HSC Studies of Religion (1 Unit)
Task 2 – 2013
Part A
Part (a) Explain how the significant Christian practice of Saturday/Sunday worship
expresses THREE Christian beliefs. (5 marks)
Key Verb: Explain: relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things
evident; provide why and/or how.
Answers could include:
Introduction:
An opening statement - Saturday/Sunday Worship is a pivotal practice within Christianity which
focuses on the expression of Christian beliefs within communities of faith. (Morrissey et al, 2006)
Definition of Saturday/Sunday Worship – gatherings of the faithful for prayer and sacraments
(Morrissey et al, 2006)
Identify which three of the five Christian beliefs will be discussed:
1. The humanity & divinity of Jesus
2. The life, death & resurrection of Jesus
3. The nature of God and the Trinity
4. Revelation
5. Salvation
Body:
1. The humanity & divinity of Jesus (Jesus – both fully human & fully divine at the same time)
Evidence of how expressed through Sat/Sun worship:
- Communicated through the gospel readings, stories of Jesus’ life
- Communicated through the gospel readings, stories of Jesus’ miracles
2. The life, death & resurrection of Jesus (Jesus lived, died by crucifixion and rose from the dead)
Evidence of how expressed through Sat/Sun worship:
- The intention of gathering or the theme each service is the Paschal mystery – it mirrors the lives
of the individuals (Life, little deaths & resurrection – new life)
- Commemorated through the sacred meal or celebration of Eucharist/Holy Communion
- Expressed through the wording of the prayers and the hymns
3. The nature of God and the Trinity (One God who is embodied in three persons – Father, Son &
Holy Spirit)
Evidence of how expressed through Sat/Sun worship:
- Expressed through the Sign of the Cross
- Professed through the reciting of the Creed
- Expressed through the wording of the prayers and the hymns
4. Revelation (How God reveals God’s self throughout history)
Evidence of how expressed through Sat/Sun worship:
- Shared through the proclaimed Word – the lives and teachings of the prophets & Jesus
- Explained and related to human life through the homily and prayers of intercession
5. Salvation (Through Jesus’ death & resurrection, sin & death is defeated – promise of eternal
life)
Evidence of how expressed through Sat/Sun worship:
- Expressed through the Word – the Gospels – Jesus in his life and ministry embodies the saving
action of God
- Experienced through the celebration of the shared sacred meal – a foretaste of the heavenly
banquet that awaits
Conclusion:
Restate the question noting the importance of the Christian practice in expressing the three
Christian beliefs.
HSC Studies of Religion (1 Unit)
Task 2 – 2013
Part B
Part (b) Analyse the significance for the individual and the Christian
Community of the Christian practice of Saturday/Sunday worship.
(10 marks)
Key Verb: Analyse: Identify components and the relationship between
them; draw out and relate implications
Answers could include:
Introduction
An opening statement - Saturday/Sunday Worship is described by Dr Paul O’Shea (2012) as the
“single greatest act of Christian worship”.
Definition of Saturday/Sunday Worship – is the weekly gathering of Christian communities, in
which faith is practiced and thanksgiving is expressed (Morrissey et al, 2006)
A statement that this practice is significant for the individual and the Christian community –The
importance of Sat/Sun worship for both the individual and the Christian community is incalculable,
although is often notable in its effects upon the well-being and development of such groups.
Body:
Identify key features of the Christian practice Saturday/Sunday worship:
Christian worship services vary between denominations.
General structure:
1. Introductory Rites – sign of the cross, opportunity for reconciliation/forgiveness, opening prayer
2. The Liturgy of the Word – biblical readings – Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, homily or sermon
& prayers of intercession
3. The Liturgy of the Eucharist – preparation of Eucharist, the Eucharistic prayer, the sign of peace
& Communion Rite
4. The Closing Rites – final prayer or blessing, a departing hymn which commissions the
congregation to “go out and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19)
(Dr Paul O’Shea, 2012)
Relate implications of the practice for the individual – how is this Christian practice significant to
the individual?
-Encounter God through prayer, ritual, Scripture, community and communion
-Establish & reinforce Christian identity
-Deepen initiation & engagement with the Christian community
-Solace & comfort in the face of personal struggles
-Opportunity for reconciliation
-Receive ethical & religious instruction
-Receive practical support when in need
-Fulfill obligation to Jesus’ imperative – “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19)
(Magdalene Catholic High School – Slideshare, 2013)
Relate implications of the practice for the Christian Community - how is this Christian practice
significant to the Christian Community?
-Establish & strengthen community identity
-Offer practical support to community members
-Transmit faith through teaching & experience (Catechesis)
-Instruct in matters of ethics
-Provide a means for spreading Christianity (commissioning)
-Social cohesion through shared faith & values
-Reinforcement of authority structures
(Magdalene Catholic High School – Slideshare, 2013)
Conclusion:
Restate the question noting the significance of the Christian practice in for the individual and the
Christian community.