Guide Religious Expression - Revision

Transcription

1 Guide Religious Expression - Revision Key Concepts Community A group of people who are joined together because thay share something in common. Evangelism Spreading a faith or religion to others. Faith To have trust or confidence. Identity the sense of who you are in terms of the attitudes, character and personality. Sacred something to be revered or respected. Pilgrimage A special journey for religious or spiritual purposes. Specialist Language Interfaith dialogue Discussion between members of different religious groups sharing religious views and ideas. How do people show they are interested in something? Become a fan, collect, visit, support, become knowledgeable, etc. How do people express their religious beliefs? Joining in community worship, Private worship, Pilgrimage, Displaying religious symbols and clothing, Helping others, Missionary work. Case Studies Putting Faith into Action Christian Aid, CAFOD, Islamic Relief. Religious Clothing Cross This is the most important Christian symbol, it reminds Christians of the death of Jesus, it is the figure of Jesus on the cross and it is known as a crucifix. The cross is used in a number of ways on jewellery, outside churches, people cross themselves etc. By using the cross not only does it show others that the believers belonging to the religion but it also reminds them that God is always with them. Why worship in special buildings? Visiting a place of worship is one way of expressing their religion. The building will be designed to suit the type of worship. Even within religious traditions people will have their own views on what helps them worship. The building feels holy and sacred Can meet with other worshippers / community spirit It is a duty to attend a place of worship Music and images help Feel at home / part of life Everyone is equal there

2 An Anglican Church Features Font where a baby is christened, by the door of the church to symbolise welcoming. Pulpit used to preach the sermon from, usually raised to show importance. Lectern used to read the Bible and to symbolise the Good News for the world. Altar A symbol of God meeting his people, and the place where the bread and wine are consecrated a symbol of God s sacrifice. Stained glass window To remind the people of the Bible stories, or of saints and heroes, or teachings. Cross reminder of the death and resurrection of Jesus for them. Private prayer is important to Christians but joining with others is equally important. Some feel it helps make contact with God if surrounded by other Christians in a place of worship. Puts worshipper in touch with their religious leader. Helps people focus their mind on God settle into the atmosphere of worship. Use of Symbols in places of Worship - Christianity No Prefer plain and simple E.G Quakers Worship is between God and a person s mind the place doesn t matter. Worship can take place anywhere and doesn t need special preparation. Symbols can be a distraction. Yes Richly decorated E.G Orthodox Churches shows humans are offering the very best they can to God. Help worshippers into the right frame of mind. Something to meditate on. Church - Activities and Events Sunday worship, Sunday school, Bible Study, Prayer groups, Brownies, Scouts, Ladies Groups, Young Marrieds, Choir practice. Baptisms, confirmations, weddings, funerals. Church - Rules of Behaviour Respect for the sacredness should be shown at all times No talking during the sermon or Bible readings No smoking Men remove hats before entering Avoid eating in the main sanctuary No mobile phones

3 A Mosque Features Women s gallery so both genders can concentrate on worship. Minbar a raised platform for the Imam to lead prayers. Mihrab niche in the wall which shows the direction of Makkah. Some say the shape of the mihrab symbolises the ear of Allah always being open. Wudu area to perform ritual washing before prayer. Calligraphy often verses from the Quran decorate the mosque no pictures of Allah, humans or animals allowed. Worshippers can read the word of Allah. Minaret tower from where the call to prayer is given from. Use of Symbols in places of Worship Islam Prayer can take place anywhere clean. The Qur an teaches that is wrong to make images of God or to draw pictures of humans. There are symbols to help worshippers focus on Allah writings from the Qur an/pictures of Makkah. Worshipping together Joining together helps strengthen the ummah (Muslim community/brotherhood). Also can listen to their religious leader all of this helps to strengthen a persons faith. Activities and Events Jummah prayers every Friday Madrassah school Weddings and Funerals Rules of Behaviour Respect for the sacredness should be shown at all times Taking shoes off before entering Men and women sitting separately Women wearing head covering Performing wudu before prayers Facing the Kabah (Makkah) Sitting on the floor Pilgrimage You need to be aware of the places visited on pilgrimage and why those places are special, you should be aware of what pilgrims do at those places. Can these places of pilgrimage help a person grow spiritually?

4 Reasons for pilgrimage. To show devotion Witness to their faith Grow spiritually Required by the religion, etc Christianity The Holy Land sites connected with the life of Jesus E.G Via Dolorosa (the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion). Lourdes Where St Bernadette had visions of the Virgin Mary. The spring there is claimed to have healing properties. Islam Makkah Pilgrimage to Makkah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Ihram two pieces of white cloth are worn to show holiness, purity, humility and equality. Think about! Does it matter if the reason for the place being sacred is true or not? Mission and Evangelism Mission The act of going out to preach the faith to others because the person (or missionary) was sent. Evangelism The ways and means some religions take to spread their beliefs to others. A person engaged in this sort of work would be called an evangelist. Conversion Term for changing from one religion to another or from being non-religious to religious. Sharing Ones Faith Some people believe it is part of a person s religious duty to share their faith with others with the hope that it will lead to conversion this is what Jesus wanted. Others believe that they should be open about their faith but people should be left to make up their own minds. Many want to share their beliefs in order to promote mutual understanding. Islam Only Muslims will go to heaven so they have a duty to invite people to learn about Islam but nobody should be forced to convert this should be between God and the person themselves. Raising awareness, creating harmony, or unacceptable intrusion into others lives? Ways faith is shared Collective worship in schools Prayer worship room e.g. airports Prison visiting Interfaith Activity group

5 Street Evangelists Council of Faith in cities Literature given out etc The Importance of Interfaith Dialogue Unified understanding of God so other divisions can be overcome. Promotes peace, justice and mutual respect EG Jesus used the Samaritan as the caring neighbour. Learning prevents ignorance There is a common message of love, kindness, tolerance, respect the basis of human rights. Religions can therefore contribute to world peace and harmony. Highlights similarities not differences. Promotes community cohesion communication and co-operation. Prevents religious discrimination.