Comment on Gnosticism - Would Jesus be considered Gnostic or Christian? by sonatime on 2/6/2026 (112820) - freethinkers

Parent Post: Gnosticism - Would Jesus be considered Gnostic or Christian? · In Reply To

sonatime · 2/6/2026, 11:16:51 AM · permalink

I'm not an expert on Catholic Church doctrines or traditions, but I can share what I see in the Bible on this topic  
  
1\. The Real Presence in the Eucharist / Communion  
  
Catholics teach transubstantiation: Bread and wine actually become Jesus' body and blood, substance changes, but looks/tastes the same.  
  
They point to verses like:John 6:53–56 — Jesus says, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you... My flesh is true food, my blood is true drink."  
Matthew 26:26–28 / Mark 14:22–24 / Luke 22:19–20 / 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 — At the Last Supper, Jesus says, "This is my body... This is my blood."  
  
Biblical:  
These words can be understood symbolically or as a spiritual reality, like when Jesus says "I am the door" (John 10:9) or "I am the vine" (John 15:1). Not literal doors or vines.  
  
In John 6:63, Jesus adds: "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." This suggests spiritual meaning, not physical eating of flesh.  
  
1 Corinthians 11:26–29 warns about unworthy eating/drinking, but calls it "proclaiming the Lord's death" - a memorial/symbol of the once-for-all sacrifice, Hebrews 10:10–14 says Christ's sacrifice was once, not repeated.  
  
No core doctrine requires believing the elements literally transform. Many see it as a memorial meal remembering Jesus' death.  
  
2\. The "Small Cracker"and Wine  
  
Catholics use unleavened wheat wafers and grape wine, no substitutes allowed.  
This comes from tradition and Last Supper, unleavened bread at Passover, but the Bible doesn't mandate exact form -  just "bread" and "cup" and "fruit of the vine."  
  
Biblical:  
Scripture focuses on the meaning, remembrance, proclamation, not strict recipe rules - 1 Cor. 11:23–26.  
  
3\. Who Can Receive Communion  
  
Catholics: Only baptized Catholics in state of grace.  
  
Biblical: 1 Corinthians 11:28–29 says examine yourself, anyone who believes and discerns the meaning can participate. No mention of only certain church members or confession first.  
  
4\. St. John's Wine Blessing...  
  
Bible: There is no direct Bible verse commands or description of this. It's a later custom, not something Scripture requires. Wine in Bible often symbolizes joy/blessing   
Psalm 104:15 NIV   
wine that gladdens human hearts,  
oil to make their faces shine,  
and bread that sustains their hearts.

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thoughtcriminal_1984 · 2/6/2026, 3:53:09 PM · permalink

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sonatime · 2/6/2026, 9:03:56 PM · permalink

Personally, those biblical passages never stumbled me much, maybe I didn't reflect deeply on them when I was younger. Even if a part feels problematic at first, it can easily lead to curiosity and to studying the whole passage and the Bible, rather than just fault-finding.  
  
Do people know what they're doing by going along or interpreting or judging? That is their responsibility, just as one can choose to look for understanding, reflect or vent frustrations. It's a personal choice.  
  
In a world full of lies, human traditions, doctrines of men, and rebellious spirits, it's a constant reminder not to be easily led astray or gatekept, the blind leading the blind.  
  
Christianity isn't about perfect rituals or flawless understanding from day one. It's about a personal relationship with God through faith, producing the fruit of the Spirit, and taking personal responsibility. That's where the real life Christianity and I think most carry this awareness.   
  
For general audience:  
The world is in constant conflict and so are we. Life comes down to personal effort: taking in knowledge and discerning truth, seeking real relationship with God, and letting faith produce action.  
  
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you…" Phil 2:12–13  
"Each one should carry their own load" Gal 6:5  
Parable of the talents (Matt 25): we're accountable for what we do with what we've been given  
  
 "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thess 5:21) and "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matt 10:16)  
"The heart is deceitful above all things" (Jer 17:9) - even our own feelings need testing  
Acts 17:11 NIV - Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.  
  
Relationship: "This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (John 17:3)  
Faith: "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb 11:6).    
Actions/fruit: "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17)  
fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23)

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thoughtcriminal_1984 · 2/6/2026, 9:10:44 PM · permalink

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thoughtcriminal_1984 · 2/6/2026, 9:07:42 PM · permalink

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