SOR Y11 - Christianity

• Anglicanism


  • Stemmed from the schism during the Reformation period
  • Formal separation from the Roman Catholic Church under King Henry VIII
• Anglicanism - Key elements

  • Bible - Central to Anglican belief, containing everything necessary for salvation
  • Apostles Creed
  • Nicene Creed
  • Anglican churches can be found worldwide, particularly in countries with historical ties to England
  • Baptism
  • Lord's Supper (Eucharist)
• Anglicanism - Key figures and events


  • Lambeth conference in 1920
  • Centrality of the Bible - Bible is essential for salvation
  • Creeds - Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed accurately express the Christian faith
  • Historical Episcopate - Importance of the historical line of succession of Bishops
  • Nominal head: English Monarch (currently King Charles III)
  • Practical authority: Archbishop of Canterbury (currently Archbishop Justin Welby)
• Catholicism


  • Claims historical and teaching continuity with the first disciples of Jesus
  • Largest and most widespread Christian denomination
• Catholicism - Key elements

  • Bible - Regarded as the normative text for Christian teaching
  • Church Tradition - Plays an indispensable role in interpreting and explaining sacred scripture
  • Scripture and Tradition are seen as two pillars of Catholic teaching
  • Churches and Cathedrals - Central places for worship and rituals
  • Vatican - The spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church
  • Baptism
  • Eucharist
  • Confirmation
  • Reconciliation (Confession)
  • Anointing of the Sick
  • Matrimony
  • Holy Orders
• Catholicism - Key beliefs and figures

  • Guidance of the Holy Spirit - Belief that God's teachings are preserved and safeguarded by the Holy Spirit through the Church's teaching authority
  • Papal Authority - Pope as the supreme leader and representative of the Church
  • Apostolic Succession - Direct and unbroken line from Apostle Peter to the current Pope
  • Historic Episcopate - Bishops in direct line from the Apostles
  • Pope - Current: Pope Francis as of 2024. Seen as the successor to Apostle Peter, the first Bishop of Rome
  • Bishops - Exercise authority in unity with the Pope. Oversee local Churches (Dioceses)
• Pentecostalism


  • Emerged from Protestant congregations in America in the late 1900s
  • Now a worldwide phenomenon and one of the fastest-growing Christian groups
• Pentecostalism - Key elements

  • Bible - Emphasis on literal interpretations of biblical texts. Central to preaching and teachings
  • Churches - Can range from small, intimate congregations to large, stadium-like gatherings. No specific sacred place, but communal worship spaces are central
  • Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Emphasis on prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues
  • Worship Style - Characterised by lively and ecstatic worship. Emphatic preaching is a common feature
  • Prayer Customs - Includes prayers for conversion, repentance, and healing. May include ritual elements but no formalized sacraments like other denominations
• Pentecostalism - Key beliefs and groups

  • Holy Spirit - Strong focus on the presence and gifts of the Holy Spirit
  • Final Days - Belief in living in the final days before the second coming of Christ (the Parousia). Emphasis on end-time preaching
  • Community - Small congregations allow for a closer, more personal sense of community. Many members are converts from other Christian denominations, mostly Protestant
  • Pastors - Have authority within their own congregations. No centralized doctrine or formalized authority outside individual congregations
  • Assemblies of God
  • Four Square Gospel
  • Christian City Church
• Protestantism


  • Originated from the 16th-century Reformation
  • Comprises various groups, some originating during the Reformation and others from later fragmentations
• Protestantism - Key elements

  • Bible - Strong emphasis on bible-based preaching and teachings. Central to the faith and practice across all Protestant denominations
  • Churches - Worship places vary from simple meeting houses to elaborate church buildings. No universally designated sacred place, but communal worship spaces are essential
  • Sacraments - Most Protestant denominations celebrate Baptism and Eucharist (Lord's Supper)
  • Worship Style - Varies significantly among different denominations, from hymn singing and bible readings to more informal and spontaneous worship services
• Protestantism - Key figures and doctrines


  • Key Doctrines - Justification by faith alone, meaning personal faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for salvation. Emphasis on individual interpretation of the Bible. Priesthood of all believers, meaning all Christians have direct access to God without mediation by clergy
  • Martin Luther - Catalyst of the Reformation, emphasizing justification through faith
  • John Calvin - Key figure in Calvinism, advocating for a temperate lifestyle and strong biblical preaching
  • John and Charles Wesley - Founders of the Methodist Church, emphasizing hymn singing, prayers, and bible readings
  • William Booth - Founder of the Salvation Army, noted for its military-style organization and emphasis on social welfare
  • Society of Friends (Quakers) - Believe in direct communication with God, pacifism, and simple, unstructured worship
• Orthodoxy


  • Orthodox Churches trace their origins to the early Christian Church
  • Divided into two groups: Eastern Orthodox Churches (approximately 20 Churches) and Oriental Orthodox Churches (5 Churches)
• Orthodoxy - Leadership


  • Eastern Orthodox: Led by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, currently All Holiness Bartholomew
  • Oriental Orthodox - Smaller group with distinct traditions
• Orthodoxy - Key elements

  • Sacred Scripture and Tradition - Beliefs are derived from both sacred scripture and the sacred tradition of Church teaching
  • Scripture and tradition are considered of equal value
  • Churches - Worship places include ornate and historical churches. Central to the faith is the Divine Liturgy, celebrated within these sacred spaces
  • Divine Liturgy - Central to Orthodox Christian life, characterized by chanting of prayers and use of incense
  • Baptism
  • Chrismation
  • Holy Eucharist
  • Ordination
  • Marriage
  • Confession
  • Holy Unction
• Orthodoxy - Key beliefs and figures

  • Belief in the unity of God in the Trinity of persons
  • Church as a sacred institution founded by Jesus Christ for the salvation of humankind
  • Clergy hold office in a line of descent from the Apostles
  • Expression of faith contained in the Nicene Creed
  • Teachings of the seven Ecumenical Councils
  • Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (currently All Holiness Bartholomew)
  • Saints, with a special emphasis on Mary, the mother of God
• Catechism, Para. 2634: "Intercession is a prayer of petition which leads us to pray as Jesus did."
• • Catholic - Personal prayer often includes practices such as the Rosary, contemplative prayer, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
  • Orthodox - Personal prayer includes the Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner"), icon veneration, and use of prayer ropes.
  • Protestant - Practices include quiet time, journaling prayers, and spontaneous prayers.
• • "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
• Prayer

  • It acknowledges a relationship with God and can be directed to God, Jesus, Mary, saints, and angels.
  • An act of communicating with God or a higher power, typically involving worship, thanksgiving, confession, intercession, and petition.
• The Catholic Church teaches that there are three types of prayer: vocal, meditation, and contemplation.
• Personal Devotion - Refers to an individual's private and personal religious practice or commitment to their faith. It involves personal acts of worship, reflection, and spiritual growth outside of and inside of formal religious ceremonies or gatherings.
• • Personal Prayer:  Individual communication with God, where a person expresses their thoughts, feelings, and needs directly to Him.
  • Examples -  Silent meditation or contemplation. Spontaneous prayers expressing personal thoughts or needs. Journaling prayers
  • Scripture Example - "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:6)
• • Liturgical Prayer:  Structured prayers that follow a set form or ritual, often used in public worship but can also be part of personal devotion.
  • Examples - The Lord’s Prayer, The Nicene Creed and Psalms and canticles.
  • Communal Prayer: Prayers shared and recited within a group, fostering a sense of community and shared faith.
  • Examples - Corporate worship services, Prayer meetings or Bible study groups, Public prayers in church, such as intercessory prayers
  • Scripture Example (For both Communal and Liturgical) - "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20)
• Forms of Prayer

  1. Blessing and Adoration - Acknowledging dependence on God.
  2. Petition - Asking God for physical and spiritual goods.
  3. Intercession - Making requests on behalf of others.
  4. Thanksgiving - Thanking God for His deeds.
  5. Praise - Expressing love and adoration for God.
• Jesus as a Model for Personal Prayer

  • Baptism -"And as he was praying, heaven was opened..." (Luke 3:21-22).
  • Seeking Solitude - "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16).
  • Early Morning Prayer - "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up...and prayed" (Mark 1:35)
• Prayer Practices Across Denominations

  • Catholic - The Angelus, The Rosary, formal liturgical prayers, confession, intercession.
  • Protestant - Litany of Intercession, Bible reading, spontaneous extemporary prayers.
  • Orthodox - Theotokos Prayer, Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner").
• Pope Francis - "A Christian can pray in every situation for themselves and for others." - Intercession + Petition
• • Adoration and Blessing -  "I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1).
• • Intercession and Petition - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).
• • Thanksgiving - "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
• • Praise - "Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom" (Psalm 145:3).
• Comparative Insights

  • Roman Catholicism integrates structured and sacramental elements with a rich tradition of intercessory and contemplative prayers, emphasising both community and personal aspects of devotion.
  • Evangelical Protestantism highlights personal and spontaneous communication with God, focusing on a direct and individual relationship with Christ, with a strong grounding in Scripture.
  • Eastern Orthodoxy offers a blend of mystical and liturgical practices, with a profound emphasis on the inner life of prayer and the use of sacred objects and rituals to deepen personal devotion.
• 1. Blessing and Adoration

  • Definition - Acknowledging the greatness of God and expressing love and reverence.

  Example - "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." (Isaiah 6:3)
• 1. Petition

  • Definition - Asking God for help or for specific needs for oneself.
  • Example - "Give us today our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11)
• 1. Intercession

  • Definition - Praying on behalf of others.
  • Example - "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people." (1 Timothy 2:1)
• 1. Thanksgiving

  • Definition - Thanking God for His blessings and deeds.
  • Example - "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)
• 1. Praise

  • Definition - Expressing love and gratitude to God for who He is.
  • Example - "Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!" (Psalm 147:1)
• • Biblical References - Luke 3:21-22, Luke 5:16, Mark 1:35, Matthew 6:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Psalm 46:10, Matthew 6:9-13.
  • Reputable Scholars - Pope Francis' teachings on prayer, writings from Church Fathers such as St. Augustine and St. Teresa of Avila on the practice of prayer.
• Liturgical Prayer


  Prayer expressed in the celebration of the Mass and the Sacraments