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Harley, long-time no speak, my friend. Cogent post, as usual.

I don't wish to minimize the Eucharist since there is clear historical and scriptural evidence that it soon became a part of the worship. But the meaning of the Eucharist was confusing, so much so that Paul had to issue clarification for the Corithians. By the early first century most of these disagreements calmed down and the Eucharist was a focus of getting together.

All I'm really after is establishing the fact that we not minimize it.

I know a number of our Catholic friends would disagree with me but there is also historical evidence (albeit not much) that there was a disagreement in the Church as to the meaning of the Eucharist; whether the Eucharist was symbolic or imparted grace. (Please don't anyone ask me to cite sources. Don't I have an honest face? But for one citation see; Radbertus & Ratramnus: A Ninth Century Debate over the Lord's Supper)

I don't think the church held a monolitic view of the meaning of the Eucharist either, Harley. Hermann Sasse addresses this very well in one of his writings.

I do think politics came into play here to, hence the Eucharist as weapon.

All this said, I pray and hope for a rediscovery of the Eucharist as an important part of worship.

I've been attending a Reformed Presbyterian church for the last few weeks and witnessed for the first time how Protestants celebrate the Eucharist, and I was moved to tears. There was a reverence there that surpassed what I'd known in my Catholic church where the Eucharist is held dear but approached in an almost rote fashion.

Anyway, good to hear from you Harley, and blessings.

I've been attending a Reformed Presbyterian church for the last few weeks and witnessed for the first time how Protestants celebrate the Eucharist, and I was moved to tears.

It's great to see you around as well AG. I've noticed your posts but I've been swamp and haven't had the time to read through everything like the ever faithful FK. I admire him for his tenacity. We'll be on post 14,387 and he'll refer us all to post #12,792. :O) I learn so much from both your's writing.

Sadly what I think is lacking in the Baptist churches (and many Protestant churches) is a focus on the Lord's Supper. Generally it's relegated to a once-a-month type affair at the end of some service. To be sure different groups treat it differently. I believe John Piper has it every Sunday but he's the rare exception rather than the norm.