Christian Practises Flashcards
Worship
Acts of religious praise, honour or devotion
May involve prayer, meditation, bible readings, singing hymns, preaching, sharing food, pilgrimage, celebrating festivals or using art music or drama
Liturgical worship
A church service that follows a set structure or ritual
Formal prayers led by a priest
Sermons gospels bible readings
Music hymns chanting
Eg Eucharist for catholic orthodox and Anglican churches
Non liturgical worship
A church service that does not follow a set text or ritual
In non conformist churches (Methodist baptist and united reformed churches) there may be a theme
Emphasis on word of god
Service based on bible readings although holy communion may be celebrated regularly
Same basic structure
Informal worship
A type of non liturgical worship sometimes spontaneous or charismatic in nature
May depend on spontaneous prayers or sharing of thoughts
Eg Quaker worship which is silent
Eg Pentecostal church which may involve dancing clapping calling out and speaking in tongues
Private worship
When a believer praises or honours God in his or her own
Prayer meditation studying or using aids such as an icon or a rosary
Characteristics of liturgical worship
People receive forgiveness through the priest and living presence of Jesus in holy communion
Bible readings follow Christian calendar and teach history and faith of old New Testament and Paul’s letters
Worldwide set order
Ritual passed down through generations
Characteristics of non liturgical and informal worship
Style of worship follows that of early Christians who met to hear about Jesus in the joy of the spirit after Pentecost
Faith expressed in many ways
Christians share personal interpretations of the bible
Active part in church by praying aloud or speaking without formal training
Emotional impact or personal revelation
Prayer
Communicating with god either silently or through words of praise thanksgiving or confession or requests for gods help or guidance
How do different denominations pray?
Orthodox stand and use icons
Nonconformists sit
Anglicans kneel
Catholics rosary
Set prayer
Prayers that have been written down and said more than once by more than one person eg the Lord’s Prayer
Informal prayer
Prayer that is made up by an individual using his or her words
Nonconformist
An English Protestant who does not conform to the doctrines or practices of the established Church of England
Significance of private worship and prayer
Helps build up discipline and strength to cope in times of trouble
It encourages a routine that allows time for reflection in a busy day
Peace through prayer and meditation
Sense of communion with god
Importance of Lord’s Prayer
Gives individuals a pattern for how to pray as it combines giving praise to god and asking for ones needs
Reminds Christians that they must forgive others in order to be forgiven
Reminds Christians that god is the father of the whole community not just individual
Often used in worship and prayed out loud by all members of congregation together
Nearly always said at holy communion baptisms marriages and funerals
Even non believers feel its impact
Sense of unity and spiritual purpose
Sacraments
Rites and rituals through which the believer receives a special gift of grace; for anglicans, catholics and Protestants they are outward signs of inward grace
Baptism
Ritual through which people become members of the church
Involves using water as a symbol of washing away sin
Protestant
Branch of Christianity
Protested against some of Catholic Church practises
Many denominations
All agree on central belief that bible is only authority for Christians
Believers baptism
Initiation into the church by immersion in water of people old enough to understand ceremony and willing to live a Christian life
Infant baptism
Ritual where babies and young children become church members
Promises taken for them by adults
Infant freed from sin and introduced to the saving love of god and the support of the Christian community
How do sacraments help Christians
Involve symbolic actions words and physical elements eg water in baptism and bread and wine in holy communion
Help strengthen relationship with god by making him part of their lives
Affirm that Christians are part of the body of Christ with all its responsibilities
Bible quote for baptism
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptising them in the name of the father the son and the Holy Spirit
Matthew
Why should a baby be baptised if they are too young to sin
Catholic and orthodox believe all descendants of Adam and Eve have a tendency to sin and need salvation because they committed the first sin
Baptism removes the original sin
Oil white clothes and candles lit from the paschal candle used
Which Christians don’t believe in infant baptism
Baptist’s and Pentecostalists
Holy communion
A service of thanksgiving in which the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus are celebrated using bread and wine
Eucharist mass the lords supper breaking of bread Divine Liturgy
Eucharist
From word meaning thanksgiving in Greek
Service of thanksgiving where sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus is celebrated using bread and wine
What are different interpretations of holy communion
Catholics orthodox and Anglican’s believe in transubstantiation- bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Christ. Believe they become present at the death and resurrection of Christ which saves them.
Protestants celebrate holy communion as a reminder of Jesus last words and actions at the last supper, bread and wine remain symbols of the sacrifice and help reflect on Jesus death meaning and resurrection in their lives
Impact of holy communion
Receive God’s grace Sacrifice becomes a present reality Unifies community of believers Strengthens commitment Support and encouragement Love others- shared meal Reminds them of starving people Encourages them to work for equality and justice Collect money during service
Pilgrimage
A journey by a believer to a holy site for religious reasons
Act of worship and devotion
Importance of Christians
Grow closer to god Strengthen faith Express sorrow for sin Seek forgiveness Reflect Pray Thank god Seek a cure Help others Experience Meet people Advice from priests or monks Cleanse from sin
Lourdes
South west France Dedicated to Mary Bernadette saw Mary in a cave in 1858 Recite rosary and bathe in water 67 miracles and 6000 cures
Iona
Island on West coast of Scotland
Dedicated to Mary
Thin place veil between spiritual and physical world is thin
Remote and windswept
Nature reveals gods infinite power and presence
Reflection or meditation
Festival
A day or period of celebration for religious reasons
Christmas
Commemorates the incarnation
Season of 12 days ending with the epiphany
Easter
Religious season celebrating resurrection of Jesus from the dead
Starts with Easter Day and finishes with feast of Pentecost
How is Easter celebrated
Most important Remember events of sacrifice on good Friday Special services Processions Flowers Hymns Orthodox walk around church at midnight on Saturday and enter with lit candles Light paschal candle Holy communion Open air services Share breakfast
How is Christmas celebrated
25 dec 12 days Ends with epiphany Trees Lights Nativity scenes Carols Midnight mass Cards Gifts Charity giving
Church
1- holy people of god, body of Christ, among whom Christ is present and active
2- a building in which Christians worship
What does the church do
Christians meet pray get spiritual guidance and socialise Bible studies Prayer meetings Help in local community eg youth club Social services eg schooling medical care championed the neglected Food banks Street Pastors Parish nursing
Examples of how church provides for local communities
Trussel trust food banks
Oasis project
