1. The Power of Symbols
How sacraments work

2. Religious rituals
are widespread
and
diverse.

3. Seven Catholic rituals are called “sacraments”
Marriage
Confirmation
Eucharist
Baptism
Anointing of the sick
Reconciliation
Holy Orders

4. Sacrament = Ritual
of Grace

5. Rituals require participation
Participation unleashes the power of rituals.
Percy Jackson’s
first sacrifice

6. When Rituals Lose
Their Power

7. When Rituals Lose Their Power
Forced participation
Passive participation
Lack of understanding

8. Why do some rituals still
hold their power?

9. The Power of Sacraments
Sacraments don’t lose their power. (Sacraments are powered by God)
Passive participation, lack of understanding, and boredom blind us to their power

10. Historical Overview of Sacraments
The Gradual Loss of Participation
Historical Overview of Sacraments

11. Changes in Baptism originally a part of confirmation and Eucharist
practical concerns with growth of Christianity
explanations focus on invisible effect “character”

12. Baptism evolves from
a radical choice to
a passive event for
an infant.

13. Changes in Eucharist originally in homes with small gatherings.
practical concerns with move to basillicas
explanations focus on invisible change in bread (eucharistic controversies)

14. Changes in Eucharist
Centuries of practice discourage reception of eucharist
Focus shifts to adoration of host
explanations attend only to what the priest does

15. Eucharist evolves from a sacrifice performed for
an intimate meal to
a sacrifice performed for
the people.

16. Loss of experience – 20th century
Sacraments analyzed abstractly – no reference to experience of participants
focus on invisible effects
Theory of “transubstantiation” formulated in 12th century with Aristotelian philosophy still used
Participation limited to having the right “disposition

17. Symbols and Symbolic Communication
How to understand sacraments
Symbols and Symbolic Communication

18. Sacrament = Symbol
+Action (gestures) + Word

19. Symbols Symbols = supercharged signs Symbolic communication =
a capability unique to humans
and necessary
to human community

20. Signs vs. Symbols Stand for reality Easily learned Used by animals
Function temporarily
Point to deeper reality, often personal
Must be understood through personal experience
Exclusive to humans
Function continually

21. Powers of symbols Disclosive: to reveal to others what is hidden
Reflective: to show oneself one’s identity

22. Examples:

23. Discuss the
symbolic power
in these
Sacraments: