5 Interesting Things to Know About Christian Rituals and Practices

Sixty-five percent of Americans describe themselves as Christian when asked about their religion. To find out more about Worldidol.tv – Worldwide News Trends click here.

But how much do you know about Christian rituals and practices?

There are six branches of Christianity worldwide, with dozens of individual denominations in the US alone. This can make it confusing to understand the different traditions and patterns for worship across the board.

Here are some interesting facts to help clarify Christian liturgy and add structure to a Christian lifestyle.

1. Most Christian Denominations Observe Two Sacraments

Catholics and many Orthodox branches of Christianity observe a total of seven sacraments. These are Baptism, Eucharist (also called Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper), Penance, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. In contrast, all other Christian denominations only observe the first two on the list.

2. Baptism Is the Christian Sacrament of Admission

Many agree that Baptism is the first and most important sacrament for Christians. All followers should be baptized in a water-based ceremony in front of a Christian congregation. This cleanses their soul and frees them of the original sin they inherited from Adam and Eve. Baptisms also symbolize the sinner’s admission into the community of believers.

3. Christians Should Give Generously

Generosity is a cornerstone of Christianity. And, as the Lord Jesus Christ himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

For Christians, being generous with whatever they have to give is a huge part of their faith. This generosity might include giving their time and resources to help others or giving Christian gifts for women as offerings of love and friendship. Most Christians also believe that it’s important to give financial aid to support charity and religion.

4. Most American Christians Say Grace Before Meals

The act of saying grace is an example of a Christian ritual that’s widespread across the US. In fact, 60 percent of Protestants and 52 percent of Catholics say grace at least a few times a week.

Families might choose to hold hands, pray together, or bow their heads in silence. Whichever it is, saying grace before meals is an act of thanks that serves to reinforce and remember that it was God who provided the meal. As for why Christians call this practice “saying grace”, it comes from the Latin phrase, gratiarum actio (thanksgiving).

5. Christians Should Keep the Sabbath Day Holy

Many Christians across the US and the wider world attend church services, pray, and read the Bible on Sundays as a way of keeping the sabbath day holy. But the word sabbath comes from a Hebrew word that means to rest from labor.

This supports the idea that Christians should aim to leave Sunday free for rest, reflection, and providing service to others in need. Some Sunday practices might include enjoying God’s creations by taking a walk in nature, journaling, or visiting a sick friend.

Christian Rituals and Practices

As this quick roundup of Christian rituals and practices shows, many Christians honor God through life-affirming ceremonial observations, reflective practices, and constant gratitude and generosity.

That said, while rituals can be beneficial, Christians must always focus on their inner devotion first and foremost.

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