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.