Crhistan practice p2 Flashcards
What is a typical Christian marriage ceremony like?
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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
What is different for Orthodox weddings?
- 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
What does a funeral mark?
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.
How does it 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
What are the common features of a Christian funeral service?
- Bible reading; focuses on prospect of eternal life with God
- Eulogy; talk or speech where person’s life is remembered, achievements acknowledged
- Prayers; prayers said for dead and their relatives, asking God supports them in time of grief and they have strength to move on, and the dead is entrusted with God’s care
- Hymns; sung, focusing on hope of after life with God, can be chosen by person before death or family
- Requiem Mass; mass for the dead, liturgy begins with request to God to grant them eternal rest, contains readings, hymns, liturgy. C of E doesn’t have, orthodox does.
- Burial/cremation; further prayers before final committal statement by minister, ‘certain hope of resurrection to eternal life’
How does the Church support families?
How Church supports 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)
What is Mission
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
What is Evnagelism and 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
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
What are new forms of Chruch
New forms:
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.
“Go into the world and preach the gospel”
“they become one flesh” “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken”
What is ecumenicalism)
Ecumenicalism and the WCC
- ecumenicalism is the idea of creating Christian unity, as it seeks to reconcile Christians from different denominations
- it regocnises 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
What is WCC aims?
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)
How did Church come about (name) and prupose of Chruch
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
Name some ecumenical sommunities
Ecumneical communities – Christians from all denominations share worship and life together
Taize in France 0 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
What is the persecuted CHruch
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
