The idea of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist dates to early Christian times, most notably to the writings of St. Justin, Martyr, about 150 AD. Chapter 11 of I Corinthians is also referred to with regards to this, and Chapter 6 of the Gospel of John.

The doctrine of transubstantiation put this belief into the language of metaphysics. The doctrine was promulgated by the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215.

I took a semester of metaphysics, and it just isn't the way I think; so I prefer the less-theoretical and less-legalistic concept of Real Presence. But yes, I believe that when I receive communion, I receive Christ. And as I said before, this is sacred to me - my faith is part of who I am and where I come from. I wouldn't expect others to believe this unless they are Catholics or members of other faiths that believe in the Real Presence, but it is something that is very sacred to me.


-Joe-