Change

This is the first of three chapters exploring motifs based on spatial imagery. It argues that much Christian language about eucharistic presence is based on the primary metaphor CHANGE IS MOTION (and, to lesser extents, CHANGING IS BEING MADE and CHANGING IS BEING BORN). Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions rely heavily on change imagery, while Lutheran and Reformed traditions have been cautious about its use partly because of an insistence that the eucharistic elements remain bread and wine. The chapter argues that the change motif should form part of a multiply metaphorical ecumenical theology of eucharistic presence and that there are resources in Lutheran and Reformed traditions that can facilitate its acceptance. It also argues that high-sacramental traditions in turn should be willing to affirm that the consecrated elements are bread and wine—though not ordinary bread and wine.