Sacramental Theology for a Modern and Future World: The Seven Sacraments in History and in The Christian Community “What Christ Jesus taught is not what is most important, but rather what he has given humanity. His resurrection is the birth of a new faculty within human nature.” — Rudolf Steiner There are many books on sacramental theology—some of which focus on a specific denomination, while others aspire to rigorous academic objectivity. Some also serve as an introduction to a particular branch of Christianity, and Michael Debus’s book serves that purpose well. Nevertheless, the author’s integration of theological developments through the centuries with a discussion of the evolution of consciousness makes this book unique. He addresses the fact that anyone looking for a new or renewed relationship to Christian religiosity must come to understand the center of religious cognitive consciousness and practical life—the sacraments. Is baptism merely a symbolic act, or is it a reality that affects one’s life? Does a final unction affect a person’s future stages of destiny? How should we understand the transformation of bread and wine? What spiritual processes are expressed in “rituals”? The Christian Community—working since 1922 as a conscious movement for religious renewal—offers answers to these and other crucial questions. Michael Debus speaks to readers who wish to understand more deeply the spiritual foundations of The Christian Community and its place in theological history and its role in Christianity today. In Sacramental Theology for a Modern and Future World, Michael Debus makes complex topics and concepts accessible to all who wish to understand the background and sacraments of The Christian Community and the Movement for Christian Renewal. This book is a translation of Auferstehungskräfte im Schicksal: Die Sakramente der Christengemeinschaft (Urachhaus, 2011). Cover Image: Ascension, 45 cm x 45 cm watercolor painting by Ninetta Sombart, used with the kind permission of Raffael Verlag and the artist’s family (photograph copyright © by Thomas Spalinger). C O N T E N T S: Translator’s Preface Introduction PART I: UNDERSTANDING SACRAMENTS FOR A MODERN AGE 1. Renewed Sacraments in the Development of Christianity 2 Rituals and Sacraments 3. Ritual and its Origins PART II: HOW THE SACRAMENTS HAVE BEEN UNDERSTOOD THROUGH THE CENTURIES 4. The Age of the Patriarchs 5 Scholasticism PART III: THE SACRAMENTS OF THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY 6. Historical Development 7. Baptism 8. Confirmation 9. The Act of Consecration of Man 10. Confession—Sacramental Consultation 11. Approaching Death 12. Ordination of Priests 13. Sacrament of Marriage PART IV: RENEWED SACRAMENTALISM 14. Sacramental Theology for a Modern and Future World Chronology Bibliography Cited Titles from The Collected Works of Rudolf Steiner About the Author Michael Debus studied mathematics, physics, and philosophy in Tübingen and Erlangen. After his theological training, he became a pastor of The Christian Community in the Stuttgart community. For many years he was a leader of The Christian Community seminary in Stuttgart.