AQA RS GCSE paper 1 - Christian practices

Define liturgical worship

A structured, formal style of group worship done in a set order. An example of this is mass at Catholic Church

Define non-liturgical worship

An informal, flexible style of worship that often involves active participation from the churchgoers.

Some Christians view this as more spirit-led, allowing the influence of the Holy Spirit during the worship.

Define informal worship

Flexible worship that can be personal and unscripted, such as praying alone or with family at home.

Define private worship

Praying alone

Matthew 6:6

when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray

Psalm 95:6

come, let us worship

Define sacrament

A sacred ceremony instituted by Jesus Christ in the church to show the presence of God

Name the Catholic sacraments

Baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, ordination, marriage

Name the Church of England’s sacraments

Baptism and Eucharist

Why might parents choose to baptise their infant

To save them from original sin

Explain the significance of the Eucharist (holy communion)

Acts as a memorial of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Catholics believe in consubstantiation: the bread literally turns into the body of Christ, and so God is present during the sacrament

Describe the Lourdes pilgrimage

Catholic pilgrimage site in France, where St Bernadette saw visions of the Virgin Mary in the 19th century.

Features 22 places of worship.

Catholics often bathe in or touch the holy water. Some sick people go because they believe the water to be healing.

Describe the Iona pilgrimage

A pilgrimage to Iona abbey in Scotland.

Some Christians call the abbey “the thin place”, believing heaven and earth to be especially close here.

Christians go to pray and reflect on their spirituality.

3 purposes of pilgrimage for Christians

Deepen faith

Have time to reflect on their faith and spirituality

Find spiritual or physical healing

What is the difference between infant and believers baptism

Infant baptism is the parents choosing to bring the child into the faith while believers baptism involves the person deciding for themselves

2 reasons Christmas is important to Christians

Commemorates the incarnation, where the Son became fully human and fully God.

Signifies the beginning of the life of Jesus, which is what allows humans to now access salvation and have a relationship with God.

2 reasons Easter is important to Christians

Commemorates the resurrection, which symbolises God’s triumph over death and evil.

Reminds Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice, which is what now allows humans to access salvation and have a relationship with God.

John 3:17

If anyone has material possessions and ignores his brother in need, how can he love God?

Jesus’ golden rule

Love thy neighbour

What is The Salvation Army

A Christian charity that sets up food kitchens for those in need, present donations at Christmas, affordable nurseries and advice networks.

3 different roles of the church

Contribute to and help the local community

Evangelism

Worldwide responsibilities, such as reconciliation

What are CAFOD and Tearfund

CAFOD: Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. Fights poverty and injustice across the world through helping church communities in suffering areas

Tearfund: evangelical Christian organisation that aims to end world hunger. Young churchgoers are often encouraged to volunteer. Helps those in spiritual need, as well as those in need of physical aid

What is Christian mission

The idea that Christians have a responsibility to bring others to the Christian faith through evangelism, and to love their neighbour.

Missionaries often do charity work while evangelising those in spiritual and physical need.

Matthew 28:19

go and make disciples of all nations

2 worldwide issues that may involve the church

Reconciliation

Persecution

2 different ways the church may respond to persecution of Christians

Passively: Christians to be resilient and keep their faith.

Actively: resisting persecutors, smuggling bibles into these countries, preaching even when it is forbidden.