Q.1.
Jesus taught (in the Lord's Prayer) that we should only expect, and be grateful for, 'our daily bread' ~ rather than being greedy and gluttonous. What is the usual title of the short prayer said in many Christian households and institutions, before beginning a meal?
Q.2.
Some people believe (rather unfairly) that relatively strict Christians are miserable folk who frown on anyone else having any fun, and who will make themselves even more miserable at the least opportunity. An example of this might be their practice of 'giving up something for Lent': which of the following is NOT part of the rationale for it?
Q.3.
Even non-Christians are usually aware and grateful to take part when Shrove Tuesday comes round, the day before the 'fast' of Lent (see Q.2 above) begins on Ash Wednesday. Which of the following most aptly explains what Shrove Tuesday really means?
Q.4.
The other penitential season in the Church's year is Advent, consisting of three (or occasionally, nearer four) weeks' run-up to the positive traditional festival of Christmas. Young people, in particular, may have an Advent Calendar to count down the passing days until Christmas. Which of these observations is NOT directly relevant to this custom?
Q.5.
Which of the following (only) are rituals mandated in Christian Scripture, i.e. the New Testament?
Q.6.
A fairly radical question, now: On which of the following would a true Christian most probably say that their faith is founded?
Q.7.
Continuing from Question 6, there are certain minimum and widely-established rituals built into Christian worship (and often, the 'church' premises where it is conducted) ~ including acknowledgement of the Ten Commandments, and Jesus' summary of them, whose texts can be seen on display in various forms, and which make an authoritative basis for confession as a necessary prelude to worship. What are the key relationships enshrined in the Commandments, and Jesus' summary?
Q.8.
The Christian urge for ritual has given rise to many beautiful, valuable and comforting artefacts and behaviours down 2,000 years, including church buildings and their embellishments, and evocative forms of words and music. But the very birthday of the Church ~ itself now a major festival with rituals of its own ~ did not require any such 'script' or 'properties' (in the sense of a rehearsed, theatrical presentation). What, according to the report in Scripture, prompted those first believers into action, and in fresh ways?
Q.9.
In its role as a focus for the community, the Church (generally or specifically) regularly hosts ritual gatherings or events which may well have a religious dimension to them, but are not primarily Christian. Which of these is the LEAST evidently, or directly, based in faith &/or the liturgical calendar?
Q.10.
Some Christians are privately more comfortable than others when, within (most usually) a communion service, The Peace is reached. What is expected to happen at this point?