Sacraments, pilgrimage, parish church, worldwide church, Flashcards
In what way do most Christians believe that sacraments help?
they are a way in which human beings can receive the grace, the favour and kindness and love of God
Christians believe that experiencing the sacraments …… (3)
- strengthen their relationship with God
- enables them to grow in goodness and faith and become more like Jesus
- bring additional spiritual and other responsibilities
What sacraments do Catholics recognise?
- Baptism
- Eucharist
- the anointing of sick (extreme unction)
- marriage
- confirmation
- penance and reconciliation
- ordination
Why do protestants have 2 sacraments?
because they believe these are the only sacraments instigated or ordained by Jesus
what is the Eucharist based on?
the biblical account of the last supper
Roman Catholics believe that all their sacraments …. (3)
- were instituted by Jesus and given to the Christian church to be celebrated
- enable Christians to experience God in a variety of situations
- help develo[p their relationship with God in different ways
What is the immersion of head in the water a physical sign of?
cleansing
washing away original sin
What are the features of infant baptism (5 )
- welcome a baby to Christian faith
- cleanse the child from original sin
- parents and Godparents make promises on behalf of the child
- a sign of the cross is made on the baby’s forehead and water is poured on their head from the front of the church
- a lighted candle is given to represent the light of Jesus
Why do some non-conformist churches prefer adult baptism?
because they feel only an adult can fully make the choice of belonging to the church
What happens in adult baptism (2)
- each candidate is asked questions about their faith and makes a personal testimony about why they wish to become a Christian
- they are baptised through full immersion
What are the pentecostal views on baptism?
they focus on the idea of Baptism in the Spirit
this is viewed as a powerful experience
the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit, giving them the strength to live a very long life
What do both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church about the Eucharist?
- the eucharist is a rite that is both a sacrifice and a meal
- through the mystery of faith, Jesus is present during the Eucharist. His body and blood are represented by bread and wine, the physical signs of the Eucharist
What does participating in the Eucharist mean for Christians?
- receiving the Jesus’ body and blood to nourish them spiritually
- are reminded of Jesus’ continued presence in their lives
What is transubstantiation (Catholics) and how does this contrast with Protestant’s beliefs
bread and wine become the body and blood Jesus
Protestants accept that the bread and wine is symbolic of the body and blood of Jesus
Why do people go to pilgrimages?
- strengthen their faith and become closer to God
- fulfil their religious duty or show commitment to their religion
- ask for help or receive healing
- say thank you for something good that has happened
- make- up something they have done wrong (penance)
- follow tradition
Name the different places of pilgrimages
- Jerusalem
- Taize
- Iona
- Walsingham
Why is Jerusalem significant?
Because it is where Jesus :
- spent his last few days on Earth
- attended the Last supper
- agonised in the Garden of Gethsemane before he was arrested
- was tried and crucified and resurrected
Mount of olives: taught his disciples the Lord’s prayer and ascended into Heaven at the end of his time on Earth
Holy Sepulchre: the place where Jesus was crucified and died. The location of Jesus’ tomb, where he was buried and resurrected
Why is Iona significant?
- home of St Columba, an Irish abbot, who is credited with spreading Christianity throughout Scotland and performing many miracles
- considered a very holy as many saints lived there
What is Taize significant?
- its a symbol of reconciliation between different Christian denominations and other groups of separated people
- chants create a sense of unity
Why is Walsingham significant?
- It is where Richeldis de Faverches is believed to have had a vision of the Virgin Mary
- The holy house there represent an important Christian belief that Jesus was both human and divine
What is the importance of pilgrimage for Christians today?
some Christians argue that :
- it is more important than ever in today’s hectic lifestyle
- can help people realise how few material things they need to be happy
- can break a dependency on technologies (e.g. engaging with social media)
Why do some Christians think that pilgrimages are not important?
- it is unnecessary to go to a particular place to feel closer to God as God is omnipresent
- going on a physical journey to another place and leaving normal responsibilities behind can take away from the daily pilgrimage of the Christian life
- it involves needless expense, which might either place a financial burden on Christians who go on Pilgrimage or could be used to help others
Why is the local church community is important?
- unites the local community
- provides support and comfort when needed
- can give advice from sources of authority such as the minister or vicar
- gives identity and belonging to people in a community
How does the local church community help through CENTRE OF CHRISTIAN IDENTITY
- they organize events to bring together people in the community and create a sense of Christian identity
- clubs for children, such as Sunday school or youth groups: to educate
- social groups, such as coffee mornings to create social opportunities for Christians to share in their faith together
- Bible study groups where Christians can understand and discuss their faith together
How does the local church community help through ECUMENISM
- tries to break down barriers between different Christian denominations, reminding all Christians that they are followers of God and believe in Jesus
- groups may visit each other or hold events to help achieve unity
- may share buildings or hold joint services
How does the local church community help through OUTREACH WORK
going out to the local community
working with families to resolve problems
visiting those in prison or hospital
organizing and running community activities
some act as Street or Night Pastors = go into the local community at night to build relationships with locals. Offer a listening ear, practical support, and prayer
What is the importance of the worldwide church?
- gives a global identity to Christians
- Promotes unity
- Provides support when needed- to Christians, other religious believers and non-religious individuals
- shows how Christian teachings can be put into action globally
Christian teaching about charity
- compassion and treating other people fairly “love your neighbour as yourself”
- Jesus taught about helping others e.g. the parable of the Good samaritan
- Christians believe God made all humans in his image, so all people should have equality and dignity
