Christianity - Practices Flashcards
1
Q
Which sources of authority in Christianity do different denominations look to?
A
catholic church - authority of the pope, bishops etc. priests leading sacraments and liturgy etc,
protestants- bible is highest source of authority
charismatic Christian - importance of holy spirit
2
Q
Describe the concept of worship in Christianity.
A
- Worship is a believer’s means to show their adoration, love, honour and respect for God
- It is two way -> we communicate with God, and God also communicates with us in some way
- there are many different ways to worship God (lots of diverging practices)
3
Q
What is the purpose of worship?
A
Worship covers any acts of devotion to God.
- to spend time with god, building a relationship
- to ask for forigveness
- to ask God for help
- to praise and thank God
- to recieve God’s grace through the sacraments
4
Q
What is congregational/communal worship? What are the benefits for Christians?
A
Worshiping in ‘congregation’ - a group of Christians meeting to worship together
- may feel more close to God, worshipping with people sharing the same beliefs and attitudes
5
Q
What are the 3 main, basic forms of worship?
A
Liturgical, Non-Liturgical, Charismatic
6
Q
What is Liturgical worship? Which denominations use it?
A
Worship which follows a set structure/pattern for the service
- congregations responds to person leading the service by reading set words from a book.
- The service and things said and done are the same every time
-> familiarity of service and words helps Christians reflect more deeply on their meaning/significance
Roman Catholic, Orthodox, C of E
7
Q
What else makes up Liturgical Worship?
A
Set changes to the Church environment reflects the importance of organisation and liturgy.
- symbolic use of colour in the C of E and Catholic Church, tied with the Church year
- special Church services and liturgies during different seasons/days of the liturgical year (e.g. distinct prayers) to reflect the spirit of the occasion
- The colours of the vestments of the priest, worn in the service expresses the character of what is being celebated or remembered
8
Q
Which different colours in the Church symbolise what?
A
- White and Gold are used for special celebrations; Easter, Christmas
- Red (colour of blood) is used on days when Christians recall the suffering and death (passion) of Jesus, and recalls the coming of the Holy Spirit, used on Pentecost, and for confirmation
- Green is used during ordinary times, to represent hope
- Violet or purple are used in advent to remind Christians that it a time of preparation for the coming of Christ, as well as in Lent, the season of penance and renewal
9
Q
What are the two main types of service within liturgical worship?
A
- The Eucharist service
- service of the Word
10
Q
What is the Eucharist service?
A
- focusses on the Eucharist, celebration or rememberence of Jesus’ suffering and death
- during the service, the congregation recieves bread and wine, which represents Jesus’ body and blood
- there will be readings from the Bible, hymns and a short sermon
11
Q
What is the service of the Word?
A
It doesn’t include Eucharist, but focusses on Bible readings and the sermon, longer and more developed that of a Eucharist service.
12
Q
What do Anglican Liturgical services use/ look like?
A
- use the Book of common Prayer or Common Worship liturgy books for congregational worship.
-> Book of common prayer sets out words of the service, giving directions to worshippers and ministers. - Hymns will be sung, readings of the creed and gospel.
13
Q
What does a typical Anglican service look like?
A
- Minister greets the congregation
- Liturgy of the Word -> Bible readings, sermon, Nicene Creed, prayers of intercession and confession (join in the Lords Prayer and might pray to God personally), Members shake or hold hands to show they are one community
- Liturgy of the Eucharist -> bread and wine are place, collections might be taken, the Eucharist Prayer is said, thanking God, breaking the bread, receiving communion
14
Q
What does Catholic liturgical worship look like?
A
- uses an order of service, in a book called missal. The services are said in language of local area.
- Similar to Anglican, but the main difference is in beliefs about bread and wine during the Eucharist
- Catholics believe in transubstantiation, the transformation of bread and wine into Jesus’ boy and blood, but Anglicans don’t. “behold the lamb of God”vs “This is the Lamb of God”
15
Q
What does Quaker liturgical worship look like?
A
- ‘meetings for worship’ last about an hour. First sit in silence to reflect, think and listen, a time to come closer to God.
- During Worship people may choose to speak, pray or read aloud (ministry), which is listened to in silence by the others gathered.
- The meeting comes to an end, when 2 Quakers shake hands, and the rest follow.
16
Q
What does Orthodox liturgical worship look like?
A
The Eucharist called divine liturgy. The service lasts about 1h 30 mins, separated into two major sections.
- liturgy of word; contains hymns, prayers, a reading from the Bible for that day
- liturgy of faithful (historically only baptised believers were allowed to participate); Nicene Creed, further hymns, bread and wine consecrated
- Orthodox Church emphasis the role of the Holy Spirit in divine liturgy, when the liturgy bread has been blessed and given out to the congregation, non-orthodox believers are invited to share in this, wider Christian fellowship
17
Q
What does Methodist liturgical worship look like?
A
- follows liturgy and services similar to C of E, but some churches’ services are less structured
- practice open communion(all people are welcome to participate)
18
Q
What is non-liturgical worship?
A
spontaneous and have little pre organised structure
- Minister leads the service, but anyone can pray however they want.
Nonconformist and protestant churches (Baptist, methodist, Presbyterian) etc. do this.
-> less formal worship ensure they do not fall into worship rut, mindless worship (without thinking of meaning)
-> these services helps reinforce important of Bible, sermon will be the focus of the worship, understanding it
19
Q
what is charismatic worship?
A
- less structured version. no set pattern, singing dancing, clapping etc.
- they believe it is possible to experience the same gifts of the HS as the apostles did on the day of Pentecost: powerful experiences of the power of God, the HS, which gave them the strength to go out and speak, in languages which they hadn’t previously known.
- they believe they can receive similar gifts of the Holy Spirit that can be used in worship, including speaking in tongues (glossolalia), prophecy and healing
- worshippers seek to be open to the HS and to be led by him during the service
found across all denominations, but especially Pentecostal churches
20
Q
What is individual worship in Christianity?
A
it is independent time spent on private worship. It is important for believers, as it their way of developing their personal relationship with God.
21
Q
Why can congregational worship in Christianity be seen as better?
A
Christians can worship god whenever they want to, but congregation can strengthen your faith ‘for when there are 2 or 3 gathered in my name, I am there among them’
22
Q
What are sacraments?
A
A Sacrament is a ritual through which the grace of God can be received.
23
Q
What do Roman Catholics (and Orthodox Churches) believe about sacraments?
A
-
Roman Catholic -> as long as a sacrament is performed by priest and according to agreed practice of Church, it gives God’s grace to the person, regardless of their faith
Roman Catholic and Orthodox (who sometimes calls them Holy Mysteries) believes there are 7 sacraments: - Baptism
- Eucharist (Holy Communion)
- confirmation -> complete Baptism (sacrament of initation)
- reconciliation (confession) -> people repent for their sins, and experience God’s healing through forgiveness
- marriage
- holy order -> ordaining of men as priests, Church ministry
- anointing of sick -> prayer of healing, comfort, administered by a priest/ bishop, for sick to prepare for eternal life
24
Q
What do Protestant Chruches believe about sacraments? What do Quakers believe?
A
- C of E -> sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given to Christians
- Protestant Churches only recognise two: Baptism, eucharist (direct links to Jesus)
- Quakers do not observe sacraments
25
What is The Eucharist? What is its significance to Christians?
- congregations share bread and wine in memory of Jesus’ sacrifice (remembering the last meal with his disciples before his crucifixion, where he told them to share bread and wine in memory of his body being broken and blood spilled on the cross)
- reminds Christians of the sacrifice Jesus made, and the salvation they received
- ritual established by Jesus, so the believer is obeying his command, allowing them to reflect on their faith
26
What are the diverging (denominational) practices on the Eucharist?
- ***Catholic Church*** -> transubstantiation, a belief that the bread and win are actually transformed into Jesus’ body and blood, so Jesus has a ‘real presence’ during mass
- ***C of E*** -> most believe in consubstantiation; Jesus is spiritually present in the bread and wine
- ***Baptist church*** - everyone eats at the same time to show unity in Jesus
27
What is Sacrament of baptism?
Baptism symbolises a person’s admission into the Christian Church.
- Water might be sprinkled over a persons’ head or they might be immersed in water, both symbolising purification and being washed clean from sin
- symbolises committing one's life to god, a step on journey of faith
28
What is infant baptism?
Infant baptism is the ritual of baptising a baby, that allows it to recieve God's blessing.
- the baby's parents will make promises to raise the child as a Christian
- it was practiced in the 1st year of Christian history
- represents leaving behind the life of sin, entering Christian life
- often followed by the ritual of confirmation
on their behalf, public statement of faith. Service the Church carries out.
***Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Church of England***
29
What is believer's baptism?
In non-conformist churches, like ***Baptist and Pentecostal*** Chuuches, the person should make a conscious decision to be baptised.
- grace of God is received as the result of their expression of faith
- adult asks for forgiveness, and commits themselves to the Church
- Jesus was baptised as an adult; person needs to be a believer to be baptised
30
What are the diverging Christian views on baptism?
***Anglican and RC*** - infant baptism, welcoming children to Christian faith
***Baptist church*** - baptise as adults or older children; believers' baptism when they feel ready
- some Christian believe people will not go heaven if die unbaptised **"Jesus was baptised... "I am pleased""**
***Quakers*** do not practice, God's grace is received inwardly, no need for the outward ceremony
- most denominations; person needs to be baptised before they can share in the Eucharist/ communion
31
What is prayer in Christianity?
Prayer is a way in which a Christian can communicate with God. God is an immanent, personal God, so it is important to develop their relationship with God.
32
What can praying in congregation look like in Christianity?
- In Church services, prayer can be led by one or several people, with the congregation invited to take part through set responses, such as 'Lord hear our prayer'.
- At other times the congregation may simply list to the prayers said, and confirm their angreement with 'Amen' at the end.
- In some Church services, any member of the congregation who wishes to stand and pray aloud are free to do so.
- services can also include times for silent prayer, allowing for a time for refection.
33
# 1
What are Set Prayers in Christianity?
- Set prayers, or liturgical prayers, help worshippers to express their thankfulness, confession and requests to God.
- It may be hard for believers to find the words they want to express themselves to God, which set prayers help with
- It follows a certain structire
- The words may take on more meaning and depth as they are regularly used/reflected upon
34
What are informal prayers in Christianity?
- informal, spontaneous prayers give believrs the freedom to relate to God in a uniquely individual way.
- For some believers it is a more intimate way of engaging in a 'conversation' with God
35
What is the Lord's prayer and its significance?
- Prayer was very important to Jesus, and he taught his followers a way to pray, the Lord's prayer
- It include the key things Christians need to remember when praying
- Includes confessions of things you the Christian has done wrong, thanksgiving for all Good has done, adoration, and supplication (asking for something special for themselves or other)
- In Church services, the words are often said aloud together
36
What can individual prayer and private worship look like in Christianity?
- Christians often spend time alone in silent reflection, considering what they believe is God's words to them. This is a form of private worship, helping them develop a close, personal relationship with God.
- Christians pray to God, believing he will hear it and respond. They may be aware of how God helps them day to day, and pray as a way to respond with a personal thanks.
37
What are the main types of prayer?
- Adoration
- Confession
- Supplications and intercession
- Thanksgiving
- Meditational prayers
- Grace
- Praying in the Spirit
38
What is adoration and confessional prayer?
- Prayers of adorations focus on God's character and adore him for who he is.
- A recognition of his might and power in contrast with his care for each individual human can help a Christian grow in their sense of security in his safe-keeping.
**"Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise"**
- In prayers of confession people will bring before God anything they believe they have done wrong, or what they should have done, seeking God's forgiveness.
- The prayers are a time when the believer considers how they need to change
- they repent for their sins
39
What are supplication and intercession prayers?
- In Supplication prayers, believers ask God for help in challenging situations, asking for God's intervention.
- Christians will prayer for God's will to be done
- Prayers of intercession are like supplication prayers, but one prays on behalf of others, hoping God will help them
40
What are prayers of Thanksgiving and Grace?
- Christians believe God has plans for their good, so even in hard situations, they thanks God for all they stil have, remianing grateful for God's provisions in their lives
- these prayers allow Christians to recognise God in all aspects of their lives
- In Grace prayers, Christians recognise all that they have recieved, as part of God's good,ess
- saying 'grace' is normally associated with the Christian practice of thanking God before eating a meal
- the prayer acknowledges God's love and generoisty to his people; everything from God comes as a result of his grace.
41
What is praying in the Spirit and meditiational prayers?
- praying in the Spirit means to pray an inspired prayer, one led by God's HS within the believer
- it also understood as praying in tongues
- praying in tongues is a unique language given to the believer by God, where they are enable to praise God in a way human language cannot. It brings the believer close to the God.
- Meditational prayer describes when a believer focusses in stillness upon God. a Bible passage may be used to help the person concentrate on God.
- following Jesus' example, where he spent nights alone in prayer.
- times of contemplation may bring Christians closer to God, a time when Christians are expectant that God will reveal himself directly to them.
42
What is pilgrimage in Christianity?
- A pilgrimage in part of a person's spiritual journey, often a physical journey that will take a person to a place of religious significance.
- Going in pilgrimage is an opportunity for believers to step out of the pattern of daily life, setting aside significant time to devote to God
- a pilgrimage may be physically demanding, and some people come to a better understanding of themselves and their need to God from this
- can be an intensely spiritual experinece, and believers may feel a sense of awe and wonder or a fresh revelation of God
43
What are the main places of Christian pilgrimage?
- *Lourdes*: people visit for physical and spiritual healing, 69 cases confirmed by RC as miracles. People often feel their faith & relationship with God strengthened.
- *Jerusalem:* Where Jesus lived at the end of his life, where he died, resurrected - special significance. enables Christians to reflect more deeply on their faith. Some Christians go for Easter.
- Walsingham: small village where Lady of the Manor had a vision of the Virigin Mary's home in Nazereth. Eucharist services and evening prayers daily, the site of 'England's Nazereth'.
- *Rome*: Vatican City, headquarters of RC Church, home of the Pope. pilgrims may visit Holy Sites, take part in a mass led by the Pope.
44
What are the origins of Christmas?
- Jesus' birth is celebrated at Christmas.
- His conception was miraculous, as Mary was a virgin. Wise men brough gifts for Jesus, guided by a star. They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh.
- Gold suggests kinship, frankincense used in worship, myrrh was a herb used in burials, referring to Jesus' death.
- angels going to sheperds declaring Jesus' birth, they worship the baby Jesus.
45
How do Christians celebrate Christmas?
- celebrate the season of Advent, the start of the liturgical year in RC and Anglican Churches.
- Churches may have Advent wreaths with 4 candles, each sunday one candle is lit; Advent is a time to get ready spirutally for Christmas, giving time to pray and seek God's forgiveness.
- At midnight on Christmas Eve, many Christians got to midnight mass, special service of Eucharist.
- On Christmas day churches will hold services to celebrate Jesus' birth, including carols (hymns about his birth), readings from Gospel
- Orthodox Church, Christmas celebrated in 7th Jan, historical differences in the way calendars calculated. Fast before, to prepare.
46
Why is Christmas important to Christians?
- celebrates Jesus' incarnation, which allowed humans to be reconciled with God
- his birth gave humanity hope for a new beginning, the possibilit of a restored personal relationhsip with God, hope for an eternal life with Him after death
- a time to remember of the 'Parousia', so they must live as Jesus commanded them to
- a time to reflect on the need for peace in the world, helping the less fortunate
47
What are the origins of Easter?
- Recalls how through Jesus' death and resurrection, Jesus brought about human salvation, recalling the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection, reminding Christians of the grace and mercy of God.
- takes place at the end of Holy Week, following the main events in the last week of Jesus' life.
48
What are the impacts and the significance of Lent?
- remembers all Jesus has done for humanity
- period of Lent is a time for fasting, 40 days before easter, recalling the Gospel accounts if when Jesus spent 40 days fasting after his baptism, resisting temptation from the devil.
- special Eucharist services on Ash Wednesday, marking a cross on the forehead
- Lent is preparation for Easter
49
What are the impacts and significance of Holy Week?
- Palm Sunday: recalls Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, today small crosses of palm leaves given out. A time to reflect upon their own faithfulness to Jesus.
- Maundy Thursday: remembers Jesus' last supper with his disciples, establishing the Eucharist. Today in many Churches a service is held, including minister washing peoples feet (as Jesus did). A reminder Jesus came to serve, that we should be humble willing to serve others.
- Good Friday: crucifixion, serious reflection. Today specal services to meitate on Jesus' death. readings of gospels, hymns. Remembers Jesus' death, and how we can have an eternal life with God now. Jesus understands human suffering, so God can comfort us as we pray.
- Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday: joy of the resurrection and victory over sin. In Catholic and Anglican, ministers wear white, hymns, etc. A time to celebrate Jesus' ressurection. we are thankful for God and Jesus.
50
What are the main rites of passage in Christianity?
- infant baptism
- confirmation
- dedication
- believer's baptism
51
What is confirmation in Christianity?
- Children who have been baptised can choose to make their own decision about belonging to the Christian faith when they are older.
- ***RC, orthodox, C of E, and Methodist Church***
- way for a young person to conform their own personal faith and belief
- Candidates for confirmation take part in classes run by the Church, to make sure
52
What is dedication in Christianity?
- ***non conformist Churches, e.g. Baptist,*** do not believe in infant baptism
- aliternative is a dedication service for their newborn baby, thanking God for its birth
- parents and congregation make promises to commit to bring the chuld up in the Christian faith, and allow them to make their own declaration of faith in time
53
What is a typical Marriage ceremony like?
- **start of ceremony; minister explains the purpose of marriage** (marriage is a gift, children may be born and looked after through the marriage union etc), checks for lawful reason why the marriage cannot happen
----> ensures couple understands meaning of the ceremony, the commitment is for life
- **the couple exchange their vows,** promises to love and support each other till death
----> vows provide encouragement, reassurance, guidance
- exchange rings, and minister asks God to bless the couple
----> rings are a symbol of commitment
- **prayers are said** for the couple for God’s blessing, hymns are sung
----> Christians believe keeping God at centre of lives and marriage lets him strengthen their relationship
- some weddings have Eucharist after marriage service (Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox)
- **marriage certificate**
54
What do Orthodox wedding ceremonies do differently?
- betrothal ceremony; before wedding, couple exchange rings
Rituals are repeated three times to rep trinity, priest prays for future together
- wedding service, silver crowns (Stefanas) held over their heads, three sips of wine from same cup, they follow the priest as he circles the altar thrice
55
What does a funeral mark in Christianity?
- Funeral marks the end of a human life on Earth, also serves as a reminder of the hope for an afterlife with God
- Christian funeral thanks God for dead person’s life on Earth.
56
How do Christian funerals comfort mourners?
It comforts mourners:
- acknowledgement that the person is now safe in God’s care
- they draw comfort from other mourners
- happiness as the dead person’s life is being celebrated
- opportunity to express publicly their love or admiration for the dead person
57
How does the Church support families?
- supports families during difficult times; priest/ minister visits sick in hospital, counselling for couples
- volunteer services to help young mothers of elderly
- services for young people e.g., Sunday school, examples of apage (Christian love)
58
What is Mission in Christianity? What is the Mission of the Church?
Mission – task or job someone is given to do
Mission of the Church:
- starting up new Churches in areas where there are none
- actions of justice
- meeting talking and sharing views from people of other religions etc.
- Evangelism
59
What is Evangelism and what is its significance?
Evangelism – beliefs that a Christian’s mission is to take the Christian faith everywhere, believing all religions are wrong
Evangelism significance
- Christian action of sharing the good news about Jesus coming to this world and bringing the opportunity of salvation for all who believe
- evangelism starts from the point of genuine relationships with people who themselves are not part of the Church culture. You can them seek to lead people to a shared faith.
- **"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation"**
60
What is the WCC?
WCC – World Council of Church ; includes almost all Churches (except catholic)
- goal of conversion (continuing work of evangelism
- goal of reconciliation (trying to bring peace to see Christian message playing a part in all aspects in society)
Around the idea of Missio Dei – God’s mission
61
What does the growth of new forms of Chruch describe?
- A Church is not the building, but the gathering of God’s people. There are many new forms, where community is the heart of Church life.
- They often meet in theatres, cafes of even people’s homes. There are many meetings. With the members often eating together as part of fellowship. The leaders may not be ‘ordained clergy’ who are trained and approved by the traditional church. They are just devout Christians.
- In these home groups Christians may pray, study the Bible and invite their friends to join them.
62
What is ecummenicalism?
Ecumenicalism and the WCC
- ecumenicalism is the idea of creating Christian unity, as it seeks to reconcile Christians from different denominations
- it recognises differences between the denominations but aims to bring Christians together in shared worship and service
- the aim is that Christians will have an increased understanding of each other
63
What are the aims of the WCC?
- to seek visible unity ( between churches) in one faith and one Eucharist fellowship
- to promote common witness (telling ppl about their Christian faith) in work for mission and evangelism
- to engage in Christian service by meeting human needs, breaking down barriers between people, seeking justice and peace
Campaigns on key issues (e.g. HIV, AIDS, food security)
64
How did the term 'Church' come about? What is the purpose of Church?
The Church comes from the word ekklesia, ek means out, klesia means call. The church is a reference of Christians ‘ the called out people’
The ecumenical movement is thus working hard to bring greater unity in the Church
Churches together movement encourages churches to work together, and strengthen relationship between different denomination
65
What are some ecumenical communities?
Ecumneical communities – Christians from all denominations share worship and life together
* Taize in France: place where wartime enemies set aside differences
* Iona in Scotland works for peace, social justice, rebuilding of Community
* Corrymeela in N Ireland encourages good relations between Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians
66
What is the persecuted Church? What are some organisations that aim to combat this form of persecution?
Persecuted- to be subjected to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political/religious beliefs
- Christians may be persecuted through assault (beatings. Torture, rape), children not allowed educations, death
- Open doors –> organisation helps ppl have access to bibles
- 100 million Christians face persecution today
- Barnabas Fund - charity that works to bring hope to Christians under persecution, publicises Christians cases
e.g. not allowed in N korea, arrest in Iran, beatings in India
67
Name some Christian aid agencies. What do they do?
- Christian aid agencies – work to meet needs of ppl as act of service, ‘love your neighbour as youtself
Christian aid agencies help everyone of all cultures, races and religions
- Cafod – Catholic works in developing world to bring hope to those in poor communities
- Christians aid – Christian development Charity that works to get rid of poverty in around 50 countries
- Tearfund – similar aims to Christian aid
