Today we’re looking at the LDS version of Communion, or Sacrament, as it is known in Mormonism. Because nothing in Mormonism is straightforward, you’ll find multiple layers to this ordinance. I’ve tried to lessen the confusion by highlighting the bottom line in each of their explanations of how this works.
You can read a brief explanation, and links for each item at the end of this article.
- Mormons believe they can be cleansed of sin by taking the Sacrament.
- Mormons believe they renew covenants made at baptism by taking Sacrament.
- Mormons believe that leavened bread (Wonderbread®) and water, represent Jesus’ sinless sacrifice, and spilt blood at the cross.
- Mormons believe children taking Sacrament is good practice for oaths they’ll take in the future.
- Mormons believe Jesus told Joe Smith it doesn’t matter what you eat or drink at Communion.
1 Corinthians 11:24-26 “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.”
Obviously, the meaning of the Last Supper has been lost in translation somewhere. There was no mention of Passover in any of the references I pulled, and no mention of how Passover was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ spilt blood, or sinless sacrifice.
During their Sacrament meetings the elements are passed to the congregation after perfunctory prayers are offered by 12 year old boys dressed in white shirts, and conservative ties. As mentioned above, people of all ages may participate in taking Sacrament, even though they also state this ritual is to renew covenants you’ve made previously.
We’re wondering…
Where is Jesus in all of this?
Tragically, it’s hard to ignore their bread and water routine is eerily similar to the old adage of what convicts are served in prison.
Ensign, ‘Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament,’ September 2001; “Throughout the Church each week, members gather for the opportunity to partake of the sacrament. This…provides a way whereby we can be cleansed of our sins.” – Vaughn J. Featherstone [emphasis added]
Encyclopedia of Mormonism 1992; “…The Sacrament in LDS belief does not serve primarily as a means of securing remission of sins. It does, however, focus attention on the sacrifice for sin wrought by the Savior and on the need for all those who have been baptized to maintain their lives constantly in harmony with his teachings and commandments.” [emphasis added]
Gospel Topics, Sacrament; “…In partaking of the sacrament and making these commitments, Church members renew the covenant they made at baptism…In return, the Lord renews the promised remission of sin and enables Church members to “always have his Spirit to be with them…”” [emphasis added]
Liahona, Worshiping at Sacrament Meeting,’ August 2004; “…Little children, as sinless beneficiaries of the Lord’s Atonement, may partake of the sacrament as they prepare for covenants that they will make later in life.” – Russell M. Nelson
Gospel Principles, pp 33-37; “…During the sacrament, we partake of bread and water … in a latter-day revelation He has said that it doesn’t matter what we eat and drink during the sacrament as long as we remember Him (see D&C 27:2–3).” [emphasis added]
Be sure to share this info with a Mormon!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
Original posting 1/9/2015.
What I found upsetting about the sacrament meetings, was the SACRAMENT PRAYER. How often have you seen some poor guy (teenager to senior citizen), have to repeat the sacrament prayer over and over again, because they mispronounced a word or accidentally omitted a word? I felt so sorry for these guys, especially the ones that had wives and kids in the meeting. I have a neighbor, 50 years old, that had to repeat the sacrament prayer four (4) times. Meanwhile, his wife and teenage son were in the audience (congregation). If it had been me, that would have been the very last time I would have ever given another sacrament prayer or even attended another sacrament meeting. Doesn’t the church understand how embarrassing it is for somebody ( family members included) when their son, brother, father etc, has to repeat that prayer over and over again, thus causing shame and humiliation
It is like the Mormons don’t believe God will honor the Sacrament prayer unless it is perfect. The Mormon idea of God is like that of a vengeful, unforgiving, mean spirited guy, who is just waiting to punish people for not being perfect. Didn’t Christ die for “Imperfect people”, such as you and I?
In order to avoid embarrassing a church member the way they do, why not ask the proposed “Prayer Giver” to recite the prayer in front of the bishop or one of his counselors beforehand? That way, if it becomes obvious that the guy has a problem reading, he can be replaced before the sacrament meeting begins.
Personally, I believe that God’s heart goes out to the poor guy who is embarrassed in front of hundreds of people. I believe his anger is against those who have misrepresented his character. God does not want anybody to leave a worship meeting, HELD IN HIS NAME, embarrassed , humiliated and ashamed.
Michelle: Judge not that ye be not judged. Shame on you for spewing forth your venom with lies and half truths.
Anonymous,
Just what lies and half-truths has Michelle posted? Blind assertions are not arguments.
Perhaps you should also study the meaning of the passage about judging, because YOU just made a judgment against Michelle.
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