also means of grace. Items such as the rosary or the various scapulars and holy medals issued by some Roman Catholic groups are counted among these sacramentals. For the Eastern Orthodoxy Christian the term “Sacrament” is a Westernism that seeks to classify something that is rather difficult to classify. Preferably the term “Mystery” is used, the reason being that the “How it is possible” is unanswerable to human understanding. God touches us through material means such as water, wine, bread, oil, incense, candles, altars, icons, etc. How he does this is a Mystery. On a broad level, the Mysteries are an affirmation of the goodness of created matter, and are an emphatic declaration of what that matter was originally created to be. On a specific level, while not systematically enumerating Mysteries, the most profound Mystery is without a doubt, the Eucharist in which direct communion with God occurs. This perceived vagueness is considered by the Orthodox to be piety and respect for something profound and incomprehensible. Orthodox do not like to try and classify things to any great degree as this is seen to be a fruitless and unnecessary waste of time. The Community of Christ practices eight offical sacraments along with seeing other rites as sacramental in nature. The Salvation Army does not practice formal sacraments for a variety of reasons, but does not however forbid its members from receiving sacraments in other denominations [http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/en/Library/factSheets/Sacraments.htm]. Religious Society of Friends do not practice formal sacraments, believing that all activities should be considered holy. The Salvation Army also does not practice sacraments, believing that it is better to concentrate on the reality behind the symbols. ==See also== * Eucharistic theologies contrasted * Means of Grace * Sacrament (Mormonism) ==References== ===Ecumenical=== * ''Baptism: Christ's Act in the Church'' by Laurence Hull Stookey (1982, ISBN 0687023645) * ''Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (Faith and Order paper)'', World Council of Churches (1982, ISBN 2825407097) * ''Eucharist: Christ's Feast With the Church'' by Laurence Hull Stookey (1993, ISBN 0687120179) ===Orthodox=== * ''These Are the Sacraments: The Life-Giving Mysteries of the Orthodox Church'' by Anthony Coniaris (1981, ISBN 0937032220) ===Roman Catholic=== * ''Doors to the Sacred: A Historical Introduction to Sacraments in the Catholic Church'' by Joseph Martos (2001, ISBN 0764807188) * ''Sacrament: The Language of God's Giving'' by David Noel Power (1999, ISBN 0824517989) ===Anglican=== * ''A Guide to the Sacraments'' by John MacQuarrie (1997, ISBN 0826410278) ===Protestant=== * ''Grace Upon Grace'' by Gregory S. Neal (2000, ISBN 0967907403) * ''Sacraments & Discipleship: Understanding the Sacraments in a United Methodist Context'' by Mark W. Stamm (2001, ISBN 0881772852) * ''The Sacraments in Protestant Practice and Faith'' by James F. White (1999, ISBN 0687034027) ==External links== * [http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/faith/bem1.html Baptism, Eucharist, & Ministry] (an Christian ecumenism statement by the World Council of Churches) * [http://www.fordham.edu/Academics/Programs_at_Fordham_/Theology/Graduate_Studies/CompsSysTheo_Sacrame_8356.html Sacramental Theology reading list] * [http://www.revneal.org/Writings/sactheol.html The Sacraments as Means of Grace] by Gregory Neal Christian liturgy, rites, and worship services Sacraments Seven sacraments Methodism
Sacrament
''Content moved to Catholic sacraments; we need a general articles on sacraments here.'' ---- I took a very rough stab at this simply to have some general discussion here instead of the above comment. Not a bad idea to separate them, I suppose. user:Wesley This looks pretty good, and I think it is necessary to have this, since non-Catholics use the term in such a different (symbolizing) way - I would add matter to action in the initial definition, because that's where Orthodox and Catholic theology go - in the Catholoic definition there has to be ''res'' ("thing") to have ''sacramenta'' -- the holy oil, the blessed water, the bread and wine, and the bodies of the people (in marriage). I've never quite understood what the ''res'' in confession is, in fact. --user:MichaelTinkler == Orthodox sacramental theology == Would a paragraph trying to explain triune Orthodoxy sacramental theology be appropriate ? I mean, discussing how the sacraments may be divided as to whether they flow from eucharistic grace, baptismal grace, or .. um .. chrismatic grace ? : I'm not familiar with these sorts of divisions... still only been Orthodox a few years, and have lots left to learn. I remember that John Wesley talked about different types of grace, so perhaps this idea would apply to more than just Orthodoxy? User:Wesley 16:54, 21 Jan 2004 (UTC) ---- Catholics also practice foot-washing, but do not enumerate it on the list of seven sacraments. Does Catholicism hold that the foot-washing rite has some supernatural effect? And what about the Ash Wednesday rite? User:Michael Hardy 20:13, 23 Dec 2003 (UTC) :Two questions in one: :*a) Foot-washing is done in Maudy Thursday as a significant way to show that the Priest/Bishop is a servant as Christ was. It ''can only'' have a supernatural effect as any other liturgical act (say, a simple blessing, or blessing the meals, or...) though its importance is great as a symbol. However, it is not meant to have any effect on those whose feet are washed. :*b) Ash in Ash Wednesday is similar (now the ''receiver'' is properly the receiver of the ashes). It is a showing of penance, and as such it shows the receiver's will to approach God. But there is no divine guarantee that it ''gives grace''. :The matter is difficult. In ''practical terms'', the Church (and hence each Christian) could live without Ash and without foot-washing, but it cannot live without the Sacraments, more or less. Also, the Seven sacraments come by Apostolic Tradition while the others are "newer". One could boldly say that God has committed himself to give grace through the Sacraments: i.e. if I properly receive a Sacrament, I receive the grace. :As you know, the above does not imply He cannot give it by other means. You are a Mathematician as well. :In any case, I wanted to say I like the new first sentence very much. User:Pfortuny 21:54, 23 Dec 2003 (UTC) :: Incidentally, I believe the Orthodox also practice foot washing on Holy Thursday, much as you describe it above. As you said, God can bless us in many many ways, but certain sacraments are (nearly?) essential. User:Wesley 16:54, 21 Jan 2004 (UTC) ==Wider use of sacrament== Are we sure sacrament should only refer to Christian rites? I was coming here to see if there was anything about the use of cannabis as a sacrament in the Rastafarian religion. Maybe Sacrament should be desimbiguated, and this aricle made into Sacrament (Christianity) and I could create a Sacrament (Rastafari) article. --User:SqueakBox 02:51, 16 Feb 2005 (UTC)
See other meanings of words starting from letter:
S
SB | SC | SD | SE | SF | SG | SH | SI | SJ | SK | SL | SM | SN | SO | SP | SR | SS | ST | SU | SW | SX | SY | SZ |Words begining with Sacrament:
Sacrament
Sacrament
Sacramental
Sacramentals
Sacramentals
Sacramentals
Sacramental_bread
Sacramental_character
Sacramental_index
Sacramentary
Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento,_CA
Sacramento,_CA/Mayors
Sacramento,_California
Sacramento,_California
Sacramento,_California/Mayors
Sacramento,_Coahuila
Sacramento,_Kentucky
Sacramento,_KY
Sacramento-San_Joaquin_Delta
Sacramento/Mayors
Sacramento_(CA)
Sacramento_airport
Sacramento_Attack
Sacramento_Bee
Sacramento_Bee
Sacramento_City_College
Sacramento_class_fast_combat_support_ship
Sacramento_class_support_ship
Sacramento_County
Sacramento_County,_CA
Sacramento_County,_California
Sacramento_County,_California
Sacramento_County,_California
Sacramento_County_Parks
Sacramento_Delta
Sacramento_delta
Sacramento_Gold_Miners
Sacramento_International_Airport
Sacramento_Jazz_Jubilee
Sacramento_Kings
Sacramento_Kings_players
Sacramento_Monarchs
Sacramento_National_Wildlife_Refuge
Sacramento_National_Wildlife_Refuge_Complex
Sacramento_perch
Sacramento_Railroad_Museum
Sacramento_Regional_Transit_District
Sacramento_River
Sacramento_River_Cats
Sacramento_River_Delta
Sacramento_River_Delta
Sacramento_Solons
Sacramento_solons
Sacramento_sports
Sacramento_State
Sacramento_state
Sacramento_State_University
Sacramento_Surge
Sacramento_TV
Sacramento_Valley
Sacraments
Sacraments
Sacrament_(Mormonism)
Sacrament_meeting
Sacrament_meeting
Sacrament_of_Confession
Sacrament_of_Confirmation
Sacrament_of_the_Altar
Sacrament_of_the_Infirm
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