The Integrity of Discourse in the Anglican Eucharistic Tradition: A Consideration of Philosophical Assumptions

Abstract

This article explores the integrity of the discourse in the Anglican eucharistic tradition by considering the philosophical assumptions that underlie eucharistic theology. It argues that where the conversation of the Anglican eucharistic tradition is open and unfinished then the integrity of the discourse is facilitated as opposed to the conversations of party positions and particular interests which suggest exclusive versions of truth. The conversation or dialogue of Anglican eucharistic theology is seen to be enhanced through the consideration of the philosophical assumptions of realism and nominalism to both the moderate and immoderate degrees that underpin eucharistic theology as a state of affairs. The insights of contemporary philosophers are used as a way of conceptualising the discourse of the Anglican eucharistic tradition and a model of Anglican eucharistic theology is suggested as a means of facilitating the integrity of the discourse through the recognition of multiformity in the tradition and by distancing the discourse from the hermeneutic idealism of particular interest.

Pusey's ‘Lectures on Types and Prophecies of the Old Testament’: Implications for Eucharistic Theology

“…The main distinction between analyses in the discourse of Anglican eucharistic theology, in terms of philosophical assumptions, appears to be between moderate realism and nominalism. 129 The lack of acceptance by Anglican theologians of the relational or immoderate realist position is mirrored by theologians in the Roman Catholic tradition who also opt for moderate realism in their discussion of the Eucharist. Aquinas argues in this way, 130 as does The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which cites Aquinas and states that the body and blood of Christ 'cannot be apprehended by the senses .…”

Recent Philosophical Work on the Doctrine of the Eucharist

“…This view has been referred to as ‘immoderate realism’ by Douglas. See also his very helpful historical survey of theologies of the Eucharist in the Anglican tradition at: http://anglicaneucharistictheology.com/Anglican_Eucharistic_Theology/Welcome.html…”