I have been reflecting again on how compatible online Communion may or may not be with various eucharistic theologies.
On a medieval catholic view, the priest offers a sacrifice to God on behalf of the people. The people are largely spectators. This would seem to work brilliantly online.
On a Zwinglian view, the Supper is a memory aid. The visual reminder could also work perfectly well online.
However, if a Calvinistic account of the Supper emphasises receiving Christ by faith in the Spirit as we eat the bread and receive the wine, it is hard to see how an online Communion is possible. The presence of Christ, the believer and the bread matter on this view in a way they do not seem to in either of the above alternatives.
All three of these accounts could include some God-ward element and some understanding of edification through the eucharist but the crucial point is how that edification is received: by hearing or seeing Mass, by thinking about the Supper or the cross or by eating with faith.
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