What you'll learn
This revision guide covers all testable content on Christian practices for Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies. You'll explore how Christians worship, celebrate sacraments, pray, go on pilgrimage and observe religious festivals. Understanding these practices is essential for achieving top grades in both Catholic and Protestant Christianity questions.
Key terms and definitions
Sacrament — an outward sign of an inward blessing; a ceremony through which Christians receive God's grace. Catholics recognise seven sacraments, whilst most Protestants recognise two (baptism and Eucharist).
Liturgical worship — a structured form of worship following a set pattern, often including prayers, hymns, readings and sacraments, such as Mass in Catholic churches.
Eucharist — the service of thanksgiving in which the bread and wine are consecrated and shared; also called Holy Communion, Mass or the Lord's Supper.
Baptism — the sacrament through which a person becomes a member of the Church, involving the use of water as a symbol of cleansing from sin.
Pilgrimage — a journey to a sacred place for religious reasons, undertaken to strengthen faith or seek healing.
Reconciliation — the Catholic sacrament (also called Confession or Penance) in which sins are confessed to a priest and absolution is granted.
Evangelism — spreading the Christian faith through preaching, personal witness or missionary work.
Fasting — giving up food or certain foods for a spiritual purpose, particularly during Lent.
Core concepts
Worship
Christian worship takes many forms, reflecting different denominations and traditions.
Liturgical worship follows set prayers and rituals. Catholic Mass and Anglican services use established liturgies with formal prayers, responses and structures. The advantage is that these traditional forms connect Christians across time and space, with worshippers knowing exactly what to expect. However, some Christians find liturgical worship overly formal and lacking spontaneity.
Non-liturgical worship has less structure, allowing more flexibility. Services may include spontaneous prayers, extended Bible readings and lengthy sermons. Pentecostal and many evangelical churches favour this approach, believing it allows the Holy Spirit to move freely. Critics argue this can lack reverence or become chaotic.
Charismatic worship emphasises the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, including speaking in tongues, prophecy and healing. Worshippers may raise their hands, dance or sing contemporary music. This approach is found in Pentecostal churches and charismatic movements within other denominations.
Private worship includes personal prayer, Bible study and meditation at home. Many Christians maintain daily devotions, believing that "where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20) applies to individual prayer as well as corporate worship.
Sacraments
Sacraments are central to Christian practice, though denominations disagree on their number and meaning.
Baptism initiates people into the Christian faith. In infant baptism (practised by Catholics, Anglicans and some others), babies are baptised with parents and godparents making promises on their behalf. Water is poured on the baby's head three times whilst the priest says "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This removes original sin and welcomes the child into the Church community.
Believers' baptism (practised by Baptists and Pentecostals) happens when someone is old enough to decide for themselves. The person is fully immersed in water, symbolising death to the old life and resurrection to new life in Christ. Supporters argue this reflects Jesus' own baptism and requires conscious faith, citing "Repent and be baptised, every one of you" (Acts 2:38).
The Eucharist commemorates the Last Supper. Catholics believe in transubstantiation — that the bread and wine actually become Christ's body and blood, though they retain the appearance of bread and wine. This is the most important Catholic service, celebrated daily in many churches.
Most Protestants view Communion symbolically, believing the bread and wine represent Christ's body and blood. They emphasise Jesus' words "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19), seeing it as a memorial rather than a miraculous transformation.
Other Catholic sacraments include:
- Confirmation — receiving the Holy Spirit as a young adult
- Marriage — uniting a couple before God
- Holy Orders — ordination into priesthood
- Anointing of the Sick — prayers for healing or peaceful death
- Reconciliation — confession and forgiveness of sins
Prayer
Prayer is direct communication with God, taking various forms.
The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) was taught by Jesus and is recited in most Christian services. It includes adoration ("hallowed be your name"), petition ("give us today our daily bread"), and confession ("forgive us our sins").
Set prayers provide structure and tradition. The Hail Mary is central to Catholic devotion, asking Mary to intercede with God. The Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner") is used particularly in Orthodox Christianity.
Informal prayers allow Christians to speak to God in their own words, discussing personal concerns, thanking God or interceding for others. Jesus encouraged this personal approach: "when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen" (Matthew 6:6).
Christians pray for different reasons:
- Adoration — worshipping and praising God
- Confession — admitting sins and seeking forgiveness
- Thanksgiving — expressing gratitude for blessings
- Supplication — asking for things for oneself or others (intercession)
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage involves travelling to holy places to deepen faith, seek healing or fulfil a vow.
Lourdes (France) attracts millions of pilgrims annually. In 1858, the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, and a healing spring emerged. Today, sick pilgrims bathe in the water seeking miracles, though most pilgrims benefit from the spiritual experience rather than physical healing. The journey strengthens faith through shared worship and supporting those who are ill.
Iona (Scotland) is where St Columba established a monastery in 563 CE. Today's ecumenical Iona Community focuses on peace, social justice and rebuilding community. Pilgrims experience the peace of this remote island and reflect on Celtic Christian spirituality.
The Holy Land (Israel/Palestine) allows Christians to walk where Jesus walked. Sites include:
- Bethlehem (Jesus' birthplace)
- Nazareth (where Jesus grew up)
- Sea of Galilee (Jesus' ministry)
- Jerusalem (crucifixion and resurrection)
Some Christians question whether pilgrimage is necessary, noting Jesus said "God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth" (John 4:24), suggesting place is irrelevant. However, supporters value pilgrimage for:
- Deepening understanding of biblical events
- Time away from daily distractions
- Strengthening community with fellow pilgrims
- Physical expression of spiritual journey
The Church in the local community
Churches serve their local areas in practical ways.
Food banks provide emergency food supplies to families in crisis. Many are run by churches working with the Trussell Trust. This reflects Jesus' teaching: "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat" (Matthew 25:35).
Street pastors are trained volunteers who patrol town centres on weekend nights, helping vulnerable people, offering flip-flops to those in unsuitable footwear, and providing a calm presence. This demonstrates Christian care for others.
Community centres host activities like toddler groups, lunch clubs for elderly people, debt advice services and youth clubs. These provide practical support whilst building relationships.
Churches also engage in evangelism — sharing their faith. This might involve:
- Alpha courses explaining Christian basics
- Open-air preaching
- Missionary work overseas or in UK
- Personal witness through changed lives
This obeys Jesus' Great Commission: "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).
Religious festivals
Christian festivals mark key events in Jesus' life and the Church calendar.
Christmas (25th December) celebrates Jesus' birth. The Incarnation — God becoming human — is central to Christian belief. Church services include nativity plays re-enacting the events in Luke's Gospel. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is particularly significant for Catholics. Many Christians criticise excessive commercialisation, arguing it obscures Christmas's religious meaning.
Lent is a 40-day period of fasting and repentance before Easter, mirroring Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness. Christians might give up luxuries, donate saved money to charity, or take up additional prayer. Ash Wednesday marks Lent's beginning, with priests marking foreheads with ash crosses.
Holy Week recalls Jesus' final week:
- Palm Sunday — Jesus' entry into Jerusalem
- Maundy Thursday — the Last Supper
- Good Friday — the crucifixion
- Easter Sunday — the resurrection
Easter is Christianity's most important festival. The resurrection proves Jesus was God's Son and conquered death, offering eternal life to believers. Services are joyful, often beginning at dawn to reflect women discovering the empty tomb at daybreak. Churches are decorated with lilies symbolising new life.
Pentecost (Whit Sunday) celebrates the Holy Spirit descending on the disciples (Acts 2), enabling them to speak in different languages and beginning the Church's mission. Churches may be decorated in red, representing the Holy Spirit's fire.
Worked examples
Question 1: Explain two contrasting forms of baptism practised in Christianity. (4 marks)
Model answer: One form is infant baptism, practised by Catholics and Anglicans. In this, babies are baptised by having water poured on their heads whilst the priest says "I baptise you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." Parents and godparents make promises on the child's behalf.
In contrast, believers' baptism is practised by Baptists and Pentecostals. Here, a person old enough to understand Christianity chooses to be baptised. They are fully immersed in water, symbolising death to their old life and resurrection to new life in Christ. Baptists believe this reflects Jesus' own baptism in the River Jordan and requires personal faith.
Examiner guidance: This answer gains full marks by identifying two distinct practices (2 marks) and explaining the key differences clearly (2 marks). Note the comparison word "contrast" signals you must show differences, not similarities.
Question 2: "Pilgrimage is a waste of time and money." Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. In your response, you should refer to Christian teachings. (12 marks)
Model answer: Some Christians would agree with this statement. They might argue that pilgrimage is expensive — travelling to Lourdes or the Holy Land costs hundreds or thousands of pounds that could feed hungry people or support charitable causes. Jesus taught "sell your possessions and give to the poor" (Luke 12:33), suggesting money should help others rather than fund tourism. Furthermore, Jesus said "God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth" (John 4:24), implying that location doesn't matter — you can worship God anywhere, making travel to special places unnecessary.
Additionally, some Protestant Christians believe pilgrimage risks superstition or idolatry, treating places or objects as having special power rather than focusing on a personal relationship with God. They might argue time spent travelling could be better used serving their local community.
However, many Christians would disagree strongly. Pilgrimage offers spiritual benefits that justify the cost and effort. Visiting Lourdes allows Christians to support sick pilgrims, demonstrating Jesus' command to "love your neighbour." The experience often strengthens faith through shared worship and witnessing others' devotion. Many pilgrims report feeling closer to God in holy places.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land helps Christians understand biblical events by walking where Jesus walked. Seeing the Sea of Galilee where Jesus taught or visiting the Garden of Gethsemane where he prayed makes scripture more real and deepens understanding. This educational value is significant.
Furthermore, pilgrimage isn't just about the destination — the journey itself is spiritually valuable. Taking time away from daily distractions allows reflection and prayer. The physical effort symbolises the spiritual journey toward God. For centuries, Christians have undertaken pilgrimages, suggesting they fulfil a genuine spiritual need.
In conclusion, whilst pilgrimage does cost money that could serve other purposes, the spiritual benefits — strengthened faith, deeper understanding, and community support — make it valuable rather than wasteful for many Christians. However, it should complement rather than replace everyday Christian living and service to others.
Examiner guidance: A Level 4 answer (10-12 marks) must present balanced arguments with detailed religious knowledge, use teachings/scripture accurately, and reach a justified conclusion. Note how this answer addresses both sides systematically, uses specific examples (Lourdes, Holy Land), incorporates relevant biblical quotations, and concludes with a nuanced position.
Question 3: Outline three reasons why the Eucharist is important for Christians. (3 marks)
Model answer: One reason is that it was commanded by Jesus at the Last Supper when he said "do this in remembrance of me." Second, it unites Christians as the worldwide Church by sharing the same sacrament. Third, Catholics believe it allows them to receive Christ himself through transubstantiation.
Examiner guidance: For 3-mark "outline" questions, give three distinct points concisely. Each valid point scores 1 mark. Avoid lengthy explanations — brevity is appropriate here.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Confusing denominations: Don't claim all Christians believe in transubstantiation (only Catholics do) or that all practise infant baptism. Learn which practices belong to which traditions.
Vague references to "the Bible": Specify books, chapters or actual quotations where possible. "Matthew 25:35" is stronger than "Jesus said in the Bible."
Listing without explaining: In 4-mark or 5-mark questions, you must explain or develop your points, not just list facts. "Catholics practise infant baptism" needs development: "Catholics practise infant baptism because they believe it removes original sin and welcomes the child into the Church community."
One-sided evaluation answers: 12-mark questions require balanced arguments. Present both perspectives thoroughly before reaching your conclusion, even if you personally agree with one side.
Ignoring the question focus: If asked about "the local community," don't write generally about church activities — specifically discuss how churches serve their local areas.
Mixing up festivals: Know which festivals commemorate which events. Easter celebrates the resurrection (not the birth), and Christmas celebrates the Incarnation (not the ascension).
Exam technique for "Christianity: Practices"
Command words matter: "Outline" requires brief points; "Explain" needs development and reasoning; "Evaluate" demands balanced argument with justified conclusion.
Mark allocation guides detail: 1-mark questions need one point; 4-mark questions need two explained points; 12-mark questions need extended argument with religious knowledge, different viewpoints and evaluation throughout.
Use specialist terminology accurately: Words like sacrament, liturgical, transubstantiation, Incarnation and evangelism demonstrate knowledge and gain credit.
Structure 12-mark answers clearly: Introduction stating your line of argument, paragraph(s) arguing one perspective with religious teachings, paragraph(s) arguing the contrasting view with religious teachings, conclusion reaching a justified position.
Quick revision summary
Christian practices include diverse forms of worship (liturgical, non-liturgical, charismatic), sacraments (especially baptism and Eucharist), various types of prayer, pilgrimage to holy sites like Lourdes and Jerusalem, and celebration of festivals marking Jesus' life (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost). Churches serve local communities through food banks, street pastors and evangelism. Different denominations interpret and practise these elements differently — Catholics recognise seven sacraments whilst Protestants recognise two; baptism can be infant or believers'; Eucharist is understood as transubstantiation or symbolic memorial. Understanding these variations is essential for exam success.