CHRISTIAN PRACTICES Flashcards
What is the importance of Easter?
- reminds Christians that they too will survive death
- proves that Jesus really was God
- the resurrection is in all 4 gospels therefore highlighting its importance
- isn’t as commercialised as Christmas
What is involved in the Easter service at Church and what does it show?
- service begins in darkness and then becomes light. This shows that Jesus brings light into the world
- Easter eggs are eaten. These are symbolic of new life.
- Mass/holy communion is attended
- Church decorations change from purple/gold to white
What is the purpose of Easter?
To celebrate Jesus’ resurrection
How does a Christingle symbolise Christmas?
- candle represents Jesus and the light he brings into the world
- orange represents the world
- red ribbon represents the blood of Christ
- sweets represent the four seasons/creations of God
What happens in the Christmas Church service?
- midnight mass service occurs on Christmas Eve at 11:30
- gospel readings
- carols are sung
- lights come on to represent Jesus being introduced into the world
- churches are decorated with flowers and trees
What is the importance of Christmas (key significance)?
- Jesus came to Earth for humanity
What is an example of the Church in the widespread community?
Christian Aid
Name 2 things that Christian Aid do in order to help the widespread community
- in Mali they provide solar power and lights which enables education
- in Kenya send weather warnings via text message which allows for farmers to plan their farming.
What is scriptural evidence that in order to be a Christian, you need to help
‘Faith without deeds is dead’ - James
Name 2 ways the Church helps in the local community
food banks: feeding the hungry like Jesus did (parable of the sheep and goat)
street pastors: help those who are struggling e.g. mentally, emotionally and physically
What is the parable of the sheep and the goat?
-The SHEEP go on the RIGHT and the GOATS go on the LEFT
- he says to the sheep ‘when I was in need, you helped me’. He tells the sheep that they have a place in heaven waiting for them
- he says to the goats ‘when I was in need you didn’t offer me help’. He tells the goats that they are sentenced to eternal punishment.
- This parable metaphorically symbolises good and bad Christians
What is a pilgrimage and why might a Christian go on one?
A religious journey that Christians might go on to show their devotion to God and also for the aspect of community.
Where are the two places that Christians might go on pilgrimage?
Lourdes and Iona
What are the key differences between Lourdes and Iona?
Lourdes: :
- busy and commercialised
- sick people trying to be cured
- denominational
Iona:
- quiet and remote
- people trying to find themselves
- is physically challenging so requires some level of fitness
- non-denominational
What is Liturgical Worship?
- congregation lead by a Priest
- Prayers are in a set order and have set responses
What is non-liturgical worship?
- prayers have no set order and can be made up on the spot (may include songs and gospels)
What is private worship?
Any worship done on your own
What is prayer?
A conversation with God and the opportunity for God to reply
Why is the Lord’s prayer arguably the most important prayer?
- It involves all the fundamental and important aspects a prayer should.
- summary of whole gospel
- links all Christians from all times throughout History, back to Jesus
What does the Lord’s prayer include?
- praising God
- confession
- thanking God
- praying for others
- praying for yourself
Why is the Lord’s prayer arguably not the most important prayer?
- not recorded in Mark
- not only prayer needed
- If it is the most important/only one needed, why did Jesus use other prayers?
What is a sacrament?
an outward sign of inward grace
What are 2 examples of sacraments in Christianity?
- eucharist: spiritual feeding with the body of Christ
- baptism: the removal of original sin and entry into the kingdom of God/the Church.
What are two interpretations of Eucharist?
Catholic: believe they are literally eating the flesh and blood of Christ
Protestant (liberals): re-enactment of the Last Supper- reinforced its importance and they should be reminded of it.
What are argument for the two interpretations of baptism?
infant baptism: removes original sin
adult/believers baptism:
- Jesus was baptised as an adult
- argument of free will
