Throughout John 6 we read of the food metaphor (i'm not gonna break it down, we can all read it for ourselves) Food sustains and nourishes the body. While Jesus nourishes and gives life to the soul (it's all symbolic). Sure the sacrifice of Jesus's body and shed blood was a necessary requirement for the salvation of sinners...but not the actual physical consumption of it.....the whole chapter is totally symbolic.

I think many of these ECF's used strong language (almost overstating their case although I do think the meaning of the ECF's words are twisted in an attmept to validate transubstantiation) often in opposition or response to outside challanges. Also, I think errors were already creeping in during the 1st century church.

But I can't imagine the direct disciples of Jesus participated in any ceremonial practice that resembled transubstantiation.



AC (ex-RC)

Last edited by AC.; Tue Sep 22, 2009 3:21 PM.
The mercy of God is necessary not only when a person repents, but even to lead him to repent, Augustine