Christian Practises Flashcards
Jesus’ baptism
the holy spirit entered him and he began a new life committed to God
infant baptism
- babies are baptised to wash away their original sin
- parents/god parents promise to raise the child as a Christian
confirmation
when a child is older they confirm their promises made at their baptism and can fully commit to a Christian life
believers baptism
- when an adult decides to commit to their faith
- happens at a Baptist or Pentecostal church
- these churches believe babies are too young to understand
holy communion
protestant churches celebrate it to remember Jesus’ last supper when he shared the pass over meal with his disciples
holy communion- Jesus
‘in remembrance of me’
protestant churches holy communion
the bread and wine is served from an ordinary table and anyone can share it out
catholic churches holy communion
- they believe the wine and bread is actually Jesus’s body and blood so they are actually taking a part of God into their bodies
- its kept on a holy place on the altar
- paten is the plate, chalice is the cup
- kept in a special box called a tabernacle
Salvation Army and Quakers view on sacraments
- unnecessary and not helpful
- meaningful symbols easily become meaningless rituals
- sacraments have divided Christians
- there are more effective ways of remembering Jesus, like helping the homeless
Iona
- tiny island off the west coast of Scotland
- a holy island since the 6th century when Saint Columba set up a monastery there
- remote, rugged and windswept which reveals God’s power and presence
what happens on pilgrimage to Iona?
- run by a ecumenical group (represent different churches)
- take part in everyday life like cooking and cleaning
- daily service, time for meditation and workshops
Lourdes
Bernadette saw a vision of the virgin Mary at a water fountain
There’s been 69 healings
what happens on pilgrimage to Lourdes?
- recite a rosary
- bathe or drink from the well
- to cure the sick or a spiritual healing
what is pilgrimage?
- a physical and spiritual journey to a sacred place
- people go to ask for forgiveness
- or its a payment for their sins
christmas
celebrates the incarnation of jesus
advent
- time of spiritual preparation
- fasting to remember what the world was like before jesus arrived
- begins 4 Sundays before Christmas
- a candle is lit each Sunday to mark the passing of time before Jesus arrives
ephiphany
Christmas traditionally lasted 12 days ending on January 6th which celebrates the wise men visiting Jesus
Christian Christmas traditions:
- school nativity plays
- carol singing
- lights and candles to symbolise hope
- Santa Claus was originally a Christian Saint Nicholas
easter
celebrates the resurrection
lent
Christians fast for 40 days to remember Jesus’ time in the wilderness before his Baptism
Palm Sunday
- a week before Easter Sunday
- remembers when Jesus rode through the Golden Gate into Jerusalem
Maundy Thursday
remembers Jesus celebrating passover with his disciples
Maundy celebrations
- Jesus washed the feet of his guests
- The pope holds a ceremony where he washes the feet of pilgrims in Rome
- the Queen now hands out Maundy Money to pensioners
Good Friday
remembers Jesus’ crucifixion
- the priests wanted him put to death but the Roman Governor couldn’t find a reason
- Pontius Pilate let us the public decide which prisoner to free
- the public goes Barabbas instead of Jesus
Holy Saturday
a paschal candle is lit in darkness to symbolise the light and hope that Jesus’ resurrection bought
Easter Sunday
remembers Jesus’ resurrection
- churches are filled with flowers (lilies to symbolise purity and hope)
- some Christians meet at dawn to watch the sunrise
what is Persecution?
mistreatment of someone because of they’re beliefs or race
Persecution- Matthew 5:10
‘blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’
types of persecution
- pay higher taxes
- prevent Christians from getting good jobs
- stop building churches
- attacks on homes or churches
positive effect of Persecution
it can help strengthen faith and share people’s suffering
Bible verses in response to persecution
‘turn the other cheek’
‘do not overcome evil with evil, but overcome evil with good’
Corinthians verse for Persecution
‘if one part suffers, every part suffers with it’
Open Doors response
- training for pastors
- literacy and vocational training
- counselling
- practical support for refugees
- public campaigns for justice
- deliver bibles
- financial/prayer suppourt
Coventry Cathedral
- bombed in WW2
- 3 nails fell from the original building into a cross and became the symbol for reconciliation
- ‘Father Forgive’ was written on the ruins
The Community of the Cross and Nails
- 170 partners in 35 countries
- brings peace and harmony
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- after the apartheid, Nelson Mandela set this up for perpetrators to meet their victims and ask for forgiveness
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the chair of it
Christian AId
tackle poverty in 3 main ways
- emergency relief
- long term aid
- campaigns
Trussel Trust
- started in 1997
- 420 foodbanks in the UK
Street Pastors
- 14,000 volunteers since starting in 2003
- prevent anti social behaviour
- give out water/flip flops to drunk people
The Alpha Course
- started in 1977
- questions and discussions about Christianity
