To eat the body and to drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner : an investigation of the term ἀναξίως in 1 Corinthians 11:27 within the context of 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, with special regard to its interpretation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania-Ulanga Kilombero Diocese

Abstract

This study is about giving a proper interpretation the word ἀναξίως as found in 1 Corinthians 11:27 aimed at enabling a proper theological evaluation of the practices surrounding the celebration of the Eucharist in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania – Ulanga Kilombero Diocese (ELCT-UKD). Since theological interpretations determine the different understandings and practices around this sacrament, a proper interpretation of the text, to which 1 Corinthians 11:27 belongs, namely, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 can lead people into a correct understanding on celebrating Eucharist worthily. The thesis tries to find a proper understanding of the Eucharistic practices in 1 Corinthian 11: 17-34 with the emphasis on the meaning of the term ἀναξίως in verse 27, with the intention of influencing and re-correcting the meaning and practice of Eucharist that affects the Lutheran Church of Tanzania today. The thesis discusses the possibility of a unified Church in partaking of the sacrament of the Eucharist together as members of a Christian community. As a theological biblical work, this is written as a first step to help the church to unite the Christians around the body of Christ, to restore the church to its original form and purpose around the Eucharist. The thesis also urges the church, generally and particularly in the ELCT-UKD, to assess itself and restructure its perspective on both the theological and contextual issues that are related to the partaking in the Eucharist in order to encounter the dynamics of a changing world so that it can be effective in living in accordance to the essence of its being, especially on the issue of the use and application of the means of grace through the sacraments.