Tuesday, July 23, 2019

"abstract 'values' having no unique, historical referent"


"If we take human historicity seriously, then we must concede that the historical origin of the sacraments has determined these universals symbols [(and in particular the sacrament of orders)] in a unique way. . . . .  Indeed, it can be argued that every sacrament is rooted in revelatory events which are unique and unrepeatable.  Therefore, biblical and sacramental symbolism cannot be essentially altered without losing its character as anamnesis. . . ."

     Benedict M. Ashley, O.P., "Gender and the priesthood of Christ:  a theological reflection," The Thomist:  a speculative quarterly review 57, no. 3 (July 1993):  350 (343-379), underscoring mine.

No comments: