Sacrament Question

[confused123]

Why do babies and children (who are not baptized) take the bread and water?

It's it to remind them of their baptism and renew covenants (which they have never had?)

In the Catholic Church a person has to wait until they recieve their first communion which is around age 8

Edited July 26, 2012 by confused123

[Dravin]

Some past threads that touch on the topic:

http://www.lds.net/forums/lds-gospel-discussion/46038-children-partaking-sacrament-mocking.html

http://www.lds.net/forums/lds-gospel-discussion/39460-children-sacrament-blasphemy.html

Edited July 26, 2012 by Dravin

[confused123]

Thanks for the links. I am an unbaptized adult (resigned twice) can I take the Sacrament. I assume no so I never do

[Dravin]

20.4 Sacrament

20.4.1 General Guidelines

Although the sacrament is for Church members, the bishopric should not announce that it will be passed to members only, and nothing should be done to prevent nonmembers from partaking of it.

Link: Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings 

[Heber13]

I think in some other religions, the sacrament is considered literally the body of Christ, and so it can be disrespectful to take it if one is not a member of their church.

In our church, it is a symbol. And for those who have not entered into covenants, it is not a renewal of the covenant, it is just bread and water.

Children take it as a way to learn about the sacrament that will one day be a renewal of their covenant, but doesn't need to be forbidden to them...they just want bread and a little drink. One day they will learn what it is about.

For those that are not members, there may be meaning in it, but those that are not baptized are invited to enter into the covenant of baptism, to which the sacrament becomes more meaningful. But they are not forbidden to take it.

You may see some people pass on the sacrament. Those individuals are typically working through something personal, mostly with their bishop, to prepare to be worthy to take the sacrament again. It is a personal thing.

Therefore, visitors can take it or pass on it, whatever they are comfortable with.

[tubaloth]

Thanks for the links. I am an unbaptized adult (resigned twice) can I take the Sacrament. I assume no so I never do

Not sure what resigned means.

For Children who are not accountable its a teaching moment.

For adults we are able to make and understand the covenant of Baptism.

So we don't take the sacrament until after we are baptized... made the covenant.

[MichaelPAGuy]

Not sure what resigned means.

Resigning is a form of excommunicating yourself. Instead of the church doing it for you. You basically quit the church by sending a letter stating you resign from the church to Salt Lake City. I resigned in 2007, but was re-baptized in 2009. I had to wait around 15 months after I was re-baptized to receive all of my blessings back. The best decision that I ever made was to come back to the church.