Chapter 2.1

Question 1

What is worship?

Answer 1

It is the way in which Christians show their deep love, reverence and respect for God

Question 2

What may worship involve?

Answer 2

Prayer, meditation, Bible readings, singing hymns, preaching, sharing food, pilgrimages, celebrating festivals and using religious art, music or drama

Question 3

Why do we worship?

Answer 3

It allows Christians to praise and thank God for blessings, to ask for forgiveness of sin or to seek God’s help for themselves or others who may be suffering

Question 4

What are the four different types of worship?

Answer 4

Liturgical, non-liturgical, informal and private

Question 5

What kind of worship is this: ‘Some Christians prefer services that follow the same set pattern each time.’

Answer 5

Liturgical

Question 6

What kind of worship is this: ‘There does not have to be a set order or ritual.’

Answer 6

Non-liturgical

Question 7

What kind of worship is this: ‘May depend on people’s spontaneous prayers or sharing of thoughts’

Answer 7

Informal

Question 8

What kind of worship is this: ‘Allows individuals to spend time with God, either alone or with close friends or family’

Answer 8

Private

Question 9

Name 5 Characteristics of liturgical worship, and why they are important for Christians

Answer 9

• people receive forgiveness from God through the action of the priest
• people receive living presence of Jesus in Holy Communion
• Bible readings follow Christian calendar and teach Christian faith/history across Old and New Testament
• Worldwide set order of service that is familiar to all, even visitors
• ritual has been passed down through generations, giving a sense of tradition

Question 10

Name 5 Characteristics of non-liturgical and formal worship, and why they are important for Christians

Answer 10

• style of worship follows that of some early Christians who met to hear about Jesus in the joy of the Spirit after Pentecost
• faith expressed in a variety of ways: Holy Communion - celebrated in different ways
• can share personal interpretations of the Bible - often readings follow the Christian Calendar
• people can take an active part in church by praying aloud or speaking without formal training
• service may have an emotional impact, feeling of personal revelation from God

Question 11

Liturgical worship definition:

Answer 11

A church service that follows a set structure or ritual

Question 12

Non-liturgical worship definition:

Answer 12

A service that does not follow a set text or ritual

Question 13

Informal worship definition:

Answer 13

A type of non-liturgical worship, sometimes ‘spontaneous’ or ‘charismatic’ in nature

Question 14

Private worship definition:

Answer 14

When a believer praises or honours God on his or her own