Choose two different Christian denominations - Select and explain the main features of their place of worship and compare and contrast the ways in which the features are used in worship.

The Roman Catholic Church uses Images such as Statues of saints, pictures and Stained glass windows (pictures of saints). These all help the worshippers relax, concentrate and become more spiritually confident. Whereas the Baptist Church does not use images but they sometimes use stained glass windows but these usually contain abstract designs like flowers and etc.

Considering the points that have been made during this investigation I can conclude that the differences between the Baptist and Roman Catholic churches are much more than their similarities. On the whole, both denominations share the belief in the three parts of god the father, the son and the Holy Spirit.

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Skill 2: Explain why the worship you have described is important to Christians. In your answer you should explain the reasons for the difference between denominations that you have highlighted. 
 
The Catholic place of worship is greatly inclined by the main act of worship of Catholics; the Mass. Because of the Mass there is an altar in the Catholic Church. This is the central point in the Catholic place of worship.

Connected with the Mass are the traditions and practices, which have developed over many many years.

Catholics also believe in the company of Jesus in the form of communion (the Host). Consequently there will be a Blessed Sacrament altar or tabernacle in the Roman Catholic churches.

The Baptists Church only came into existence in the eighteenth century. The Baptist Church abandoned many of the Catholic and Anglican beliefs and traditions and also they felt that only fully grown adults could make the big decision, so they required total commitment of adults in baptism as a sign of the individuals rebirth and commitment to faith. Baptists do not celebrate the Mass. There will not be an altar in their place of worship.

Baptists use their place of worship for prayer, worship and bible readings and also the sacrament of baptism. This they will have the pews for seating, prayer books and bibles, a pulpit where readings and preaching takes place, banners with quotes from the Bible and a large baptistery. The place of worship can be used for other activities like meeting and youth groups.

For Catholics, the Mass is at the centre of their religious belief. It is the focal point for their religious practice.

Baptists worship God in their celebration of the Word of God. They celebrate their belief in Jesus and his salvation by listening to and being encouraged by the Word of God in both the Old and New Testaments.

In their individual modes of worship both denominations, Baptist and Roman Catholic, state their faith in Jesus Christ.

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Skill 3: ‘It would be better for Christianity if the money spent on building and maintaining special places of worship was spent on alleviating poverty instead.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have considered more than one point of view. 

In this essay, I will be exploring the thoughts that people have with regards to the money that would or will be used on Christian places of worship. I will be bearing in mind more than one point of view, for and against the motion and then to finish off I will express my own feelings and ideas.

Some people will argue that money should be spend without hesitation because it will be used to make a special place of worship. They will argue that the money should be spent without hesitation on impressive and attractive places to show our respects to God.

Many will argue in addition to that it is only when people come together to worship in their churches that they are inspired to give generously to projects for the poor such as CAFOD. Many collections are made in church and CAFOD help many many people.

However, many people believe that the money spent on churches is an inappropriate use of resources and should otherwise be used to alleviate poverty but this will only be for a short-term aid and will only be useful for a while.

If the money spent on churches was used to alleviate poverty but this will only be for short-term aid. The Churches will not be able to continue giving long-term aid like CAFOD.

CAFOD is used to gather money and help make long-term aid and without the churches there will not be CAFOD to give long-term aid. Short-term aid will be enough for the time being but what will happen in the future.

The Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Mass, it was held in an ordinary house. There is no reason why the Eucharist cannot and should not be celebrated in ordinary homes of people or for larger gatherings in community centres. 

By considering the arguments that have been made, I personally feel that there is no need for impressive structures for the use of worship.

I believe that there is more need for long-term aid rather than short-term aid, still I see no need for such a large amount of money being used on just a building, but we could just have a small and not so impressive building. This leads me on to saying that there shouldn’t be a lot of money spent on large and attractive buildings but there should still be a place of worship. This can be like in ordinary homes and community centres.

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