Religious Affiliation
Christianity is an influential world religion, with around 2.4 billion followers worldwide, according to the Pew Research Center. The religion is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who is considered by many to be the son of God. As part of their faith, Christians believe in one God, and that Jesus is the savior of the world who brought eternal life for all believers. Practicing Christianity involves attending and participating in church services, reading the Bible, prayer, and observing holy days. Additionally, Christian practices can range from regular church attendance and scripture study to sponsoring relief efforts and engaging in charitable work.
Understanding the Nature of Christian Practices
In order to gain an understanding of Christian practices, it is essential to first recognize the various religious denominations. Roman Catholicism is the largest single Christian denomination, followed by Protestantism. Other forms of Christianity include Orthodoxy, Charismatic and Pentecostalism. Denominations play an important role in determining how members practice Christianity. Generally, practices will depend on the type of church one attends, with individual congregations often making decisions regarding liturgical matters, prayer, and other religious rituals.
Holy Sacraments
Holy Sacraments are a main feature of practicing Christianity and vary between denomination. Most denominations celebrate the seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Holy Communion, confession, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage and Ordination. These sacraments are seen to build the individual and broader church community. Some churches also celebrate additional sacraments such as Foot Washing and Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child.
Church Service and Scripture Study
Church services can generally be broken down into two main categories: Eucharistic and non-Eucharistic. Eucharistic services focus on the celebration of Holy Communion and are typically held once or twice a week. Non-Eucharistic services, on the other hand, focus on different forms of prayer, singing hymns, readings from the Bible and sermon. Scripture study is another important aspect of Christianity and typically involves reading and interpreting the Bible, both in church services and privately.
Prayer
Prayer is an important Christian practice and can take many forms. The most common being liturgical prayers that follow a specific structure and are typically used in church services. Private prayers are usually more personal, as individuals choose their own words, as well as a form of prayer. Prayer can be seen as a form of communication with God and prayer requests can be made for oneself, for others or for the world at large.
Observing Holy Days
Holy days are a prominent feature of Christian practice, with observances varying from denomination to denomination. The two most prominent holy days observed by many Christians are Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and Christmas Eve, which marks the birth of Christ. Other important holy days are Ascension Day, Pentecost Sunday, All Saints’ Day and Assumption Day. In addition to church services, many Christians will also mark holy days with family feasts, visits to holy places, or performing charitable works.
Sponsoring Relief Efforts
Relief efforts are an increasingly important part of Christian practice, particularly in developing countries. Through organizations such as Christian Aid, Missionaries of Charity and World Vision, Christians can donate money to aid those in poverty, feed the hungry, help build schools and provide medical assistance to those in need. Sponsoring relief efforts is often seen as a way for Christians to show their faith in action.
Engaging in Charitable Work
Another form of Christian practice is engaging in charitable works, such as volunteering at a homeless shelter or working with refugees. Charitable works are often seen as a way of demonstrating religious beliefs and showing love and compassion to those in need. Charitable works may also include donating money to a cause or contributing to a faith-based mission.
Considering Social and Political Issues
In recent years, the role of religion in politics and social issues has been a topic of much discussion within the Christian community. As one form of practice, many Christians are considering social and political issues within the context of their faith. This may include taking a stance on issues such as abortion, capital punishment, same-sex marriage, environmentalism and poverty. In making decisions about social and political issues, many Christians are likely to ask themselves how their practices align with their beliefs.
Living Daily Life Like Christ
Living a daily life like Christ remains an essential part of Christian practice. This includes demonstrating kindness and compassion to others, regardless of faith. Christians may also strive to forgive those who have wronged them, show understanding, or practice love and acceptance. It is believed that emulating Jesus Christ’s example will lead to a greater spiritual connection with God.
Growing in Faith
Growing in faith is a cornerstone of Christian practice and typically involves engaging in devotional activities such as daily prayer and reading scripture. Such activities are typically done as self-care and reflection, as individuals strive to deepen their understanding of God’s love and presence. Additionally, many churches provide small group studies and fellowship events for members of the congregation, allowing for spiritual growth in an emotionally safe and supportive setting.
Using Technology in Christian Practice
As technology advances, more churches and faith groups are turning to digital methods of communication to engage with members of their congregation. These include online and streaming services, as well as SMS notifications and social media. Through virtual meetings, prayer groups, Bible text studies and worship music, churches are able to provide a space for believers to grow in faith even during times of social isolation.
Mentoring Others in Faith
Mentoring is another important form of Christian practice, where individuals share wisdom and guidance with new and seasoned believers. Mentoring typically involves intentional conversation, through listening,sharing experiences, and offering encouragement and spiritual advice. Additionally, many churches and faith organizations are now offering mentoring programs as a way of helping members develop and mature in their relationship with God.
Practicing Christian Values
Practicing Christian values is essential to being a good Christian, as they form the basis of ethical and moral behavior. Christian values encourage open and honest communication, hospitality, integrity, respect and forgiveness. These values are important to Christians as they help form healthy relationships with others, instill a sense of compassion, and enable individuals to live their lives according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Living Out Faith in the Workplace
Living out faith in the workplace can also be seen as a form of Christian practice. This may involve respecting others, being respectful of authority figures, finding ways of resolving conflict peacefully, and speaking up for fairness and justice. Additionally, many workplaces now have religious accommodations to allow employees to follow their faith by offering special prayer times, or flexibility to attend religious services.
Welcoming Questions with an Open Mind
Finally, Christians are encouraged to welcome questions with an open mind, as this is seen as an important part of understanding their faith. Christianity is rooted in an ancient faith, and there are many questions that individuals may have when exploring and practicing their faith. Christians are advised to research religious sources, ask questions, listen to what others have to say and speak to religious experts if they want to develop a deeper understanding of the Bible, church history and theology.
