Christian Practices Flashcards

Question

Describe informal prayers

Answer 1

* These are non-formulaic and spontaneous, which some Christians view to be more spiritually honest. * Often uses informal language.

Answer 2

* Some Christians believe prayers in this way are influenced by the Holy Spirit and some reject prayers like the Lord’s Prayer as they believe that by repeating set prayers, the real meaning is lost and people just end up repeating them without thinking about the meaning

Answer 3

* Quakers value the idea of being in God’s presence and sit in silence and stillness in services.

Answer 4

* They believe this allows them the opportunity to reflect, which helps them become closer to other members of the congregation and to God.

Answer 5

* In the Pentecostal Church, worship is also informal and Christians feel they are moved by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak in tongues sometimes. * Movement and participation is required - often music, singing & dancing.

Answer 6

* Encourages reflection in the middle of a busy life * Enables Christians to talk and listen to God * Gives strength in times of trouble * Gives a sense of peace * Helps Christians to accept God's will even if it means suffering * Helps Christians to keep a close relationship with God * Enables Christians to talk and listen to God

Answer 7

* Holy rituals through which believers receive a special gift of grace

Answer 8

* Baptism and Eucharist.

Answer 9

* Seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Holy Communion, marriage, Holy Orders, reconciliation, anointing of the sick

Answer 10

* Most Protestants only recognise Baptism and Eucharist, as they were the only two documented in the Gospels as being practiced by Jesus.

Answer 11

* However, Quakers and the Salvation Army don’t believe in these two sacraments, as they believe that sacraments are an inward spiritual experience and that there is no need for external rituals.

Answer 12

* Whilst some evangelical Churches carry out rituals like baptism * They don’t believe they are sacred so don’t consider them sacraments.

Answer 13

* Ritual through which a person becomes a member of the church * Involves the use of water to symbolise the washing away of sin

Answer 14

* imitates Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist * becomes a member of the Christian Church * becomes a child of God * Receives God's saving grace and the Holy Spirit] * is cleansed of sin * enters new life with Christ in the Christian community

Answer 15

* In most Roman Catholic and Church of England Churches, children and infants are baptised.

Answer 16

* In infant baptism, parents and godparents make promises to bring them up in the Christian faith. * Pours water over baby's head and says "I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" * For denominations that practice infant baptism, children will often have a ‘confirmation’ ceremony in their early teens or as adults when they are able to declare their own faith and remake the original promises made.

Answer 17

* Baptists do not believe in infant baptism as they think that a believer should be able to declare their own faith, and babies are unable to do this. * Further, Jesus himself was baptised as an adult.

Answer 18

* It is a rite of entry that allows people to become members of the Christian Church. * Many Christians believe original sin is removed through the act of baptism. * It follows the personal example of Jesus who was baptised as an adult by John the Baptist. * Believer’s baptism gives an individual an opportunity to publically claim their faith. * Baptism links us directly with the death and resurrection of Jesus: ‘We were buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too may live a new life.’ * Jesus instructed his disciples to baptise: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the father, Son and Holy Spirit’. * Through baptism, you can enter heaven: ‘No one can enter God’s Kingdom, unless they are born of the water’.

Answer 19

* The person is fully immersed in a pool which symbolises cleansing from sin and rising to new life in Christ * When asked whether they are willing to change their lives, the person gives a brief testimony of their faith in Jesus

Answer 20

* Eucharist, also known as ‘Mass or Holy Communion’ is a sacrament instituted by Jesus at his Last Supper before his crucifixion, where he shared bread and wine with his disciples * Celebrates the sacrifice of Jesus

Answer 21

* Christians today continue this tradition, as they believe it brings them closer to God as it is an act of thanksgiving for the life and death of Jesus.

Answer 22

* When Roman Catholics believe that the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ. * This means Jesus is full present in the bread and wine * This is a divine mystery that helps believers share in the saving sacrifice of Jesus' death and resurrection

Answer 23

* The Lutherans (Protestant Reformers) concept of ‘sacramental union’ * That the body and blood of Jesus are somehow present ‘within’ the bread and wine.

Answer 24

* Many Protestants reject transubstantiation * Instead, Presbyterians view that Christ is spiritually present, rather than literally.

Answer 25

* "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes"

Answer 26

* Christians receive God's grace by joining in the sacrifice of Jesus * Helps to strengthen their faith * Become closer to God

Answer 27

* Holy communion brings the community of believers together in unity by sharing the bread and wine * Can provide support and encouragement for those going though a difficult time

Answer 28

* Acts as a call to love other sin practical ways * Encourages Christians to wok for equality and justice for all * Many churches collect money during the service to help support those in need

Answer 29

* Called the Divine Liturgy * Is believed to recreate heaven on earth * Much of the service is held at the altar behind the iconostasis using the Royal Doors

Answer 30

* Hymns, prayers and a bible reading * Priest comes through the Royal Doors to chant the Gospel * There may be sermon

Answer 31

* Priest receives wine and bread baked by church members * Prayers are offered for the church, the local community and the world * Behind the iconostasis, the priest says the the words of Jesus at the Last Supper * Most of the bread is consecrated as the body and blood of Christ * The priest distributes holy bread and wine on a spoon * Prayers of thanksgiving are said * Unconsecrated pieces of bread are given toe pole to take home as a sign of belonging to the Christian community

Answer 32

* Three bible readings, a psalm and a homily * Creed is said * Prayers are said for the Church, the local community, the world, and the sick and the dead

Answer 33

* Anglican - people give a sign of peace to each other * Offerings of bread and wine are brought to the altar * Priest repeats the words of Jesus at the Last Supper over the bread and wine * People say Lord's Prayer * Catholic Mass - sign of peace is given at this point * People receive bread and wine * Priest blesses people and sends them out to the live gospel

Answer 34

* Baptists believe that the ritual is simply an act of remembrance – known as ‘memorialism’. * Despite the differences, food and drink are intrinsic to human physical health and survival in the same way that Christians believe this sacrament is important to spiritual health and survival.

Answer 35

* Service begins with a hymn and a prayer of praise and thanksgiving * Bible readings and a sermon are given * Prayers for the world and needs for particular people are said * Minister repeats the words and actions of Jesus at the Last Supper * "Open table" so anyone who wishes may receive Holy Communion * Sometimes bread is cut beforehand, other times broken and passed around * Wine is sometimes non-alcoholic and usually distributed in small cups * Ends with prayer of thanksgiving, a blessing, and an encouragement to go out and serve God

Answer 36

* A day of period of celebration for religious reasons

Answer 37

* They help them to remember and celebrate the major events in their religion

Answer 38

* A celebration of the birth of Jesus – the incarnation. * Celebration begins on the 25th December and lasts 12 days, ending with the Epiphany * Christians do not believe Jesus was actually born on Christmas day, but mark this day to focus on the incarnation.

Answer 39

* Due to its importance, a period of time known as advent was set aside to allow Christians to prepare for Christmas. * It begins four Sundays before Christmas and traditionally, many Christians fasted during this time. * The Eastern Orthodox Church still practices fasting, though Western Churches do not. * Many people have advent calendars to count down the days.

Answer 40

* Nativity or crib scenes in schools or churches. * Nativity plays in schools and churches. * Christingle services in church where children make a Christingle (orange with a candle) to show Jesus as the ‘light of the world’. * Carol concerts with Christmas carols. * Exchanging cards with a religious image and greeting. * Decoration of houses inside and out and mid –night Mass on Christmas Eve. * Some also attend Church services on Christmas day, as well as having meals with family and exchanging gifts.

Answer 41

* Lights - represent Jesus as the light coming into the world of darkness * Nativity scenes - show baby Jesus born into poverty * Carol services with Bible readings - remind Christians about God's promise of a saviour and the vents of Jesus' birth * Midnight Mass - reflects the holiness of the nights and the joy Christians feel at Jesus' birth * Give to charity - goodwill because God gave humanity the gift of Jesus

Answer 42

* It remembers the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Answer 43

* A period of 40 days leading up to Easter, remembering the time Jesus fasted in the desert praying. * The devil tried to tempt him during this experience, but he resisted.

Answer 44

* It begins with Ash Wednesday, where Catholics attend a service where they are marked with black ashes in the shape of a cross on their forehead. * Many Christians often give something up for lent to mark the fact Jesus fasted in the desert.

Answer 45

* Shrove Tuesday, which was an opportunity to use up the foods Christians would be giving up during lent.

Answer 46

* This is the week that precedes Easter Sunday, when Christians remember the events in Jesus’ life that led to his death.

Answer 47

* Palm Sunday commemorates his arrival in Jerusalem * Catholics and Anglicans receive crosses made of palm leaves to remind them of this.

Answer 48

* Maundy Thursday reminds them of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples, where Jesus had bread and wine with them. * To remember this, Christians often have Communion services (Mass). * As Jesus also washed his disciples’ feet, some Catholic priests will often do this for his congregation.

Answer 49

* Good Friday remembers Jesus’ death on the cross * Mourning services will be held and Catholics fast on this day.

Answer 50

* Special service are held to celebrate Christ's resurrection * Orthodox Christians walk with candles in procession, then enter the dark church as if going into Jesus' empty tomb * Priest announces "Christ is risen" people respond "He is risen indeed" * Catholics and Anglicans have vigil that begins in darkness before the Paschal candle is lit to symbolise the risen Christ * Ends with Holy Communion

Answer 51

* This marks the day of Jesus’ Resurrection – it is a day of celebration. * Christians attend special services and Churches are filled with flowers. * Many exchange cards with family and friends, exchange Easter eggs, attend services during Lent, visit cemeteries to leave flowers for the deceased and complete personal readings of the Bible. * Eggs symbolise new life

Answer 52

* A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place, usually an act of religious devotion. * It has always been a practice in the Christian religion, where many pilgrims have travelled to the Holy Land to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

Answer 53

* Grow closer to god * Strengthen faith in God * Be forgiven for sin * Reflect on one's life * Pray for something special * Thank God for a blessing * Seek a cure for illness * Help other pilgrims who are disabled or ill * Experience a holy place * Meet others who share the same faith

Answer 54

* Give them a better understanding of their faith * Renew their enthusiasm for living a Christian life * Help them see problems in a new light * Help them feel cleansed from seen * Help them feel more connected to the Christin community * Give them a good feeling bout helping other pilgrims who are disabled or ill

Answer 55

* Iona is a small island of the West coast of Scotland. * Iona's fame began in 563 AD when Columba, with thirteen followers, landed at the south end of the island, at St Columba's Bay, to establish a monastery. * It has since become a place where saints have lived and where prayers have been answered. * Until very recently, the physical journey to Iona was a hard one – rough paths, barren moorland, small boats and uncertain tides. * Every Tuesday there is a pilgrimage walk around the island that stops at places of historical and religious significance. * It is a pilgrimage for all ages, travelling together, sharing food, jokes, stories, songs, prayers and silence. * Time is also spent reading and in reflection. * Not for miracles.

Answer 56

* The origins of its sanctity begin with the fourteen-year old girl Bernadette Soubirous who saw apparitions of a white-robed lady 18 times in a small grotto and was instructed to build a chapel in the grotto, which many people would soon come to visit. * During her ecstatic trance in the grotto, Bernadette began to dig in the earth until a small puddle of water appeared. * Over the next few days the puddle enlarged into a pool and eventually became the sacred spring for which

Answer 57

* Lourdes is the site of a sighting of Mary in 1858. 4-6 million pilgrims from around the world visit the shrine each year. * Initially only a regional pilgrimage destination, as incidents of healing began to be reported, the spring developed an international reputation for having therapeutic powers. * Pilgrims visiting Lourdes for its healing qualities bathe in pools of water from Bernadette's spring. * Reports of miracles of our Lady of Lourdes are thoroughly examined and evidence indicates that there are many cases of verifiable healings at the grotto. * At the shrine of Sainte Bernadette rosaries made of wood, glass, pewter and crystal are available for sale. * Some of these rosaries also contain water from the holy spring. * Go there to pray, read bible, reflect, and meditate * Can attend services in the abbey church, take part in workshops, and visit the island's holy or historic sites

Answer 58

* To make new disciples, not just new believers * This means new Christians are also expected to help spread the faith * Evangelism should therefore be followed up by training new converts in the way of following Jesus * Every Christian has a role in encouraging fellow believers

Answer 59

* Increasingly many religious beliefs and teachings are regarded as either out of date or irrelevant. * Many more people now claim to be atheist or agnostic and Christianity is only one of many religious traditions followed by people in Britain. * Therefore, the religious landscape is becoming more pluralistic. * Attendance at Church places has declined and the celebration of religious festivals have lost their religious significance, such as Christmas and Easter. * In January 2016, it was reported that CoE attendance has dropped to its lowest level ever – below one million. However, some Churches, especially evangelical are thriving in Britain in recent years.

Answer 60

* Praying for others to accept God * Advertising and using media * Sharing what God has done for them with others * Inviting people to Christian meetings and social events

Answer 61

* Fresh Expression is a movement within the CoE, who have tried to change the way churches and congregations meet and worship to attract people to the Church. * One example is a café church, where people will meet to talk about their faith and have refreshments. * This can take place in a Church building, or workplaces, gyms or the beach.

Answer 62

* Promote evangelism by holding meetings throughout the world, but particularly in Africa * Some of their large open-air rallies held inAfrica have drawn crowd of up to 1.6 million people * Claimed that many miracles of healing take place at the meetings * Claimed 74 million have filled in decisions cards to follow Christ at their meetings

Answer 63

* Despite the changes in the UK, it is important to recognise that Christianity is a world religion and is growing successfully in other parts of the world, such as Asia, South America and Africa. * The Pew Research Centre estimates that by 2050, 4/10 Christians will live in Sub-Saharan Africa. * Worldwide around 80,000 people become Christians each day, and over 500 new churches are formed

Answer 64

* Church is a building which is a place of worship, * But it is also a word used for the followers of Jesus.

Answer 65

* Teachings of Jesus show that Christians should show agape love (selfless, unconditional love) to those in need. * This is expressed in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. * "Faith itself is not accompanied by action, is dead"

Answer 66

* Supports local projects such as food banks * Provides social services such as schooling and medical care * Helps those in need * Campaigns for justice

Answer 67

* Educate people about Christianity * Are meeting places for prayer and worship * Provide activities for younger people * Are places where Christians can socialise and obtain spiritual guidance

Answer 68

* Runs over 400 food banks in the UK * Provides emergency food, help and support to people in crisis in the UK. * Non-perishable food is donated by schools, individuals and other organisation. * Care professional identify people in crisis and provide a voucher which entitles them to three days of good food. * Aim to bring religious and non-religious people together to help end poverty and hunger

Answer 69

* Community hub run by Plymouth Methodist Mission Circuit * Provides an Internet cafe, creative courses, a job club, training opportunities, a meeting place, and a food bank * Spirit and practical help is given to those in need because of ill health, learning disabilities, domestic violence substance abuse, low income, and housing problems

Answer 70

* "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body"

Answer 71

* Adult volunteers patrol the streets in urban areas to challenge gang culture, drunkenness and act as a reassuring presence. * Their aim is not to actively preach but to provide a positive service to their local area & respond to drunkenness, anti-social behaviour and fear of crime * Work closely with police and and local councils * Listen to people's problems and advise on where they might get help, discourage anti-social behaviour

Answer 72

* Supports whole-person healthcare though the local churches * Provide churches with registered parish nurses who promote well-being in body, mind and spirit among the local community * Help provide early diagnosis of health problems * Train and coordinate volunteers to help combat loneliness or provide support during times of crisis * Give additional help to NHS * Encourage people to exercise and have a good diet * Focus on the whole person, including listening to people and praying with them if asked, also direct people to specific services if needed

Answer 73

* Evangelism is the way in which the gospel is spread. * Christians hope by telling others about Jesus’ message, many will be converted to the Christian Faith.

Answer 74

* A form of evangelism (arguable the best way) * It is a mission of the Church to help Christians live out a life of faith, but also to tell Christians the message of salvation to all.

Answer 75

* Jesus gave a Great Commission to his disciples to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations though baptism * The Holy Spirit at Pentecost gave the disciples the gifts and courage needed to carry out the Great Commission * All Christians have a duty to spread the gospel and tell others of their faith, but some become missionaries or evangelists * The aims of missionary work and evangelism are to persuade people to accept Jesus as their Savoiur, and to extend the Church to all nations

Answer 76

* ‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..’ (Matthew 28:1-9) This is known as the Great Commission.

Answer 77

* Many regard it as their duty or mission to convert others to Christianity. * In the past, missionary work had a clear intention to bring people to the Christian faith, as well as bringing education and support to the poor and disadvantaged. * However, today, many would debate the ethics of converting people to Christianity, as in an increasingly pluralist society many think you should be respectful of peoples faiths rather than trying to encourage people to change religion.

Answer 78

* Example of evangelism in Britain * Aim to help church members understand the basics of the Christian faith * Course is now used as an introduction for those interested in learning about Christianity, by different Christian denominations in Britain and abroad * Organisers describe it as "an opportunity to explore the meaning of life" through talks an discussions * Courses are held in homes, workplaces, universities, and prisons, as well as churches

Answer 79

* Jesus taught them it was important * Jesus once told a rich man to sell everything and give it to the poor * The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus tells of a rich man who ends up in hell for ignoring a beggar * The arable of the Good Samaritan teaches the importance of helping all * Jesus helped outcasts such as lepers, tax collectors and sinners * "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth"

Answer 80

* Tearfund is a Christian Charity that works through Church groups giving help to the poor in many countries. * It currently works in over 50 countries, providing emergency aid when natural disasters occur and carrying out long term projects to support local communities. * It raises public awareness of social issues such as poverty and discrimination. * It also gives practical help in order to act out the teachings of Jesus to help others and encourages self-help for individuals and communities. * In Columbia, they have worked with children and teenagers and set up 30 sports clubs for football training, providing safe places for young people to socialise away from the risk of joining gangs. Further, they offer mentoring to equip them with life skills.

Answer 81

* Supports projects to encourage sustainable development * Provides emergency relief such as food, water, shelter, and sanitation * Campaigns to end poverty alongside organisations such as the Fairtrade Foundation, Trade Justice and Stop Climate Chaos

Answer 82

* Works with local organisation to train, supply and support communities to work their own way out of poverty * Gives short-term aid such as food, water and shelter during conflicts and disasters * Lobbies UK government and global organisations for decision that respect the poorest * Encourages Catholic schools and parishes to pray, give money, and campaign for justice

Answer 83

* They try to follow Jesus’ command: ‘Love your neighbour’ and ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated’. * They also try to put into action the unconditional or selfish love that Jesus discusses – ‘agape’ love. * They also follow religious texts about charity: ‘It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than to enter the kingdom of God’ and ‘Those who have two coats, give one to the man who has none’.

Answer 84

* Persecution is ‘persistently cruel treatment, often due to religion or belief’.

Answer 85

* In some parts of the world, Christians are treated unjustly in societies where Christianity is at a minority - Terrorist organisations like IS have taken Christians homes from them and violently attacked them. * Being forced to pay extra tax * Job discrimination * Being forbidden to build churches * Attacks on Christian homes, churches and families, including murder

Answer 86

* Estimated 80% of all acts of religious discrimination today are aimed at Christians * Happens all around the world, but particularly North Korea, Somalia, Iraq and Syria

Answer 87

* Persecution of Christians has always taken place, and many Christians have become known as ‘martyrs’. * This is used for someone who has died or is killed for their religious faith.

Answer 88

* Jesus himself was a martyr and he warned his disciples that they would be persecuted for their faith – they were all martyred. * Christians believe that when given a divine commission from Jesus to evangelise, this may be in the face of danger.

Answer 89

* Positive effect - strengthens their faith and conviction + allows them to share in the suffering of Jesus * Believes its important to act against persecution but supporting persecuted Christians wherever possible * Encouraged to show love and forgiveness towards their persecutors

Answer 90

* "Yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his suffering" - shows that one way Christians can get to know Jesus is by sharing his suffering * " If one part suffers every par suffers with it" - refers to Church, helping individuals help the whole church * "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" - shows Christians should respond to evil with love

Answer 91

* An evangelical organisation which seek to help persecuted Christians * Established in 1955, when Brother Andrew – a Dutch missionary, smuggled Bibles into the Soviet Union. * Today, it helps persecuted Christians by distributing Bibles, providing practical support for Christians who have been the victims of disasters, speaking on behalf of persecuted Christians to raise awareness of their situation and to gather support and training Christians and Church leaders to deal with the trauma they may be suffering while maintaining their faith.

Answer 92

* Smuggled Bibles into the USSR o strengthen and give comfort to persecuted Christians * Barnabas Fund send money to support people persecuted for their faith * Christian Solidarity Worldwide campais for religious freedom for all

Answer 93

* Reconciliation is the idea that people should make up after an argument and move on.

Answer 94

* Christians believe humans were reconciled to God through Jesus' death and resurrection * This means Jesus' death and resurrection helped to restore the relationship between God and humanity which had been broken by sin * For Catholics, the sacrament of Reconciliation also helps to restore people's relationship with God * Therefore reconciliation is an important part of the Church's work - might involve restoring relationships between people. work for peace between different religious group or nations at conflict

Answer 95

* "While we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son"

Answer 96

* Within the Christian church, the many different denominations had led to conflict and tension. * However, living in a pluralist society today, many think that it is important to work together as much as possible.

Answer 97

* The Ecumenical Movement * The World Council of Churches * Corrymeela Community * Irish Churches Peace Project * Community of the Cross of Nails

Answer 98

* This is an attempt to bring different denominations together and promote unity through the world. * It began with the World Missionary Conference at Edinburgh in 1910, and as a result there is more co-operation between different Christian denominations. * For example, some Churches now share a common building and joint services. * Although different denominations still exist, many believe there is only ‘one’ church.

Answer 99

* This is a world-wide fellowship of churches seeking unity and making connections between denominations. * Each year they hold a special prayer week, which brings together different denominations in more than 110 countries. * The Catholic Church is not part of WCC, but does take part in some national and local ecumenical organisations. ‘Churches together in England’ is a practical attempt to offer ways of achieving greater unity and during the special week of prayer each January, special ecumenical services are organised.

Answer 100

* Brings together people from different backgrounds, including people of different faiths or political leanings * Meet at residential centre in Northern Ireland to build trust and explore ways of moving away from violence

Answer 101

* Brings Catholics and Protestants together in Northern Ireland * Aims to develop peace and understanding between two denominations

Answer 102

* After the bombing of Coventry Cathedral in WWII, Christian showed forgiveness for those responsible * Cathedral became a world centre for peace and reconciliation * Works with partners in other countries to bring about peace and harmony