memorialism

Memorialism is a Christian theological position on the Lord's Supper (Eucharist or Communion) that interprets the bread and wine primarily as symbols commemorating Jesus Christ's death. According to memorialist thought, the elements are signs that recall Christ’s sacrifice and instruct believers, rather than vehicles that convey a literal or metaphysical presence of Christ in the elements.

The view is often associated with Huldrych Zwingli and the Swiss Reformation in the early 16th century, who emphasized Scripture’s command to "do this in remembrance of me" as foundational. Memorialism contrasts with doctrines that affirm a "real presence" of Christ—such as Roman Catholic transubstantiation, Lutheran sacramental union, or other formulations of spiritual presence—by denying any change in the substance of the bread and wine or Christ’s corporeal presence in them.

Adherents typically stress the commemorative, declarative, and communal aspects of the supper. Some who hold a memorialist stance also teach that partaking fosters spiritual benefit through faith and reflection, while stopping short of asserting that the elements effect regeneration or contain Christ physically. The position has been widely influential among Anabaptist, Baptist, and many evangelical and nondenominational churches.

Critics argue memorialism can reduce the sacrament’s mystery or downplay continuity with historic liturgical practice. The topic remains a point of theological distinction and dialogue among Christian traditions, especially in ecumenical conversations about sacramental theology.