Rethinking the Eucharist in the aftermath of COVID-19 disruptions : a comparative study of Reformed and Pentecostal theology of sacraments
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Date
Authors
Mpofu, Buhle
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS
Abstract
This contribution recommends a re-thinking of Christian traditions with regards to sacraments
and use of technology in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It
is a comparative study that employed field observations from two congregations with different
traditions: one from Protestant Reformed tradition and another from Pentecostal Charismatic
background to analyse how they conducted Holy Communion services. By highlighting
positive aspects of COVID-19 disruptions on traditional practices, the study challenged
traditional understanding of ‘sacred space’ and re-appropriates the virtual role of a priest as
symbolic embodiment of the presence of Christ extended through virtual, audio and televisual
presence. The contribution also demonstrated how ontological questions help us
discern what separates the sacred from the secular and concluded that the transformative
nature of the sacrament of the Holy Communion has a uniquely power-levelling role in
communities.
CONTRIBUTION : This article contributes to conversations on the role of technology in sacraments
within the Reformed Christian tradition and presents a systematic and practical reflection on
the intersecting modes of sacramental practices within different Christian traditions.
Description
Special Collection: Theology, Economy and Environment: Cultural and Biotic Influences on Religious Communities, sub-edited by
Jerry Pillay (University of Pretoria).
Keywords
Eucharist, Virtual communities, Reformed theology, Pentecostal theology, Transformation, COVID-19 pandemic, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Mpofu, B., 2021, ‘Rethinking
the Eucharist in the
aftermath of COVID-19
disruptions: A comparative
study of Reformed and
Pentecostal theology of
sacraments’, HTS Teologiese
Studies/Theological Studies
77(4), a6547. https://DOI.org/10.4102/hts.v77i4.6547.