Expressions Of Religip

Question 1

What is a sacrament?

Answer 1

A Christian rite that is an outward and visible sign of spiritual grace.

Question 2

Name the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church

Answer 2

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism

Confirmation

Eucharist

Sacraments of Healing

Penance

Anointing of the Sick

Sacraments at the Service of Communion

Marriage

Holy Orders

Question 3

Name the three rites of initiation in the Catholic Church

Answer 3

Baptism

Confirmation

Eucharist (Holy Communion)

Question 4

What does the word ‘baptism’ mean?

Answer 4

To ‘baptise’ means ‘to dip’

Baptism is initiation into the Christian faith which involves water – either being poured over the infant’s forehead or immersing a person in it.

Jesus himself was baptised (as an adult) by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. It was at this moment that, according to the Gospels, God announced from Heaven that ‘this is my Son’ (demonstrating Jesus’ divinity).

Baptism is a symbol of rebirth and a sign of entry into the Kingdom of God.

Being immersed in water links to Jesus’ death, whereas being lifted out of the water links to his resurrection – baptism is about a ‘rebirth’ and ‘new life’ through Christ.

Water plays an important symbolic role – it washes away sin and makes us ‘dead’ to
sin, and represents our rebirth and resurrection through Jesus Christ.

Question 5

According to Matthew 28:19, what did Jesus teach his disciples to do?

Answer 5

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Jesus, Matthew 28:19)

Make disciples of all nations (synoptic link: mission of the Church)

Baptise people in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

This is known as the Great Commission, given by Jesus before his ascension to Heaven.

Question 6

What does this tell us about how Jesus viewed baptism? Explain this in the context of the Kingdom of God

Answer 6

Jesus’ baptism is the beginning of his earthly ministry. It is when he begins working to inaugurate the Kingdom of God on earth; healing people, teaching people, collecting his disciples and proclaiming the good news.

Jesus viewed baptism as public commitment to dedicating your life to following God.

It is the ‘gateway’ to the Kingdom of God – it marks your ‘entry’ into the Kingdom, which Jesus inaugurated during his earthly existence.

He was baptised as an adult, suggesting baptism is a personal choice that the individual makes about the future direction of their life.

For Christians today, baptism marks the washing away of sins – however, as Jesus was born sinless, he did not need this to happen. Instead, he showed humility and demonstrated the importance of baptism through his actions.

John the Baptist, who baptises Jesus, confirms his identity: he proclaims that Jesus is the ‘lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world’.

Question 7

What is the difference between
infant and believers baptism?

Answer 7

Infant baptism – practiced by the Catholic Church – is the sacrament which
involves being baptised through water being poured on your forehead as a
baby.

Believer’s baptism – practiced by the Baptist Church – is the ordinance which
involves being baptised through full immersion in water as an adult.

Question 8

What is the link between Original
Sin and infant baptism?

Answer 8

St Augustine: Original Sin – we are all born sinful, because we inherit sin from Adam and
Eve. Their ‘Fall’ in the Garden of Eden has implicated everybody, as we were all ‘present’ in
Adam’s loins.

Sin is therefore ‘transmitted’ through sexual reproduction – every single person is born
sinful.

It is therefore important to baptise infants in order to ‘wash away’ the Original Sin they have
been born with. The Catechism teaches that baptism frees us from Sin.

This means that the baby can be ‘reborn’ through Christ and, through their baptism, be
initiated / welcomed into the Church. It is the ‘gateway to life in the Spirit’.

The Catholic Church traditionally teaches that there is no salvation outside the Church
(synoptic link: pluralism). If you want your child to receive salvation, you need to baptise
them as an infant!

Consider, for example, death during childhood – parents would want to get their child baptised asap

Question 9

What does the Catechism of the
Catholic Church teach about
baptism?

Answer 9

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life”

“Baptism is the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua)”

“Baptism is the door which gives access to the other sacraments”

“Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we
become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made
sharers in her mission”

Question 10

Name two Churches who do not
practice Holy Communion.

Answer 10

Quakers

Salvation Army

They do not practice Sacraments – they seek to ‘find’ the sacred in everyday
life instead – every action is sacred (as opposed to just during a particular
service).

They believe that you do not need rituals in order to communicate with God
or receive his grace.

Question 11

Name two Churches who see
Holy Communion as a sacrament.

Answer 11

Catholic Church – transubstantiation

Church of England – symbolic

Question 12

What is the form, matter and
intention of Holy Communion?

Answer 12

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on
the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he
broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance
of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the
new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of
me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the
Lord’s death until he comes”

St Paul, 1 Corinthians

Question 13

Explain three things that happen
during an infant baptism ceremony

Answer 13

Anointing of child on chest with holy oil – a symbol of the strength that baptism
gives to fight against all that is wrong.

Blessing of the baptismal water – so that the child, through the water, can be ‘born
of water and the Spirit’.

Renunciation of sin and affirmation of faith by parents and godparents – done on
behalf of the child.

Dipping the child in the water / pouring water on the child three times – the central
act of baptism, symbolising the washing away of sin, and union with Christ in his
death (being immersed in the water) and resurrection (being lifted out of the water).

Anointing the child with the oil of chrism – seals the child as a member of the Body
of Christ and is a sign that the child is chosen for a special task. Symbol of Holy Spirit.

Giving a lighted candle to a parent for the child and a special prayer – a sign that the
child shares in the risen life of Christ, who is the light of the world, and a prayer that
a child will be open to hearing the word of God and proclaiming it.

Question 14

Give two reasons infant baptism
is important for Catholic Christians

Answer 14

It cleanses the child of original sin (inherited from Adam and Eve, transmitted
through sexual reproduction).

It is the first rite of initiation (the ‘basis of the whole Christian life’ and the
‘gateway to life in the Spirit’). This opens up the way to the other two rites of
initiation and the other sacraments.

It enables the Holy Spirit to begin the work of transformation in the child’s life.

Question 15

Explain three reasons the Baptist
Church rejects infant baptism

Answer 15

Baptists reject the doctrine of original sin – there is nothing that needs to be
removed as soon as possible after birth.

There is no New Testament evidence for it - Jesus was not baptised as a child,
and Jesus did not baptise children.

Baptism is about making a personal and public commitment to being reborn in
Christ – an infant cannot make this commitment for themselves. It is
something that requires careful preparation and commitment.

Question 16

State three things that happen
during a Baptist ‘believers’ baptism’

Answer 16

Those being baptised give a public testimony to their faith in Christ.

They declare their repentance of sin and their acceptance of Jesus as Saviour.

They are totally immersed in a baptismal pool.

Question 17

What is Holy Communion and
what does ‘Eucharist’ mean?

Answer 17

Communion means ‘participation / sharing in something’

Holy Communion refers to partaking in the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Eucharist literally means ‘thanksgiving’.

It is about remembering – and expressing thanks for – Jesus’ sacrificial death
on the cross, when he gave up his body (bread) and blood (wine) for the
forgiveness of human sin.

The practice was inaugurated by Jesus Christ himself at the Last Supper, which
took place the night before he died (Maundy Thursday – Easter). He taught his
disciples: “do this in memory of me”.

Question 18

What does the Catechism teach
about the Eucharist?

Answer 18

“The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation”

“The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life”

“By the Eucharistic celebration we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate
eternal life, when God will be all in all”

“It is an action of thanksgiving to God”

“Jesus used this rite, part of a Jewish meal, when as master of the table he blessed and distributed
the bread”

“It makes present the one sacrifice of Christ the Savior and includes the Church’s offering”

“At the heart of the Eucharistic celebration are the bread and wine that, by the words of Christ and
the invocation of the Holy Spirit, become Christ’s Body and Blood. Faithful to the Lord’s command the
Church continues to do, in his memory and until his glorious return, what he did on the eve of his
Passion”

“Jesus chose the time of Passover to fulfill what he had announced at Capernaum: giving his disciples
his Body and his Blood”

Question 19

What event does Holy Communion commemorate? Refer to Passover

Answer 19

Holy Communion commemorates the ‘Last Supper’

This was the last meal Jesus had with his disciples before his death by crucifixion

It took place on Maundy Thursday (during Holy Week).

Jesus’ disciples had gathered to celebrate Passover, a major Jewish celebration
marking the Biblical story of the Israelites escape from slavery in Egypt (Exodus).

Many people assume that Jesus’ Last Supper was a Seder, a ritual meal held in
celebration of the Jewish holiday of Passover.

This is a key reminder that Jesus was Jewish.

It is also emphasises the key link between the Old and New Testaments.

It was custom to sacrifice a lamb at Passover. Jesus is understood by Christians to
be the ultimate sacrifice – He is the ‘lamb of God who takes away the sins of the
world’ (John 1:29).

Question 20

What is transubstantiation and
why is it important for Catholics?

Answer 20

Transubstantiation = change substance

When the bread and wine are consecrated, their appearance, taste and
texture remain the same but their substance is changed

They become the Body and Bloody of Christ

Christ is present in the consecrated bread and wine

Therefore, in receiving Communion, Catholics receive Christ into their body.

This spiritual feeding makes a real change to them.

Through it they are united with Christ and with one another.

It is a foretaste of the heavenly Kingdom of God.

Question 21

What does Luke 22:19-20 teach
about Holy Communion?

Answer 21

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying,
“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the
new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you”

It has been inaugurated by Jesus himself – he says to ‘do this in remembrance
of me’

That the bread is Jesus’ body, which has been ‘given for you’

That the wine is Jesus’ blood, which is ‘poured out for you’

That a new covenant with God has been made through Jesus’ crucifixion

Question 22

How does the Church of England
view the bread and the wine used?

Answer 22

They are consecrated (‘made holy’) but they are NOT the actual body and blood of
Christ – they have a symbolic role.

“The Eucharist is at the heart of Christian worship. It is celebrated by Christians
around the world as a memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus, in response
to his words at the final meal he shared with his disciples, ‘Do this in remembrance
of me’”.

“In the Eucharist, God invites us to his table as a foretaste of the heavenly banquet
which he has prepared for people of all nations and cultures”

“The Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion, the Mass, or the Lord’s Supper), can
take many different forms across the Church of England, and it may be understood
by Christians in different ways, but at the heart of the celebration there is always a
special prayer of thanksgiving, or ‘Eucharistic Prayer’ (eucharistein means ‘to give
thanks’ in Greek). This is offered by the priest who presides at the service in the
name of all who are gathered, giving thanks for all that God has given us in Christ”

Question 23

How does the Baptist Church
view the bread and wine used?

Answer 23

They are symbolic and used to help remember Jesus’ Last Supper and death.

Baptists view Holy Communion as an ordinance (an act of obedience to a command
of Jesus).

‘Do this in remembrance of me’ (Jesus at the Last Supper).

They are used to remember the Last Supper and Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross
– Holy Communion is a memorial.

Anyone is able to receive Communion – it is an ‘open table’.

It does NOT affect any spiritual change in those who receive the bread and wine.

Its main value is to bring the community together to remember – and give thanks for
– what Jesus did.

Synoptic link: Baptists believe in the priesthood of all believers (sources of wisdom
and authority) – anybody can serve each other in communion.

Question 24

How is Holy Communion
celebrated in the Baptist Church?

Answer 24

As an ordinance – act of obedience to a commandment from Jesus.

Usually observed at least once a month.

Usually use non-alcoholic wine / juice.

Bread and wine are symbolic (do NOT believe in transubstantiation).

It is seen as a time of reflection and thanksgiving.

Although it will usually be presided over by an ordained minister, a person
authorised by the churches to act in their name, this does not have to be the case. A
church may appoint some other trusted person who is not ordained.

Often the congregation will share the bread and wine with each other. Ministers too
will receive the bread and wine from other church members. The idea behind this is
that communion, like baptism, belongs to the congregation. It is not owned by a
priesthood that then hands it down to others for their salvation.

Question 25

Why do some denominations not
celebrate Holy Communion at all?

Answer 25

They don’t regard some activities as more sacred than others, nor do they
believe that any particular ritual is needed to get in touch with God, so they do
not believe in the sacraments practised in mainstream Christian churches.

Quakers find that all ritual distracts and takes focus away from God.

Quakers believe that ministry is not only equal between men and women, but
that it belongs to all people, not just a few ministers.

Brent Bill: “We believe that Christ comes in a physically present way in the
same way that Catholics believe that when the host is elevated it becomes the
literal body and blood of Jesus. It is not just some symbol…Friends feel that
way about silence”

Question 26

What was the ‘Great
Commission’ (refer to Matthew 28)?

Answer 26

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising people in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”

Given by Jesus to his disciples prior to his Ascension to Heaven.

He is commissioning them to spread his teachings and baptise people in the
name of the Trinity (synoptic link: God).

This leads to Pope John Paul II’s proclamation of the ‘permanent validity of the
Church’s missionary mandate’ (Redemptoris Missio).

Today, 2.4 billion people are Christian.

Question 27

How did evangelism take on a
new dimension in the 19th century?

Answer 27

Evangelism continued throughout the succeeding countries but took on a new
dimension when powerful European nations created empires, creating
colonies in the America, Africa and Asia.

In 19th century Britain, there were a number of societies who sent out trained
missionaries to these colonies to convert those who lived there.

These missionaries learned the language of the people and lived among them,
teaching about

Question 28

How did evangelism change
again in the 20th century? (Synoptic
link: secularisation)

Answer 28

At the start of the 20th century, most people in Britain were Christians and
went to Church regularly.

The mission of the Church was therefore to provide facilities and staff for
worship and religious teaching. Following the Industrial Revolution, many
churches had been built to accommodate growing urban populations. Many of
the city dwellers often needed financial help and social care from their church
as well as worship, and this support for those in need became central to the
role of the Church.

In the 1960s, Local Ecumenical Partnerships grew as local congregations for
two or more denominations agreed to work together (topic link: ecumenism).

However, towards the end of the 20th century, Church attendance began to
decline.

Question 29

How does evangelism take place
today? (Synoptic link: secularisation)

Answer 29

Alpha courses run by Churches across the UK (of all denominations).

Online – YouTube, Twitter, social media etc.

Contemporary Churches who make worship ‘fashionable’ – Hillsong

Street preachers.

Fresh Expressions – taking Christianity to people where they are, as opposed to bringing people to the Church (synoptic link: secularisation).

Question 30

Why do many Christians believe
they have a mission to help others?

Answer 30

Mission is not just understood as evangelism – it is also understood to mean helping the poor and
disadvantaged. This is based on the teachings and example of Jesus.

“God is love” (John)

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the
love of God be in that person” (John)

Jesus showed concern for the most marginalised in 1st century society. God has a ‘preferential option for the
poor’. (Synoptic link: liberation theology).

Parable of the Sheep & the Goats (Matthew 25) teaches Christians that they will be judged based on the good
works they have performed to help those in need – feeding the hungry, caring for the sick etc.

‘Whatever you did for the least of these you did for me’ (Jesus, Matthew 25)

‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me’ (Jesus, Matthew 19)

‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ (Jesus, Matthew 5)

‘Let us not grow weary of doing good’ (St Paul, Galatians)

‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control’ (St
Paul, Galatians)

Question 31

Give three examples of how Christian
Churches, people and organisations have
worked to help people in need (e.g. CAFOD)

Answer 31

Christian charities such as CAFOD and Christian Aid put ‘faith into action’. Their work
is funded by donations and may typically include:

Providing humanitarian relief and support to the victims of natural disasters and
conflicts.

Campaigning on issues such as injustice and climate change.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 for the ‘sanctification of its
members by personal service to the poor’. Named after the patron saint of charities,
who dedicated himself to serving the poor.

Martin Luther King Jr campaigned on civil rights in America. He was a Baptist
minister who believed ‘we must use the weapon of love’. He was a pacifist and led
non-violent methods of protest.

Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, and worked to help the sickest
and poorest people worldwide.

Question 32

What is the ‘Alpha’ course and
why was it set up?

Answer 32

The Alpha course is a Christian evangelical course which seeks to introduce
the basics of the Christian faith through a series of talks and discussions.

Originated in 1977 at Holy Trinity Brompton Church, London (C of E).

Follows a 10 week format, with a weekly meeting that begins with a meal.

Topics include ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘Why and how do I pray?’

Today used by multiple denominations of Christianity. Translated into over
100 different languages worldwide.

Question 33

What is Ecumenism

Answer 33

Ecumenism – promoting unity between the world’s Christian churches.

Represents the universality of the Church – a shared commitment to following Jesus Christ and belief in the Trinity.

Developing links between different denominations who share the same set of key beliefs.

Strengthens the Christian presence in the world today.

Means that more can be achieved collectively.

Question 34

Give two things that have
changed about the Church’s mission
over the past 2,000 years

Answer 34

The methods! Originally, it was word-of-mouth…today it is via social media!

The needs and issues that the Church is responding to have changed over the
past 2,000 years (although the Church continues to show particular concern
for the poorest and most marginalised).

The rise of science and scientific challenges to belief (synoptic link: religion
and science).

Question 35

Give two things that have stayed
the same about the Church’s mission
over the past 2,000 years

Answer 35

Commitment to belief that Jesus is the Son of God.

Commitment to belief in the Trinity – God is three persons in one.

Commitment to helping those most in need (based on Matthew 25).

Question 36

Give two problems that may
arise as a result of such
evangelisation

Answer 36

Quakers believe that evangelism is wrong because it interferes with the lives of
individuals

Salvation Army put their efforts into serving the poor and needy (not converting
them to Christianity). Focused on orthopraxis (action) rather than orthodoxy (belief).

It assumes that Christianity is the only way to achieve salvation (exclusivism). Many
Christians reject exclusivism (synoptic link: religious pluralism) and would not agree
with imposing your religious beliefs on other people.

John Hick: The ‘rainbow of faiths’ - all faiths are equally valid.

Jesus emphasised the importance of performing good works to help others as the
route to salvation (Matthew 25) – you should prioritise helping others rather than
trying to convert them to your religion.

Could lead to discrimination / hostility if you believe that one religion (your religion)
is superior to all others.