World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide

©2018 Achieve Page 68 of 96 Liturgical Calendar Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern Christians, and traditional Protestant communities form worship around a liturgical calendar. Typically, these days are celebrated, as they commemorate an event in the life of Jesus or one of the saints. The life of Jesus is celebrated with fasting, like during Lent. Some Christian groups that do not follow a liturgical tradition often retain certain celebrations, such as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. A few churches do not use a liturgical calendar. Symbols The cross, or crucifix, is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. Though it was used by early Christians, it did not appear in widespread use until the 5 th century. The fish was the first symbol used by primitive Christians. From monumental sources, such as tombs, it was discovered that the symbol of the fish was familiar to Christians from the earliest of times – the first decades of the 2 nd century. Christians adorned their tombs with paintings of Christ, the saints, scenes from the Bible, and allegorical groups. The catacombs are the cradle of all Christian art. There were also statues in the 1 st century. The pictures and statues speak to the fact Christians did not fear idolatry. Other major Christian symbols were the dove (symbolic of the Holy Spirit), the sacrificial lamb (symbolic of Christ’s sacrifice), and the vine (symbolizing the necessary connectedness of the Christian with Christ). These are all from writings found in the New Testament. Baptism Baptism is a ritual act that uses water to admit the person to the membership of a church. Different denominations place varying levels of importance on the act. For Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox churches, Lutherans, and Anglicans, baptism is a form of regeneration and is linked to salvation. Other denominations see the act as purely symbolic, an external way to show what has happened internally. There are differences in opinion on the manner of the act. Baptism by immersion, baptism by submersion (completely immersed), baptism by affusion (pouring), and baptism by aspersion (sprinkling) are different ways to accomplish the act. Prayer From Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, He conveys a lack of interest in the external aspects of prayer. The concern with the techniques of prayer are condemned as being pagan, while a simple trust in God and freedom to approach Him is emphasized. In some Christian denominations and traditions, specific physical gestures are emphasized, such as genuflection or making the sign of the cross. In the more traditional branches of Christianity, kneeling, bowing, and prostrations are often practiced. In Western Christianity, the hands are placed palms together and forward, as seen in the feudal commendation ceremony. Another method is palms pointing up and elbows tucked inward.