christian practices Flashcards
what is worship?
Christians showing their love and respect to God. They recognise the worth of God, and his importance and value.
why do Christians worship?
- to praise and thank God
- to ask for forgiveness
- to seek God’s help for themselves or others
- to deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their faith
what is the difference between liturgical, non-liturgical and private worship?
liturgical: church worship which follows a set pattern or ritual (Catholic)
- creates a sense of belonging and tradition (passed down through generations)
- helps the worship become a repeated ritual with a clear place in people’s lives
- worldwide set order of service that is familiar to everyone
non-liturgical: a service which includes the same parts as liturgical worship, but the order constantly changes (Methodist)
- can be particular to a person/event
- liturgical worship could prevent genuine worship
private: when a believer praises or honours God on their own, in their own way
- gives people a chance to spend time alone with God
where may private worship take place, and what are the benefits of private worship?
community or house churches meet in private homes and share food
- similar to the worship of early Christians
- people can share readings/prayers and take an active part in the church by calling out or speaking without formal training
- may have an emotional impact, with a feeling of personal revelation from God
what could liturgical worship include?
- takes place in a church
- priest leads congregation, symbolic actions
- set prayers, set responses
- Bible passages read out, sermon, music, hymns
what could non-liturgical worship include?
- often focused on Bible readings, followed by a sermon
- may have prayers and hymns, but no set number/order
describe Quaker worship:
- form of non-liturgical worship (service doesn’t follow a program), often confused with private worship.
- down to the individual, and is either silent or a sharing of thoughts, or of a message from God. They act out these messages either through a speech, a Bible reading, through dance, etc.
- Quakers sit in silence, listening for God. They focus on being a community, and on kindness.
- They do this to strengthen their relationship with God, by waiting for and listening to God.
what is ‘charismatic’ worship?
may involve dancing, clapping, calling out, and speaking in tongues
what is a prayer?
an attempt to communicate with God. silently, through words or praise, or requests for guidance.
what is the difference between set prayer and informal prayer?
set prayer: prayers that have been written down and said more than once by more than one person
- sense of tradition, of community
informal prayer: prayer that is made up by an individual using their own words
- allows them to reflect on their relationship with God in a more personal and private way.
why do Christians pray?
- to connect with God, to talk and listen with him
- ask for peace, healing, help (or in times of crisis). gives strength in times of trouble
- to develop and increase devotion to God, and to build a better relationship with him
- encourages reflection in the middle of a busy life
- gives a sense of peace
what did Jesus do that has caused Christians to pray?
christians pray because Jesus told his disciples that he was distressed, so he entered a room and had a private conversation with God. now, Christians do the same, in the form of prayer.
how are Christians taught to pray?
- do not pray in public. go to your room, close the door, and pray in private
- do not lengthen your prayer. keep it short and to the point
- pray using the Lord’s Prayer
Christians also pray by kneeling down, putting their hands together, and using rosary beads.
describe the Lord’s prayer:
- Jesus gave the Lord’s prayer when asked how to pray
- model of a good prayer, as it combines praise to God with asking for one’s needs
- reminds Christians to forgive others in order to be forgiven, since prayer is only effective if people’s relationships with one another are right
- reminds Christians that God is the Father of the whole Christian community, creating a sense of unity
what is a sacrament?
a physical thing we do that shows something invisible that’s happening to you.
e.g. baptisms. pouring the water on your head doesn’t actually do anything, it simply represents the holy spirit filling you, which is an invisible action.
what happens to a person through baptism?
- imitates Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist
- enters a new life with Christ in the Christian community
- is cleansed of sin
- becomes a member of the Christian church , becomes a child of God
- receives God’s saving grace and the Holy Spirit
what is the difference between infant baptism and believers baptism?
infant baptism: babies and young children become members of the Church as soon as possible. promises are taken on their behalf by adults. they’re freed from original sin and introduced to the Christian community. the parents can thank God for their new baby, and celebrate with family and friends
believers baptism: (offered by Baptist and Pentacostalist Churches) adult initiation into the Church, by immersion in water. the person is old enough to understand the ceremony, and is willing to live a Christian life. the decision to live a life dedicated to Jesus is what saves the person, not the baptism itself
what happens in infant baptism?
- priest or minister pours water over the baby’s head, and says ‘I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit’
- Godparents and parents promise to bring up the child as a Christian
- the child is welcomed into the Christian community
what happens in believers’ baptism?
- the person is fully immersed in a pool, symbolising cleansing from sin and rising to a new life in Christ
- the person gives a brief testimony of their faith in Jesus
- person is baptised in the name of the ‘Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’
what is meant by Holy Communion?
a service which celebrates and gives thanks for the sacrifice of Jesus’ death and resurrection
what is meant by a Holy Mystery? (Orthodox)
the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus. this isn’t explained by the church or called a sacrament.
CONCEPT, THE MYSTERY
what is divine liturgy? (orthodox)
when Heaven comes to Earth in the body and blood of Jesus. this is symbolised by the priest consecrating (making holy) the elements behind an iconostasis (screen) representing the divide between Heaven and Earth. the Priest usually receives wine and bread baked by Church members
- generally the name for Holy Communion in the Orthodox church
PROCESS
what happens in the Orthodox Liturgy of the Word?
- prayers, hymns, readings
- priest chants gospel (says words of Jesus behind and enters through Royal Door), words of Jesus at the last supper is said behind the Royal Door
what happens to the bread in the Orthodox Church?
divided into four - three quarters are consecrated (have the Holy Mystery). final quarter is left for people to take home.
what is the difference between the Anglican and the Catholic church?
- hand shaking (a sign of peace) is done at different times
- anglicans believe that the bread and wine is only symbolic, and only represents what Jesus said. they believe he’s only present in a spiritual way, during Holy Communion
- anglicans believe that communion is to gather the community together, to share their religion.
what is transubstantiation in the Catholic church?
bread and wine physically become the body and blood of Jesus. the priest blesses this, asking God to fill it with the Holy Spirit - now Catholics can act as Jesus in the world today (Body of Christ). the Priest repeats the words of Jesus at the last supper over the bread and wine
what happens in the Catholic Liturgy of the Word?
- sundays, 3 Bible readings and passages, psalm, and a homily
- prayers said for the church, world, local community, sick and the dead.
what is the bread that is served at Catholic Eucharist?
round, circular hosts containing the Holy Spirit. links Catholics with God every time as they feel they’re taking a small part of him.
what occurs during holy communion in non-conformist churches?
- everyone is welcome to receive communion
- ordinary bread, non-alcoholic grape juice served in small cups
- usually served as an ‘open table’ for everyone, but sometimes elders serve it to people in their seats
- communion ends with a prayer of private thanks, a blessing, and an encouragement to go out and serve God
what do Protestant Christians believe about Holy Communion?
- celebrate it as a reminder of the Last Supper
- don’t believe the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus
- they simply remain symbols of Jesus’ sacrifice, helping them to reflect on its meaning today
what is the impact of Holy Communion on individuals?
- Christians receive God’s grace by joining in the sacrifice of Jesus
- this helps to strengthen their faith, allowing them to become closer to God
what is the impact of Holy Communion on communities?
- brings the community of believers together in unity by sharing the bread and wine
- can provide support and encouragement for those going through a difficult time
what is the impact of Holy Communion on the wider society?
- acts as a call to love others in practical ways
- encourages Christians to work for equality and justice for all
- many churches collect money during the service, which is used to support those in needs, such as the poor/homeless
why may a Christian go on a pilgrimage?
- grow closer to God
- strengthen faith, meet others who share their faith
- be forgiven for sin
- reflect on one’s life
- pray for something special
- thank God for a blessing
- seek a cure for an illness
- help other pilgrims who are disabled or ill
- experience a holy place
how can a pilgrimage impact a Christian’s life?
- give them a better understanding of their faith
- renew their enthusiasm for living a Christian life
- help them to see problems in a new light
- help them to feel cleansed from sin
- help them to feel more connected to the Christian community
- give them a good feeling about helping other pilgrims who are disabled or ill
describe Lourde’s:
- town in France, famous because of St Bernadette.
- she had 18 visions of Mary in the same place, and no one believed her. one day, Mary told her about an imaginary stream, which no one else saw, until it mysteriously appeared a few days later once she dug it up
- after her death, her body became ‘incorruptible’, joining other saints’ bodies that have never decayed.
- it’s believed that the water has miraculous healing properties, and a number of healing miracles are said to have taken place here
- place of Catholic worship (Mary is incredibly important to them), place to worship God and hope for healing
what do pilgrims do at Lourde’s?
- bathe in the spring waters, or help other ill/disabled pilgrims to bathe in the waters
- pray for healing/forgiveness
- recite the rosary together
describe Iona:
- a small island off the coast of Scotland.
- in 6th century AD, St Columba brought Christianity from Ireland to Scotland, and he set up a monastery, and taught Christianity.
- the island is named a ‘thin place’ as it seems as if the veil between Earth and Heaven is being lifted.
- Christians go to ‘walk in the presence of God’, have a numinous experience, and meet others that share their faith.
- quiet, peaceful, beautiful. pray, read the Bible, reflect, meditate
- attend services and workshops, visit the island’s holy/historic sites
what is the importance of Christmas for Christians?
- celebration of the incarnation, when God took human form in Jesus
- through the incarnation, Jesus bridged the gap between us and God, therefore allowing Christians to strengthen their relationship with God
- Christmas acts as a fresh start for Christians, a chance to begin again in faith
how do Christians celebrate Christmas?
- advent candles are lit to symbolise Jesus being the light of the dark world
- midnight mass (between Christmas Eve and day) celebrate the birth as a community. reflects the holiness of the night, and the joy Christians feel at Jesus’ birth
- the nativity occurs to recreate Jesus’s story
- gifts are given to symbolise those given by the wise men
- carol services and Bible readings remind Christians about God’s promise of a saviour and the events of Jesus’ birth
- Christians give to charity as God gave humanity the gift of his Son
why is Easter celebrated by Christians?
- time of Jesus’s resurrection
- proof of God’s omnipotence
- proof he’s the son of God
- evidence of good beating evil
how do Churches remember Jesus’s last week of life? (holy week)
- church is removed of all flowers and colours
- some Christians don’t even sing hymns at this time
- church is kept as quiet as possible
what happens on Good Friday?
the day Jesus was crucified. special services and processions led by a person carrying a cross
what do Christians do on the Saturday night after Holy Week?
- special service to celebrate Christ’s resurrection
- walk with candles in procession, entering the dark church as if it were Jesus’ tomb
what are two ways that churches celebrate Easter sunday?
- catholics: begin vigil in the dark. light Paschal candle to symbolise beginning of religious year. sing special hymns, fill the church with flowers. service ends in Holy Communion
- some churches have breakfast together to symbolise a new dawn and beginning. the priest will announce ‘he is risen!’
what pieces of scripture inspire people and the Church to get involved with projects in the community?
the Church has always been a major social service, providing schools, orphanages, and organising campaigns.
- ‘Love thy neighbour’
- Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
- Golden Rule (‘Treat others as you would like to be treated’)
- ‘You are the Body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it’. Each member of the Church has a skill that makes up part of Christ.
how do individual churches help the local community?
- educate people about Christianity (Bible study groups)
- meeting places for prayer and worship
- provide activities for younger people (youth clubs)
- places where Christians can socialise and obtain spiritual guidance
how does the Church help the local community?
- supports local projects such as food banks
- provides social services such as schooling and healthcare
- helps those in need
- campaigns for justice
what is the Trussell Trust?
- founded in 1997. provides food, help and support to people in crisis in the UK. runs over 400 food banks in the UK
- aims to bring people together (religious and non-religious) to tackle poverty, due to redundancy, family breakdown, rising prices, etc.
- non-perishable items are donated by businesses and schools. care professionals identify people and crisis and issue food vouchers.
what is the Oasis Project?
- community hub (internet café, job club, training opportunities, prayer guidance, mother + toddler group)
- local businesses take in volunteers looking for work experience. the methodist church supports and funds them.
- helps addicts in recovery, the unemployed, struggling new mums.
- spiritual and practical help is given to those in need, due to ill health, learning disabilities, domestic violence, substance abuse, low income, housing problems
why should Christians provide practical help to the local community?
should help others by showing agape love towards them. the parable of the Sheep and the Goats says they should give practical help to people in need
what are Street Pastors?
- aren’t there to preach about Christianity - they want to help people in need, relieve the pressure on the NHS
- started by the Ascension Trust, originally targeted knife crime. also target drunken-ness, bullying, drug abuse, anti-social behaviour
- in the Bible, it says, ‘Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.’
- adult volunteers trained to patrol the streets in urban areas. work closely with the police and local councils
- listen to people’s problems, advise on where to get help, and discourage anti-social behaviour
describe Parish Nursing:
- retired NHS workers provide professional medical advice to people
- volunteers/paid by church. relieved stress on NHS, there are more churches in the UK than hospitals. encourage people to have a good diet and exercise
- help to provide early diagnosis’s of health problems. also help to combat loneliness and can provide support during times of crisis
- reassures and supports patients - explain medical jargon, provide medical advice. can refer patients to specific services if needed
- focus on the whole person, listening to them and praying with them
what is the difference between a mission and evangelism?
mission: going abroad to help people in poverty, and spread your religion. e.g. going to Africa to build schools, churches
evangelism: preaching religion in their home country
- mormon boys have the choice between these two once they turn 18
- the aim is to persuade people to accept Jesus as their saviour, and to extend the Church to all nations, as said in the Great Commission
how is Christianity spreading?
- Christian church is growing at a strong rate in South America, Africa, Asia
- Christian church is declining in USA, Europe, and Middle East (where Christians have been persecuted)
- worldwide 80,000 people become christian each day, and there are 500 churches built each day
- the Church’s mission is to make disciples, not just believers, so new Christians are also expected to help spread the faith
how can a Christian spread faith?
- advertising and using media
- praying for others to accept God
- sharing what God has done for them with others
- inviting people to Christian meetings, meals, and social events
what is the disagreement that’s occurring in Northern Ireland between Catholics and Protestants?
protestants want to be British, Catholics don’t want to - this results in conflicts and riots. now, a sense of peace has been reached, as the different denominations attend different schools, live in different neighbourhoods, and ultimately have nothing to do with each other. now, people are attempting to integrate catholics and protestants in primary schools, and taking down the dividing walls between the two sections at certain times during the day.
how is the Northen Ireland disagreement being reconciled?
IRISH CHURCHES PEACE PROJECT
- brings Catholics and Protestants together
- aims to develop peace and understanding between these two denominations
why is reconciliation important?
- humans were reconciled with God through Jesus’ death and resurrection
- reconciliation also helps to restore people’s relationship with God
- reconciliation is an important part of the Church’s work. restores relationships between individual people, or can work for peace between different groups or nations at conflict
why were early Christians prosecuted, and how?
- refused to worship Roman Gods (they made up practically every element of everyday life back then).
- romans sacrificed animals for their Gods, but Christians didn’t want to worship anyone other than God, and disagreed with making living sacrifices.
- had stones thrown at them, were crucified upside down, were eaten alive by tigers, were skinned alive.
how are Christians prosecuted today?
- 80% of all religious discrimination today is aimed at Christians, particularly in countries such as North Korea, Somalia, Iraq, Syria
- forced to pay extra tax, banned from good jobs, not allowed to build churches, Christian girls have been kidnapped, raped, and sold as slaves
how do Christians respond to their persecution?
- Jesus told everyone to expect persecution. if he could, his followers could
- gives Christians a chance to show love and forgiveness to others, even those who commit sins ‘Do not be overcome by evil, overcome evil with good’
- not all persecution has a negative effect, it can help to develop faith
- Christians accept persecution, as Jesus promises them eternal life in Heaven as a response to the unfair treatment (Beatitudes)
- however, it’s important to act against persecution, by supporting persecuted Christians wherever possible and campaigning on their behalf - ‘If one part suffers, every part suffers with it’
how did Brother Andrew help to fight Christian persecution?
during the communist persecutions of Christians in Eastern Europe, he and his comrades smuggles Bibles into Russia to help give strength to Christians there.
how does the Barnabus Fund help fight Christian persecution?
- sends financial support to Christians suffering discrimination, oppression and persecution.
- provides material and spiritual support, raises awareness for their suffering.
how does CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) help fight Christian persecution?
- human rights organisation fighting for religious freedom
- raises awareness for suffering, tries to influence governments
- offers training on human rights and helps the oppressed to speak up
how does CAFOD help to prevent poverty in the world?
CAFOD = Catholic Agency for Overseas Development
- promote long-term development plans. teach small communities how to farm, irrigate the land, sell their crops, meaning they can support themselves in the future
- have a disaster fund. in the case of a disaster, they’re able to send financial and material support to the poor.
how does Christian Aid help to prevent poverty in the world?
- stand for justice, equality, human rights; campaigns for climate justice, gender equality
- work around with the world with local communities and charities
- over £9 million raised each year from schools and businesses
- provides emergency aid, rebuilds buildings after disasters
how does Tearfund help to prevent poverty in the world?
- tries to help education about sanitation and the cause of illnesses in third world countries
- teaches women how to install toilets and how to maintain them. gives women a responsibility that they may not previously have had
why do Christians try to end world poverty?
- Jesus helped people in poverty in the New Testament and also outcasts (tax collectors, sinners)
- Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (go out of your way to help others)
- Treat others as you would like to be treated (Golden Rule)
- To get to Heaven and avoid Hell
- Good Samaritan (help all people)
what are the 7 sacraments recognised by the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches?
- baptism
- holy communion
- anointing of the sick (priest prays for someone ill, dying, etc.)
- reconciliation
- holy orders (men are ordained as priests)
- marriage
- confirmation (confers gifts of the Holy Spirit, e.g. wisdom, knowledge, understanding, upon a recipient)
what are the two sacraments recognised by Protestant churches?
baptism and Holy Communion. they believe Jesus taught people to undertake these
which churches don’t recognise any suffering?
the Quakers and the Salvation Army
is Believers’ Baptism considered a sacrament?
considered important but not a sacrament
