extreme unction n - The rite formerly in practice in which a Roman Catholic priest anointed and prayed for a sick or injured person, especially one in danger of death. In 1972 the name and rite were changed to Anointing of the Sick.
I was inspired to use this word after talking to a Baptist friend who believed that the Catholic Church taught that those who died without receiving Extreme Unction (also known as last rites) would be condemned to hell. The woman I spoke to is a good Christian, but she was badly misinformed. I would guess that most Catholics die without receiving the last rites and without even having an opportunity to recieve them, e.g., soldiers killed in combat, people killed in accidents, people who die from sudden heart attacks (like my father), etc.
The Catholics recognize seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, holy eucharist (communion), penance, extreme unction (anointing of the sick), holy orders (becoming a priest, etc.), and matrimony. Lutherans recognize only baptism, holy eucharist, and penance. I don't know about other denominations, but I'd love to find out.
(I've been considering the possibility of another ecumenical council, this time with the objective of reuniting all Christian churches. What we have in common is so much more important than what divides us. The first step would be to have the pope revert to being the bishop of Rome. Any thoughts on this?)
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I disagree with the concept of making the Pope the bishop of Rome. I'd hate to see the Catholic church ignore other qualified papal candidate simply because the pope has be the bishop of Rome. Especially now as the church is world-wide, the Pope should not be tied to one country or city. At some point, I'm wondering when the first American bishop will be chosen as Pope.
I think the Pope's leadership, not only in the Catholic church, but also the affect felt in other protestant denominations is important. I think an ecumenical council is a great idea, I'm not sure who the Nazarene church would send since it is led by several men. I don't know how others are organized. However, any such group would have to be attended by denominational leaders or any decisions, stands or positions won't be held in other churches afterwards.
Actually, I'd love to see such a group get together, and if nothing else, reaffirm the Apostles creed.
Of course stances on homosexuality, same-sex marriages, crimes in the priesthood, etc would be a good thing too.
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