The History of Christian Theology

Lecture 17: The Sacraments

Holy Orders or ordination, in the medieval and Roman Catholic

understanding, confers a special power and character on those who receive

it. It is one of three sacraments (the others being Baptism and Con¿ rmation)

which imprint an indelible mark or “character” on the soul. Only men

who have received this character can consecrate the Eucharist and bestow

sacramental absolution. Ŷ

Catechism of the Catholic Church, pt. 2.

Council of Trent, Decree on the Sacraments, in Schaff, The Creeds of

Christendom, vol. 2, 118–198; an abridged version is in Leith, Creeds of the

Churches, 425–439.

Davies, The Thought of Thomas Aquinas, chap. 17.

1. Why do Catholics—unlike many Protestants—¿ nd the sacraments to be
   such an important part of the Christian life?


2. What is the point of the doctrine of transubstantiation?

Suggested Reading

Questions to Consider