Christian Practices Flashcards
What are the main 3 types of communal worship?
Liturgical, non-liturgical and charismatic
What is a congregation?
A group of Christians meeting for worship
What is liturgical worship?
A form of worship that follows a set routine/pattern
What denominations do liturgical worship?
The Catholic Church, The Orthodox Church and the Church of England
What are believed to be the advantages of liturgical worship?
Some Christians feel the familiarity of the service and words helps them reflect more deeply on the meaning and significance
What is non-liturgical worship?
A form of worship that has a structure, but has freedom within that structure
What denominations do non-liturgical worship most?
Protestant and non-conformist churches
What are believed to be the advantages of non-liturgical?
Some Christians believe it prevents them getting stuck in a rut, where they constantly repeat the same words and practices, without really thinking about the purpose or meaning
What is glossolalia?
Speaking in tongues
What is charismatic worship?
A very free flowing form of worship, that follows little pre-meditated structure. Often includes spontaneous actions such as glossolalia
What denomination does charismatic worship most?
Evangelical churches
What are believed to be the advantages of charismatic worship?
Some Christians believe it is more personal, and comes from the heart. It often has a more relaxed style to it, allowing each individual to have their own personal experience
What is individual worship?
When Christians worship individually in their own space and time. It is seen as a way to develop their personal relationship with God, and seek God’s guidance for them in their lives
What is the purpose of worship for Christians?
It is seen as a way to develop their relationship with God, and seek God’s guidance for them in their lives. It also a way to demonstrate their dedication to God, and his involvement in their lives.
What are the Catholic Church’s 7 sacraments?
- Baptism
- Eucharist
- Confirmation
- Reconciliation
- Marriage
- Holy orders
- Anointing of the sick
What is a sacrament?
A ritual through which the grace/blessings of God can be received
What is eucharist?
The service in which congregations share bread and wine in the memory of Jesus’ sacrifice
What do Protestant churches recognise as the only 2 sacraments?
Only those brought into existence by Jesus (sacraments of the Gospel):
- Baptism
- Eucharist
What is transubstantiation?
The belief that the bread and wine offered during the Eucharist is actually transformed into Jesus’ body and blood. This means that during it, Jesus has a real presence
Who believes in transubstantiation?
The Catholic Church
What is consubstantiation?
The belief that during the Eucharist, Jesus is spiritually present
Who believes in consubstantiation?
Many Anglicans
Why is the Eucharist important?
- It reminds them of the sacrifice Jesus made for them
- It brings them closer to the other members of their Christian community
What is baptism?
It symbolises a person’s admission to the Christian Church. Water may be sprinkled over their head or they may be submerged- this symbolises purification and the washing away of sin
Why do some Christians choose an adult rather than a child baptism?
So they have made the conscious decision to admit themselves to God in becoming baptised
What is congregational prayer?
Prayer done in a group/with others
What is the Lord’s prayer?
The key things Christians need to remember when praying
Give the 5 main factors of the Lord’s prayer
- confession of things you have done wrong
- thanksgiving for all God has given
- adoration of God
- concern for others
- supplication
What is supplication?
Asking God for help during prayer- this could be for themselves or during intercessionary prayer
What are prayers of adoration?
Prayers that revolve around praising God’s wonderful character and love and appreciation towards him
What are prayers of confession?
Prayers that revolve around confessing something you have done wrong, or failed to do, in order to seek God’s forgiveness
What are prayers of intercessions?
Prayers that revolve around praying on behalf of/for someone else
What are prayers of thanksgiving?
Prayers that revolve around being grateful towards God
What are prayers of grace?
The practice of thanking God before eating a meal, as it is he who has provided it for them
What is praying in the spirit?
A prayer that is led by the Holy Spirit within the Christian. It is also often seen as praying in tongues (glossolalia)
What is meditation in Christianity?
When a believer focuses in stillness on God. This is often accompanied by a Bible passage, to help focus the mind upon God
What are the common purposes of going on a pilgrimage? (4 reasons)
- To bring them closer to God, as other distractions are stripped away
- The physical challenges of the pilgrimage can cause them to be more aware of their reliance upon God
- Being in places of religious significance can often have significant spiritual impacts
- Can cause an experience of awe and wonder, and perhaps a fresh revelation of God
Give 4 main places of pilgrimage
Lourdes
Jerusalem
Walsingham
Rome
What is the significance of Lourdes?
In 1858 at Lourdes, a girl claimed to have visions of God. A spring then appeared at the site of the visions.
Why do people travel to Lourdes today?
The spring there is considered to be able to heal both physically and spiritually. Often people leave having their relationship with God strengthened
What is the significance of Jerusalem?
It is where Jesus died
Why do people travel to Jerusalem today?
For many it helps the stories of the Bible, in particular Jesus, come to life, enabling them to reflect more deeply on their faith
What is the significance of Walsingham?
A women had a vision of the Virgin Mary’s house in Nazareth, and had a house built according to this vision. It is a place where many miracles have occured
What is the significance of Rome, Vatican city?
It is the location of the headquarters of the Catholic Church, and the home of the Pope. It is always where St Peter’s Church (the largest Christian church) is built
Why do people travel to Rome, Vatican city today?
To visit and experience the great holy sights, and participate in masses led by the Pope
How do Christians often use the advent period?
To prepare spiritually for Christmas, and the celebration of Jesus, in giving prayer and seeking God’s forgiveness
Why is Christmas important to Christians?
It is the celebration of Jesus’ incarnation
What is Lent?
40 days which are used by Christians as a period of fasting- this is to experience and relate to Jesus’ 40 days in the desert
What is Ash wednesday?
Churches have special Eucharist services on Ash Wednesday. They mark with ash a cross on their foreheads, as a visual reminder of the death and resurrection of Jesus
What is palm Sunday?
The start of Holy week, the Sunday before Easter weekend. It marks when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, and where crowds welcomed him
What is Maundy Thursday?
The day which marks the day of the last supper and Jesus’ prediction that someone would betray him
What is Good Friday?
The day which marks Jesus’ crucifixion
What is Easter Weekend?
The weekend of celebration of Jesus’ triumph over death and his resurrection
What is infant baptism?
Where an infant has either water sprinkled on them, or are submerged, to represent the cleansing of sin and the beginning of a Christian life
What is confirmation?
People who were baptised as an infant may make their own decision about belonging to the Christian faith when they are old enough by undergoing a ritual known as confirmation. This is were they are taught about the Christian faith.
What is the point of confirmation?
To ensure that a young person is clear on the decision they are making in becoming a Christian
What is believers baptism?
When a person chooses to be baptised, by asking God for forgiveness of their sins, and publicly commit themselves to the Christian faith
What are wedding vows?
Promises of love and commitment to one another in any circumstance forever
What do rings in marriage symbolise?
Commitment to each other
In what Churches is there often a Eucharist following the wedding?
Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox churches
What is the betrothal ceremony?
A part of an Orthodox wedding service, in which before the wedding the couple exchanged rings
What is a stefana?
A silver crown held over each couples head during marriage, to symbolise the royalty of marriage. This is performed in Orthodox services
What does the joint sipping of wine symbolise and what denomination performs this?
The couples joint sipping of wine represents the shared life they are about to undergo, and is performed by the Orthodox church
What are three common features of a Christian funeral?
- Bible reading
- Prayer
- Eulogy
What is eulogy?
A speech about the person’s life and achievements
What is the purpose of a committal statement?
They are committing the dead person to God’s care
What denomination include a requiem mass as part of their funeral service?
The Catholic Church
What is evangelism?
The spreading of the Christian faith
What is said to be the Christian mission?
- Continuing the work of evangelism
- Working to see the Christian message play out in society
What does Missio Dei mean?
God’s activity/mission
What is the WCC?
The World Council of Churches
What is ecumenism?
The idea of creating Christian unity. It recognises differences between denominations but aims to bring Christians together in shared worship
What Churches are and are not a part of the WCC?
The Orthodox, Protestant and CofE Church are all involved, however the Catholic Church is not
What are the aims of the Church together movement?`
To encourage churches to work together by strengthening relationships between denominations and nurturing new believers. It also helps those in need and fighting injustice
What is Christian Aid?
A Christian development charity that works to rid of poverty in around 50 countries. This is putting Jesus’ message of love into action
