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Should Children Take Communion? – Viral Believer
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Should Children Take Communion?

Introduction

Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, is one of the central sacraments of Christianity. It is a time for believers to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and renew their relationship with Him. However, the question of whether children should take communion is a topic of ongoing debate among Christians. Some churches allow children to participate, while others do not. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons for and against children participating in communion and how we can reconcile these arguments.

The debate surrounding children and communion is not a new one. Throughout Christian history, children have been allowed to participate in communion, and the issue has been discussed and debated for centuries. On the one hand, some argue that children should be included in the life of the church and in the celebration of the Eucharist. On the other hand, others argue that children may not fully understand the significance of the sacrament and may not be prepared to participate in it. This is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and examination of the arguments on both sides.

As Christians, we recognize the importance of the sacraments and the role they play in our spiritual lives. We also recognize the value of including children in the life of the church and in the celebration of communion. However, we must also be mindful of the solemnity and reverence that the sacrament requires and ensure that children are adequately prepared to participate. In the following sections, we will explore the arguments for and against children taking communion and discuss how we can reconcile these arguments in a way that allows us to uphold the significance and sanctity of this sacrament.

communion in the Bible

Arguments in Favor of Children Taking Communion

Historical Tradition of Children Taking Communion

Throughout Christian history, children have been allowed to participate in communion. The Didache, a Christian document from the first century AD, includes instructions for the celebration of the Eucharist that make no mention of age restrictions. In addition, the early church fathers, such as Tertullian and Cyprian, made no distinction between children and adults when it came to communion.

Biblical Support for Including Children in Communion

The Bible does not specifically address the issue of children and communion, but there are passages that suggest that children were included in the early church’s celebration of the Eucharist. For example, in Acts 2:38-42, after Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, it says that “those who received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” This implies that both adults and children were present and participated in the breaking of bread.

The Value of Including Children in the Life of the Church

Children are an important part of the church community, and including them in the celebration of the Eucharist can help them feel more connected to the church and to Jesus. It also provides an opportunity for parents to teach their children about the meaning of communion and to instill in them a love for the sacrament.

The Importance of Instilling Religious Values at a Young Age

Children have a remarkable capacity for learning and understanding, and introducing them to the sacrament of communion at a young age can help lay a foundation for their spiritual development. By participating in communion, children can learn about Jesus’ sacrifice and begin to develop a deeper understanding of their faith.

Arguments Against Children Taking Communion

Lack of Understanding of the Sacrament

Communion is a solemn sacrament that requires a certain level of understanding and reverence. Children may not fully comprehend the meaning of the sacrament or the significance of the act of taking communion. Without this understanding, they may not fully appreciate the solemnity of the occasion.

Importance of Preparation and Instruction Before Participating in Communion

Communion requires preparation and instruction, and children may not have received the necessary instruction to participate in the sacrament. This preparation includes an understanding of the meaning of the sacrament, its significance, and its solemnity. Children who have not received this preparation may not be ready to participate in communion.

The Danger of Treating Communion as a Casual or Routine Activity

Communion is a sacred act that should be treated with the utmost respect and reverence. Allowing children to participate in the sacrament without proper preparation or understanding can lead to a casual or routine approach to the act of taking communion. This can diminish the significance of the sacrament and lead to a lack of reverence for the Eucharist.

The Need for the Sacrament to be Respected and Revered

Communion is a sacrament that should be respected and revered. Allowing children to participate in the Eucharist without the proper understanding and preparation can lead to a lack of reverence for the sacrament. Communion is an act that symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus and the unity of believers in the body of Christ. It is not a routine activity and should be approached with reverence and awe.

Reconciling the Arguments

It is important to recognize that the decision of whether or not to allow children to participate in communion ultimately rests with individual churches and parents. However, there are some ways to reconcile the arguments for and against children taking communion:

  • Instruction and Preparation: Proper instruction and preparation can help ensure that children have a solid understanding of the sacrament and are ready to participate. Churches can provide classes or resources to help parents prepare their children for communion.
  • Age Considerations: Many churches have age limits for communion. This can vary depending on the church, but some common ages are 7 or 8 years old. This allows children to receive proper instruction and preparation before participating in the sacrament.
  • Individual Church Contexts: Every church is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Churches should consider their own context and beliefs when making decisions about whether to include children in communion.
  • Parental Discretion: Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow children to participate in communion rests with parents. Parents should take into account their child’s age, understanding of the sacrament, and their own beliefs when making this decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether children should take communion is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and examination of the arguments on both sides. While some argue that children should be included in the life of the church and in the celebration of the Eucharist, others contend that children may not fully understand the significance of the sacrament and may not be prepared to participate in it. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow children to participate in communion should be made with care and consideration and with an eye toward instilling a deep reverence for the sacrament in all believers.

The debate surrounding children and communion is not likely to be resolved anytime soon, but as Christians, we can continue to seek understanding and knowledge on this issue. We can approach the sacrament of communion with a sense of awe and reverence, recognizing its significance and the role it plays in our spiritual lives. We can also strive to teach our children about the meaning of communion and to instill in them a love for the sacrament.

In the end, what is most important is that we approach the issue of children and communion with respect and consideration. We can recognize the value of including children in the life of the church and in the celebration of the Eucharist, while also being mindful of the solemnity and reverence that the sacrament requires. By doing so, we can ensure that our children grow in their faith and develop a deep understanding of the significance of the sacrament of communion.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.