The word ‘sacrament’ comes from a Latin word predating Christianity, ‘sacramentum’ which meant originally a token or pledge of an oath of allegiance. In Greek term, it is called mysterion (mysteries).
It was St. Augustine (354 AD - 430 AD) who proposed a definition of the word sacrament that has influenced Christian thinking down the ages. His numerous written works, the most important of which are Confessions (c. 400) and The City of God (c. 413–426), shaped the practice of biblical exegesis and helped lay the foundation for much of medieval and modern Christian thought.
The interpretation and number of the sacraments vary among the Christian churches of the world.
In the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, there are 7 Sacraments -
1) Baptism Luke 9:1-6
2) Confirmation John 6:32-35
3) Eucharist John 11:1-4
4) Reconciliation John 2:1-11
5) Anointing Mark 1:9-11
6) Marriage Luke 5:17-25
7) Holy Orders Luke 4:16-18
The classical Protestant churches (i.e., Lutheran, Anglican, and Reformed) have accepted only two sacraments, Baptism and the Eucharist.
- Prof. Sudesh Kumar
Email ✉️ help@sudesh.org
Leave your comments & views at
