Christianity: Practises Flashcards
What is liturgy worship?
A set service, with specific words where prayers and practises are followed - format for worship
Priest/worship will read for majority of service but people can join in
When is liturgy worship used?
Used when a service involves a sacrament.
E.g. during a Eucharist or baptism
Why is liturgy worship used?
Serves purpose of unifying churches because different churches use liturgy in the same denomination.
Having set words helps Christians to become unified when they attend physical churches.
Participating in same liturgies allows congregations to participate fully as they know what is coming > already know and understand
Help make celebrations and sacraments more special
What is Liturgical worship?
A set format for worship but each service is different.
E.g. include hymns and songs, bible readings but they will all vary every service
Can contain liturgies
When is liturgical worship used?
Used commonly for normally church services when there are no celebrations or sacraments
Why is liturgical worship used?
Churches often perform services according to a structure.
Often use a structure which appeals to the congregation which allows them to follow easier.
Allows services to be planned in advances.
Allows all desired elements to be incorporated
What is non-liturgical worship?
No set structure to worship and where it can be spontaneous
When is non-liturgical worship used?
When an individual decides to worship God through song or prayer
Or some churches hold services where people pray spontaneously as a group
Why is non-liturgical worship used?
Naturally non-liturgical when a person worships spontaneously
Some churches believe worship is less genuine if it’s always planned and set
Have a flexibility to worship God
What is informal worship?
More relaxed and charismatic - lively and emphasising the role of Holy Spirit
When is informal worship use?
Can be held at any time
Sunday morning at church or at any other time when people want to worship God
Why is informal worship used?
Many christians see God as a friend so they don’t want to be formal
Allows Christians who don’t have access to church services or it not at them, to worship anyway
What is private worship?
Worship that is done individually
E.g. By yourself, going to church for a private prayer
When is private worship used?
Can be done at any time whenever someone wants to worship God
Why do people use private worship?
Feel Christianity is a private faith > maintain own relationship with God
Some people can’t always attend public worship
Allows them to get a closer and private relationship to God
What are sacraments?
Physical ways to commit to God and remember what he did for us.
What is meditation?
Where people meditate on their faith and religion and own lives.
Usually private and informal
Why do Christians read the bible?
The bible holds God’s teachings and Christians feel God’s speaks to them through it.
Many services have bible readings so thy can help relate to people’s faith or tell them how to increase and grow stronger in faith
Teach people about God
Feel comfort knowing God cares and there to guide
What is the significance of worship?
Helps to maintain a relationship wth God Allows them to praise and thank him Ask him for help Repent of their sins Receive God’s grace and learn about his will
What the common type of worship in Catholic Churches?
Liturgical worship and sacraments
>Liturgies help explain sacraments
>Pass on teaching and God’s grace
What’s the common type of worship in the Church of England or Protestant?
Liturgical worship
>Helps Christians to structure own worship
>Shouldn’t forget to pray or read bible
>Also put emphasis on Private and informal worship because it’s important to maintain a close and private relationship with God
Why do some Christians not see Liturgical worship as significant?
There are no set practises that need to be carried out
Doesn’t help Christians to reach God
Pentecostals only see non-liturgical worship as significant because if they wait for Holy Spirit to inspire them, they worship authentically
Why is praying significant?
Fulfils Jesus commands to pray
Close relationship with god
Rely on God for help
What are set prayers?
Prayers tat usually have the same words on every time e.g. Lord’s prayer.
Used when Christians don’t know how or what to pray.
It’s important to express God
Many are taught by Jesus
Connection to Christian community
What are informal prayers?
Pray anything to God, or just have s random conversation with him.
Use this to pray to God about anŷthing happening in lives aka talk about issues and struggles
Many churches believe a relationship with God should be personal
Set prayers aren’t personal and hold less meaning
What are some other prayers?
Adorations > praising God about his creation
Thanksgiving > Being grateful for what God has done
Confession > repenting sins and asking for forgiveness
Intercession > asking God to help others
Rosary > beaded necklace which helps to focus and pray
Lords Prayer > Jesus taught disciples to pray this. Incorporates adoration and confession and submits to God’s will
Ask God for strength and guidance
Way to unite Christians and people together
What sacraments do the Roman Catholic Church and Orthodox do?
7 = Eucharist, baptism, Matrimony, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Penance and anointing of the Sick.
What sacraments do Protestants do? (CofE)
Mainly baptism and Eucharist
What is a quote about baptising?
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” - Matthew 28:19
What is baptism?
Either anointed with, or fully submerged in water.
Why is baptism important?
Jesus said those who are baptised will be saved.
Symbolises a new life following Jesus.
Hope to receive Holy Spirit
Expect to have sins forgiven.
How do Catholics baptise infants? (Christening)
Water is held in font
Child is baptised in name of father, son and Holy Spirit
Pour water over head x3
Signed with cross on forehead
Parents and godparents make promises to raise child in Christian faith
Why is Infant baptism controversial?
Not the child’s choice - too young
However, parents may want their child to experience Jesus straight away.
Many parents baptise their child for the sake of it rather for their child to grow up in Christianity.
What is Eucharist/communion?
Share bread and wine that represents Jesus’s body and blood.
Remembering the Last Supper and his sacrifice.
“He broke it, gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ - Luke 22:19
How is Eucharist carried out in a Protestant church?
Congregation receives bread and wine at altar.
Bread and wine must be given by someone ordained.
Wafers are used instead of normal bread and alcoholic wine is used.
Given in a chalice.
How is Eucharist carried out in a Catholic Church?
Any bread or wine left over is kept called a reserve sacrament.
Believe in transubstantiation: Bread and wine magically turns into body and blood of Jesus when blessed.
Receiving Jesus’s sacrifice again.
How is Eucharist carried out in an Anglican Church?
Believe In real presence : Jesus is present spiritually during Eucharist
How do other denominations do Eucharist?
Baptist Church - Given in their seats and consume at same time to show unity.
Methodist church - non alcoholic wine and normal bread
Orthodox - Mixed together
What is a pilgrimage?
A physical journey which is taken to get spiritually closer to God
Why is pilgrimage important?
Faith can be strengthened.
Feel better to worship to God with others who are seeking him also on pilgrimage sites.
Communities go and develop more unity
Spend more time on God then materials e.g. money
Jesus went to deepen his understanding and Christians can go for some purpose.
Why are some pilgrimage sites special?
Places where Jesus lived, taught, died and rose.
A lot of Christian history
Places visions have been
Sites of healing
Communities come to grow as a community and strengthen unity
Describe the Lourdes pilgrimage
Young girl Claimed to see visions of Jesus’s mother - Virgin Mary.
Since, catholics come to pay devotion to Mary.
Also come in search for healing because the vision told this girl to dig into the ground and the water had supposed healing properties.
Thousands of people claimed they have been healed
Lourdes is a pilgrimage for healing.
Describe the Iona pilgrimage
Contained a monastic community who helped evangelise.
Many Christians come to participate in a community.
Christians can come here to worship and tour the abbey and go on tourist walks.
Why are Christmas and Easter the most popular Christian Holidays?
Christmas > Birth of Jesus (Starts advent and ends in Epiphany (wise men) and Jesus’s baptism)
People hope and pray for peace
Easter > Jesus’s resurrection (Starts with lent and links with Pentecost (ascension))
Sacrifice and salvation
What are some practises associated with Christmas?
Advent wreaths
5 candles - Represent God’s people, prophets, John Baptist and Mary (Jesus’s mother). Last one is centre and is Jesus and lit on Xmas day because he is the light of the world.
Hold Carol services and christingle services
What is annunciation ?
When Mary was told she was going to give birth to the son of God
What is the nativity story?
Her and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem on a Donkey to be counted.
They needed a place to stay but there was no room anywhere.So they stayed in a stable and Mary gave birth.
They were visited by Shepard’s, guided by North Star and an angel.
Wise men were ordered by Herod to find Baby Jesus and kill him as Herod has killed all baby boys in a fear for his kingship.
The wise men found Jesus but decided not to go back to Herod. An angel warned Mary and Joseph and they got off to Egypt safely.
What does Easter remind Christians?
That Jesus died to bring salvational and eternal life with God.
Why are some of the days leading up to Easter significant?
Psalm Sunday: When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, people layer down palm leaves, fanned him and lasted down their cloaks e.t.c
Turning of tables: Jesus got angry and threw out everyone who was using the temple and a way to make money I.e. market
Maundy Thursday: Last supper
Good Friday: Cruxifixction
Easter Sunday: Resurrection
On easter people may eat Easter eggs as they represent new life and the empty tomb.
Why is a church important?
Considered the centre of Christianity and worship through living practises and by providing worship, it sets a good example.
Offer sacraments, services, bible study groups e.t.c which all help unity.
Build faith talking to others
Friendship and community
How can local churches do a lot for the community?
Cater for needs, and run children activity clubs
Bible study groups and toddle groups
Lunch clubs for lonely and soup kitchens for the needy
Provider of activities, companionship or basic necessities
How do churches support food banks?
Help donate food and money.
This is then provided to people who are low on money or can’t afford to feed themselves or their family
How do churches support Street pastors?
Help back volunteers who walk street providing practical support to communities and vulnerable
E.g. breaking up vandals and dropping crime levels
Community involvement is very beneficial
Projects are funded., hungry are fed and vulnerable will be cared for.
What is a quote about serving others?
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” - Matthew 25:40
How do church leaders help?
Look after individual Christians
Do this out of compassion mainly
Emphasise churches for caring a lot.
Provide activities and help.
Wanted to help those in need and help others to help others in need.
What is evangelism ?
Spreading the news about Jesus and trying to convert them
Why do they evangelise?
Fufill Jesus’s request to spread the news about him.
Take missionary work - only time to get people to convert.
“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”
—— Mark 16:15
How do Christians do missionary work locally?
Local church communities hold events and activities
Vicars and priests go into school to introduce children to Christianity
Help local charities to benefit the community
Street pastors
How do Christians do missionary work/evangelism nationally?
Alpha courses to help introduce Christianity
Messy church - initiative where children come to worship and do activities
A lot of food banks run by Christian organisations
How do Christians do evangelism and missionary work globally?
Work in countries where Christians are struggling or it isn’t well established
I.e. less economically developed countries and helping with health care and teaching them Christianity
Why is evangelical work important?
Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make more disciples.
Evangelism is part of their service to God.
Use compassion to help educate people on Christianity
Important to help other people know God
Maintain church members and raise money
What is persecution and reconciliation?
Persecution: being treated badly, for example, because of religious beliefs
Reconciliation: being reunited in a positive sense
What are some campaigns and worldwide issues for the church?
For peace, reconciliation between fights and wars.
For the end of racism and other inequalities
For welfare for poor
Why is the world wide Church important to Christians?
Good to know that there are many other Christians who are committed to their faith and who experience similar life situations.
Also supports a lot of charities who seek to evangelise and provide spiritual and physical help.
He does the church use reconciliation?
Reconcile out of compassion and want everyone to live in harmony.
Jesus taught to treat enemies well, forgive others and treat people with respect
“Love thy neighbour”
He do churches respond to persecution?
Saw out political alliances to ensure freedom of worship in different countries
Forgive persecutors like what jesus taught.
Try not to feel down and remember it is part of God’s plan
What do Christians believe about charity’s?
Give money and do good. Jesus taught to love your neighbour and help others (charitable gifts).
Some give a tithe (tenth if their income)
Provide clothing and food e.t.c
What is Christian Aid and what do they do?
Support practically >a lot of work in poorer countries and help after natural disasters, feed hungry, help health care e.t.c
Work with Syrian refugee by supplying them with food and equipment
Also campaign for change and try and appeal to governments
Campaign in various ways > Tv adverts, door-door fundraising
Do it because of all the biblical teachings
Help others out of compassion by helping them with their basic needs
Everyone deserves a chance to have a life without poverty
