What you'll learn
How Christians express their faith through worship, sacraments, festivals and action in the world.
Worship and sacraments
- Liturgical (set forms, e.g. Mass) vs non-liturgical and informal worship.
- Sacraments: outward signs of inward grace — baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion) are the most widely observed.
- Prayer: set prayers (the Lord's Prayer) and personal/extempore prayer.
Festivals and pilgrimage
- Christmas (incarnation) and Easter (resurrection) are the major festivals.
- Pilgrimage to sites such as Jerusalem, Lourdes and Iona.
Mission and charity
- Evangelism and mission — sharing the faith.
- Christian charity in action (e.g. CAFOD, Christian Aid, Tearfund) reflecting the command to love one's neighbour.
- The role of the local and worldwide Church.
Exam tips
- Note differences between denominations (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant).
- Link practices to beliefs (e.g. the Eucharist recalls the Last Supper).
Common mistakes
- Describing only one denomination's practice as if universal.
- Listing practices without explaining their meaning.