Transubstantiation

Transubstantiation Eucharistic Adoration at St Thomas Aquinas Cathedral in Reno NV USA

Eucharistic bread

Codex Bruchsal 1 28r

De-captivitate-Babylonica

Cathedral Fribourg vitrail Eucharistie 01

Disputa del Sacramento (Rafael)

Transubstantiation is a Christian theological doctrine that pertains to the Eucharist, a rite considered by many Christians as a sacrament. According to this doctrine, during the Eucharist, the substances of bread and wine are changed into the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ, while their appearances (or "accidents") remain unchanged. This transformation is believed to occur through the consecration by a priest during the Mass or Divine Liturgy. Transubstantiation is a central tenet of the Roman Catholic Church, and it is also accepted in various forms by some Eastern Orthodox churches, though they may not use the term "transubstantiation" and often prefer the term "metousiosis."

History and Development

The concept of transubstantiation has its roots in the early teachings of Christianity regarding the Eucharist. The term itself was developed in the Middle Ages, with significant contributions from theologians such as Thomas Aquinas, who articulated it using the philosophy of Aristotle to explain how the change in substance could occur without a change in form or appearance. The Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 officially adopted the term "transubstantiation" to describe this change, and the Council of Trent (1545–1563) reaffirmed it in response to the Protestant Reformation, which had rejected or reinterpreted the doctrine.

Theological Basis

The doctrine of transubstantiation is based on the biblical accounts of the Last Supper, particularly in the Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and in First Corinthians in the New Testament. During the Last Supper, Jesus is reported to have taken bread and wine, blessed them, and given them to his disciples, saying, "This is my body... this is my blood." The Roman Catholic Church interprets these words literally, understanding them as the institution of the Eucharist and the basis for the belief in transubstantiation.

Philosophical Underpinnings

The explanation of transubstantiation heavily relies on Aristotelian philosophy, particularly the concepts of "substance" and "accidents." According to Aristotle, the substance of an object is its essential reality, while accidents are its properties or characteristics, such as color, shape, and taste. In the context of transubstantiation, the substances of the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ, but their accidents remain unchanged. This distinction allows for the bread and wine to undergo a fundamental change in their essence while appearing unchanged to the senses.

Controversies and Criticisms

Transubstantiation has been a point of contention between the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian denominations. Many Protestant churches reject the doctrine, favoring interpretations such as consubstantiation or memorialism, which view the Eucharist as a symbolic act or affirm the presence of Christ in a different manner. Critics argue that the doctrine is not explicitly supported by Scripture and challenge the reliance on Aristotelian philosophy to explain a spiritual mystery.

Modern Perspectives

Within the Roman Catholic Church, the doctrine of transubstantiation remains a fundamental aspect of faith, emphasizing the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Ecumenical dialogues have sought to bridge differences between Christian denominations on the understanding of the Eucharist, acknowledging varying interpretations while seeking common ground in the shared tradition of the Last Supper.