Final Answer:
Transubstantiation (option a) refers to the Catholic doctrine asserting that during the sacrament of communion, the substances of ordinary bread and wine are believed to undergo a profound transformation into the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the core of transubstantiation lies the belief in the mystery of the Eucharist. According to Catholic teaching, during the consecration by a priest at Mass, the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, referred to as the Real Presence. This transformation is not understood as a physical or observable change but rather as a substantial alteration at the level of their essence. The substance or "whatness" of the bread and wine is believed to be replaced by the substance of Christ's body and blood, while the external appearances, known as accidents, remain unchanged.
The theological understanding of transubstantiation is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Church Fathers and was formally articulated at the Fourth Lateran Council in the 13th century. This doctrine emphasizes the intimate connection between the Eucharist and Christ's sacrifice on the cross, representing a profound mystery of faith for Catholics.
Contrasting views exist among Protestant denominations regarding the nature of the Eucharist. For instance, some Protestants hold to consubstantiation, which suggests that Christ is present alongside the bread and wine, while others view the elements as symbolic representations of Christ's body and blood.
Transubstantiation (option a), as a concept, underscores the belief in the actual, transformative presence of Christ in the consecrated elements, serving as a central tenet of Catholic faith and worship during the celebration of the Eucharist.