Sacraments

Question 1

What is a sacrament?

Answer 1

A ritual through which the grace (or blessings) of God can be received. An outward act with an inner spiritual meaning.

Question 2

What are the 7 sacraments in Roman Catholicism?

Answer 2

• Baptism
• Eucharist (holy communion)
• Confirmation
• Reconciliation
• Marriage
• Holy orders
• Anointing of the sick

Question 3

What does the Orthodox Church regard these as?

Answer 3

Sacraments but are sometimes called ‘holy mysteries’.

Question 4

What are the sacraments in Protestant churches like the Church of England?

Answer 4

Only 2 sacraments which were brought into existence by Jesus himself, known as the sacraments of the Gospel: baptism and Eucharist.

Question 5

What do some denominations like Baptists believe?

Answer 5

Don’t use the term sacrament to describe these two rituals. Calls them ordinances as they were ordained (established) by Jesus.

Question 6

What does the Catholic Church (and most others) believe about the Eucharist?

Answer 6

They believe in transubstantiation - the belief that the bread and wine offered at Eucharist are actually transformed into the body and blood of Jesus. They refer to this as Jesus having ‘a real presence’ during mass.

Question 7

What do Anglicans believe about the Eucharist?

Answer 7

They believe in consubstantiation - the belief that Jesus is spiritually present in the bread and wine offered at Eucharist. His sacrifice is celebrated.

Question 8

Why is Eucharist important in the life of Christians?

Answer 8

• it reminds them of the sacrifice of Jesus and the salvation they have received
• brings Christians. Loser to other members of the Christian community to which they belong.

Question 9

What does it mean since it is a ritual established by Jesus?

Answer 9

It means the believer is obeying his command and is sharing in something which crosses the centuries between them and the time of the last supper.

Question 10

What may Christians feel after having taken the Eucharist and reflecting on their faith?

Answer 10

Christians may feel better prepared to deal with the things that happen in their lives.

Question 11

What does baptism symbolise?

Answer 11

A person’s admission into the Christian Church.

Question 12

What might happen in a baptism?

Answer 12

Water might be sprinkled over a person’s head or they might be immersed in water. This symbolises purification and being washed clean from sin.

Question 13

In what denominations does an infant baptism take place?

Answer 13

Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church and the Church of England.

Question 14

What is infant baptism often called?

Answer 14

A christening

Question 15

What is infant baptism?

Answer 15

It is the ritual of baptising the baby that allows it to receive God’s blessing, and the baby’s parents will make promises to raise the baby as a Christian.

Question 16

What is the emphasis in other denominations?

Answer 16

Non-conformist denominations, like the Baptist or Pentecostal churches, the emphasis is placed on the person making a conscious decision to be baptised. So people must be baptised as adults.

Question 17

What do these non-conformist denominations believe?

Answer 17

That the grace of God is received as the result of their expression of faith rather than because of the performance of a ritual.

Question 18

What do non-conformist denominations support this view with?

Answer 18

• The adult baptism of Jesus and others in the New Testament

- Their belief that a person needs to be a ‘believer’ before being baptised.

Question 19

What is baptism a way of?

Answer 19

Becoming a full member of the Christian community.

Question 20

In some denominations a person needs to be baptised before they can do what?

Answer 20

Before they can share in the Eucharist of communion.

Question 21

Key quote: Matthew 26:26-28

Answer 21

‘While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”’

Question 22

Key quote: Matthew 3:16-17

Answer 22

‘As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. As that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”’