Catholic Christianity : Forms of expression and ways of life Flashcards
What is the architecture
Nortre Dame:
French gothic architecture
Damaged during the French Revolution in 1793
La Sagrida Familia:
Longest running architectural project on Earth
Gaudi built it as a way to make amends for all the sins
“When the exercise of religious liberty is not thwarted, Christians construct buildings for divine worship” (CCC)
What are the design features
Sanctuary - contains the altar, lectern and tabernacle
Rich tapestry - the incarnation reminds worshippers that Catholics believe in the incarnation
The Lady chapel - a side chapel to honour Mary
What are the decorations
Thurible - links to Jesus’ birth and the priest use to use it to purify the room in the high temple
Chalice and paten - where the host is placed and allows communion to take place
Vestments - reminds Catholic what church season they’re in
“A church is a house of prayer where the eucharist is celebrated and reserved” (CCC)
What are the internal features
Crucifix - reminds worshippers that Jesus died for them - “For God loved the world so much he gave his only Son” (Bible)
Altar - where Eucharistic prayer is offered - “The altar is the table of the Lord to which people of God are invited” (CCC)
Tabernacle - container for the consecrated host
What are the sacred vessels
Ciborium and chalice - most central object in the mass - “This is my body” (Bible) - transubstantiation
Chasuble - different colours for different times in the year, roman style connects them to the Church’s history
Hunger cloths - help people learn about God - “Encountering God in the stranger”
What are the sculptures and statues
Our Lady of Walsingham:
Lily represent ancestry of Jesus
Pointing to Christ is a common feature
“Mary is a model of faith in the Church” (CCC)
Sacred heart:
St Margaret saw a series of visions of Christ
Symbolises God’s love for everyone
Thorns represent the crown of thorns
Fire represents the Passion of Christ
Bronze sculpture of St Peter (Rome):
St Peter was the first Pope
Hand is pointed up in blessing
“I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven” (Bible)
What are the symbols
Crucifix:
Mainly a Catholic symbol - won’t be found in other churches
“Gave his life for a ransom for many” (Bible)
Icthus:
The disciples were “fishers of men”
Symbol for discipleship
Christians drew this for others to show that there was a safe place
The four evangelists:
Gospel writers
Winged ox - sacrifice of Jesus
Eagle - heavenly aspects of Jesus
What are the types of drama
Mystery:
Any story
Tell the Christian story
Easy to spread word of God - literacy rates were low
Harrowing of Hell - judgement the salvation
Passion (Oberammergau):
Suffering of Jesus
Vow made by the people in 1633 if God saved them from the plague
Living tablaux - scenes from the Old Testament (propechies)
What are the types of music
Hymns:
Follow me - reflect Christian belief in discipleship
“Fishers of men”
Some people may not know the religious meaning
Psalms:
Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepard
Used in a Catholic funeral - calming
Direct scripture
Worship songs:
Oceans (Hillsong)
New
“Not by blood. Not by birth”
Younger audience may associate with it
Not traditional/Catholic
