Abstract
Argues for the legitimacy and authenticity of allowing the conceptually non-expressive person to participate in the Lord's Supper. Notes contemporary empirical research on action and interaction types of language and relates it to the issue of the theological nature of communion. Contends that participation in communion by the mentally retarded may actually enhance the full meaning of the sacrament in that it draws attention to the transcendent qualities of the sacrament. Offers a personal experience of giving communion to the mentally retarded to reinforce the psychological, scriptural, and theological rationales for communing all baptized Christians, including those classified as conceptually non-expressive.
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