Part2: Religious and spiritual experience

Public and private worship Prayer and meditation Food 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. Through Prayer Through meditation Worship with others

WorshipFor 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: Honour God Develop a relationship with

God Show love and commitment to

God Praise God Ask for help or guidance Strengthen their faith Get closer to God.

Learn these reasons for worship.

Numinous – a word to describe a religious experience that is mystical and unlike any other, which we do not have words to explain.

Features of public worship

There 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.

Pray 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)

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.

The 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.

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:

1. The 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.

2. Alpha and Omega. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet meaning that Jesus is the beginning and ending of all things.

3. The 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’.

4. Chi-Rho. The first two letters of Jesus’ name in Greek.

5. Candle. Te represent Jesus as the light of the world.

6. Dove. Represents peace.

Why is symbolism important? They help convey deeper meaning They remind Christians about their faith They help Christians focus during worship They are visual reminders They help identify Christians to other people They help Christians feel closer to God in a more personal way

Art 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.

This is the most famous Christian prayer taught by Jesus to his disciples and includes many different themes.E.g.

Confession Thankfulness Adoration Concern for others Being humble

What is the purpose of prayer? Ask for help or guidance To give thanks To confess (own up) to sins To feel closer to God To meditate in worship To follow the example set by Jesus To bring comfort in times of need

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.

Rosary BeadsThese are sometimes used when praying to help focus the mind on what is being said and shut out everything else.

Try and work out the meanings for yourselves.

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.

The 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) service Hot cross buns at Easter Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday Mince 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.

KEY WORDS

Exam Questions1. What is prayer? (1 mark)2. Name two places a Christian might worship. (2 marks)3. How do Christians worship? (3 marks)4. Why do some Christians fast? (6 marks)5. ‘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)

1. What is fasting? (1 mark)2. List two symbols used in worship by Christians. (2 marks)3. State three ways Christians might worship in the home. (3 marks)4. Explain how prayer deepens the faith of the believer. (6 marks)5. ‘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)

1. What is fasting? (1 mark)2. List two examples of symbols used in Christian worship. (2 marks)3. How is lent sometimes remembered? (3 marks)4. Why do Christians pray? (6 marks)5. ‘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)

Word MeaningCrucifix Cross with the representation of Jesus on it. A symbol found in holy

buildings and worn by many Christians as a necklace.Denomination A branch of Christianity.Eucharist The Christian ceremony celebrating the Last Supper – often known as

Mass or Holy Communion.Fasting To voluntarily go without something as a sign of commitment.Icons Images or pictures used to help focus during prayer.Lord’s Prayer The most important prayer in Christianity.Meditation When an individual is occupied in thought and reflects deeply on

spiritual matters.Numinous A word to describe a very personal religious or spiritual experience.Prayer Communication with God, individually or as part of a group.Ritual A set approach to worship where the same actions are performed.Secular Non-religiousSermon A talk given by a minister.Symbol An image that has a more significant meaning.Trinity The Christian belief that God is separated into three beings, The Father,

The Son and The Holy Spirit.Worship A way of honouring or respecting God with great devotion.