Christian practices Flashcards
1
Q
Describe liturgical worship. Give 5 facts
A
- set pattern, found in the Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox Churches
- follows the example of Jesus who taught his followers how to pray, gave sermons and initiated the first Holy Communion
- led by a vicar or Priest
- usually takes place in an official building
- the set pattern may include readings from the Bible, reading, reading the Nicene Creed hymns, set prayers
2
Q
Describe non liturgical worship. Give 5 facts
A
- worship with no set pattern
- happens in Quaker worship and Evangelical worship
- worshippers wait for the Holy spirit to come upon them
-no leader - reminder of the Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and they started speaking in tongues
- taking in tongues, spontaneous singing, healings
3
Q
Give 3 reasons why liturgical worship is important
A
- reminder of a pattern of worship Jesus set up e.g gave the sermon on the Mount, led the last supper and taught his followers the Lord’s prayer
- brings the church community together. During the service, they offer one another a sign of peace. Partake in Holy communion together
- helps believers achieve salvation and atonement e.g reminded of Jesus’ teachings, take the sacrament of Holy Communion, pray and repent their sins
4
Q
Give 3 reasons why non liturgical worship is important
A
- it is a reminder of the Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and they started talking in tongues. This showed them the importance of Jesus’ message to them to go and preach the gospel to all creations
- It reminds believers of the personal nature of God and the power of the Holy Spirit e.g healings may happen during this type of worship, believers may feel so moved that they cry
- It helps believers achieve salvation and feel at one with God through spontaneous prayers and allowing them to build a personal relationship with God
5
Q
Describe 3 different types of prayer
A
- Set prayers - these may be found in the Book of Prayer and an important set is the Lord’s prayer
- Extemporaneous prayers - these are spontaneous prayers and often said in informal worship. Worshippers pray in this way when moved by the Holy Spirit
- Informal prayer - these may be said at home and use informal language so Dad instead of Father
6
Q
Give 3 reasons why prayer is important for Christians
A
- It was the example of Jesus e.g he taught the disciples the Lord’s prayer and the tradition of the church -> Anglican church has a book of common prayer
- It is a way to salvation as it involves repentance of sins “forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”
- helps remind the believer of the greatness of God and important Christian beliefs because it involves adoration “Hallowed be your name” and it is confessional “thy kingdom come, thine will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”
7
Q
What is a sacrament?
A
It is an outward sign of an inward blessing
8
Q
What are the 7 sacraments of the Catholic church?
A
- mass
- baptism
- confirmation
- marriage
- ordination of priests
- the anointing of the sick
- confession
9
Q
Which 2 sacraments are recognised by most Protestant churches?
A
Baptism
Eucharist (Mass/Holy Communion)
10
Q
Give 5 facts about an infant baptism
A
- wear a white gown to show purity
- is a public event with church community there
- God parents and parents make promises to renounce evil, turn to Christ
- Vicar makes the sign of the cross on the baby’s head
- Vicar pours water from the front over the babies head to wash away original sin “I baptise you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”
- Given a candle
11
Q
Give 5 facts about an adult baptism
A
- happens in Baptist churches
- is a public event infront of a church congregation
- believer makes the baptismal vows
- is fully submersed in water in a baptismal pool
- Minister says “I baptise you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”
12
Q
Give 3 reasons why baptism is important
A
- It is a reminder of the example of Jesus. Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist and at his baptism God says “this is my son, with whom I am well pleased” Holy Spirit appears as a dove. Jesus also tells his disciples to baptise people
- It helps believers achieve salvation. It is a sacrament and bestows God’s blessing. It washes away original sin of Adam and Eve so atonement can happen
- It brings the church community together. It is a public event and all witness the person entering the church community and will endeavour to support that person
13
Q
Give 5 facts about Holy Communion (Eucharist/Mass)
A
- it is a sacrament
- it is a reminder of the Last Supper when Jesus blesses the bread and the wine and says to do this in remembrance of him
- it happens during liturgical worship
- the priest or vicar represents Jesus and blesses the bread and wine then gives it to the congregation
- Catholics believe the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus (transubstantiation)
14
Q
Give 3 reasons why Eucharist is important for Christians
A
- It is a reminder of Jesus. It is what he did at the Last Supper with his disciples and tells them to break bread and drink wine in remembrance of him. He says “this is my blood which I shed for you, this is my body which I give for you, do this in remembrance of me”
- It helps the believer to achieve salvation. This is because it is a sacrament and atones the believer. It also helps the believer to remember Jesus’ death and reminds them of what he did for them (symbolism in Protestant churches)
- It brings the church community together. Each week, the community gather in church and take the Eucharist together. Afterwards, they offer one another a sign of peace
15
Q
Give 5 facts about Christmas
A
- the period of four weeks before Christmas is called advent. An advent candle is lit each Sunday in Church during this time. Some Christians fast during this time
- During advent, children perform nativity plays, open advent calendars, light advent candles each day
- Christians exchange Christmas cards with religious images and messages.
- Christmas Eve there is midnight mass
- Christmas Day - Eucharist and exchanging of gifts
16
Q
Give 3 reasons why Christmas is important for Christians
A
- It is a reminder of the belief that Jesus was the Incarnation of God and the suffering he will go through. In Matthew’s gospel, wise men visit Jesus gold - kingship, frankincense - divinity and myrrh - suffering. Mary is told by the Angel Gabriel that she will give birth to the “Son of the most High” the virgin birth shows Jesus’s divinity
- It is are reminder of the events of Jesus’ birth e.g Nativity scenes depict the story from Matthew’s gospel showing the wise men, the star and from Luke’s showing the Shepherds being told by the angel
- It brings the church community together e.g to light the advent candles each week in church, Christingle service (orange with a lit candle and red ribbon around it to show Jesus is coming into the world to suffer for the world. Sweets in the orange show the gifts to salvation he brought with him)
17
Q
Give a fact about Lent
A
Lent starts 40 days before Easter and is the time when Jesus was in the desert being tempted by the Devil. The official start day of lent is called Ash Wednesday
18
Q
When does Holy Week start?
A
Palm Sunday - when Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey. Now Christians have crosses made of palm leaves
19
Q
What happens on Maundy Thursday and why?
A
Jesus overturns the tables in the temple, he has his last supper, is betrayed by Judas and he washes the feet of his disciples, is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, put on illegal trial by the Jewish high priests.
Now, in the Catholic church, the priest washes the feet of his congregation
20
Q
What happens on Good Friday and why?
A
Some Christians fast on this day and some re enact Jesus’ death with a procession
He is tried by Pontius Pilate who tries to free him by allowing the crowds to choose to release either Jesus or Barabus (a murder). Whipped up by the High Priests, they choose Barabus. Jesus is then mocked by the soldiers, they give him a crown of thorns, whip him and draw lots for his clothes. He then carries his cross and his crucified next to two thieves
21
Q
What happens on Easter Sunday and why?
A
Now, Christians exchange Easter eggs as a sign of new life, read the Bible and take Holy communion on Easter Sunday
The 3 women go to his tomb and find it empty. They tell the disciples who don’t believe them. Peter has to see for himself!
22
Q
Give 4 reasons why Easter is important for Christians
A
- It is a reminder of what Jesus did to atone for human sin. When he rose from the dead, it showed that the death had been defeated. Jesus had reversed what Adam’s original sin had done. Where Adam brought about death, Jesus brought about eternal life showing Christians they could be with God in heaven and could be saved. This is why St Paul calls Jesus the second Adam
- It is a reminder of the important belief that all believers can have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that all who believe in him will not perish but will have eternal life” This is remembered on Easter Sunday by the giving eggs (new life) and readings in church about the resurrection
- It remembers the resurrection accounts in the Bible. In Luke’s gospel the 2 women find Jesus’ tomb and they are greeted by two angels. Peter doesn’t believe them, has to look for himself, earthquake and Angel appears, angel moves the boulder from the tomb and sits on it, he tells the two women that Jesus has risen. In John’s gospel, doubting Thomas asks to see Jesus’ wounds from the crucifixion to prove that it is him
- It brings the church community together e.g fasting together during Lent, Services throughout Holy Week, Holy Communion on Easter Sunday. Some Christians go on pilgrimage at this time to Jerusalem together
23
Q
What is a pilgrimage?
A
It is a journey to a sacred place. An act of religious devotion
24
Q
Give 5 facts about Taize
A
- Started in France at Taize by Roger Schulz in the 1940’s and helped German prisoners there
- He was later joined by monks from across different Christian denominations
- Pilgrims no are from different Christian denominations
- Pilgrims go to the church of reconciliation
- Pilgrims follow the day of the monks when they are there
- They pray together, study the Bible and chante
25
Give 5 facts about Walsingham
1. A saxon woman Faverches had a vision of Mary in Walsingham in 1061
2. Mary took her to her house in Nazareth where the angel Gabriel asked Faverches to build a replica of her house in Walsingham
3. Faverches did this and this is why Walsingham is called the Nazareth of England
4. Pilgrims from different denominations go there
5. They go to the church and pray for people
6. They believe the water in the church has healing powers
26
Give 4 reasons why pilgrimage is important for Christians
1. it shows their devotion e.g pilgrimage means taking time out of work and there is a cost
2. it helps on their path to salvation e.g Taize and Walsingham, pilgrims pray and seek atonement with God
3. It brings the Christian community together e.g at both Taize and Walsingham there are Christians from all denominations
4. It is a reminder of Jesus e.g at Taize - the reminder to forgive and Walsingham, a reminder of his birth
27
Give 2 reasons why pilgrimage is not important
1. the money could be spent in other ways which are more helpful e.g given to Tear Fund to help the poor
2. it could create disunity because some Christians may not be able to afford it and feel left out
28
What did the 2011 census show about Christianity in Britain today?
1. Christianity is still the larges religion in England and Wales but number have fallen since the last census
2. Islam is the second largest religion in England and Wales
3. 1/4 of people are now atheist. This has grown since the last census
4. London is the most religiously diverse city
29
Give 4 problems for Christianity in Britain today
1. Christian teachings seem irrelevant to those who are atheist or agnostic
2. Church attendance has declined
3. Britain is multifaith and so people are choosing to leave Christianity for other religions
4. Christianity is losing its identity e.g Christmas is now seen as a midwinter festival, not Christian
30
Give 3 ways in which Christianity still influences Britain today
1. Traditions - swearing on the Bible in court, Sunday trading, many people still marry in church
2. Education - many primary schools are funded by the C of E. R.E curriculum - 50% Christianity to reflect the fact Christianity is the main religion of this country
3. Festivals - public holidays are around the major Christian festivals e.g Easter and Christmas
31
Give 3 features of the role of the Christian church today in Britain
1. place of worship
2. to provide important services e.g marriage
3. to help the local community e.g youth groups, counselling
32
Give 3 reasons why Churches are needed
1. reminder of Jesus- teachings e.g each week, in church, there are readings from the gospels
2. reminder of key Christian beliefs e.g through the stain glass windows, images of Jesus on the cross, candles (resurrection)
3. they bring the church community together e.g pray together, public events together e.g marriage, holy communion
33
Give 3 reasons why churches are not needed
1. Too expensive - money should be given to the poor
2. Jesus di not have a church! He taught outside
3. Church community could meet in people's houses
34
What is evangelism?
It is to spread the message of Jesus with the intention of converting others. This is the mission of the church
35
How do Christians evangelise? Give 2 ways
1. By the way they live their lives i.e being a role model
2. On the streets, publicly
3. Going over seas and preaching whilst also providing education and basic needs for the poor
36
Give 3 reasons why some Christians do not agree with evangelising
1. It is not loving to force beliefs upon people and Jesus said to love your neighbour
2. Some Christians believe all religions are different paths to the same God, so evangelism is necessary
3. "treat others as you would like to be treated"
37
Give 3 reasons why Christians do agree with Evangelism
1. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can get to the Father except through me" So Christianity is the only way to God
2. Jesus told his disciples to go and preach to all nations and baptise people
3. They take the Pentecost to show that the disciples needed to speak in different languages to convert other nations
38
Give 3 facts about church growth in Britain today
1. In Britain, Church of England and Catholic numbers in churches have declined, whilst numbers to evangelical churches have risen
2. Church of England has tried to attract numbers by meeting more informally e.g at cafes or at the beach
3. Evangelical churches are splitting off and forming new churches
39
Give 2 examples of persecution of Christians
1. All of Jesus' disciples were killed for evangelising
2. IS have targeted Christians
40
Give 3 features of the charity Open Doors
1. counselling for trauma or persecution
2. giving Bibles to those who do not have one
3. raising awareness of persecution
4. giving practical help
41
Give 2 features of the Christian Ecumenical movement
1. World wide Sunday school movement
2. Joint services bringing together different denominations
42
Give 2 features of the world council of Churches
1. came together after the first world war to bring unity and stop conflict
2. hold a week of prayer together
43
Give 3 reasons why unity across Christians is important
1. it helps Christianity to spread
2. it is what Jesus would have wanted - he did not want division, love the neighbour and give to Cesar what is Cesar's
3. it makes Christianity stronger - more able to face persecution
44
Give 3 reasons why some Christians do not want this unit
1. they don't want to lose their own identity e.g Lutheran church suspended a pastor for taking part in an interfaith activity
2. Orthodox church follow a different calendar and want to keep this
3. Worried about leadership - will all churches have to follow the Pope
45
Give 4 features of the work of Tear Fund and 3 biblical passages to support their work
1. Fund raising - mean bean week "Go and sell all that you have and give it to the poor" Jesus, eat only beans and rice for one week
2. Long term Aid - building bridges in marsh lands. Genesis = humans are told to "rule over" and this means to be good stewards of the environment
3. Emergency Aid - blankets and food to Syria "I was hungry and you fed me" Jesus
4. Education- setting up education after the Haiti earthquake and educating the world by raising awareness of issue e.g campaign against sexual violence internationally - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
