Transubstantiation, a central tenet of Roman Catholic theology, posits that during the Eucharist, the bread and wine are entirely transformed into the body and blood of Christ, while retaining only the appearance of bread and wine. This doctrine is foundational to Catholic understanding of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. A common example illustrating this belief is the ritual of consecration during Mass, where the priest’s words are believed to effect this complete change.
Understanding the rejection of this concept by many Protestant denominations requires examining the historical context of the Reformation. The reformers challenged several Catholic doctrines, emphasizing the authority of Scripture (Sola Scriptura) as the ultimate source of religious truth. The rejection of transubstantiation stems, in part, from differing interpretations of biblical passages relating to the Last Supper and the nature of Christ’s presence.
