Sacramental nature of reality (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Notes

Sacramental nature of reality

What does sacramental nature of reality mean?

Catholic Christians, along with some other Christian denominations, understand sacraments as visible outward symbols that were established by Jesus Christ. These symbols represent invisible spiritual blessings or divine grace that Christians can receive through participating in special ceremonies, rituals, or religious rites.

The sacramental view of reality goes deeper than just these ceremonies. Catholics believe that all of creation serves as an expression of God's presence in the world. This means that whilst God does not have a physical form that we can see, He remains close to us and actively involved in the world around us. Through sacraments, Christians can experience God's power and receive His grace during significant moments in their spiritual journey.

The seven sacraments

The Catholic Church recognises seven sacraments, which are designed to touch every stage and important moment of a Christian's life. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, these sacraments "give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian's life of faith." Each sacrament serves a specific purpose in helping believers grow closer to God.

Baptism

Baptism marks a person's entry into the Christian faith and their acceptance into the Church community. During infant baptism, which is commonly practised, the ceremony symbolises the cleansing of original sin. The use of light during the service represents Jesus as the 'Light of the world', whilst water serves as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and purification. Parents and godparents make important promises on behalf of the child, committing to raise them in the Christian faith.

Confirmation

Through confirmation, young people who were baptised as infants make personal promises about their faith for themselves. This sacrament typically involves children making the same commitments that were made on their behalf during baptism. The ceremony includes anointing with oil and the laying on of hands, which symbolise the receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Marriage

Marriage brings together a man and woman through sacred vows, creating a lifelong commitment that lasts "till death do us part." The exchange of rings during the ceremony serves as a visible symbol of the couple's enduring commitment and love for one another.

Reconciliation (penance)

Catholics believe that priests possess special authority to forgive sins on God's behalf. During the sacrament of reconciliation, also known as penance, Catholics confess their sins to a priest through either confession or a general confession during Mass. The priest listens to these confessions and then grants absolution, freeing the person from their sins. The priest may also ask them to perform a penance, such as reciting specific prayers.

The Eucharist

The Eucharist involves the blessing and sharing of bread and wine, which represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This practice commemorates the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. Catholics hold the doctrine of transubstantiation, believing that when the priest blesses the bread and wine, these elements actually transform into the real body and blood of Jesus, even though they continue to appear unchanged to our senses. Catholics believe that through receiving the Eucharist, they truly receive Jesus into their bodies.

Ordination/holy orders

When someone enters holy orders, they are taking the step to become a priest. During the ordination ceremony, the candidate is presented to the assembly and asked to make a commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of priesthood. A bishop lays hands on the new priest and offers a prayer asking for the Holy Spirit's power to come upon him, giving him the divine authority to represent Christ here on Earth.

Anointing of the sick

This sacrament is performed when someone is seriously ill or dying, and involves being anointed by a priest with oil that has been specially blessed. The priest anoints the person's eyes, ears, nose, lips, and hands, bringing them spiritual strength and comfort. This is often the final sacrament that a person receives before death.

Diversity of interpretation

Not all Christian denominations agree on the number of sacraments that should be recognised. Orthodox Christians acknowledge seven sacraments, which they refer to as "the seven sacred mysteries." These include baptism, chrismation (similar to confirmation), marriage, ordination, anointing of the sick, the divine liturgy (similar to Eucharist), and reconciliation.

However, most Protestant Christians, including those in the Church of England, recognise only two sacraments: baptism and the Eucharist. They focus on these two because they are the only sacraments specifically mentioned in the New Testament. Despite this difference, some Protestant Christians do acknowledge all seven sacraments in the same way that Catholics do.