Religious Studies - 6 - Christianity - Practices - 199 - The sacraments Flashcards
What is a sacrament?
An outward sign of an invisible and inward blessing by God
Give two examples of sacraments.
- Baptism
- Eucharist
What is a rite?
A ritual or series of ritual practices which often have symbolic meaning.
What does baptism do?
Initiates people into the Christian church.
Catholics believe that it washes away sin.
What do many churches practice regarding baptism?
Infant baptism, though some only allow adults to be baptized.
Why do some churches only allow adult baptism?
The belief is that as an adult they can understand the commitment they are making.
What is confirmation in the context of infant baptism?
Takes place when a person reaches an age to commit to the church for themselves.
They remake the promises made by their parents or guardians at baptism.
What happens during the Eucharist service?
Worshippers share bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus’ death.
What is penance also known as?
The sacrament of reconciliation or confession.
What are Catholics required to do in the sacrament of penance?
Confess their sins to a priest and repent.
The priest will then ‘absolve’ them from their sins.
The priest would ask them to do a penitent act to show that they are sorry for what they have done.
What might a penitent act include after confession?
Praying or fasting.
What is the anointing of the sick?
A sacrament performed when a Catholic is seriously ill or dying.
Who performs the anointing of the sick?
A priest who applies oil to the sick person.
What is the sacrament of Holy orders?
The way people join the priesthood of the church.
What is joining the priesthood called?
Being ‘ordained’.
What does the sacrament of marriage represent?
The spiritual union of the couple and God.
What are the two sacraments most Protestants recognize?
Baptism and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion)
Why do Protestants only believe in Baptism and the Eucharist?
Because these were the only two sacraments documented in the Gospels as being practiced by Jesus.
Which Christian denominations do not believe in the sacraments?
Quakers (the Society of Friends) and the Salvation Army
What is the belief of Quakers and the Salvation Army regarding sacraments?
They believe sacraments are an inward spiritual experience
They believe that people can get too caught up in the external rituals that they forget about the important inward grace they receive from God.
Do Quakers and the Salvation Army believe one can live a holy life without sacraments?
Yes
What is the view of many Evangelical Christian churches on rituals like baptism?
They carry out rituals but don’t consider them especially sacred
So, they do not classify them as sacraments.
