Journal of Childhood and Religion

The Direct Perception of God through the Sacraments in Christian Education

Journal of Childhood and Religion May 1, 2026 Jerome W. Berryman, Cheryl V. Minor

This paper examines whether direct perception of the Divine occurs through the Protestant sacraments—bread, wine, and water—and what this implies for Christian education. Integrating theological, philosophical, psychological, and mystical perspectives, it explores how sacraments function beyond rational comprehension as symbolic and transformative vehicles. Theologians debate their role in...