Christianity Practices Flashcards
(19 cards)
Liturgical worship
A set pattern, with established rituals, perhaps a service book, or set patterns of prayers.
At set times for services in church, often on Sundays, but on other days too.
Members of the church and the public. Eucharist would usually be for those baptised or christened.
Informal worship
No set pattern, even if there is a format; greater spontaneous responses (Evangelicals). For Society of Friends, silence is common.
Also at set times for services, often on Sundays, but on other days too.
Members of the church and the public.
Individual worship
Saying of prayers, or reading the Bible as an individual believer.
Some people may use a pattern.
For most believers, every day, and for some perhaps
several times a day.
Individuals, in their own homes, or where they happen to be - usually on their own.
The nature and importance of prayer
• Prayer is an essential part of a Christian’s faith, and follows Jesus’ lifestyle.
• It is believed to be communication with Jesus (or God), and is the building of a relationship.
• It is a natural part of daily life, and can be at specific points during each day, or at any time the person feels the need to pray, or is inspired to do so.
• There are many different types of prayer:
O adoration (praising God)
O confession (saying sorry)
• thanksgiving (saying thank you)
O supplication (asking for others).
• Many Christians are part of ‘prayer chains’, or ‘prayer partners’, whereby they commit to praying for the needs of others every day.
One of the most popular prayers is The Lord’s Prayer.
Sacraments
- Baptism
• Significance: The sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith.
• Action: Involves the use of water, symbolizing purification and rebirth in Christ.
• Belief: Removes original sin and allows the person to become a member of the Church.- Eucharist (Holy Communion)
• Significance: Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples.
• Action: Christians partake of bread and wine, representing the body and blood of Christ.
• Belief: Strengthens believers spiritually and symbolically reaffirms Jesus’ sacrifice. - Confirmation
• Significance: The sacrament of strengthening and deepening the faith received at Baptism.
• Action: A bishop or priest anoints the person with oil (Chrism) and prays for the Holy Spirit.
• Belief: Confirms the person’s faith and commitment to the Church. - Penance (Reconciliation or Confession)
• Significance: The sacrament of forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism.
• Action: The individual confesses sins to a priest, who offers absolution.
• Belief: Restores the person’s relationship with God and the Church. - Anointing of the Sick
• Significance: Provides grace and healing to those who are seriously ill or facing surgery.
• Action: The priest anoints the sick person with oil, offering prayers for healing.
• Belief: Strengthens the person spiritually and offers comfort in times of suffering. - Matrimony (Marriage)
• Significance: A sacrament that unites a man and woman in marriage before God.
• Action: The couple exchange vows, receiving God’s blessing for their union.
• Belief: Represents the love of Christ for the Church, and the couple’s commitment to one another. - Holy Orders
• Significance: The sacrament of ordination, through which men are called to serve as priests, deacons, or bishops.
• Action: The bishop lays hands on the individual and prays for the Holy Spirit to empower them.
• Belief: Gives them the authority to preach, administer the sacraments, and serve the Church.
- Eucharist (Holy Communion)
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Sacraments in Protestantism
Most Protestant denominations recognize only two sacraments: Baptism and Eucharist, as these were the only ones instituted by Christ in the Gospels. Protestants see these as symbolic, rather than necessary for salvation.
1. Baptism
• Similar to Catholicism but often viewed more symbolically as a public declaration of faith and commitment to follow Christ.
2. Eucharist (also known as the Lord’s Supper)
• Viewed as a memorial rather than a literal transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. It represents Jesus’ sacrifice and is a means of grace for those who partake.
Baptism
It is an initiation into the Christian church family. For some Christians (Anglican and Catholic) it is a sacrament and marks the entry of a child into the Christian family.
Parents and God-parents make promises to bring them up in the Christian way of life. For others, it is a rite, and indicates a person’s choosing to be a member of the Christian family, and showing obedience to the example of Jesus.
For some Christians (Anglicans and Catholics), it is babies or young children who are baptised at a font. Sometimes this is called christening’, and often takes place at the end of a service of worship, but can be arranged separately. For others, (Baptists and Pentecostals), it is usually a baptism by immersion, which takes place during a normal service of worship, and is for anyone old enough to decide for themselves that they want to follow the Christian way of life.
Baptism is a rite of entry marking people’s membership of the Christian Church.
It is also believed by some to indicate the removing of sin. Jesus himself was baptised as an adult. For some traditions baptism is a public show of personal faith. Those practising ‘believer’s baptism’ see the person being united with Christ, including in his death and resurrection. John 3:3-6 - refers to a spiritual birth: ‘born of water and the Spirit; this is essential to being ‘born again’ - not physically, but spiritually.
Eucharist
It is a service to remember the death of Jesus, and includes the bread and wine used by Jesus at the Last Supper with his disciples. Christians see the bread as a symbol of the body of Jesus, and the wine as a symbol of his blood. Some traditions, such as Anglican and Catholic, refer to it as a sacrament, and often call it Eucharist. Catholics refer to it as ‘Mass’. Other traditions, such as Protestant churches see it as an important memorial service, and often call it ‘Communion’, ‘Breaking Bread’, or ‘The Lord’s Supper’.
For Anglicans and Catholics, the Eucharist or Mass will usually take place every Sunday morning, and on other special occasions or services.
Protestants tend to have it less frequently, often using a twice monthly pattern, as well as at special times like Easter or Christmas. It is either a part of the normal service of worship, or is added to the end of a service.
It was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, and the bread and wine are symbols of the body and blood of Jesus given so that people could receive salvation. Jesus told his followers to share the bread and wine in memory of his death for them. The word ‘Eucharist’ means ‘thanksgiving’, and is a
thanksgiving for the life and death of Jesus and for the Christian faith. For Anglicans and Catholics, it is a liturgical service, and has a set pattern and structure that is followed each time. Others also have patterns and forms of the celebration, but it is not necessarily set out and followed strictly each time it is celebrated.
Pilgrimage
• A journey to a sacred place, usually as an act of religious devotion.
• The Holy Land, ‘travelling in the footsteps of Jesus’ has always been popular.
• Pilgrimage is faith in action: the journey representing a Christian’s journey from earth to heaven.
Walsingham
In 1061 the wife of the Lord of the Manor had a dream in which the Virgin Mary
asked her to build a replica of the house in Nazareth where the birth of Jesus was announced. In 1150 a priory was also built on the site. There is also an Anglican shrine at Walsingham today.
A place which commemorates the announcement of the birth of Jesus, Christian saviour is special. It helps them ‘connect’ with the one whom they worship, and the salvation through him.
There are services every day where pilgrims pray (especially saying the rosary).
Mass is celebrated at midday. A national pilgrimage takes place every year lon Spring Bank Holiday), when pilgrims walk slowly to the shrine. Some Catholics will choose to walk the last mile barefoot, as an act of penance. A daily service called ‘The Sprinkling of the Well’ as is done the water is believed to have special qualities.
Taize
Roger Schutz founded a community in France in 1940, with monks from many different Christian traditions, who came to live a life of communal prayer. Catholic and Protestant monks focus on reconciliation, the resolution of conflict, and the promotion of understanding and cooperation.
Young people especially go for curiosity, adventure, an act of religious devotion, walking in the footsteps of people of faith, as an act of atonement, or an act of supplication (asking God for something).
Pilgrims join in the life of the monastic community, participating in set times of prayer in the Church of Reconciliation’ (3 times a day). They also spend time in private prayer, attend Bible study groups, and share in communal tasks. Music and chants from Taizé are very popular in many churches.
Christmas
Celebrating the birth of Jesus is the main focus of Christians at Christmas. includes spiritual preparation.
Has a period of preparation (Advent) which may include fasting (Eastern Orthodox), but for many
Rehearsing the story of the Nativity through plays or crib scenes in churches is very common.
Incarnation is a word Christians use to explain that Jesus was God born in human flesh; a wonder and a mystery, but the centre of their belief in Jesus.
Services called Christingle take place, with a candle and an orange, symbolising Jesus as the Light of the
Traditionally Christmas Carol Concerts are held, with special readings, carols and music.
Midnight Mass communion services often take place in churches on Christmas Eve, to mark the I beginning of Christmas Day.
All Christmases, even non-Christian celebrations, usually involve the giving of presents to family and friends. For Christians, this is in remembrance of the gift of Jesus to the world, and of the gifts the Wise Men (or Magi gave to Jesus on the first Christmas.
Saviour is how Christians see Jesus. Christians believe he was born to be the Saviour of the world, and to save people from their sins - this is why they celebrate Christmas.
Easter
Easter is preceded by Lent. a 40 day period from Ash Wednecday, rememberina the time lesus soen in the desert fasting and praying. People often give up’ something for Lent, as a symbol of their own abstinence (giving up) and spiritual preparation for Easter.
Ash is made from the palm crosses used the previous Easter, and a cross is marked on people’s foreheads Ain the Ash Wednesday service, usually for Catholics, but some other traditions also do this today.
Saviour is how Christians see Jesus. His death was to take away the sins of the world and to defeat death itself. This is why Easter is such an important festival in Christianity, and services often include lights (candles) and darkness - symbols of death and resurrection. Different colours are used for altar cloths: purple (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday), black (Good Friday), white/gold (Easter Sunday).
Thursday of Easter week is known as Maundy Thursday and commemorates the last supper Jesus had with his disciples. Christians often have communion (or Mass) on this day. Sometimes a ceremony to symbolise Jesus washing the disciples’ feet before the meal is also performed. Good Friday follows, which is the day to remember the death of Jesus on the cross; although a day of sadness and mourning, it is a holy day and one which remembers the death of Jesus on behalf of others.
Easter Sunday is the day which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, and the empty tomb. It is the most important day in the Christian calendar, and as well as special services of joyful celebration, Easter eggs (symbols of new life and Easter cards are often given to friends and family.
Resurrection is central to the taster message; not only the belief in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, but the assurance of resurrection for believers into a new life with God and Jesus for all eternity, which is why Easter is celebrated by Christians.
Christianity in Britain
Since 2001, census results have shown increasing diversity in religious and non-religious beliefs and practices in Britain.
• The 2011 Census showed Christianity as the largest religion (33.2 million, 59.3%); the second largest was Muslim (2.7 million; 4.8%); and the remainder in order are: Hinduism (1.5%), Sikhism (0.8%), Judaism (0.5%), Buddhism (0.4%) and others (0.4%).
• There was an increase in those reporting no religion, about 1/4 (14.1 million, 25.1%).
• The religion question was the only voluntary one on the census: some
7.2% did not answer.
• There was a decrease (by 12.4%) in number of Christians, an increase (10.3%) in non-religion numbers, and the largest increase of other religions was Muslim (by 1.8%).
• London was the most diverse (Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish the highest proportions), the North East and North West had the highest proportions of Christians. Wales had the highest proportion of no religion respondents.
Uk laws, festivals and traditions
• Christianity was brought to Britain by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, so it is embedded in laws, festivals and traditions of the country.
• Keep holy the Sabbath’ was a commandment. Traditionally Christians worship on Sundays, ‘a day of rest’, so shopping hours are restricted on Sundays
• Witnesses in a court of law swear to tell the truth; often this was done while placing a hand on the Bible (today other holy books can be used, or a promise given).
• Christian hymns and readings often figure in national or public events (e.g. Remembrance Services).
• Many people in the UK mark rites of passage (birth, marriage, etc.) even though not otherwise religious.
The role of the church in the community
• créche for babies and toddlers
• fitness/slimming classes
• foodbank
• meeting rooms
• fetes and fayres
• uniformed groups (cubs, brownies, scouts, guides, etc.)
• Christmas parties for the elderly or lonely
• holiday clubs for children
• polling stations emergency shelters
• concerts and special events.
below:
• services of worship
• refreshments
• Bible study groups
• Sunday school
• meal for the homeless
• coffee mornings
• youth club
• Mothers’ Union meetings
• men’s breakfasts and women’s
breakfasts
• prayer meetings
• weddings
• funerals
• baptisms
Church growth
• Church growth
• There has been a decline in UK church attendance (Anglican and Catholic), with the result that many churches have had to close.
• Evangelical churches have grown in recent years. Some see this as a result of their more lively worship services and charismatic teachings, and their lack of liturgy.
• Some churches, especially evangelical ones, engage in church planting: establishing new non-traditional churches on new housing estates, or where other churches have closed.
• Fresh Expressions is a movement within the Anglican Church to change the ways of worship and so attract people who would not normally attend (e.g. a cafe church)
• Worldwide church growth: Christianity is growing in other parts of the world, such as Africa, Asia and South America. One research centre claims that by 2050, four in ten Christians in the world will live in sub-Saharan Africa.
Importance of mission evangelism and growth
Christians are keen to share their faith with others because they believe that the message of Jesus and the salvation available through him is meant for all people. It is not that they think everyone else is wrong, but simply that they believe they have really good news which everyone should know about. It also helps to explain why Christians will speak out about their faith even when they may face consequences or punishments as a result.
Work of tearfund
It is a Christian charity that says it is passionate about ending poverty, and works tirelessly to help communities around the world escape the very worst effects of poverty and disaster.
They work through local churches giving help to the poor in many countries across the world. They use local partners in the countries where poverty or disaster affect many people, providing emergency aid after natural disasters, and long-term projects to support local communities in eradicating poverty. Tearfund works in about 50 countries across the world, mostly in Asia, Africa and South America.
One example is Colombia, there are over 30 sports clubs where children can come for football training. They are safe places, away from the effects and tensions of gang culture, where young people can socialise and receive help and training in life skills.
It raises awareness of social issues such as poverty and discrimination in the world:
• it campaigns against causes of poverty worldwide
• it gives practical help in order to act out the teachings of Jesus help others
• it encourages self-help for individuals and communities.
Persecution of christians past and present
• The persecution of Christians has always taken place, and there have been many ‘martyrs’ (someone killed for their religious beliefs).
• Jesus was a martyr; and he warned his followers they would be
• Christians believe they have a divine command to spread the good news of Jesus, even if that means they are in danger.
• Where Christianity is a minority religion in a country, Christians are often treated unjustly; and in some places, terrorist organisations (such as Islamic State, or Boko Haram) specifically target Christians, facing them from their homes and attacking them violently.
• Organisations such as Christian Freedom International, or Open Doors, help persecuted Christians by providing Bibles, emergency support and by campaigning for human rights.
Working for reconciliation
In Christianity, reconciliation refers to the restoration of relationships, both between humans and God, and among individuals. Christians believe that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, humanity is reconciled with God, offering forgiveness and the possibility of peace. This theme extends to personal relationships, where forgiveness and healing are key, and Christians are encouraged to work for peace, justice, and social unity. The Church plays an important role through sacraments like Penance and through mediating conflict, while Christians are called to be agents of reconciliation in the world, promoting understanding and healing.
