Revision notes written to the specification, with examiner tips and the required practicals. Every point here has flashcards in the Stickwise app.
Worship, sacraments & festivals
Worship stylesLiturgical worship follows a set ritual, such as the Mass. Non-liturgical worship is more flexible and centred on the sermon, informal worship is spontaneous and charismatic, and private worship takes place at home. Different styles suit different believers, some valuing tradition and others valuing freedom.
PrayerPrayer is communicating with God, and can include adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. The Lord's Prayer ('Our Father') is the shared set prayer used by all Christians, while informal prayer keeps it personal.
BaptismBaptism uses water to mark entry into the Christian faith. Infant baptism washes away original sin and welcomes the child, while believers' baptism is an adult choice, usually by full immersion.
Holy CommunionHoly Communion uses bread and wine to recall the Last Supper. Catholics believe in transubstantiation, that the bread and wine truly become Christ, while most Protestants see it as a symbolic memorial.
PilgrimageA pilgrimage is a journey made as an act of devotion. Lourdes is visited in hope of healing, and Iona is visited for quiet reflection.
FestivalsChristmas celebrates the incarnation, and Easter celebrates the resurrection. Easter is the greatest festival in the Christian year, moving from the grief of Good Friday to the joy of Easter Sunday.
The Church in the world
The local church often acts as a lifeline for its community, running food banks such as the Trussell Trust, youth clubs and support for the lonely, putting the command to 'love your neighbour' into practical action. The worldwide Church carries out mission and evangelism, following the Great Commission to 'go and make disciples', and works for reconciliation, as at Coventry and Corrymeela. It supports persecuted Christians through groups such as Open Doors, and fights poverty through Christian Aid, CAFOD and Tearfund, which provide emergency relief, long-term development and justice campaigning.
🎯 Examiner tip: Practices questions score marks for specific detail, so name the charity, the place and the project. Writing 'Christian Aid runs development projects' would only reach a low level, whereas 'Christian Aid Week funds wells and drought-resistant seeds, motivated by the parable of the Sheep and the Goats' reaches the top band.
Turn these notes into memory. 10 flashcards cover this topic. Short daily sessions, spaced repetition up to your exam date, quizzes with friends. Free during the beta.Practise Christianity: Practices in the app ↗