Sacrament
A sacrament is a special religious rite in a Christian church.
The Roman Catholic Church recognises seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation (or Chrismation), the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.[1] Protestant churches often only recognise Baptism and the Eucharist or Holy Communion as sacraments. The others may be religious ceremonies, but not sacraments.
Sacraments of the Orthodox Church are described in an essay: Orthodox Mysteries
Quotes
A sacrament is a curious thing in that all members of the group fervently believe in its existence while being unable to satisfactorily define it[2].
"Rome has seven sacraments, but the Protestant churches, being less prosperous, feel that they can afford only two, and these of inferior sanctity. Some of the smaller sects have no sacraments at all — for which mean economy they will indubitable be damned."[3]
References
- ↑ Catechism of the Catholic Church section 2, The Vatican. Accessed 24 March 2007
- ↑ Plato, Euthyphro
- ↑ Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary
