Taking the sacrament

[Justice]

He said that logically the right hand would be the one to use for most people, But read the last sentence as well: Much more important than concern over which hand is used in partaking of the sacrament is that the sacrament be partaken with a deep realization of the atoning sacrifice that the sacrament represents.

He said that logically we should use our right hand if we can.

The ONLY examples he gave of people not using their right hand are those who cannot use their right hand or do not have a right hand.

I agree with your point, as I did previously, that which hand we use is a lesser issue than the deeper one of what the sacrament represents. However, it doesn't change the fact that he said we should use our right hand.

His statement is very clear. He is saying use the right hand, but don't get so caught up in it that you let it take away from the meaning of the sacrament (which is what you are saying). And, he's also saying that if a person does not have a right hand or cannot use their right arm that it is perfectly acceptable to use the left hand in those situations.

Again, those who use their right hand and think everyone who can use their right hand should use their right hand does not mean it takes away from the sacrament because we think we should use our right hands. The truth of the matter is, as was shown by Elder Nelson, everyone who can use their right hand should use their right hand.

If you still feel it does not matter, even after reading his statement, then it is your business. But, when the matter is discussed, I will state what I believe is true, intending to resolve the truth of the matter, not to demean or deride anyone who disagrees.

To me, it's like saying you don't have to use your wheels to land the airplane, but it's a good idea... the more important issue is that you land safely. :) Well, I use my wheels. The only way I will not use my wheels is if I don't have any. You may land however you wish. :)

[Guest Alana]

I have a fat freckle on the palm of my right hand. I don't know anyone else with a freckle on their palm. Just thought I'd let you all know;)

[Misshalfway]

(Throwing another quarter at Justice.)

Dude, Stop it!! You are making me poor!

[Justice]

Baby needs a new pair of shoes!

One last thing...

I think he used the word "logical" to end the discussion. If a person wants to be "illogical" they can go anywhere they want with it, like was even jokingly suggested by one person to use our feet.

But, "it is logical to use the right hand" should end the discussion for anyone thinking about it logically. He is saying that by everything we know and have been taught it makes sense to use the right hand.

Again, to anyone who chooses not to, it's your business.

[Justice]

I have a fat freckle on the palm of my right hand. I don't know anyone else with a freckle on their palm. Just thought I'd let you all know;)

Freckles are awesome.

Warts? That's different.

[Guest Alana]

Freckles are awesome.

Warts? That's different.

What about moles? I'm a bit partial to small barely raised ones.

[Carl62]

I remember watching a show on TLC about a couple of months ago where a young lady had no arms and she did everything like everybody else, only with her feet! She drove and steered her car with her feet. When she came to a drive-thru window, she would pay for her food using her feet and then take the food bag using her toes, place it on the seat next to her then grab her drink with her feet, then drive off. She wrote, typed, used tools, operated her t.v. remote, ate at the dinner table etc., etc. all with her feet! What would you think if she were a member and wanted to partake of the sacrament? What do you think should be done or that she should do? Or would using her feet be o.k.?

[pam]

Let me add something else to this..not to answer your question Carl but to bring up another point. When my dad was in the hospital dying and completely out of it...two couples came in to administer the sacrament. One of the gentlemen told me to take the bread with my right hand and press it to his lips..that it was the same as my dad taking the sacrament. While he couldn't physically take and ingest the bread and water the act was there and meant the same as if he had physically taken it himself.

Edited August 20, 2009 by pam

[pam]

But perhaps in answer to Carl's question about someone having no arms with which to take the sacrament..couldn't someone else use their right hand to place the bread and water into the individuals mouth? By them not touching it themself does that mean they didn't actually partake of it? We use proxy for so many other things..why not proxy for something as important as taking the Sacrament?

[john doe]

Oh, I don't know, Carl, what if God formed a rock so large that He couldn't lift it?

[Justice]

Of course. I believe that is what Elder Nelson was saying.

We have an older man in our ward to shakes very hard when he reaches out. He spills the water when he tried to get the cup himself. his loving wife gets the cup for him.

[HEthePrimate]

I think we should take the bread and water with our right hands and not with our left. If you consider the hand with which we make covenants, this makes sense.

What think ya'll?

If that symbolism is meaningful to you then by all means, do it that way! :) However, I think the most important thing is what's in our heart when we are taking the sacrament, our attitude about our relationship with the Lord.

Peace,

HEP

[Carl62]

This whole argument is about as ridiculous as the time when I heard that a bishop in some ward made a rule that deacons and priests haircuts had to be that of a missionary cut before they could pass the sacrament. Hmm, I guess Jesus then couldn't have passed his own sacrament?

[Moksha]

Are you calling me compulsive? I might have to be offended and stomp off in a huff.....

If you do stomp, make sure you use the right foot.

:)

[Justice]

If that symbolism is meaningful to you then by all means, do it that way! :) However, I think the most important thing is what's in our heart when we are taking the sacrament, our attitude about our relationship with the Lord.

Peace,

HEP

You say that as if those who take the sacrament with their right hand disagree.

I feel we are told to take it with the right hand... indeed we are. I also feel the symbol and covenant is the real reason we take the sacrament. But, it doesn't change the fact that we are told we should take it with our right hand.

So, it is we who should say if you don't feel the right hand symbol is important, even if lesser, then by all means, use your left hand.

A quote was posted by Elder Nelson (which I verified) that we should use our right hand. You would think the issue would be over.

[Guest Alana]

I missed that quote. Then again, I only use the internet to justify myself, not actually learn anything:P

[glow_inthe_dark_girl]

when I was a little kid I was thaught that I should take the sacrament with the righ hand but I dont think it really matters, yeah might be some sort of symbolism.. it would be of not harm for people to try to take it with the right hand.

I think the most important thing is to partake of the sacraments worthy and as lost said, focusing on the meaning.

As for myself, I am right handed but I simply can not grab the little cup with my right hand I had tried really hard and I always end up spilling the water on the deacon, which is kind of embarrassing ,.. I guess i have som kind of issue with the thumb and the other finger haha.. they simply wont hold the cup steady.. oh I just wanna forget about the last time I tried to grab it with the right hand. the water was all over the place and the dacon held a laugh.. it was like three weeks ago:whistling: