Christianity

Question 1

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Elements of the ceremony
Reception of the child

Answer 1

• the priest greets the child’s parents and all people present
  The priest reminds parents that the child is a gift from God
• To raise the child to love God and neightbour
• The priest, parents and God - parents claim the child for Christ

Question 2

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Elements of the ceremony
Celebration of God’s Word

Answer 2

• One or two of the following Gospel passages :John 3:1-5 (Jesus and Nicodemus talking about God’s Kingdom) Matthew 28:18-20 (Jesus sends the Apostles to preach and baptise) Mark 1:9-11 (The baptism of Jesus) and Mark 10:13-16 (Let the children come to me)
• After priest gives the homily, everyone present will pray for God to give the child a new lfie of Baptism
• The priest prays for God to free the child from original sin and sends holy spirit to dwell within

Question 3

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Elements of the ceremony
Celebration of the sacrament

Answer 3

• priest blesses water used for baptism
• the parents and God - Parents of child make faith known by saying apostles creed
• Then the Priest baptises the child saying “I baptise you in the name of the Father (Priest pours water on child’s head) and of the Son (He pours water a second time) and of the Holy Spirit (He pours the water a third time)
• The child is anointed with oil as a sign of a new membership in the Church, clothed with white garment as a sign of new life with Christ and God, and given a candle as a sign that Jesus the Light of the World is present.

Question 4

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Elements of the ceremony

Conclusion of Rite

Answer 4

Everyone present prays the Lord’s Prayer and the Priest blesses the parents, God-parents and the child. Everyone present answers ‘Amen’

Question 5

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Symbols and Objects
Water

Answer 5

• Water is a symbol of purification, new life and survival
• The symbol of water reflects the belief in rebirth and in cleansing from sin, which are at heart of the Christian gospel
• The use of water as the central symbol of baptism reflects the belief in God as the creator and human kinds dependence on God

Question 6

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Symbols and Objects
White Garment

Answer 6

• The white colour of the garment symbolises purity and a fresh start of the baptised person.
• Also symbolises ‘putting on Christ’ copying his words and deeds. It is white because in the Bible the colour for the clothing of the Messiah is white
• Expresses the idea that in baptism the individual is cleansed from original sin
  Baptism is therefore a new beginning for Christians

Question 7

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Symbols and Objects
Oil of Chrism

Answer 7

• The anointing with oil of Chrism is another symbol that symbolises healing and strength
• Christians are anointed with the oil as a sign of their mandate to share in the ministry Jesus
  Symbol of priesthood of believers - chosen for Christ
• Christians are anointed with oil mto confirm their calling to:
  Priests (mediators between God and humanity)
  Prophets (speakers of wisdom and truth
  Kings (heirs to the throne of the Kingdom of God

Question 8

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Symbols and Objects
Words and Gestures

Answer 8

• The sign of the Cross is a symbol and ritual action that expresses the Christian belief the triune God which is at the heart of the Christian faith
• The important words of the sacrament “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” in this action the Holy Trinity is expressed

Question 9

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Principal beliefs
Death and Ressurection of Jesus - symbol of water

Answer 9

Jesus was the sacrificial lamb and sacrificed his life for the freedom of his people He was put to death on the cross, and rose 3 days later and resurrected into heaven

Christians believe that an adherent is baptised into the death of Jesus. When they are immersed in water, their old self dies and when they arise from the water, they are resurrected anew and become whole in Christ

Question 10

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Principal beliefs
Salvation - Symbol of the White Garment

Answer 10

Jesus sacrificed himself to Christians so they could have access to eternal life in heaven. Salvation is attained by the grace of God

Symbol of White Garment
In the early days of the Church, new Christians were given a white garment to wear as a sign of new life and rejection from sin. White is a colour that is quintessentially associated with innocence and purity

Question 11

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Principal beliefs
The Blessed Trinity - Symbol of Words and Gestures

Answer 11

One God three persons: Father, son, Holy Spirit

1 - Father of all creation and the universe. Bringing God’s new life to all creation

2- God the son, Jesus Christ, redeemer and sustainer of life (turning all creation from sin and darkness and more fully to God

3- God the Holy Spirit, the sanctifier, blessing and making Holy

Baptism commences by an opening prayer ‘I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Baptism signifies entry into new life with the Holy Trinity which allows adherents to receive the Holy Spirit. - Immersion in water

Question 12

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Principal beliefs
Repetance - Symbol of Oil Of Chrism

Answer 12

Christians believe that baptism provides a path to turn away from temptation, sin and evil. Baptism encourages movement towards living the life of the Spirit

The Chrism oil is a symbol of dedication towards special service in the family of God
The fragrant perfume is a symbol of the beauty and dignity of a child of God

Question 13

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Signifance of this practice for the individual
Theological reflection

Answer 13

Theological reflection encompasses the process of conscious thinking of others and of the individual (images of death and new life, call to mind the death and resurrection of Jesus and images of creation renewal

Christian belief - Death and Resurrection of Jesus

Ceremony -
Symbol of water-
Christians believe that an adherent is baptised into the death of Jesus. When they are immersed in water their old self dies and when they arise from the water they are resurrected anew and become whole in Christ

“Most truly I say to you. Unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God” (John 3:5)
Theological reflection occurs on the symbol of water and its symbolic meaning of death and resurrection of Jesus. Within the quote above, Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about a new birth. Out of the water of baptism, a child of God is born and a new Chrsitian is welcomed into the Church

Question 14

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Signifance of this practice for the individual
Sense of belonging

Answer 14

Sense of belonging is experienced the sharing with a community of common mind and faith and a connection to scripture, symbols and rituals

Belief -
Salvation

Ceremony -
Symbol of White garment
In the early days of the Church, new Christians were given a white garment to wear as a sign of new life and rejection from sin. White is a colour that is quintessentially associated with innocence and purity

“Baptised in Christ, you have clothed yourself in Christ…you belong to Christ” (Galatians 3)

The newly baptised individual feels a strong sense of belonging that is being strengthened significantly by the faith of the community. This community is greater than the level of the local Church; it is the universal communion of the faithful who have shared, suffered and stood together for more than 2 thousand year

Question 15

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Signifance of this practice for the individual
Participation in the mission of the Church

Answer 15

Responsibilities are attained as a member of the Body of Chrust: and participation in the missions of the Church

(building a kingdom of God) is required during an adherent’s lifetime

Belief-
The Blessed Trinity

Ceremony -
Symbols of words and gestures -

Baptism is not only an immersion in water, but in the Holy Spirit. Christians are baptised in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that faith required for baptism is not perfect and mature. Instead it acknowledges that faith is a gift from God that will continue to flourish as one’s relationship with God grows, it is the beginning of the lifelong conversation
(CCC1253)

Baptism is the starting point of a new relationship between the individual and God and oneself committing to be an active member of the body of Christexpressed in the community of believers.

Question 16

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Signifance of this practice for the individual
Ties with the earliest Christian communities

Answer 16

Regarded as significant because of its direct link with the earliest Chrsitan communities and indeed with the life

Belief -
Repentance

Ceremony -
Symbol of oil of Chrism

The Chrism oil is a symbol of dedication towards special service in the family of God
The fragrant perfume is a symbol of the beauty and dignity of a child of God

“Learn, O Christian how great you are….. Do not return to your former base condition by behavior unworthy of your dignity (Pope St Leo the Great)

This quote displays a deep illustration that Christians have great dignity in the sight of God. The oil is a symbol of being chosen for a special task/service in life.

This case it is the child being called to take up the challenge of living according to the values which Christ gave his followers. The anointing with chrism is a reminder that new Christian shares the life of Jesus who was a priest, prophet and King

Question 17

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Signifance for the community
Theological reflection

Answer 17

Theological reflection offers to community (images of death and new life, call to mind the death and resurrection of Jesus and images of creation renewal

Belief - Death and Resurrection of Jesus

Ceremony - Symbol of water
Christians believe that an adherent is baptized into the death of Jesus. When they are immersed in water their old self dies and when they arise from the water they are resurrected anew and become whole in Christ

“Most truly I say to you. Unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God” (John 3:5)
Theological reflection occurs on the symbol of water and its symbolic meaning of death and resurrection of Jesus. Within the quote above, Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about a new birth. Out of the water of baptism, a child of God is born and a new Chrsitian is welcomed into the Church

Question 18

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Signifance for the community
Establish God-Parents

Answer 18

Some variants e.g Catholics and Orthodox establish God-Parents who guide and support candidates in leading a Christian life

Belief - Salvation

Ceremony -
Symbol of White garment
In the early days of the Church, new Christians were given a white garment to wear as a sign of new life and rejection from sin. White is a colour that is quintessentially associated with innocence and purity

“Baptized in Christ, you have clothed yourself in Christ…you belong to Christ” (Galatians 3)

Once the baptismal candidate belongs to Chris, God-parents and the wider Christian community, have a pivotal role in demonstrating appropriate behavior of a Christian.

Today the God-Parents is a person of guidance and a companions who provides ethical guidance for the candidate in their journey of faith, before and after their baptism

Question 19

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Signifance for the community
Re-evaluates commitment to faith

Answer 19

As each word is read, every gesture that is performed and each symbol that is presented the Christian community re-evaluates commitment to faith

Belief - The blessed Trinity

Ceremony - Words and gestures
Baptism is not only an immersion in water, but in the Holy Spirit. Christians are baptised in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father. And of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded” (Mathew 28:19

The community also benefits notably by the adoption of the new child of God.

The faith of the Christian that has been newly baptised, renews and encompasses the faith of the whole community in a tangible light.

The community is guided to reflect upon their own faith and the living witness they bring to please the love of God

Question 20

Significant practice within Christianity - Baptism

Signifance for the community
Perpetuating the ancient tradition

Answer 20

In celebrating each rite of baptism the Christian community is perpetuating the ancient tradition and honoring the intention of Jesus and the early disciples

Belief - Repentance

Ceremony- Symbol of oil of Chrism

The Chrism oil is a symbol of dedication towards special service in the family of God
The fragrant perfume is a symbol of the beauty and dignity of a child of God

“Learn, O Christian, how great you are…..do not return to your former base condition by behavior unworthy of your dignity” (Pope St Leo the Great”

The quote above illustrates that Chrsitians have strength and great dignity in the sight and love of God. Oil is a symbol of being chosen for a special task in life, in this circumstance the child is being called to take up the challenges of living according to the values which Christ gave his followers.

The anointing with Chrism shares the life of Jesus who was a priest, prophet and King

Question 21

Significant person - St Francis of Assisi

Contributions to Christiantiy by St Francis

A model of Jesus for others; emulating Jesus is possible

Answer 21

Accepting the marginalised

Kissing a leper -
He later said that as he did that, he experienced a feeling of sweetness in his mouth. According to some scholars, he saw the leper as a symbol of moral conscience while others believe he saw him as Jesus incognito.

Relinquishing wealth and turning towards God

St Francis father was frustrated that Francis was devoted to his Christian faith and not the wealth of the business so he abandoned St Francis

Upon abandoning his own wealth, Francis determined that there must be no man anywhere poorer than he.

No matter what rags Francis might be wearing, should he meet upon a beggar dressed even worse, Francis would immediately remove his own clothing and give it to the beggar. “I think the great Almsgiver would account it a theft in me,” he said, “did I not give that I wear unto one needing it more.”

Question 22

Significant person - St Francis of Assisi

Contributions to Christiantiy by St Francis

Call for peace - Attempted to develop a peaceful relationship with Suliman (The Crusades) and inspiration for Pope Francis’ visit to Egypt

Answer 22

The Religious war between Muslims and Christians also known as the Crussades, St Francis risked his life an attempted to bring peace

St Francis was determined to meet with Sultan (Muhammad Al-Kamil) to stop the war

with the two men discussing the need for dialogue and peace
between the two faiths. Francis could not prevent the wars that followed, but the
encounter set a foundation in the relations between the two religions

Question 23

Significant person - St Francis of Assisi

Contributions to Christiantiy by St Francis

Re - engaged Christian community with the scriptures

Answer 23

• St. Francis of Assisi desired to follow Jesus Christ and he wanted to always live according to the Gospel.
• One of the most profound ways that St. Francis came to know and follow Jesus was through the Scriptures.
• The writings of St. Francis include texts from the Scriptures.

“If you wish to be perfect, go, and sell all your possessions, and give to the poor…come follow me” (Matthew 19:21).

“Take nothing for your journey, neither staff nor knapsack, shoes nor money” (Luke 9:3).

“If any man will come after me, let him renounce self, take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24)

• They showed trust and confidence by basing the whole rule of their life on these passages that they believed God chose for them.
• The ideals of the scriptures were expressed through St. Francis’s love of God and his neighbour, especially the poor. St. Francis looked at the Bible as guidelines to living life in a way that is morally good in the eyes of the Lord.

Question 24

Significant person - St Francis of Assisi

Contributions to Christiantiy by St Francis

Established a lay religious group

Answer 24

• Third Order (Secular Franciscan Order)
  Early in his ministry Francis of Assisi recognised the need to include within his movement of reform and renewal people who lived the common life. The work of following Christ in simplicity, love and joy could not be restricted to the traditional religious life of the Friars and Sisters. This was true in the twelfth century and it remains so today; it is the vocation of all Christians.

THE THIRD ORDER consists of any people, men or women, married or single, priests or laity; who through following the ordinary professions of life feel called to a lifelong dedication under a definite discipline and vows.

• To make our Lord known and loved everywhere

By word and example Tertiaries witness Christ in their daily lives. By prayer and sacrifice they help forward God’s work wherever he has called them.

• To spread the spirit of love and harmony

By working happily with people of different race, colour, creed, education and opportunity Tertiaries seek to break down the divisions in the world. They try to live in the spirit of Saint Francis’ prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

• To live simply

Acknowledging that everything belongs to God, Tertiaries will use his gifts wisely, never wasting or destroying what God has made. They will provide the things necessary for themselves and their families without demanding luxuries. They will never forget the needs of others in their own country or elsewhere.

Question 25

Significant person - St Francis of Assisi

Impact St Francis had on Christianity

Canticle of creation (Re - shaped the view of God’s creation_

Answer 25

Francis demonstrates his personal spiritual relationship with God and creation. The words that he uses to address the world, such as ‘Brother,’ ‘Sister,’ or ‘Mother’, are not purely personifications with poetical relevance, but signify the spiritual relationship that Francis could enter into because he respected the sanctity of all created things.

When considering the Canticle of the Sun in the wider context of Francis’s life, it is important to note that Francis is regarded as the patron saint of ecology in the modern world. Francis is concerned with the conviction that God is reflected in all created entities.

Amongst the prevailing figures of spirituality in Francis’s time, he was commonly considered to be the saint who venerated the beauty of God’s creation and enforced the sanctity of life and the glory of existence, despite even the most severe suffering.

Francis regards the world as sacred and created by God. In the Canticle of the Sun, Francis praises nature, as through the elements of the world, human hearts and minds can be raised to God.

Question 26

Significant person - St Francis of Assisi

Impact St Francis had on Christianity

Founder of Two Franciscans Religious Order

Answer 26

First order

The Lesser Brothers emerged from the “form of Gospel life” chosen by Francis and his first companions in Assisi. Their call to “ follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ ‘’ led Francis and his brothers “to leave the world” by rejecting the structures of Assisi’s communal life to live at the margins of society among the poor and the outcasts.

Second order (Poor Clares)

The Order of Saint Clare, the Poor Clares, is part of the Franciscan family. It was founded in 1212 by St Francis and St Clare, to follow Christ in Gospel living with an apostolate of prayer.

The Gospel life was the centre and heart of Clare’s spirituality and she lived this life within a specifically contemplative setting, in the little monastery of San Damiano outside the walls of Assisi. For Clare, to follow Christ meant to contemplate Christ and to imitate him.

Other women, inspired by the same Spirit, soon joined her. Today there are Poor Clares in most countries of the world seeking to live the same Gospel life in the footsteps of Francis and Clare.

Question 27

Significant person - St Francis of Assisi

Impact St Francis had on Christianity

Catholic catechism and animals

Answer 27

The Catechism contains the essential and fundamental content of the Catholic faith in a complete and summary way. It presents what Catholics throughout the world believe in common. It presents these truths in a way that facilitates understanding.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

2415 The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation.
Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common
good of past, present, and future humanity. Use of the mineral, vegetable, and
animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral
imperatives. Man’s dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the
Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbour,
including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of
creation.

2416 Animals are Gods creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By
their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe them
kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi
or St. Philip Neri treated animals.

2417 God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own
image. Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be
domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific
experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within
reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.

2418 It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is
likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of
human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due
only to people.

Question 28

Significant person - St Francis of Assisi

Impact St Francis had on Christianity
Saint Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis (Inspiration for Laudato Si)

Answer 28

How did Francis of Assisi inspire Laudato Si? (praise be to you)
- The man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation
- We don’t have a good relationship with creation these days
- The beauty of the created world as the Book of Genesis tells us
- Respecting God’s creatures
- Radical poverty

What does the encyclical call on Christians to do?
- To protect all creation and to care for Mother Earth’s wounds
- Pollution, global warming, drinkable water, disappearance of crops and animals
- Ethical issue
Companies that increase pollution in third world countries
- Calls on Christians to embrace Ecological conversion protectors of God’s creation
- Challenges everyday Christians to care and admire nature
- Be responsible with the mission God entrusted to mankind with Creation
- Cultivate and care for the garden in which he has placed us
- Recycle, separate garbage and put on a sweater instead of turning up the heat

Question 29

Environmental Ethics

Christian Ethical Teachings
Stewardship - loss of biodiversity

Answer 29

The Christian understanding of stewardship guards against selfish or careless exploitation of the world’s resources.

· Sustainability - sustaining to keep and project the natural environments’ wellbeing
· Responsibility - being responsible for creations nd taking care of all living things

Outline the environmental issue of the loss of biodiversity -
Biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat. The main cause of the loss of biodiversity can be attributed to the influence of human beings on the world’s ecosystem.

Describe a Christian Organisation that promotes stewardship as a response to the loss of biodiversity -

Catholic Earthcare Australia is an ecological program first established in 2002 by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. Its mission is to help promote understanding among people that creation is sacred and endangered, and must be protected and preserved for present and future generations

What do they do?
Catholic Earthcare Australia invites all people of good faith to journey with it and work on the urgent and critical tasks of safeguarding the integrity of creation, protecting Earth’s fragile ecosystems and providing a voice for communities and victims of environmental degradation, injustice and pollution.

Question 30

Environmental Ethics

Christian Ethical Teachings
Justice - Climate change refugees

Answer 30

Global justice and equity: environmental degradation is falling disproportionately on the poorer nations of the world. There is inherent injustice

Climate change refugees
“people who have been forced to leave their traditional habitat, temporarily or permanently, because of a marked environmental disruption (natural and/or triggered by people) that jeopardises their existence and/or seriously affects the quality of their life” e.g. Kiribati has a population of 112,000 people. The Kiribati people will likely need to migrate from Kiribati because the recent changes to their environment (including - lack of rain, rising sea levels, salinity of water supply, stronger storm surges etc) means the country is becoming less sustainable and viable for living.

Describe a Christian Organisation that promotes justice as a response to climate change refugees

The Edmund Rice Centre is committed to the promotion of human rights, social justice and eco-justice through research, community education, advocacy and networking. Their priority areas are Indigenous People and Reconciliation, Refugees and Asylum Seekers and Pacific Island people affected by climate change.

The Edmund Rice Centre has identified the impact of climate change, especially on our neighbours in the Pacific as a priority area. They strive to -

Raise awareness about the causes of poverty and injustice and the need for human rights to be respected and advanced

Advocate for the needs of groups who are systematically excluded locally and globally
Promote social action that engages people in the work for social change

Question 31

Environmental Ethics

Christian Ethical Teachings
Co - creation - over consumption

Answer 31

· Co-Creation is an interactive process by which the wisdom of God finds its expression through human beings, both individually and collectively

Overconsumption is a situation where resource use has outpaced the sustainable capacity of the ecosystem. A prolonged pattern of overconsumption leads to environmental degradation and the eventual loss of resource bases

A Rocha is a Christian nature conservation organisation, our name coming from the Portuguese for ‘the Rock’, as the first initiative was a field study centre in Portugal. A Rocha projects are frequently cross-cultural in character, and share a community emphasis, with a focus on science and research, practical conservation and environmental education.

A Rocha supports biodiversity conservation projects that are managed by local members and associates, as well as develop networks around this vast country to encourage Creation care. A Rocha hosts annual national conferences with Bible colleges, mission agencies and churches.

Question 32

Environmental Ethics

Christian Ethical Teachings
Missions - pollution

Answer 32

Mission
To bring about the reign
To be a disciple

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants such as foreign substances, energies, and humane activity into the natural environment that cause adverse change and damage.

Hope For Creation is a movement of Australian Christians committing to prayer and action on pollution and climate change.

Raise awareness about pollution and climate change
Work with others to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions
Advocate to politicians for stronger action on pollution and climate change
Join with others in prayer and worship for creation