Ableism and the Elements For Communion

Last updated on: November 21, 2021 at 4:44 pm by Clint Schnekloth

Ableism and the Elements For Communion 2021-11-21T16:44:29-05:00 Clint Schnekloth

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Pre-pandemic, our church (along with many others) had been in the habit of offering “alternatives” at communion.

This included gluten-free bread or wafers as an alternate to “regular” bread, plus grape juice in addition to wine.

I have to say it honestly never occurred to me this might be exclusionary or ableist. I kind of thought we were being sensitive and inclusive, actually.

But as we have returned to serving communion in-person this fall, I’ve been revisiting our communion table practices, and attempting to make changes that are truly inclusive of all, practices that follow Paul’s instructions to the church at Corinth.

Chapter 11 of 1 Corinthians is, admittedly, kind of messy, but the basic guidance Paul gives is to make the meal something that unites and doesn’t introduce unnecessary divisions. Paul was especially concerned wealthy Christians were sharing one nicer meal, and then leaving the poor Christians the scraps (or sometimes nothing at all).

But I think the rich/poor, haves/have nots distinction could be related to ableism just as readily.

Take the bread as an example. Those with a gluten intolerance can’t eat bread with gluten. But all (or most) of us who can eat gluten can also eat gluten-free bread.

So why not share gluten-free bread, thus overcoming what otherwise might be a division?

Similar, many those who are alcoholic can’t safely drink wine. But all (or most) of us who can drink alcohol can also drink grape juice.

So why not share grape juice, thus overcoming what otherwise might be a division?

I can’t think of ANY orthodox reasons not to share gluten-free bread at the meal. That’s easy. I can see where some orthodox Christians might struggle with serving grape juice, because when Jesus instituted the meal he served wine.

But, scientifically speaking, doesn’t all grape juice have at least a little alcohol in it, at least trace amounts? In which case, the more important question might be, “What counts as wine?”

Bottom line, Paul says to the Corinthians, “So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together.”

My argument would, why not reduce as many divisions in the meal as possible when it is served. Serve the bread or drink that the most people can receive, and without being forced to undergo ableist kinds of exclusion.

We also all trust as Christian tradition teaches that we receive the whole Christ in either element, so if someone for some reason can’t eat bread at all, or can’t drink juice at all, they can receive in one kind.

There is much fruit to be born in considering Paul’s guidance on communion practices in 1st Corinthians in light of disability rights activism and the topic of ableism.

Uncategorized

Previous Post

November 17, 2021

If You're Evangelical It's Time For You To Leave

Next Post

November 24, 2021 Advent Is Here To Interrupt Your Anxiety

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category #blacklivesmatter advocacy Avengers baptisms Capitalism church growth clergy silence corporate ethics Creation Care Donald Trump elections Evangelicals Evangelism Friendship hermeneutics Immigration Intersex introverts Jesus Labor Liturgy Lutheran MLK Jr. New urbanism Pentecost philanthropy Poem political theology Post-program church Prayer private devotion Reformation Refugees sacraments Scripture Secularity Sin small church social media Sovereignty Trauma-Informed Theology travel Trump Uncategorized wealth white supremacy Workers worship Youth

Select a Month January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 January 2016 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 May 2014 March 2014 June 2013 January 2013 December 2011 December 2010 February 2005 February 2004

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who said, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand"?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Isaiah Jesus John the Baptist Peter

Books by This Author Books by Clint Schnekloth

See All Titles »