Reply #4: And I'm finally gonna weigh in here -

[Rabrrrrrr]

I'm sure everyone was waiting with baited breath for me to chime in, too. :eyes:

I had assumed that there is no real difference between eucharist, communion, celebrating the lord's supper, or just the lord's supper. Just a matter of naming, and it seems that has been affirmed. I was kind of curious to hear from the more ritualistic/sacramental traditions, such as Catholic and Episcopal, but I think there answer would be that, no, there is no difference in the liturgy between any of them.

It seems the only difference is in, shall we say, an emotional component - like the emotional difference between using the name "Mt. McKinley" or calling it "Denali". It's the same thing, but there is a different sense to each of those names.

Personally, when I think Eucharist, I think of the vertical relationship between us and God - since it means "thanksgiving", as you stated, it's more an up-down thing, that seems to accentuate the transcendant nature of God. "Communion" (also "The Lord's Supper") makes me think of the horizontal relationship between God and us - the communal and imminent nature of God. "Eucharist" feels more mystical; "Communion" feels more personal. And in some ways, for me anyway, "Communion" feels a tad empty. "The Lord's Supper" feels more like a party and a celebration, and "Agape Meal" is the ultimate in fraternity party-down-ness.

I like the term Eucharist, OR calling it a celebration of the Lord's Supper, OR agape meal.

I'm not real big on the term "Communion".

But then, I'm totally a closeted Episcopalian.