Christian Practices Flashcards
What is a pilgrimage?
A journey to a sacred place. Both a spiritual and physical journey.
Why would someone go on a pilgrimage?
To ask for forgiveness, to think over a difficult decision, seek a cure for an illness, spend time with other Christians.
Give two contrasting examples of pilgrimages
Iona- Tiny island off the west coast of Scotland.
Lourdes- France, Bernadette had her vision there
What do volunteers do at the pilgrimage?
Travel alongside a sick patient, meet up with people there and take care of them during their stay.
Nature of god
Omniscient
Omnipotent
Omnibenevolent
Transcendent
God is outside of the universe
State the parts of the trinity
Farther
Son
Holy Spirit
Why is God ‘just’
The universe is fair
What do fundamentalist Christians believe about the creation story?
It’s literally true
What do liberal Christians believe about the creation story?
It’s an allegory
What should people take from the creation story?
God created everything
God is responsible for all order
Everything god created was good
Human beings are created in the image of God
How does God reward justice?
If you live a good life u are rewarded. If you are bad you will be punished.
Why do Christians try and live a good life?
To be rewarded in heaven
Bible verse as to why you should live a good life
“What ever you do for the least of my brothers you do for me “
Why would God forgive us if we have misbehaved?
Because he is ‘just’ he will understand the reason why we misbehaved.
Define transcendent
God is apart from creation
Summarise the problem of evil
If God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent then why is there suffering in the world?
What is the free will defence?
Adam and Eve were given free will but abused it. Now every born human is cursed with original sin and this explains why we suffer.
How does the Holy Spirit change peoples lives?
Strength to overcome addiction or Martin Luther King the strength not to back down
Who is ‘God the son’
Jesus
Define incarnation
(Literally) become flesh-God took form of a man
Which version of Jesus’ birth states it’s literally true?
Gospels of Matthew and Luke
Which version of jesus’ birth states it should be interpreted as symbolic?
Johns gospel
Bible verse that shows how logos controlled chaos?
‘The word became flesh and dwelt amongst us’
Why is the incarnation significant to Christians?
It shows that God loves us because he was prepared to become a humble man
What was the crucifixion?
Jesus was arrested for blasphemy and was put to death by a Roman governor for treason
Why do Christians believe Jesus’ death was not an accident?
Because apparently it was part of God’s plan and this way Jesus atoned our sins and brought us closer to God
How can you heal your sins and make things right with God?
Sacrifice animals
People believed Jesus died for the sake of our sins
Why does the crucifixion show God loves us?
It was a huge sacrifice
Define atonement
AT-ONE-MENT
What was the resurrection?
Jesus rose from the dead
Why is the resurrection significant?
Proves Jesus was the son of God
What does the resurrection prove?
There is life after death
What is God more powerful than and what is is evidence?
He is more powerful than death which is proven by the resurrection
Why do Christians take comfort from knowing God was once human?
They know that he experienced suffering/ temptation
So he will understand if they sin
What was the ascension?
40 days after the resurrection Jesus was taken up to heaven
Why is life after death necessary?
To make the world fair
What proof is there for life after death?
Near death experiences
An atheist view on life after death
There is none. When we die are body shuts down
Apostles verse for life after death
“I believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting”
What happens allegedly to your soul when die?
It leaves your body and goes to heaven.
What happens at the end of time?
The day of judgement
Where do catholics believe you go when you die?
Purgatory
Dow we know what heaven is like?
No we have no way of knowing. Peoples descriptions are symbolic and individual.
What is hell like?
In the bible it suggests that he’ll is being away from God for eternity.
C.S lewis’ view on heaven and hell.
They’re the same place . We either enjoy Gods presence because we are proud or we don’t because we are guilty
What are good works?
An example is following what Jesus said or following the laws of the Old Testament
Who are you caring for when you carry out good works?
The lesser of society
Parable of the sheeps and goats
God tells people they will go to heaven because they completed good works and people that didn’t will go to hell
Why do Protestant Christians think we will go to sin no matter what?
Original sin unless we have to ask for forgiveness as Jesus died for our sins
Why would believing that to get to heaven you need to do good works impact someone’s life?
They will try and love a good life by following laws from the Old Testament and Jesus’ example
Why would a Christian change what they do because Jesus sacrificed himself for us?
They will sacrifice their time to help others.
Why will knowledge of an after life help some people?
If they are struggling they will know that life is short and they will be in the afterlife soon
What is worship linked to?
How much God is worth to you and this will strengthen your relationship with him
Liturgical worship
Same routine on a weekly basis. Usually readings from the same prayer book. Mostly practiced in a Catholic Church. Holy communion reminds them of Gods forgiveness. People like it because if they travel they know the survive will be the same and unchanging.
Non liturgical worship
Found in baptist churches as well as Methodist churches. There is no prayer book and services are similar each week but are much less formal.
Informal worship
Found in Quaker churches and is very spontaneous
Private worship
Happens outside church when you are alone or with someone close to you .
What are Catholic sacraments?
Baptism, conformation, communion, marriage
What symbolic things are used in Catholic sacraments?
Water, bread, wine
Why do Christians baptise children?
They are following jesus’ example
Why would children be free of sin once baptised?
When Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist the Holy Spirit took over him and he began a new life. Christians believe that when they are baptised the Holy Spirit will guid them through life.
Why do most people baptise their children?
It’s tradition
Why would innocent babies be considered sinners?
Original sin
When do vicars make a cross out of water on a baby’s head
At a baptism
What do people where at baptisms?
White
What are god parents?
People who will guide the baptised child though life as a Christian.
What is believers baptism?
An adult or teenager who commits themselves to the christan faith.
Where do believers baptisms usually take place?
Pentecostalist churches
What does believers baptism entail?
Full immersion in a pool/ public swimming baths/lake
What do believers do at their baptism?
Explain to others why they have chosen Christianity before entering the pool.
How do Protestant churches celebrate holy communion?
Bread and wine is shared on an ordinary table and anyone can hand it out, cup and plate are not considered sacred objects.
How do Catholic Churches celebrate holy communion?
Wine is kept in the alter, cup and plate are considered as part of jesus’ body, only a priest can serve communion if anyone else dod this it would be considered disrespectful.
Why do Quaker’s or the Salvation Army not recognise the sacraments?
They think meaningful symbols can become meaningless rituals
And Jesus was more interested in people than ceremonies
How have sacraments been historically divisive?
Catholic and Protestants argue over the order of communion.
Why would sacraments get in the way of a personal relationship with god?
People are forced to take part in rituals that they don’t understand. This could put them off god for good.
Why do quakers campaign for equality etc and the Salvation Army work amongst the homeless on a daily basis?
Because Christianity should be part of every day and not something only practised on a Sunday.
What does Christmas celebrate?
The incarnation of Jesus
How long does the Christmas celebrations last
12 days (ends jan 6th)
What are Christmas secular tradition examples?
Nativity plays, carol singing, lights and candles, Santa, gifts
Why is Easter important?
Christians remember jesus’ final week alive.
What is lent
40 days before Easter (fasting etc)
What is Palm Sunday?
They day Christians remember when jesus rode through the golden gate
What is Mundy Thursday ?
Celebrating jesus’ Passover with disciples.
What is good Friday?
The day jesus was put to death
What is Easter Sunday?
Celebrates Jesus’ resurrection
What is a pilgrimage?
A journey taken to a sacred place alone or in a group.
Why do people go on pilgrimages?
To ask for forgiveness
Time to think
Seek cure for illness
Spend time with other Christians
What is Iona
A tiny island situated off of the coast of Scotland and is a pilgrimage for those who believe gods presents Is revealed through nature
What do u do at Iona?
It’s a community so you take part in cooking and cleaning, there is a place of worship and meditation workshops, some choose to hike
What is Lourdes?
Situated in the south of France. Bernadette experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary. Very commercial, there has been 69 healings.
What happens at Lourdes?
Visit where Bernadette experienced her vision,people have volunteers that stay with them, people faced with disease or illness feel more positive about their situation, people buy gifts and take home holy water
What is persecution?
Hostility or ill treatment due to prejudice of race or religion.
What did Jesus say to those who were persecuted?
Turn the other cheek and love your enemies.
What are examples of persecution
Higher taxes, prevention of good jobs, attacks on homes or churches and murder
Why can persecution have a positive effect?
It makes churches closer (if one part is hurt they are all hurt)
What is open doors?
They offer education, training, support and campaign and spread awareness for those persecuted
What is reconciliation?
Harmony after relationships have been broken.
Biblical example of reconciliation.
When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, he saved people and made it possible for gods enemies to become friends.
Non biblical example of reconciliation in Coventry.
When Coventry Cathedral was bombed two beams fell from the roof and became a powerful symbol of reconciliation and lead to the formulation of ‘the cross of nails’
Why is poverty a sanctity of life issue?
It is wrong for people who are made in gods image to die and leave life unsatisfied.
What do Christian aid do?
Provide help for those in need
Emergency aid
Long term aid
Campaigns
What does long term aid consist of?
Helping people escape the poverty cycle (digging wells, setting up businesses)
How do Christians act in every day life?
As Jesus would (agape)
What are food banks?
Provide food for those who need to provide for their family’s and can’t
What are street pastors?
Adult volunteers who patrol the streets to prevent crime and people getting hurt.
What is evangelism?
Spreading Christianity and getting people to follow their faith
What are missionary’s?
Spread good news to non believers of jesus’ actions
