The role of the church in the local community and living practices Flashcards
What is a right of passage?
A ceremony that marks the transition from one phase of life to another. May have a spiritual importance to many Christians as they believe God is involved in their lives. Demonstrates obedience to God.
Different ceremonies on infant baptism.
- RC and CofE: involves child having water from the font poured or sprinkled over head
- Orthodox: immersed in water in front of the font. Represents leaving behind the life of sin and having a new Christian life
- non-conformist churches (e.g. Baptist) do not believe in it - believe Bible baptism was a choice made by adults and is the pattern they seek to follow.
What is confirmation?
When children who have been baptised as babies may choose to make their own decision about belonging to the Christian faith.
What happens during confirmation?
Person will take part in a series of classes run by their church. They will learn more about the Christian faith and understand what happens at the service of confirmation, so they are clear on the decision they are making.
Which churches does confirmation happen?
RCC, Orthodox, Church of England, Methodist church.
What extra thing happens in the RCC for confirmation?
Bishop will place some chrism oil on the forehead, to symbolise the richness of the Holy Spirit. (also happens in RC baptism)
Believers baptism
- Occurs in some non-conformist churches e.g. Baptist Church. Symbolic of an individual’s free will choice to become a Christian.
- adult asks god for forgiveness of their sins and publicly commits themselves to follow Christian faith
- often will wear white to symbolise purity and the forgiveness from sin they have received from God because of their faith in Christ.
RC and Anglican church marriages
- At start, minister explains purpose of marriage. Checks that there is no lawful reason why the couple may not be married.
- exchange vows in front of God and church witnesses - promise to love and support one another in all circumstances until death.
- exchange rings - minister asks that God bless the vows they have made: rings = symbol of commitment
In which churches does Eucharist occur after the marriage service?
Anglican, RC and Orthodox
Orthodox wedding services
- exchange rings at an engagement before the wedding - betrothal ceremony - during this, most rituals are repeated 3 times to represent the trinity.
- in wedding service, a stefana (silver crown) is held over bride and grooms heads - represents the royalty of marriage
- couple will take 3 sips of wine from a shared cup - this recalls the time in Bible when Jesus turned water into wine at wedding in Cana. Cup=symbol of shared life that couple are about to begin together.
What is a funeral
Marks the end of human life, but for Christians it serves as a reminder of hope of an afterlife with God.
Common features of funerals through all denominations
- Bible Reading: focuses on prospect of eternal life with God after death
- Prayers: said for the friends and relatives of dead person
- Eulogy: talk or speech to remember the person’s life and acknowledge their achievements
- Minister will remind the congregation of the Christian beliefs about life and death.
Requiem Mass
Performed at Catholic funerals, but not Chuch of England funerals.
Eastern Orthodox and Green Orthodox churches
The requiem is the fullest form of a memorial service. A full requiem can last up to 3.5 hours and contains readings, hymns and liturgy.
What else is usual during a funeral?
At the graveside, it is usual for further prayers to be said before the final commital statement by the minister. The commital statement is so called because Christians believe they are committing the dead person to God’s care.
