World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide

©2018 Achieve Page 67 of 96 7.6 Worship Worship is a state of spirit and means to bow down or bow before someone or a god. Worship can happen outside of a church or formal setting. Christians are to worship at least seven days a week. Formal worship occurs on Sundays for most Christians, but not all. Worshipping does not have anything to do with a person’s physical position. Some denominations practice closed communion, meaning only those who are part of the church or denomination are allowed to partake. Catholics restrict participation to members who are not in a state of mortal sin. Most other churches allow open communion, as it is pathway to unity, and they invite all believing Christians to participate. Some denominations do not practice the customary structure of worship. There are “High Church” services that have greater solemnity and rituals, and have “Low Church” services that have fewer rituals within the service. Seventh-Day Adventists meet each Saturday, while others do not meet on a weekly basis. Charismatic or Pentecostal congregations may take “action” in the service rather than a holding a set service. They may feel led by the Holy Spirit to do spontaneous prayers. Quakers sit quietly until they are moved by the Holy Spirit to speak. Some Evangelical services are more like concerts with rock and pop music, dancing, and the use of multimedia during the service. Some groups do not recognize a priesthood that is distinct from an ordinary person, so their services might be led by a minister, preacher, or pastor. Still, other groups do not have a formal leader. Some churches use only a cappella music since churches like Church of Christ object to the use of instruments in the worship. Worship can change depending on the event, such as a wedding, baptism, or a feast for significant holy days. Some denominations separate for the Eucharistic part of the worship. In many churches, adults and children are separated for all or part of the ceremony. In some churches, there is a separate children’s worship, Sunday school, or Sabbath school. Other churches invite children to the front of the room for their own message during the adult service. Sacraments In Christian belief and practice, a sacrament is a rite instituted by Christ. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Christ that conveys an inward spiritual grace through Christ. The most widely recognized sacraments are Baptism and the Eucharist. The majority of Christians recognize seven sacraments, or Divine mysteries: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist Holy orders, reconciliation of a penitent (confession), anointing of the sick, and matrimony. Combined, these constitute High Church tradition, notably Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Independent Catholics, Old Catholics, most Anglicans, and some Lutherans. The majority of other denominations and traditions typically affirm Baptism and the Eucharist as their sacraments. The Quakers reject sacramental theology. While Protestants may celebrate these rites, they usually call them “ordinances”.