Sacrament of the holy communion: protestant piety in the 16th Century

Abstract

The Lord’s Supper is one of the two (or three) sacraments in historical Protestantism, as defined by the Protestant Reformation. In the sixteenth century, intense discussions arose regarding the necessary changes and adaptations for practicing this sacrament, both within communal liturgy, through new adaptations of the Mass, and in pastoral care for the sick and dying. This article seeks to analyze the significance of the sacrament, the adaptation processes, and the practice of the Lord’s Supper from the perspective of emerging Protestant piety during the Reformation, with a particular focus on Lutheranism. This bibliographical study draws on German sources to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented. The study demonstrates that Protestant theology developed amidst controversies, and within this process, notable differences emerged between the theological theories of various reformers and the pious practices of the faithful within the new Protestant faith communities.