Catholic View on Transubstantiation
In Catholic theology, transubstantiation refers to the belief that during the Eucharist, the bread and wine used in the sacrament become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. This change occurs in substance while maintaining the appearances of bread and wine. The Catholic Church teaches that this transformation is a mystery of faith, reliant on the words of Jesus at the Last Supper and anchored in the tradition of the Church. The presence of Christ in the Eucharist is believed to be real and substantial, affirming the belief in the sacrificial nature of the Mass.
LDS/Mormon View on Transubstantiation
In contrast, the Latter-day Saints (LDS) do not adhere to the concept of transubstantiation. Instead, they practice the Sacrament, which involves the use of bread and water (rather than wine, following the Word of Wisdom). In LDS belief, the bread and water symbolize the body and blood of Christ, serving as reminders of His sacrifice rather than changing in essence. The emphasis is placed more on the act of remembrance and personal reflection rather than a literal transformation. The sacrament is seen as a means of renewing covenants and does not carry the same sacrificial significance as in Catholicism.
Key Differences
The primary difference lies in the nature of the elements used during the sacrament. Catholics believe in a literal transformation (transubstantiation) into the body and blood of Christ, whereas Latter-day Saints focus on the symbolic representation of Christ’s sacrifice. Additionally, Catholicism emphasizes the sacrificial aspect of the Eucharist, while LDS doctrine highlights remembrance and covenant renewal, marking a fundamental distinction in understanding the relationship between the faithful and the divine through these sacred rites.
