Are Lutherans comfortable with worshipping a consecrated host or do they consider it to be idolatry?

Upvote:3

Here is a quote from a Lutheran theologian, Rev Paul T. McCain:

The Lord gave it to us to eat and to drink, not to tuck away somewhere to “adore” it outside of its instituted use

However, here is discussion of people attesting to adoration happening in their Lutheran churches.

So it would seem there is confusion and debate about this among Lutherans themselves.

Upvote:5

The Book of Concord condemns the adoration of the elements, though without specifically calling it idolatry:

On the other hand, we unanimously reject and condemn all the following erroneous articles, which are opposed and contrary to the doctrine presented above, the simple faith, and the [pure] confession concerning the Lord's Supper;

  1. That the external visible elements of the bread and wine should be adored in the Holy Sacrament. (Epitome of the Formula of Concord, VII, para. 40)

Accordingly, with heart and mouth we reject and condemn as false, erroneous, and misleading all Sacramentarian opiniones (opinions) and doctrines which are not in accordance with, but contrary and opposed to, the doctrine above presented and founded upon God's Word:

  1. Likewise, when it is taught that the elements or the visible species or forms of the consecrated bread and wine must be adored. However, no one, unless he be an Arian heretic, can and will deny that Christ Himself, true God and man, who is truly and essentially present in the Supper, should be adored in spirit and in truth in the true use of the same, as also in all other places, especially where His congregation is assembled. (The Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord, VII, para. 126)

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