Part2: Religious and spiritual experience - RSARE



Part2: Religious and spiritual experience274320018669000Public and private worship Prayer and meditationFood and fasting.It is very difficult to say exactly what a ‘religious experience’ is. Some describe it as a ‘tingly’ feeling, like when listening to a piece of music that is special to you. Some describe it as ‘sense of awe and wonder’ that makes a person feel that they are in the presence of God. This experience is very individual and allows some people to be more certain in their spiritual beliefs.After a religious experience, people express their beliefs in different ways. E.g.20574000Numinous – a word to describe a religious experience that is mystical and unlike any other, which we do not have words to explain.00Numinous – a word to describe a religious experience that is mystical and unlike any other, which we do not have words to explain.Through PrayerThrough meditationWorship with othersWorshipFor many Christians worship is one of the most important ways of expressing their belief in God. Christians worship in a local church, as part of a local community, which is part of a global community or church (there are over 2 billion Christians worldwide)Through worship Christians:29718006985000Honour GodDevelop a relationship with GodShow love and commitment to God Praise GodAsk for help or guidanceStrengthen their faith Get closer to God.0144780Learn these reasons for worship.00Learn these reasons for worship.388620016764000Features of public worshipThere are many different Christian denominations (Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic, Baptist etc) which each have a different style of worship. However most worship in a holy building called a church, cathedral or chapel usually on a Sunday.Sing hymns or play music. Make the sign of the cross to demonstrate their faith.308610016002000Pray together, often in front of an altar.Readings from the Bible.Listen to a sermon conducted by a preacher, priest or vicar.Take part in the Eucharist (the most common form of Christian worship)11430013398500-86360126365The Eucharist.This is the most common form of public worship for Christians and is also called Holy Communion or Mass. This is where bread and wine are shared to remember the Last Supper that Jesus held with his 12 disciples before his death. It allows Christians to unite in their belief.00The Eucharist.This is the most common form of public worship for Christians and is also called Holy Communion or Mass. This is where bread and wine are shared to remember the Last Supper that Jesus held with his 12 disciples before his death. It allows Christians to unite in their belief.Private WorshipMany Christians also worship regularly throughout their daily lives. Individual prayers give Christians an opportunity to communicate with God about personal issues that might not be appropriate during public services. These prayers could be read from a prayer book or they may be spontaneous. Some might help others as a way of experiencing God putting Christian teachings into practice.Symbolism in WorshipA symbol is an image or picture used to represent something that has deeper meaning. Symbols are often used within Christian worship. Here are some examples:-1143006477000274320068961000The Crucifix. The most common and easily recognised symbol found in Christian religious buildings as well as worn or displayed (perhaps in the form of a tattoo) by believers.Alpha and Omega. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet meaning that Jesus is the beginning and ending of all things.-3429001143000The fish (Icthus). Originally a secret symbol used by early Christians who feared Roman persecution. The letters ICTHUS symbolise the belief in ‘Jesus Christ God’s Son Saviour’.365760010414000Chi-Rho. The first two letters of Jesus’ name in Greek.11430014224000Candle. Te represent Jesus as the light of the world.20154907366000Dove. Represents peace.Why is symbolism important?They help convey deeper meaningThey remind Christians about their faithThey help Christians focus during worshipThey are visual remindersThey help identify Christians to other peopleThey help Christians feel closer to God in a more personal wayArt is also used to help Christians worship. This can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, statues, music, poetry, stained-glass windows and various other ways. It helps express worship without words. It can help ‘say the unsayable’. PrayerPrayer is a form of communication with God that may be spoken or silent, it helps develop a relationship with God. Jesus taught Christians to pray.Meditation is a quiet form of prayer that allows the worshipper to concentrate the mind on spiritual matters.11430011811000This is the most famous Christian prayer taught by Jesus to his disciples and includes many different themes.E.g.ConfessionThankfulnessAdorationConcern for othersBeing humble-32385048260Try and work out the meanings for yourselves.00Try and work out the meanings for yourselves.-4381503365500What is the purpose of prayer?Ask for help or guidanceTo give thanksTo confess (own up) to sinsTo feel closer to GodTo meditate in worshipTo follow the example set by JesusTo bring comfort in times of need377190042545Rosary BeadsThese are sometimes used when praying to help focus the mind on what is being said and shut out everything else.00Rosary BeadsThese are sometimes used when praying to help focus the mind on what is being said and shut out everything else.Prayer enables Christians to deepen their faith andis a powerful tool that allows the worshipper todemonstrate their religious commitment. It providesa direct relationship with God and Christians believeit has spiritual power in providing guidance and direction and answers for those who seem lost.Food and FastingFasting is when you go without food or drink for a ser amount of time. This is usually connected to ideas of purification of the body and soul. It makes them less selfish and provides the opportunity to reflect on others rather then themselves.06477000The most common time for fasting is Lent.Christians might give up their favourite food during the 40 days before Easter. This remembers the time when Jesus went to the wilderness for 40 days and nights and was tempted by the Devil. They remember his suffering as well as demonstrating their own commitment and showing self-discipline.FoodMost Christians eat all types of food, as they believe we have dominion over the earth and that God provided us with plants, animals and fish to eat. Some may be vegetarian as they believe we have the responsibility of stewardship over the earth and that we should look after the animals of the world.There are some foods that are traditional within Christianity.Bread and wine at the Eucharist (Holy Communion) serviceHot cross buns at EasterPancakes on Shrove TuesdayMince pies at Christmas.Some of these foods are now consumed by secular society as part of wider national celebrations and not necessarily for religious reasons. 3429009271000KEY WORDSWordMeaningCrucifixCross with the representation of Jesus on it. A symbol found in holy buildings and worn by many Christians as a necklace.DenominationA branch of Christianity.EucharistThe Christian ceremony celebrating the Last Supper – often known as Mass or Holy Communion.FastingTo voluntarily go without something as a sign of commitment.IconsImages or pictures used to help focus during prayer.Lord’s PrayerThe most important prayer in Christianity.MeditationWhen an individual is occupied in thought and reflects deeply on spiritual matters.NuminousA word to describe a very personal religious or spiritual experience.PrayerCommunication with God, individually or as part of a group.RitualA set approach to worship where the same actions are performed.SecularNon-religiousSermonA talk given by a minister.SymbolAn image that has a more significant meaning.TrinityThe Christian belief that God is separated into three beings, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.WorshipA way of honouring or respecting God with great devotion.19685132715Exam QuestionsWhat is prayer? (1 mark)Name two places a Christian might worship. (2 marks)How do Christians worship? (3 marks)Why do some Christians fast? (6 marks)‘Everyone should thank God for their food.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) What is fasting? (1 mark)List two symbols used in worship by Christians. (2 marks)State three ways Christians might worship in the home. (3 marks)Explain how prayer deepens the faith of the believer. (6 marks)‘Art helps people to worship’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)What is fasting? (1 mark)List two examples of symbols used in Christian worship. (2 marks)How is lent sometimes remembered? (3 marks)Why do Christians pray? (6 marks)‘Worship is only about thanking God’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)00Exam QuestionsWhat is prayer? (1 mark)Name two places a Christian might worship. (2 marks)How do Christians worship? (3 marks)Why do some Christians fast? (6 marks)‘Everyone should thank God for their food.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) What is fasting? (1 mark)List two symbols used in worship by Christians. (2 marks)State three ways Christians might worship in the home. (3 marks)Explain how prayer deepens the faith of the believer. (6 marks)‘Art helps people to worship’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)What is fasting? (1 mark)List two examples of symbols used in Christian worship. (2 marks)How is lent sometimes remembered? (3 marks)Why do Christians pray? (6 marks)‘Worship is only about thanking God’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) ................
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