Alister McGrath Theology Basics (2018) Chapter 9: Sacraments

Summary

In this video, Alister McGrath explores the theology of sacraments, emphasizing their significance in Christian worship and life. He explains that sacraments are visible signs of God's grace, with baptism as a key example of such rituals. McGrath discusses the theological debates around sacraments, highlighting diverse views on their function and purpose, and explores the role of physical elements in deepening faith. He also delves into the historical context, drawing from figures like Augustine, Calvin, and C.S. Lewis, and addresses key issues like infant baptism and Christ's presence in the Eucharist. The chapter concludes with an ecumenical perspective on these practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of sacraments refers to special acts of worship in Christianity that are important for spiritual growth and maintaining the Christian life.
• 😀 The term 'sacrament' comes from the Latin word 'sacramentum,' originally meaning a sacred oath, which is used to symbolize Christian commitment and loyalty.
• 😀 A sacrament is considered a visible sign and reassurance of God's grace, playing a role in affirming God's promises to humanity.
• 😀 Early Christian writers, including Augustine of Hippo, emphasized that sacraments were signs that pointed to sacred spiritual realities.
• 😀 Sacraments are not just symbols but are seen as corrective tools against the human tendency to view faith solely in spiritual terms, as emphasized by C.S. Lewis.
• 😀 C.S. Lewis argued that material things like bread and wine are used by God to deepen our faith and remind us that God values the physical world.
• 😀 Gnosticism viewed matter as evil, but Christian writers like John of Damascus countered this by affirming that the Incarnation, where God became flesh, redeemed the material world.
• 😀 John Calvin defined sacraments as external signs that seal God's promises to strengthen weak faith, providing physical reminders of God's spiritual promises.
• 😀 Baptism is an important sacrament in Christianity, acting as a sign of the new covenant and affirming equality between men and women before God.
• 😀 The symbolism of baptism points to redemption, referencing both the Exodus from Egypt and the greater redemption achieved through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Q & A

What is the meaning of the term 'sacrament' in Christian theology?

The term 'sacrament' comes from the Latin word 'sacramentum,' which originally meant a sacred oath, like the oath of obedience a Roman soldier would swear. In Christian theology, a sacrament is a visible sign of God's grace and a means to nurture and develop the Christian life.

How does Tertullian's analogy help understand the concept of sacraments?

Tertullian used the analogy of a Roman soldier's oath of allegiance to the state to explain the sacrament as a sign of Christian commitment and loyalty to the church and God. This comparison underscores the importance of sacraments in affirming one’s faith.

What is the significance of baptism as a sacrament?

Baptism serves as a sign of commitment both to Jesus Christ and to the Christian community. It also symbolizes the cleansing of sins and the initiation into the new covenant, marking a believer's inclusion in the broader Christian community.

How does C.S. Lewis describe the relationship between material things and spirituality in the context of sacraments?

C.S. Lewis argues that God never meant humanity to be purely spiritual; He chose to use material elements, like bread and wine, to deepen our faith. Sacraments, being tangible, help us grow spiritually by reinforcing the reality of God's presence in the physical world.

What is the primary role of sacraments according to John Calvin?

John Calvin viewed sacraments as external signs that reassure believers of God’s promises. He argued that they serve as physical reminders that sustain the weakness of faith and affirm God’s goodwill towards us.

Why is baptism seen as more than just a sign of forgiveness?

Baptism not only signifies the forgiveness of sins but also connects to the broader narrative of redemption, particularly the Exodus from Egypt. It represents a deeper spiritual reality, where baptism is seen as a sign of both past faithfulness and the ongoing work of redemption through Christ.

What was the role of baptism in the context of the Old and New Covenants?

In the Old Covenant, circumcision was the sign of God's relationship with Israel. Baptism, in the New Covenant, replaces circumcision as the inclusive sign, open to both men and women, affirming equality before God and symbolizing the fulfillment of the Old Covenant in Christ.

Why did Jesus undergo baptism despite not having sins to forgive?

Jesus' baptism was not for the forgiveness of His own sins but to affirm humanity's need for redemption. It also served to demonstrate that He would provide the means for the forgiveness of sins through His life, death, and resurrection.

How do different Christian traditions view the effectiveness of baptism?

Christians disagree on whether baptism directly causes forgiveness or serves as a public declaration of acceptance of forgiveness. Regardless of the view, baptism is universally seen as a means of affirming God’s forgiveness and the believer's need for it.

What is the purpose of the 1962 'Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry' statement?

The 'Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry' statement, produced through ecumenical dialogue, sought to identify common principles on sacraments and ministry shared by major Christian traditions. It aimed to foster unity among different denominations, particularly regarding baptism and the Eucharist.