Christianity Called \"Outward Signs of Inward Grace\"

Christianity

Called "outward signs of inward grace" by the Catholic Encyclopedia online, the sacraments form an integral part of Christian ritual worship (Kennedy). However, the ways the sacraments are interpreted and valued by various Christian sects differs greatly. Seven sacraments were outlined in the 12th century by the Roman Catholic Church: Baptism, Communion (Holy Eucharist), Confirmation, Penance, Anointing of the Sick (or Extreme Unction), Holy Orders, and Marriage. After the schism within Catholicism that split the Church into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic, both factions still recognized the seven sacraments. However, they interpreted the philosophical meanings of the sacraments differently and in many cases administer the sacraments differently. On the other hand, Protestant churches hold only two of the seven sacraments as being essential: Baptism and Communion. Some Protestant denominations also recognize Penance as an essential sacrament. Within the Protestant Church, baptism and communion are called "ordinances" rather than sacraments. Because of the wide range of Protestant sects, their view toward the sacraments varies somewhat but generally Protestants do not employ the sacraments as much as either the Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholic Churches do.

Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants administer the sacraments differently. For example, the Roman Catholic practice of Confirmation is performed seven years after the Baptism; in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the same sacrament is called "Chrismation" and is performed at the same time as the Baptism. Furthermore, Baptism and Confirmation/Chrismation is performed by the bishop in the Roman Catholic Church, while "Chrismation" is performed by a priest who has received "chrism" from the bishop (Azkoul). However, in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, Baptism, Confirmation/Chrismation, and the Holy Eucharist are considered as initiation rites. The Eucharist, also called Communion, is only performed by some Protestant denominations: Lutherans, Episcopalians and Disciples. Moreover, Protestants do not believe, as Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox do, that Christ is actually made manifest in the bread and wine. Rather, they view a more symbolic connection. Protestants only view Baptism as an initiation whereby one is reborn in the Church; Protestants do not place as much emphasis on the removal of original sin as the Catholics do. In spite of the difference in administration and philosophical meanings of Baptism between these churches, the sacrament entails the purification of sin through Christ and subsequent rebirth through the Church.