I will admit that I am faithful, believing Latter-day Saint; in fact, I have explicitly stated that Joseph Smith being a prophet of God is part-and-parcel of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, and a denial of said prophethood is an affront to God, which shows that I take the claims of the LDS Church very seriously (it explains why I am absolutely opposed to theological ecumenism). Notwithstanding, there are some practices within the Church that, while universal, have no scriptural and/or theological support. One such is the allowance of non-baptised people attending Sacrament meetings and non-baptised children of record partaking of the Eucharist. I offer the following brief article as food for thought on why I oppose such.
When one examines Latter-day Saint Scripture, only those who are baptised and in a truly repentant attitude can partake of the Lord’s Supper. Consider the following texts that show that partakers must be of a certain intellectual/spiritual disposition that only baptised Latter-day Saints can be:
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. (1 Cor 11:23-34)
This account of the institution of the Last Supper, as with the others as found in the Synoptic Gospels contain priestly, sacrificial language. Most importantly, the command to “do this in remembrance of me,” when one examines the Greek (ποιεῖτε εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν) shows that it is not mere physiological “remembering” one is commanded to engage in, but to seek forgiveness of sins by partaking in a truly repentant manner. For more, see my paper The Biblical Evidence for an Ordained, Ministerial Priesthood in the New Covenant from the Last Supper Accounts where I discuss αναμνησις (memory/remembrance) and other like-terms. Such shows that there is a certain level of spiritual maturity of those who partake as well as the need to repentant, something the Book of Mormon states those who have not reached the age of accountability have (see Moroni 8:11-12).
We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. (Heb 13:10)
Notice the use of sacrificial language when discussing the Lord's Supper, coupled with an exclusionary policy, if you will, of those who are not members of the baptised community. Heb 13:10 supports the requirement that only baptised and communicant members of the Church have the right to partake of the consecrated bread and water/wine. As with the 1 Cor 11 text quoted above (esp. vv.27-32), one will be condemned for illicit partaking, showing that participation must be limited to those who can appreciate its theological/spiritual worth and importance.
When Christ visits his people in ancient Mesoamerica after his glorious resurrection, he institutes the Lord’s Supper among them. In 3 Nephi 18:28-30, we read the following:
And now behold, this is the commandment which I gave unto you, that ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and blood unworthily, when ye shall minister it; For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul; therefore if ye know that a man is unworthy to eat and drink of my flesh and blood ye shall forbid him. Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out from among you, but ye shall minister unto him and shall pray for him unto the Father, in my name: and if it so be that he repenteth and is baptized in my name, then shall ye receive him, and shall minister unto him of my flesh and blood.
In this text, Christ himself informs his people not to allow those who are not baptised, members of the believing community to partake of the Lord’s Supper. Furthermore, he limits those who can partake thereof to baptised and truly repentant to partake of the Eucharist lest, as with the church at Corinth, the members of the community become partakers of the wrath of God for depreciating an ordinance of the Gospel.
Furthermore, there is an inconsistency among those who support non-LDS and unbaptized children of record of partaking, as we do not allow non-believers and even well-meaning kids under the age of accountability (generally 8 years of age) to partake of baptism, an ordinance of the gospel. We do not allow kids to be baptised as “practice” for their “proper” baptism when they reach 8 years of age, and yet such is the justification I myself encounter when it comes to defenders of young children partaking of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. And yet, to qualify as a participant in the Supper is not being a child of baptised members but to be a baptised member themselves. Only by engaging in a double standard for the Sacrament than the one uses for baptism can one justify that particular defense.
Furthermore, the prophet Mormon, in an epistle he sent his son Moroni, is explicit that little children are not in need for the saving ordinances of the Gospel; the position I take is the one that is consistent; the popular view (which I admit is the majority view among LDS) is inconsistent:
And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism! . . . Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them for they are all alive in him, because of his mercy . . . For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; therefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation cannot repent: and unto such baptism availeth nothing . . . Behold, my son, this thing out not to be; for repentance is unto them that are under condemnation and under the curse of a broken law. (Moroni 8:11-12, 19, 22, 24, emphasis added)
While such is said of baptism, such could equally be said of allowing children to partake of the Sacrament, even if there is no intention of it being “unto repentance” by those partaking and/or allowing such partaking on the behalf of the non-baptised children.
When one examines the theology of the Sacrament from a Latter-day Saint perspective, it is clear that only those who have reached a certain level of spiritual maturity (baptised/active/truly repentant member of the Church) should partake only. In a popular reference work, We Believe: Doctrines and Principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ed. and comp. Rulon T. Burton), we find the following quotes from Church leaders on the topic of the “Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper”:
David B. Haight
The weekly opportunity of partaking of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper is one of the most sacred ordinances of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is further indication of His love for all of us. Associated with the partaking of the sacrament are principles that are fundamental to man's advancement and exaltation in the kingdom of God and the shaping of one's spiritual character. CR1983Apr:16-17
Bruce R. McConkie
To keep his saints in constant remembrance of their obligation to accept and obey him-or in other words, to eat his flesh and drink his blood-the Lord has given them the sacramental ordinance. This ordinance, performed in remembrance of his broken flesh and spilled blood, is the means provided for men, formally and repeatedly, to assert their belief in the divinity of Christ, and to affirm their determination to serve him and keep his commandments; or, in other words, in this ordinance-in a spiritual, but not a literal sense-men eat his flesh and drink his blood. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:358) DGSM:54
President Wilford Woodruff
No man or woman should eat the bread and drink of the cup at the Sacrament who entertains hard feelings against any of his or her brethren and sisters. They should be taught the importance of settling all their difficulties and removing all causes of ill-feeling, so that no condemnation will rest upon them for partaking of this holy ordinance unworthily. (Letter of the First Presidency to the president and counselors of the St. George Stake, Utah, April 1888) MOFP3:164
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
To meet together often for this purpose [partaking of the sacrament] is a requirement made of members of the Church, which is just as binding upon them in its observance as the requirement in relation to any other principle or ordinance of the gospel. No member of the Church who refuses to observe this sacred ordinance can retain the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Ghost. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:338) DGSM:54
Under the section "In partaking of the sacrament we renew solemn covenants made with the Lord" we find the following quotes which stress the spiritual maturity required for those partaking of the elements of the Supper:
N. Eldon Tanner
To pay a bill or a note is a pledge that is very important; to keep one's word in anything one says or agrees to do is a pledge. When one joins the Church, he pledges certain things as he goes into the waters of baptism. When accepting the priesthood, we make a very definite covenant with the Lord. When partaking of the sacrament, we renew our covenants. Notice that I am using covenants, promises, and pledges interchangeably. CR1966Oct:98
Delbert L. Stapley
[About] covenants: (1) The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is a covenant between God and his people. (2) When baptized by an authorized servant of God, we covenant to do God's will and to obey his commandments. (3) By partaking of the Sacrament we renew all covenants entered into with the Lord and pledge ourselves to take upon us the name of his Son, to always remember him and keep his commandments. (4) There is an oath and covenant which belongs to the priesthood wherein men receiving this holy power pledge themselves faithfully to keep all the commandments of God and to magnify their callings in the priesthood, which is God's gift of his power and authority unto them. (5) In connection with all ordinances pertaining to the temples of our God, men and women accept covenants and obligations which relate to the endowment and to the eternity of the marriage and family relationship. All these doctrines and more are necessary and vital to the salvation, exaltation and eternal happiness of God's children. CR1965Oct:14
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Each member of the Church should have in mind the three great covenants that are made by partaking of these tokens, which are:
First: That they are willing to take upon them the name of the Son.
Second: That they will always remember him.
Third: That they will keep his commandments, which he has given them.
How do we take upon us the name of the Son? The Church is called by his name, and we are to remember that by partaking of the sacrament, we acknowledge his hand in our redemption from death, which is the gift to all men, and in the remission of our individual sins which comes through our obedience in keeping his commandments.
King Benjamin has given us an excellent understanding of what is meant by taking upon us the name of the Son. Because of the covenant we make, we are spiritually begotten sons and daughters of Jesus Christ. We become his sons and daughters, because he has redeemed us and given us life, thus defeating the power of the grave. [See Mosiah 5:8-12]
To "always remember him" does not mean simply to remember that he was crucified; but to keep in mind constantly the reasons why, and what blessings have come to each of us through his death and resurrection. We are to remember the great suffering and what it cost him to make the great atonement. We are to remember that he did it because of his love, not only for those who believe on him, but also for the whole world. . . .
The third thing to remember is that we covenant to keep his commandments. How can a member of the Church partake of the sacrament and renew these covenants, and then go forth from this sacred assembly, and deliberately break any of the divine commandments In doing such a thing we bring condemnation to our souls. Far better for members of the Church never to partake of these emblems, thus renewing these three covenants, than to partake of them and then go forth to commit sin. It is, however, a solemn commandment from the Lord, that we do partake of the sacrament. Those who repeatedly and constantly disregard this commandment and remain away from this sacrament meeting, will lose the Spirit of the Lord, for his Spirit will not dwell in those who fail to renew these covenants in a consistent manner. (Answers to Gospel Questions, 3:3-5) TLDP:585
President David O. McKay
My brethren and sisters, do we always stop to think, on that sacred Sabbath day when we meet together to partake of the sacrament, that we witness, promise, obligate ourselves, in the presence of one another, and in the presence of God, that we will do certain things?
Note them.
The first: We are willing to take upon ourselves the name of the Son. In doing so we choose him as our leader and our ideal; and he is the one perfect character in all the world.
The second: That we will always remember him. Not just on Sunday, but on Monday, in our daily acts, in our self-control. When our brother hurts us, we are going to try to master our feelings and not retaliate in the same spirit of anger. When a brother treats us with contempt, we are going to try to return kindness. That's the spirit of the Christ, and that's what we have promised-that we will do our best to achieve these high standards of Christian principles.
The third: We promised to " . . . keep his commandments which he has given . . ."-tithing, fast offerings, the Word of Wisdom, kindness, forgiveness, love. The obligation of a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is great, because obedience to these principles gives life, eternal life. CR1929Oct:14
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Before the Meridian of Time and the birth of the Messiah, mankind looked forward thereto. Before that, all of the rituals pertaining to the gospel looked to the Messiah, to his birth. . . . Since that time, we honor him, and our ritual, the sacrament, relates back to that time. We make covenants when we partake of the sacrament. CR1953Oct:39
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
I have often wondered if we fully realize the significance and importance of the covenants we make in partaking of these emblems in remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It is our duty carefully and thoughtfully to consider the nature of these prayers, when we hear them offered in our meetings. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:344-45) DGSM:53
Related Witnesses:
Joseph Smith
O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. . . .
79. O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government; the sacramental prayers are given, April 1830) D&C 20:77,79
David B. Haight
The weekly opportunity of partaking of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper is one of the most sacred ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is further indication of His love for all of us. Associated with the partaking of the sacrament are principles that are fundamental to man's advancement and exaltation in the kingdom of God and the shaping of one's spiritual character. We should reflect in our own weekday conduct the spiritual renewal and commitments made on Sunday. . . .
We all have regrets for words or deeds or thoughts from Sabbath to Sabbath that we should like to erase from our souls. Perhaps we have erred against someone or injured them; or, if there is ill feeling in our heart, we should repent, obtain forgiveness from those affected or transgressed against, then humbly, with a contrite spirit, prepare ourselves to be worthy to partake of the sacrament. . . .
By partaking of the sacrament each Sunday we receive the encouragement and strength to keep the commandments of God, to live uprightly, virtuously, and honestly. . . .
The sacrament is one ordinance that allows us to experience a personal relationship to God and enlarges our knowledge and understanding of Him and His Only Begotten Son.
Our personal reward for compliance with the covenants and obligations in the ordinance of the sacrament becomes the companionship of God's Holy Spirit. This is the light that leads to eternal life. CR1993Apr:16-17
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
The Savior emphasized that the tangible bread and water of the Sacrament were to remind us continually of the sacrifice he made for us and for renewal of our covenants of righteousness. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 220) DGSM:53
Bruce R. McConkie
When they [who have been baptized] thereafter partake worthily of the sacrament, they renew the covenant made in the waters of baptism. The two covenants are the same. (The Promised Messiah, p. 386) DGSM:54
Let me briefly discuss issues of approaching such from a pastoral perspective. As readers know, I am on a branch presidency here in Ireland, and while I (clearly) have theological problems with this practice, as it is something the Church allows, I don’t object to such, though I do hope the Church will reconsider its approach and restrict partaking of the Sacrament to baptised Latter-day Saints only. Furthermore, if/when I have kids, I will expect them not to partake of the Sacrament as I will explain to them the importance of it and why it should not be something to partake until they are baptised, stressing the theology behind the ordinance. They may not be happy that all their church friends take the bread and water every week (no kid likes being the odd one out, believe me, I know!) but I think such will add greater appreciation when they are baptised and allowed to partake of the Sacrament for what it truly is—an ordinance for spiritually mature Latter-day Saints.
Well, those are my (brief) thoughts on this topic. Feel free to disagree, but hopefully one will read my article charitably.