Christian sacraments function as authoritative networks of signification requiring institutional exposition

Evidence

A sacrament is a corporeal or material element [sounds, gestures, vestments, instruments] set before the senses without, representing by similitude and signifying by institution and containing by sanctification some invisible and spiritual grace.” For example, the water of baptism represents the washing of sins from the soul by analogy with the washing of impurities from the body, signifies it for the believer because of Christ’s inaugurating practice, and conveys—by virtue of the words and actions of the officiating priest who performs the baptism—spiritual grace. The three functions are not self-evident but must be identified and expounded by those in authority. — Talal Asad, Formations of the Secular, 156

Categorization

• DEFINE: Asad rejects Marett’s framing of rite as ‘religious psychotherapy’ and offers the medieval theology of the sacrament as the properly theological alternative.
• XREF: This definitional move parallels Cooper’s claim that categories like ‘secular’ and ‘religious life’ quietly presume Christian institutional forms.