Studied by 4 people
What is worship
worship is showing respect and honour to god. Worship is essential part of a Christian faith. Christians worship god to thank for his love, ask for forgiveness for their sins and try to understand his ‘will’ for them.
Examples of non liturgical worship
unstructured communal prayer
Catholics recite the prayers of the rosary
The stations of the cross may be prayed
At quacker meetings, people speak when they feel the spirit moves them
Many say personal daily prayers
What is private worship
opportunity for Christians to talk to god and think about their faith by saying private prayers
Reading the bible of your own
Meditating on a particular bible passage reading a daily biblical reflection
Why is it important to have different types of worship
1) People need to be able to worship at home as well as in Church. The worship needs to be adaptable.
2) People need to be able to worship God in private as well as in public. People might want to communicate with God on their own.
3) Informal worship helps us to see that God is everywhere
4) Public worship provides people with a sense of community within a church.
5) because Christians are all different and like to worship God in their own way
6) liturgical worship helps Christians worship God in a familiar way so that worship becomes a part of their lives
7) worshipping as a family brings the family together
8) private worship allows people to communicate with God one to one and express emotions they cannot express in front of others
9) Some Christians would say that worship is personal, it is a way of honouring God and so it does not matter how a person does this this it is more important that they do it
10) Some Christians would argue that worship reflects the difference between the Christian groups and that it is up to the denomination how they feel worship should take place
11) Worship has been developed by different traditions and cultures, it helps those traditions and cultures feel closer to God, if it is worship of God the method of worship is unimportant.
Why is it important to have people worshipping in the same way
If all Christian worship in the same way they will have something in common with each other and will be able to support each other in their worship
Christians should all believe the same things about Jesus and so should be able to worship in the same way, if they don't it leads to division
All Christians should worship the way they were taught to by Jesus, he taught them the Lord's Prayer and so Christians should use this.
Explain reasons why some Christian’s use informal activities to worship
Christians may choose to worship informally as that is the main form of worship in their Church. Pentecostals feel the Holy Spirit will work in different ways through different people To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit (1Corinthians 12:8)
They may wish to pray in a way that has no set structure as it is freer, there is no hierarchy so all worship is perceived as equal 'you are all one in Christ Jesus' (Galatians 3:28)
Some Christians feel that informal worship is more personal they can develop a loser relationship with God through it 'And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of pray
What are sacraments
Sacraments are outward signs of an inward
in the orthodox and Roman Catholic Church there are seven sacraments; baptism, reconciliation, Holy Communion, confirmation, the anointing of the sick, holy orders and marriage
Why are sacraments important
They bring Christians closer to God
They make a Christian stronger in their faith
What are sacraments of initiation
baptism
Confirmation
Eucharist
What are sacraments of service
marriage
Holy orders
What are sacraments of healing
reconciliation
Anointing the sick
What is baptism
the word comes from greek meaning bathed or totally washed. In Christianity, being baptised is the way someone becomes a member of a church.
i.e. It is a Christian initiation ceremony
Jesus set an example for Christians by being baptised.
This marked a new beginning in his life when God declared him to be his Son and he received the Holy Spirit
The act of washing in baptism symbolises the cleansing or forgiveness of sins and the presence of the Holy Spirit
What is the typical Catholic baptism service
Most Christian Churches baptise the children of adult Christians and this is known as infant baptism. It is often performed as part of Sunday worship.
During the ceremony:
Parents and godparents promise to bring up the child in the Christian faith
They make baptismal vows on behalf of the child:
Renouncing sin and submitting to Christ
Profess their belief in God the Father, in Jesus Christ, his only Son, and in the Holy Spirit
The child is anointed with chrism (consecrated oil) and the sign of the cross is made on the child's forehead
The priest baptises the child by pouring water on the child's head three times with
the words: 'I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
A candle is lit and given to someone from the child's family
This symbolises that the child has received the light of Christ
Sometimes there is a procession with the candles of the parents, children and godparents
The congregation welcome the child into the family of the Church
What is the importance of baptism for catholics
It signifies the end of their old life outside the Church and of being born again to new life in Christ
Baptists believe that in baptism, God's presence and blessing come upon them
It is a moment when they make a personal commitment of faith in Jesus as Lord
It is a moment when they receive God's spirit for service in the Church and in the world.
Baptism is seen as necessary for the person to receive salvation
Through this sacrament the person becomes a member of the church
Baptism shows publicly that the child is now a Christian and intends to live as one
Baptism washes away original sin and makes the person pure.
The catechism teaches that it is the basis of Christian life and without it, a person cannot receive the other sacraments
The sacraments gives the parents strength and help in bringing up their child as a Christian
It copies the example of Jesus being baptised
What are arguments for infant baptism
It welcomes the child into the Christian community/God's family
It is an ancient tradition, being the practice of the Church for over 1700 years
Infant baptism symbolizes the Christian birth of the child
Some churches teach that it cleanses the child of original sin
It gives the child a Christian name and sets it on the path to a Christian life
Infant baptism brings parents into the church and helps them to bring up their children in the way they promised at their wedding
What are the arguments for believers baptism (adult)
Jesus commanded his disciples to make new disciples and to baptise them.
Jesus was an adult when he was baptised
Baptism is so important that it should only happen to a person who understands what they are doing
Baptism is a sign of repentance of sin and a decision to lead a new life following the way of Jesus - Peter baptised believers on the day of Pentecost after they had repented of their sins
(Acts 2)
- Through baptism a person identifies with the death and resurrection of Jesus:
their old life dies and a new one begins
It is a sign of washing away sin
Through baptism a person publically shows to others their faith and commitment
Only the person concerned can repent of their sins and make baptismal promises: they cannot be made on your behalf by someone else
They believe that there is no clear evidence that infants are baptised in the New Testament, only adults.
What is Eucharist
There are many names for holy communion, the mass, the lords supper, breaking of bread
Roman Catholic call their communion service mass
The lords supper and breaking of bread are mainly used by Nonconformist churches (e.g Baptist and Methodist)
Describe the holy communion in the bible
Holy Communion began with the last supper Jesus had with his disciples when he gave them bread and
wine
He told them to take it in remembrance of him
it was used by the early christian and St Paul describes early communions in his letter to the Corinthians.
What is the Catholic introduction of Eucharist
Usually led from the front by the priest
The worship has a set order of service with prayers written down in a service book
this form of worship is called liturgical worship
What is the Catholic typical service
Usually includes:
The Introductory Rite - with prayers of confession (saying sorry to God)
The Liturgy of the Word
Bible readings
The sermon
The Creed
Liturgy of the Eucharist (set words in preparation for communion)
Bread and wine are brought to the altar
The Eucharistic Prayer
Receiving communion
Concluding Rite
- A blessing by the priest
Three or four hymns are sung throughout
Preparation, confession, the liturgy of the word, and the rite of communion must be celebrated by a priest, who represents Jesus
Wine in a chalice (large goblet) and wafers on a paten are used
What do catholics believe about the importance of Eucharist
Catholics believe that during the service the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Jesus. This belief is called transubstantiation.
As a result, Catholics believe that Jesus is a real presence during Mass
The Mass unites people with God and with each other as the real presence of Christ enters the people in the bread and wine
The bread and wine are sacraments and through them the people receive blessings from God and feel closer to him
the sacraments are regarded as spiritual food by the worshippers which helps them to live the Christian life
The Mass is a sacrifice, both remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and sacrifice of the people when they promise to live a new life
Attending Mass fulfils Jesus' command to "Do this in remembrance of me."
it also fulfils Moses' command to keep the Sabbath Day holy (in the Ten Commandments).
How do Methodist do Eucharist
Methodists communion services also have prayers of preparation and confession, Bible readings, preaching and the receiving of the bread and wine
Usually, an account of Jesus at the Last Supper is read out
Usually, ordinary bread and grape juice (rather than alcoholic wine) are used
Often there are separate glasses for the grape juice - this enables everyone to drink at the same time
It is common for the bread and the wine to be brought to the congregation by servers
servers can be elders or deacons but may be ordinary church members
What do Methodist believe about the importance of Eucharist
Methodists believe that the bread and wine are important symbols that remind us of Christ's sacrifice
they do not believe that the bread and wine change at all - they believe that they are only symbols
The communion service also reminds worshippers of the Last Supper which Jesus shared with his disciples just before his death
Receiving the bread and wine fulfils Jesus' command to "Do this in remembrance of me."
They believe the communion unites the people with each other and with God
Why are there different ways of celebrating communion
The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) uses alcoholic wine.
It is their tradition and some think that this is what Jesus used at Passover.
Methodists discourage people from drinking alcohol because of the problems with alcohol abuse. They do not think it is right to have alcohol in church.
The RCC uses wafers for bread. This reminds them of the Passover meal which the Jesus celebrated with his disciples to remember the Exodus story.
Methodist churches usually use normal bread which is food most people eat every day. This reminds
Christians that they need to rely on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross every day.
The RCC call their communion furniture an altar. An altar is a place of sacrifice and reminds them of Jesus dying on the cross.
Methodists churches call their communion furniture a table. This reminds them of Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples.
The RCC believe in transubstantiation because at the last supper Jesus said "This is my body..." They believe that this should be taken literally to mean that the bread and wine actually become his body and blood. These are sacraments which benefit worshippers.
Methodist churches believe that the bread and wine are just symbols. They do not believe that Jesus' words were meant to be taken literally. They do not believe in sacraments as they believe anyone can receive God's love and help if they trust in him.
The Salvation Army and the Quakers have no Holy Communion because they do not believe that rituals and ceremonies can bring us closer to God. They believe that God meets with people because they put their trust in Him, not because they take bread and wine.
What are Christian attitudes to sacraments
Most Protestant Christians have only two sacraments - baptism and Holy Communion. This is because the 39 Articles say that these are the only two commanded by God.
They are the only two commanded in scripture (Jesus said 'Do this in memory of me' about Communion and he was baptised. Peter also said in Acts 'Repent and be baptised.' When asked how to respond at Pentecost. Although most of the others are mentioned in the Bible, they are not commanded in the same way.
Some Christians, such as the Quakers and the Salvation Army, do not have any sacraments at all
Some Christians believe they are holy rituals they provide blessings (grace) for those who take part
Some believe they were established by Jesus showing his presence today in the life of Christians
They mark important stages in the life of a Christian e.g. baptism at the beginning of life
What are the arguments FOR that the sacraments are the most important part of Christian life
many Christian’s think that sacraments mark special points in a persons faith journey, especially baptism which marks the beginning as such are the most important part of Christian life.
The Church of England teaches that the sacraments were instituted by Jesus and as such as an important link to him and must be central to Christian faith.
The Church of England teaches that the sacraments are integral to Christian faith
The Catholic Church teaches that the seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life. (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
What are the arguments AGAINST that the sacraments are the most important part of Christian life
some Christian’s say that there are other parts of Christian practice that are more important, such as developing a personal individual relationship with Christ and that sacraments are not important.
Some Christians would argue that sacraments are purely ritual and are not part of a real relationship with god and so they are not necessary to Christian faith.
Some would say that sacraments are just one part of Christian life, and although they are important it is faith in Jesus that will lead to salvation not any sacramental act.
What is the purpose and acts or prayer
To communicate with God, usually through words
ACTS
Adoration - praising God for what he has done/is
Thanksgiving - thanking God
Confession - confessing sins to God, asking for forgiveness and being determined to do better
Supplication - asking God for help for oneself or someone else
What is the nature and examples of set prayers
most prayers in an Anglican or Catholic service are set and formal.
They are usually read or sung from a text; such as the book of common prayer and they follow a set pattern which is familiar to believers
The Lord’s Prayer is the most famous example.
Why are set prayers important
the lord prayers was taught to the disciples by Jesus as an example of how they should pray
Using them joins people together as a community because they all do the same thing at the same time
They may provide a clear structure to help people focus people may find the repetitive nature comforting.
Nature and examples of informal prayer
these are prayers that are often not written down
Prayer is more spontaneous because believers say that they are led by the Holy Spirit to choose words to express how they are feeling at that moment.
Why is informal prayer important
the prayer is more personal
It can help the, in times of suffering for themselves or others
Can pray at any times
Nature and example of lord prayer
Our Father,
Hallowed be your name, Your Kingdome come, Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.
Why is the Lord’s Prayer important
Jesus gave the Lord's Prayer to his disciples, as an example of how they should pray
It joins Christians together as a community, which strengthens their faith
It reminds Christians that God's kingdom will eventually come to this earth, which gives life meaning and purpose
It is used in both public and private worship
It expresses:
Adoration: 'hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven'.
Confession: 'And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us'.
Supplication:' Give us this day our daily bread. And lead us not into temptation'
Why do Christian’s pray
Christians can confess their sins to God and ask for help so that they learn form their mistakes
Christians can praise God and thank him for his support. They show the realisation that they need others support.
Christians can ask for support for other people in their time of need.
Christians can feel more at peace from prayer
Arguments FOR that it’s important to have different types of prayer
Some Christians believe that they should have different types of prayer because there are different occasions when it is needed, for example many are included in the Common Book of Prayer
Some Christians may want to have different types of prayer as they may wish to pray together or individually, and the different types may be more appropriate
Some Christians may need different prayers as they find certain types of prayer easier to use, for example set prayers may be useful in a formal worship situation
Arguments AGAINST that it’s important to have different types of praye
Some Christians would say that all Christians should pray using set prayers and that this would ensure that people are praying in the correct manner
Some Christians such as Pentecostals may maintain that all prayer should be informal, that set prayer is valueless as it does not come from the person's faith and connection with God
Some feel that set prayers, for example the Lord's Prayer, should be used as these unite all Christians, that when they are all repeating the same words they are joined with each other as well as with God.
What is the nature, history and purpose of pilgrimage
Pilgrimage is a journey to a place of religious importance. Christians do not have to go on pilgrimage however many do. They go because:
Jesus went on pilgrimages to Jerusalem and they want to follow in his footsteps.
They want to become closer to God
They hope that some of the holiness of the saints will rub off on them
They hope to be cured from illness or gain inner strength to cope with illnesses
They want to learn more about their faith
They want to find time for prayer and meditation
Why do pilgrims go to walsingham
Pilgrims have been visiting Walsingham in Norfolk for many centuries. Walsingham is important for Christian pilgrims because an important vision about Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, took place here.
What is the backstory of walsingham
Many Christians believe that Richeldis de Faverches, a Saxon noblewoman, lived here and had a vision in the year 1061. In this vision, Richeldis believed that she was taken by Mary, the mother of Jesus, to her home in Nazareth.
In this house in Nazareth, it is believed that the Angel Gabriel promised Mary that she would give birth to a son, Jesus. Richeldis was then asked in this vision by Mary to build an exact copy of this house in Walsingham. This is why Walsingham is often called the Nazareth of England.
Today, this copy of Mary's home in Nazareth is called the Holy House and is found in the Anglican Shrine or the Parish Church of Saint Mary. A statue of Our Lady of Walsingham is also positioned above the altar in this church.
What do Roman Catholics do on pilgrimage to walsingham
Some Roman Catholics walk barefoot over the last mile from the Slipper Chapel to the Holy House as an act of penance. There are daily services where pilgrims pray together, especially saying the rosary, celebrating mass and receiving blessings.
Every year, on spring bank holiday, there is a national pilgrimage. Pilgrims process from the ruined priory through to the shrine. They also take part in a daily service called the Sprinkling of the Well as they believe that the water of the church well has qualities that can bring individual blessings.
Christians come to Walsingham to remember the vision of Mary given to Richeldis. Pilgrims feel that worshipping in this place of spiritual importance can help them to develop spiritually.
Praying in the shrine and going to the daily Sprinkling of the Well service means that pilgrims can hope that they too will be blessed and, perhaps, healed from an illness.
Why do pilgrims go to Jerusalem
The Garden of Gethsemane - this is believed to be where Jesus prayed before he was arrested by the Romans and put to death. Christians visit here for contemplation and prayer.
Where are the different places that pilgrims in Jerusalem go
church of the holy sepulche
Via dolorosa
Church of the ascension
What happens in the church of holy sepulche
Church of the Holy Sepulchre - this church is said to be built on the site where Jesus was crucified, as well as his place of burial. Others believe the Garden Tomb, situated just outside Jerusalem's city walls, is the place which marks the site of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
What happens on via dolorosa
Via Dolorosa - this is a special route that Christian pilgrims walk from the outskirts of Jerusalem to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, especially on Good Friday. It is believed to be the very path that Jesus took carrying his cross on the way to his crucifixion.
What happens on the church of the ascension
Church of the Ascension - this is said to mark the site of the Ascension, when Jesus rose into Heaven forty days after his resurrection. There is a stone inside the Church, believed to be imprinted with his footstep.
Why do pilgrims go to Iona
Over the centuries the island of lona in Scotland has been seen as a place of pilgrimage - a place where saints have lived and where prayers have been answered.
What happens in Iona
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 - a chance to help each other over stiles, up and down hills and out of bogs.
Each pilgrimage is different, because the people who share in it are different.
What is the Taizé community
The taizé community is an ecumenical monastic order with a strong devotion to peace and justice through prayer and meditation. The 100 strong community of Roman Catholic and Protestant monks is drawn from 30 countries across the world.
Who found Taizé
founded in 1940 by Roger Louis Schultz-Marsauche. The 90 year old monk died in August 2005 after being stabbed during a prayer service.
Why do pilgrims go to Taizé
Prayer and silence are at the heart of the Taizé experience. Young people from every corner of the globe are encouraged to live out the Christian gospel in a spirit of joy, simplicity and reconciliation.
Ecumenism (a movement promoting Christian unity among Churches) is the key to Taizé's appeal, making it a magnet for people of many different cultures and traditions.
Music - Taizé has spawned a unique style of worship that has become popular in churches, retreat centres and seminaries throughout the world.
What does a typical day in Taizé include
morning prayer breakfast
large group Bible study small group discussions
midday prayer
afternoon work or bible study discussion with the brothers dinner
evening prayer
Reasons why pilgrimage is important to Christians
Provides a special opportunity for prayer
Become closer to God
Provide special connections with your faith
Gives you time to focus on your religion
Reasons why pilgrimage is not important to Christian’s today
Most Protestant Christians feel that emphasising special 'holy places' is wrong because believers can encounter God anywhere.
They oppose any form of worshipping the Virgin Mary, because only God should be worshipped
Outline 3 activities a Christian might do on pilgrimage
Pilgrims may visit a shrine
Pilgrims may pray to a statue of a saint
Pilgrims may light candles
Pilgrims may pray for forgiveness
Pilgrims may ask to be healed
Explain 2 reasons why Christians may go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem
Pilgrimage to Jerusalem provides an opportunity to focus on the life of Jesus by going to places where Jesus would have been Luke 2:41 says 'Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover
Pilgrims will have the time to reflect spiritually (1) they will be able to retrace the steps of Jesus (1) Mark explains Jesus said '"We are going up to Jerusalem... and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests'' (10:33) (1)
Pilgrimage to Jerusalem may renew a person's faith (1) it is an effective way to experience God (1) 'For pilgrims seeking living water, shrines are special places for living the forms of Christian prayer (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2691) (1).
What is the nature of Christmas
special services at mignight on Christmas Eve
Services on the morning of Christmas Day which remember the gospels accounts
Gifts exchanged as a sign of love and to remember the 3 wise men
What is advent
Advent is a four-week preparation for Christmas.
During this time Christians prepare for the coming of Jesus by lighting candles, attending special church services, singing advent hymns and doing Bible readings.
Why do Christians celebrate advent
Advent provides a time of personal preparation Isaiah 40:3 says In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord' Christians can remember the true meaning of Christmas
Many people spend time reflecting spiritually Catholic Christians are encouraged to receive
Reconciliation during Advent 'each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year' (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1457)
Advent gives Christian a time to reffect on the incarnation it links them eftectively to God.
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us' (John 1:14)
How do Christian’s celebrate Christmas
Attending midnight mass
Going to church Christmas day
Going to church Christmas day morning
Why is Christmas important to Christians
reminds them on thesus christian
Through the birth of Jesus, Christians can have a relationship with God and achieve salvation
It brings Christians together
Shows the importance of family
What is Holy Week
Holy Week is the week before Easter Sunday.
It begins on Palm Sunday, includes Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and ends on Holy Saturday.
Throughout the week Christians remember the last week of Jesus life, and how these events bring salvation to humanity.
What is and how do christians celebrate Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday remembers the way Jesus was welcomed to Jerusalem by a crowd that five days later denied him.
Christians celebrate it by:
Giving out palm leaves in the shape of a cross in church
Processing near the church with palm leaves or branches
Celebrating a special service with Bible readings of the events of Palm Sunday
What is and How do christians celebrate Holy (Maundy) Thursday
Holy (Maundy) Thursday remembers the Last Supper of Jesus with his Apostles:
Many churches have a special communion service remembering the Last Supper
In some churches the priest washes people's feet as Jesus washed the Apostles' feet
Services include readings about the Last Supper and the arrest of Jesus
In traditional churches the altar is stripped and all crosses are covered as Good Friday and Holy Saturday are days of mourning
What is and how is Good Friday celebrated
Good Friday remembers the death of Jesus:
Many Protestant churches have a morning service of readings of the passion story and meditations on the meaning of the death of Jesus.
These are sometimes followed by a procession of witness.
Roman Catholic and some Anglican Christians observe it with a 3pm service to mark the time of Jesus' death with Bible readings, and communion, prayers at the stations of the cross (RCC)
What is and how is holy Saturday celebrated
This is a day of reflection and prayer. Christians remember that Jesus was dead and in the tomb.
No services are held on this day until the Easter Vigil which begins after sunset and is the first service of Easter Sunday.
What is the reasons for celebrating Holy Week
Palm Sunday reminds Christians that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God who is worthy of praise and adoration
Holy Thursday reminds Christians of the origins and importance of Holy Communion. The foot washing reminds them of the need to serve each other
Good Friday reminds Christians of the suffering Jesus experienced which will give them strength with the suffering they may face. It also reminds them of the salvation brought by Jesus
The death of Christ on the cross brought forgiveness for the sins of the world and enabled people to have a full relationship with God
Holy Week prepares Christians for the joy of Easter
What does Easter Day celebrate
Easter Day is the festival of joy as Christmas celebrate the resurrection.
How do Roman Catholic christians celebrate Easter
Roman Catholics celebrate with the Easter Vigil which is a sunrise service on Easter morning.
This includes:
A ceremony of light to remember the darkness of the tomb and the joy and light of the
resurrection
Bible readings to remember how the resurrection of Jesus brought back the goodness of the world at creation
Renewable of baptismal vows to remember the re birth brought by Easter
The Eucharist to remember that salvation now comes through the sacraments
They also have a second mass later in the day (Easter day is the only occasion where Roman Catholics are allowed to take communion twice in one day)
How do other christians celebrate Easter
Different churches celebrate in different ways but some might have:
Early morning communions to remember the women going to the tomb
A church breakfast
A family service celebrating the resurrection and all it means for Christians
What are the reasons for celebrating Easter
Jesus rose from the dead and so must have been the Son of God.
Jesus’ resurrection completes the salvation from sin begun at the crucifixion
Jesus’ resurrection means that those who believe in Jesus will also have eternal life, as sin and death have been overcome.
Easter is a celebration of joy and new life with Jesus
This is why new Christians are sometimes baptised on Easter Sunday
The renewal of baptismal vows makes Roman Catholics re-commit themselves to the Christian life
The resurrection reminds Christians that Jesus is still alive and working in his Church
Outline 3 ways christians may celebrate Holy Week
They may wave palms / bless palms on Palm Sunday
Catholic Christians may attend the Chrism Mass
They may attend a foot washing ceremony
Catholic Christians may attend a ceremony of the veneration of the Cross
They may take part in the Stations of the Cross
Explain 2 reasons why christians celebrate Christmas
Christmas celebrates the Incarnation, it reminds Christians that God came to earth as a human
It celebrates the birth of Jesus this is a joyful event that needs to be marked
It celebrates that Jesus came to earth to save humanity as was foretold in the Old Testament
How has the church growth
there are approx 2.4 billion Christians in the world and it is the largest religion
The biggest increases recently have been in Africa. This is mainly due to missionary work
Why do christians do missionary and evangelical work
Christians believe it is important for them to spread the message of Christianity and to help people convert to the religion. Christians do this because Jesus last command to us before he ascended into heaven was, "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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:16-20) This speech is called the Great Commission.
Some Christians believe that preaching to others is an essential part of being a Christian that it is required in the Bible to spread the faith He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation'
Many people will carry out this work as part of their vocation that they feel called to tell others about their faith in the same way the disciples of Jesus were 'the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them' (Mark 16:20)
Some Christians say that by converting others to the faith they are saving them that by becoming a Christian they receive salvation Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned' (Mark 16:16)
The Church teaches that parishes should take part in evangelical work as a reflection of the example and teaching of Christianity as Jesus said 'As the Father has sent me, I am sending you' John 20:21
Many people are in spiritual and physical need in society, the Church community can provide faith and show love to them which enriches life and draw people closer to Christ this reflects the need of the Church to provide physical and spiritual support for people as they bring them into the faith, reflecting the belief that 'Charity never faileth' (1 Corinthians 13)
It is a natural human trait to share good news; as a result, it is inevitable that Christians will want their friends and loved ones to know God reflecting the command that Jesus told his disciples to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19)
What is the purpose of missionary work
To spread Jesus' message and teaching
To build schools and churches around the world
To convert people to Christianity
To help poor people
Missionary and evangelical work brings people into the Christian faith
It helps people to come to faith in God
It helps others gain eternal life
How do the alpha course do missionary work
The Alpha course which aims to give everyone the chance to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view; wherever they are in the world. It is aimed at non-churchgoers.
How do the scripture union aim do missionary work
Scripture Union aims to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
How do the evangelical Protestants aim do missionary work
Evangelical Protestants have been trying to send missionaries to every ethnic group in the world to spread the gospel
What is evangelism
This is where the people preach about Christianity so that they can convert people to the faith
Why is evangelism important
are following the commandment in the great commission
It ensures the message of Christianity is still talked about and spread around the world
It helps prove hope to people who are suffering
It ensures that the Christian faith continues to grow
What is liturgical worship
is public worship with set prayers
The Church of England often use a book called common worship but the book of common prayers can be used from 1662 using very traditional language
Everything follows the same format follows the liturgical year
Bible readings follow a 3 year cycle called the lectionary
Main form of worship for Roman Catholics, orthodox and many Anglican churches because:
feel closer to god
Can join in at set points
What in non liturgical worship
public worship without set prayers
Different every week with different hymns, prayers and bible readings
Focused on the sermon
Often characterised by congregational participations and modern music
Main form of worship for Pentecostal churches
What in informal worship
grace before meals
Family prayers
Celebrating the festivals
What is the history of Christmas
Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in 25th December each year and is based on the bible stories of:
The annunciation to the Virgin Mary by the angel Gabriel
Joseph being told by god that there was a virgin birth
The birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem
The visit by the shepards after the angels had told them of the broth of gods men
The visit of the wise men
What is the nature of Easter and what does it mean
Ceremony of light remember the darkness of the tomb and the joy and light of resurrection
bible readings
Renewal of baptism vows
Eucharist
What is the history of Easter
celebrates the resurrection of Jesus on the Sunday after his crucification on the Friday
Jesus appearing to the women and the disciples
What are the conservative Catholic and evangelical view on great commision and missionary work
the great commision from Jesus tells them that they need to do it
It is important that they show their faith with others
On,y christians can get into heaven so they feel they have a duty to help people get into heaven
Liberal Christian view on great commission
the most important thing is for us to love our neighbour not to convert people
Telling people that your religion is the best and you should convert could be seen as wrong
Missionary work can cause problems in countries abroad
Liberal Christian view on great commission and missionary work
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What opportunities for worship is there in a Christian church
for mass
For weddings, baptisms and funerals
For discussion groups
For worship with others
How does the local church help the local area
supporting local schools
Providing social facilities such as youth clubs, uniformed organisations and toddler groups
Providing help for the needy through running food banks and helping with the local hostels for the homeless
What is ecumenism and examples
This is where local churches work together regardless of their denomination, they:
do joint services
Do work with Christian charities
Do shared worship
Explain 2 reasons why the local church is important in the local community
the local church may provide some people with financial support as the church carries charity work
It may bring people together as a community because they provide activities that the whole community can join in
It may provide a focus for worship, people may find it easier to meet others at services.
Why does the church work for reconciliation
Reconciliation is when people are brought back together so they can live peacefully
Christian’s believe this is important because Jesus taught them they have to forgive. Therefore they should forgive everyone’s mistakes and sins and work well in peace together.
St Paul also taught christians that they should live in peace.
What is persecution and where does it happen for Christianity
Persecution is where people are treated poorly or even killed because of their religious or political beliefs.
In the world today there are still Christians that are persecuted because they are Christian and want to practice the faith. For example in Iraq, North Korea and Afghanistan.
What are problems with being persecuted for Christianity
Many members of the Church are refugees
Because of poverty they may do charity work
It may find itself in conflict with mainstream politics
It may have to act as the voice of reconciliation in the world.
What are Christian responses to teachings about charity
According to Jesus, the second of the most important commandments is to love your neighbour as you love yourself. This is the Christian value of loving others.
Christians learn that love for others is an important value from the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.
Two parables that explain what the love of others means are The Good Samaritan and the Sheep and the Goats.
1) "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
2) "Love your neighbour as yourself."
What does the Christian teachings tell us about what love means for others
should be as strong as the love we have for ourselves
Is important to god, second only to love for him
Is what god wants
Is a command not a suggestion
Why is love for others important
It is a commandment of Jesus and cannot be ignored
By loving others we are doing gods will and will be rewarded by him
It will show the love of god to others especially when we find it hard to do
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