Sacraments Flashcards
What are the seven sacraments recognized by Catholic churches?
Baptism, confirmation, holy communion, and marriage, among others. They are special rituals that outwardly express an inner spiritual experience.
How do Protestant churches view sacraments?
Protestant churches have important celebrations but may not refer to them as ‘sacraments’. They still symbolize an inner spiritual experience.
What is baptism in Christianity?
Baptism is performed to follow Jesus’ example, symbolizing the forgiveness of sins and the beginning of a new life with the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
What is infant baptism?
Infant baptism is the practice of baptizing babies, stemming from the Early Church’s tradition of baptizing entire families, including newborns.
What is ‘original sin’ in the context of baptism?
Original sin is the belief that all humans are born with an inclination to disobey God due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Baptism is believed to remove this sin.
What happens during an infant baptism ceremony?
Blessed water is poured on the baby’s head, the sign of the cross is made, and the child is dressed in white. Parents receive a candle lit from the Easter candle.
What promises do parents and godparents make during infant baptism?
They promise to raise the child as a Christian, and the child will later confirm these promises in a confirmation ceremony.
What is believers baptism?
Believers baptism occurs when an adult or teenager decides to commit to their Christian faith, typically in Baptist or Pentecostalist churches.
What is the process of believers baptism?
It involves full immersion in water, where the candidate shares their Christian journey before being baptized ‘in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit’.
What is Holy Communion (Eucharist)?
Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist, is a Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples.
How do Protestant churches view Holy Communion?
Protestant churches celebrate Holy Communion to remember the Last Supper, where Jesus shared the Passover meal, broke bread, and drank wine, symbolizing his body and blood.
What do Protestants believe Jesus meant by ‘do this in remembrance of me’?
Protestants believe that Jesus instructed them to celebrate Holy Communion as a way to remember his sacrifice and give thanks for forgiveness.
How is Holy Communion typically conducted in Protestant churches?
In many Protestant churches, bread and wine are served from an ordinary table, and anyone can distribute them, often passing them around the congregation.
What is the significance of the bread and wine in Protestant churches?
In Protestant churches, the bread and wine are not considered sacred objects; they are seen as regular items used to remember Jesus.
How do Catholic churches view Holy Communion?
Catholic churches believe that during Holy Communion, the bread and wine miraculously become the actual body and blood of Jesus.
What does receiving Holy Communion mean for Catholics?
For Catholics, receiving Holy Communion means being spiritually nourished and present at Jesus’ death, offering them strength.
Where are the bread and wine kept in Catholic churches?
In Catholic churches, the bread and wine are kept on an altar, which is a place of sacrifice, and stored in a tabernacle.
Who can serve Holy Communion in Catholic churches?
Only a priest can serve Holy Communion in Catholic churches, as allowing anyone else would be seen as disrespectful.
What is the common practice regarding wine in Catholic churches?
In many Catholic churches, the congregation is typically only given bread (the ‘host’) to avoid the risk of spilling wine, which would be disrespectful.
What is the view of the Salvation Army and Quakers on sacraments?
The Salvation Army and Quakers do not recognize sacraments as essential, believing they are unnecessary and may be unhelpful.
What concerns do the Salvation Army and Quakers have about sacraments?
They argue that meaningful symbols can become meaningless rituals and that Jesus prioritized people over ceremonies.
How have sacraments been divisive in Christian history?
Sacraments have caused divisions, such as the centuries-long disputes between Catholics and Protestants over Holy Communion.
What is the perspective of the Salvation Army and Quakers on personal faith?
They believe sacraments can hinder personal faith, as individuals may feel forced to perform rituals they do not understand.
What do the Salvation Army and Quakers advocate for instead of sacraments?
They argue for a focus on living holy lives and engaging in social justice, seeing these actions as more effective ways to remember Jesus.
What is the view on baptism by the Salvation Army and Quakers?
They believe baptism suggests a one-time commitment, while every day should represent a fresh commitment to God throughout one’s life.
