A priest should always refuse the sacrament to those who do not practice their faith. Do you agree? - page 1
Keywords: marks gospel ao3 a03 marriage
By exploiit on 19/06/2010
Level: GCSE Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Page Number: 1 of 1
More than one point of view is existent in regards to whether or not a priest should refuse the sacraments to those who do not practice their faith. I will consider both opinions in detail through my answer, before coming to my own conclusion and deciding whether I agree or disagree with this statement.
Many people believe that it is totally appropriate for a priest to refuse the sacraments, considering the community involvement included. If someone does not openly practice their faith, they remove themselves from a supportive Christian community, and deny the help offered to nurture and develop their faith. In this instance, a lack of commitment to one’s Christian community is present, and is hence seen as a reason for the refusal of a sacrament. A priest’ right to refuse a sacrament is also supported in that a sacrament must be responded to, in order for faith to grow and the assets of reverence and love to come into effect.
Others argue that a priest should not hold the right to refuse the sacraments to anyone – After all, can any human being judge the worthiness of another? Through refusing a religious sacrament to someone, a priest would be acting in defiance of Jesus’ teachings; Jesus would never have turned away a sinner, regarded they came to him with sincerity and an open heart. His love was universal, as should be proven through his followers, including a priest. It is also very difficult to determine who does and who does not lead a Christian life. For example, one may not frequently attend Church or the sacraments, but may lead a perfectly charitable and influential Christian life. Should a priest be allowed to refuse someone a sacrament who lives in the way of the Lord, and allow it to someone who does not, but frequently attends Mass?
Both points of view in this argument are reasonable, and there is no obvious answer. Personal circumstances lend themselves to each personal opinion on the matter, and it is important to remember that the priest does not have an easy to decision either. Therefore I remain open-minded on the topic, and considerate of both sides in the debate.
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