Having examined the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation in previous episodes, Dr. Craig now turns to three more views of the Lord's Supper. He explains the Lutheran doctrine of consubstantiation — where Christ's body and blood are present alongside the bread and wine, grounded in Luther's doctrine of the communication of attributes (communicatio idiomatum). He then contrasts this with Calvin's Reformed view of a spiritual presence and communion with Christ, and finally with Zwingli's view of the Supper as a memorial ordinance rather than a sacrament. Next time: an assessment of these four competing views.

Dr. William Lane Craig continues his examination of the Lord's Supper with a deep dive into the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Eucharist as a sacrifice. Beyond transubstantiation, Catholics hold that the Mass is a propitiatory offering to God for the sins of both the living and the dead. Dr. Craig traces this doctrine from Irenaeus's early view of the Eucharist as a thank offering, through its codification at the Council of Trent, to its further development at Vatican II — exploring what it means for Christ to be "re-presented" to God in each celebration of the Mass.

Defenders: Doctrine of the Church (Part 9): Transubstantiation

Defenders: Doctrine of the Church (Part 8): The Lord’s Supper

Defenders: Doctrine of the Church (Part 7): Believer’s Baptism

Defenders: Doctrine of the Church (Part 6): Infant Baptism

Defenders: Doctrine of the Church (Part 5): Baptism as an Ordinance - Continued

Defenders: Doctrine of the Church (Part 4): Baptism as an Ordinance