Christian Practices Flashcards
Why might Christians go on Pilgrimage when it is not commanded in the Bible?
To experience what is in the Bible
Spiritual devotion (development)
Get closer to God
To see spiritual leaders e.g. Pope at Vatican
What are the pilgrimage sites in Christianity?
Lourdes
Jerusalem
Walsingham
Rome
What is Walsingham?
A pilgrimage site based off a Saxon noblewoman who saw the Virgin Mary in a vision and was told to build a church. There is a carving of the Virgin Mary there. People pray at (not worship) the church. It reminds people of the Holy Family and is said to have healing properties.
What is Lourdes?
A small town in France where Bernadette Soubirous saw Mary many times, who told her to build a church. People worship at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and march with candles. Water from a spring predicted by Mary is said to bless and heal pilgrims.
What is Jerusalem?
A city in the Middle East. Many important events in Jesus’ life are said to have happened there as he lived there towards the end of his life and died there. There are lots of holy sites there and many people go on pilgrimage there, especially at Easter. On Good Friday they may walk along the Via Dolorosa (way of sorrows) where Jesus travelled to his crucifixion.
What is Rome?
An important sits for Roman Catholics, as the Vatican is the home of the Pope. They take a pilgrimage to be close to the centre of their faith. Saint Peter’s Basilica is an important place many Catholics visit
What can churches do to build community?
Sunday school, youth groups, mother and child groups, visiting the elderly and the sick, street pastors, food banks
What are examples of rites of passage?
Baptism, confirmation, first communion, dedication, marriage
What is marriage for Christians?
A civil and religious commitment and a sacrament. A baptised man and woman vow to belong to each other in a permanent, exclusive, sexual partnership in the hope of having children and raising a family
What are funeral rites?
The customs and ceremonies that happen after a person’s death
What is eulogy?
A speech in praise of a person’s life at a funeral
What is evangelism?
Spreading the message of Jesus
What is Missio Dei?
God’s mission, bringing justice in the world and converting people to Christianity
What is gospel?
‘Good news’ - Jesus died to take the punishment for human sin and rose again so believers could receive salvation
What are some societies carrying out Christian mission?
Jehovah’s Witnesses
AIM
The Salvation Army
Gideons
What do Jehovah’s Witnesses do?
They spread their beliefs by visiting door to door and distributing literature. They also preach publicly
What do AIM do?
They aim to see “Christ centred Churches established among all Africa peoples”. They have missions to Africa to introduce people to Jesus
What do the Salvation Army do?
They have schemes to better the poor, bring comfort to the needy and help out the poor. They also give clothes to the homeless and visit the elderly.
What do Gideons do?
They distribute Bibles to places like hotel rooms, hospitals and jails to distribute God’s word.
What is ecumenism?
The promotion of unity within Christianity. It seeks to allow different denominations to understand each other and worship together, while recognising various differences in belief and practice.
What is Taizé?
A village in central France, founded by Brother Roger to give refuge to Jews escaping Nazi persecution. It has a Church of Reconciliation and people go to search, meet others, pray, reflect. Its purpose is to socialise young Christians from all countries.
What is Iona?
A small holy island off Scotland. There is an Iona Community, formed of different Christians, who aim to seek new ways of living the Gospel of Jesus today. Residential camps are run for people to come together and pray.
What is Corrymeela?
A community based in Northern Ireland. They promote reconciliation and peace building by healing divisions caused by The Troubles.
What is persecution?
Ill treatment and hostility, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs
What is Open Doors?
A mission supporting persecuted Christians in over 60 countries, by delivering Bibles, conducting seminars, running Bible based literacy courses, and providing spiritual and legal aid to prisoners.
What is agape?
Selfless, unconditional love
What are some Christian aid agencies?
CAFOD
Christian Aid
Tearfund
What is CAFOD?
A Catholic agency working in the developing world by working with poor communities to end poverty and injustice.
What is Tearfund?
A charity created by the United Nations to alleviate poverty and provide relief.
What is Christian Aid?
An agency that works to alleviate poverty around the world
What are some Christmas traditions?
Christingle, relationship with Saturnalia, kissing under mistletoe, Christmas trees, Father Christmas, robins, exchanging presents
What is the Orthodox belief of Christmas?
It is celebrated on the 7th January. They may fast before Christmas Day to shift focus on others and spend more time on prayer and looking after the poor. Many Orthodox churches light a small fire of blessed palm and burn frankincense
What is Holy Week?
The week of Easter. It begins on Palm Sunday and includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday
What is the Orthodox tradition of Easter?
It takes place later than western Easter. The tomb of Jesus had a spontaneous fire light so lots of people have lit torches. A funeral service for Jesus is sometimes held on Holy Saturday
What is worship?
Showing adoration, love, and honour to God
What is congregation?
A group of Christians meeting for worship
What is communal worship?
Worship in a congregation, usually at a Sunday service
What is liturgical worship?
Formal worship that uses set patterns e.g. reading from service sheets and books. It is the same at every service.
What are the liturgical colours?
White and gold - special celebrations e.g. Easter and Christmas
Red - recalling the suffering and death of Jesus
Green - ordinary time (represents hope)
Violet or purple - Advent and Lent
What is Eucharist?
A service where the congregation receives bread and wine, representing Jesus’ body and blood, to remember Jesus’ suffering and death
What is the service of the Word?
A service focusing on Bible readings and the sermon. It is longer and more developed than a sermon in a Eucharist service and does not include Eucharist
What happens in Anglican worship?
Hymns are sung
The Nicene Creed and Gospel readings may be said
Eucharist may take place
The Book of Common Prayer or Common Worship may be used for direction
How is Roman Catholic worship different to Anglican worship?
Belief in transubstantiation rather than consubstantiation
What is transubstantiation?
The Catholic belief that during Eucharist bread and wine transform into Jesus’ body and blood
What is consubstantiation?
The Protestant belief that during Eucharist Jesus’ body and blood is spiritually present in the bread and wine, as his sacrifice is celebrated
What happens in Quaker meetings?
People sit in silence in the meeting room, where they can reflect, think, listen and come closer to God. There are no ministers and everyone can contribute. People can speak, called ministry, if they feel compelled to do so. When two Quakers shake hands the meeting ends and others also shake hands.
What happens in Greek Orthodox worship?
There are two parts: ‘Liturgy of the Word’, where Bible readings, prayers, and hymns are said, and ‘Liturgy of the Faithful’, where the Nicene Creed, more hymns, and the Lord’s Prayer are said, and where Eucharist, or Divine Liturgy, takes place.
What happens in Methodist worship?
It is similar to Anglican services but some services may be slightly less structured. Eucharist, or communion, is open, meaning all people are welcome to take part, and usually takes place once per month
What happens in non-liturgical services?
They may be more spontaneous and have little pre-organised structure. Although there may be a minister, people may pray in their own ways, decide hymns or readings, or preach the sermon. They may say it helps them think about what they are saying.
What happens in Charismatic worship (e.g. in Pentecostal Churches)?
There is no set pattern, but there is often dancing, clapping, and people putting their hands up. Anyone may say prayers or start hymns. It aims to communicate with the Holy Spirit.
What happens in individual worship?
Prayer and Bible readings, usually with the help of a study book. This may have suggested daily readings and an explanation of the meanings.
What is a sacrament?
A ritual through which the grace (or blessings) of God can be received. It can be seen as an outward sign of an inward grace.
What are the sacraments in Catholicism and the Orthodox Church?
Baptism Eucharist Confirmation Reconciliation Marriage Holy Orders Anointing of the sick
What are the sacraments in Protestant churches and why?
Baptism and Eucharist (Sacraments of the Gospel)
They have a direct link to Jesus as he performed them
Why is the Eucharist important?
Reminds Christians of the sacrifice of Jesus and salvation
Creates closer community
Obeys Jesus’ command and shares his experiences
What is baptism?
Sprinkling water over a person’s head or immersing them in water to symbolise being washed clean from sin and a person’s admission into the Church
What is infant baptism?
Also called a christening, it is baptising a baby to receive God’s blessing and a promise that the child will be raised Christian. It is practised by the Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, and the CofE
What is believer’s baptism?
Baptism as adults as it should be a conscious decision. Grace is received because of the expression of faith, not the ritual. It is practised by non-conformist denominations like Baptist and Pentecostal Churches
What denominations do not practise baptism and why?
Quakers and the Salvation Army, as they feel they receive God’s grace inwardly and have no need for an outward ceremony
What are the two types of prayer?
Set prayers or liturgical prayers
Informal prayers or extempore prayers
What is the Lord’s Prayer?
A set prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 that includes key things to remember while praying. It is often said in Church services
What is a rosary?
A string of beads attached to a crucifix, used by some Catholics in private worship
What are the types of prayer?
Supplications Praying in the Spirit Intercession Thanksgiving Grace Adoration Meditational Confession
What is adoration?
Prayer focussing on God’s character and adoring Him
What is confession?
Prayers when people say to God what they have done wrong and ask for forgiveness
What are supplications?
Prayers where people ask God for personal help
What is intercession?
Prayer involving praying on behalf of others in the hope that God will help them
What is thanksgiving?
Prayer where people thank God for his provision in their lives
What is grace?
Prayer where Christians recognise all they have received is part of God’s goodness. It is usually said before eating
What is praying in the Spirit?
Inspired prayer led by God’s Holy Spirit. It also could mean praying in tongues
What is meditational prayer?
Prayer where a believer focuses in stillness upon God. A Bible passage may be used
What is pilgrimage?
A physical journey to a place of religious significance
What is Advent?
A season that begins on the fourth Sunday before the 25th December and marks the start of the liturgical Church year. It marks the period of waiting to celebrate Jesus’ birth and for his Second Coming (Parousia).
What celebrations take place on the run up to, on, or after Christmas?
Advent wreaths with four candles, where one is lit every Sunday
Christingle services, representing Jesus as the light of the world
Midnight mass on the midnight of Christmas eve
Christmas day services to celebrate Jesus’ birth
Christmas day services on the 7th January for Orthodox Christians, which may include burning frankincense
Why is Christmas important to Christians?
Celebrates Jesus’ incarnation
Looks forward to Parousia, Jesus’ Second Coming
Reflecting on the need for peace in the world and helping the less fortunate, especially for denominations like the Salvation Army
What is Lent?
A period of forty days before Easter, often used as a time of fasting or where Christians give up something they usually enjoy. It recalls when Jesus’ spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness and resisted temptation from Satan to stop fasting. It begins on Ash Wednesday
What happens at Ash Wednesday?
Worshippers have a cross drawn on their foreheads with ashes that come from palm crosses burned in the preceding year’s Easter celebration. It reminds them to focus on the suffering and death of Jesus. It marks the start of Lent.
What is Palm Sunday?
The start of Holy Week on the Sunday before Easter. It remembers Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey (showing his humble behaviour) and being welcomed by people with palm branches. Churches today give out crosses made of palm leaves.
What is Maundy Thursday?
The day of the Last Supper, where Jesus’ washed the disciples’ feet, established the Eucharist, and predicted that he would be betrayed by a disciple. Ministers today wash the congregation’s feet (in Catholic churches only 12 of them). The Monarch gives out Maundy money to senior citizens who have serviced their community. It shows how Jesus was humble
What is Good Friday?
When Jesus was crucified. Churches may remove all decorations and hold services to reflect on his death and on sin. There may be ‘passion plays’ about his suffering and deaths. Catholics and others will move around the church, stopping and praying at each of the 14 Stations of the Cross.
What are Easter Saturday and Sunday?
Remembering Jesus’ resurrection and victory over sin. Churches will put up decoration again. On Saturday a Paschal candle will be lit to recognise Jesus’ wounds and on Sunday a service of praise will be held, celebrating Jesus’ triumph over death. A baptism may take place to symbolise new life.
What are rites of passage?
Rituals and celebrations that mark important stages in life
What are the differences between CofE and Catholic baptism?
Catholics rub blessed oil (chrism) on the child’s forehead afterward to symbolise the coming of the Holy Spirit. A candle may be lit from the Paschal candle to represent moving to light.
What is confirmation?
A ritual where baptised children make a decision to belong to the Christian faith when they are old enough, usually at age 11-12. People take part in classes beforehand to learn more about Christianity and what happens at the service.
What is dedication?
A service in non-conformist Churches (e.g. Baptists) where infant baptism does not take place. It is the alternative that parents take their babies to, where God is thanked for the birth and the parents and congregation make promises to bring the child up in the Christian faith until the child can declare their own faith. Prayers are said.
What happens at believer’s baptism?
An adult asks God for forgiveness of sins and may give a testimony of how they have become a Christian. They stand in a pool of water in a Church, often wearing white, and the minister lays them back fully, baptising them, before standing them back up.
What happens at a Christian marriage ceremony?
The minister explains the purpose of marriage
The couple exchanges vows
The couple exchanges rings and the minister asks God to bless the vows
Prayers are said for the couple
The couple are given their marriage certificate
How are Orthodox wedding services different from other Christian weddings?
Rings are exchanged before the wedding
Most rituals are repeated three times to represent the Trinity
Silver crowns are held over the bride and groom’s heads and placed on their heads when the priest prays for blessings
What are the benefits of attending a funeral service for mourners?
It acknowledges that a person is no longer part of this world but is safe in God’s care
The person’s life is celebrated
They can publicly express love or admiration for the person
It is a beginning of the person’s life with God
They can draw comfort from other mourners
What happens at a Christian funeral service?
Bible reading Eulogy Prayers Hymns Requiem Mass (at Catholic Churches) Burial/cremation
How do Church communities support families?
Services for significant life events e.g. marriage
Supporting families in difficult times e.g. funerals
Volunteer services to help people like the elderly
Getting involved in local charities and organisations
Services for young people e.g. Sunday School
What is the World Council of Churches?
An organisation involving almost all Churches apart from the Catholic Church. It aims to promote evangelism and reconciliation
What was the House Church movement?
A movement started in the 1960s, where believers would meet and worship in their homes, led by the Holy Spirit and not controlled by formal liturgies. People may pray and study the Bible with friends.
What are the three focuses of the World Council of Churches (WCC)?
To seek visible unity in one faith
To promote common witness through mission and evangelism
To engage in Christian service by meeting human needs and breaking down barriers
What is the Christians Together Movement?
A movement that encourages Christians to work together
