Reforming the Understanding of the Eucharistic Theology in the Three-Self Church in China

Abstract

A the eucharist is the summit of Christian worship, most churches in China1 lack a comprehensive understanding of eucharistic theology. Many pastors, for instance, simply celebrate the eucharist according to the tradition of their local churches, but with little knowledge of the meaning of the eucharistic rite. Moreover, preaching receives a greater emphasis than the celebration of holy communion. Chinese churches also seem to lack an understanding that the eucharist is “the sacrament of sacraments” and the summit in Christian worship. Such churches could deepen their understanding of eucharistic theology by asking: What does it mean to share one bread and one cup in Christ at the table? Why do we need to celebrate the Lord’s supper? What happens at the table? As Christianity continues to develop in China, some pastors and theologians, however, realize that it is important to develop the meaning of the eucharist in worship. How do we achieve a richer meaning of the eucharist? And, Is there any eucharistic heritage that we can rediscover from the broader, wider ecumenical tradition?