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Theology & History Of The Church

Unit 6: Church – Theology and History
Part A: Theology of the Church
Andrea McKay

Assignment Two – Church as ‘Sacrament’

The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) proclaimed that the Church exists to be ‘sacrament of intimate union with God and of the unity of all humanity’ (Lumen Gentium #1).
❑ Explain how the Church can be called a ‘sacrament’.
❑ Describe symbol, and sacrament as symbol in your answer.
❑ Explain your understanding of Jesus as sacrament.

In beginning to contemplate and answer this assignment, I would firstly like to address my own reflections on the study of theology. The whole notion of this assignment worried me. ‘I have never studied theology. How can I possibly do justice to this’. After some research my initial fears were put at ease. ‘Theology’ as I understand it, is a process whereby one reflects upon Scripture and biblical themes, and how they relate to one’s own life. It is a process of drawing insights from many different sources and contexts. It is a search and education into understanding and affirming one’s own faith life. “It is part of the natural process of growing out of childlike faith into adult faith to ask questions about meaning, truth and relevance of one’s religious tradition. To do this in a serious way is to “theologize”” (Hill, Knitter, Madges, p. 290).

In exploring the concept of the ‘Church as a ‘sacrament’’, I feel it important to firstly investigate my understanding of the meaning of ‘sacrament’ and what it signifies and envokes.

Our experience of God is through signs and symbols. God did not walk the earth, he was/is not tangible, but a mystery. “…from symbols…God can be known by us only as we are able to know” (p. 11, Notes). God not only gave us the sacraments as sign and symbol of the love he has for us, but he made his son man and sent him on earth as the ultimate gift- a tangible sign and symbol, in itself a sacrament.

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