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To: ellery; lugsoul
One of unadressed issues in this debate is the difference between "closed communion" and "open communion" churches. The vast majority of Protestant or non-denominational churches are open communion, meaning that anyone who professes faith in Jesus is invited to partake.

Roman and Orthodox churches, following the older pattern, are closed communion churches however. Only members in good standing are supposed to be allowed to take communion. To not be a member of that communion in good standing....and take communion is considered a damning offense. Even Roman Catholics (take your typical New England politician...) who are NOT in good standing (confession, etc.) are not supposed to be allowed to take communion, or risk automatic excommunication.

It used to be most Protestant churches were "closed communion." The famous colonial preacher & theologian Jonathan Edwards was fired from his church since he was of the "closed communion" opinion, and the church elders were of an "open communion" opinion. To be fair the closed communion idea is quite supportable from the New Testament, which warns in very stern terms that those who haven't examined their hearts, recognizing the body and blood of Jesus should definitely NOT partake. American individualism though, I think interceded and lets the potential dire consequences of irreverently taking communion fall on the individual--not of the church's responsibility.

158 posted on 04/17/2003 3:04:49 PM PDT by AnalogReigns
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To: AnalogReigns
The biblical warning was clearly to the individual to examine himself and determine properly or face the consequences. Why have some churches taken it upon themselves to come between the individual and God? Don't they trust in God's judgement? Remember: "vengence is mine, saith the Lord".
162 posted on 04/17/2003 3:10:36 PM PDT by Iowegian
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To: AnalogReigns
American individualism though, I think interceded

An interesting observation.

Most of the Sturm und Drang in the Roman Catholic Church can be laid at the feet of a deviation called "Americanism," which was detected back in the mid-to-late 1800's.

In a crude reduction, Americanism would shape the RC Church in a more 'democratic/republic' structure and adopt a notably more secularized philosophy.

193 posted on 04/17/2003 7:20:07 PM PDT by ninenot
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