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Diverse beliefs regarding sacraments

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain the role and meaning of the sacraments, and diverse beliefs about the sacraments within Christianity.

Key learning points

  1. The sacraments are rites and rituals which are outward and visible signs of an invisible and spiritual grace.
  2. The number of sacraments, and their role and significance, differs across Christian denominations.
  3. The Roman Catholic Church and many Orthodox Christian Churches accept seven sacraments.
  4. For many Christians, baptism and Holy Communion are considered sacraments.
  5. The sacraments help Christians follow the example of Jesus, grow closer to God and mark significant events.

Keywords

  • Baptism - the sacrament through which people become members of the Church. It involves the use of water as a symbol of the washing away of sin.

  • Eucharist/Holy Communion - means 'thanksgiving'; a sacrament in which the death and resurrection of Jesus are celebrated, using bread and wine

  • Sacrament - an outward sign of an invisible and inward blessing by God. For example: baptism, Eucharist.

Common misconception

All Christians celebrate the sacraments.

Many Christians do celebrate the sacraments, but not all Christians. For example, Quakers do not celebrate the sacraments.

Teacher tip

You may wish to share the story of Jesus' baptism from Matthew 3:13-17 with students.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

5 Questions

Q1.
What is the primary purpose of Christian worship?

to perform rituals
Correct answer: to show adoration, reverence, and praise to God
to attend social gatherings

Q2.
Christian worship can be liturgical, non-liturgical, or ...

Correct Answer: informal, Informal

Q3.
Which denomination typically practices liturgical worship?

Baptist
Correct answer: Roman Catholic
Quaker

Q4.
What is a set prayer commonly used in Christian worship?

the Apostles' Creed
Correct answer: the Lord's Prayer
the Serenity Prayer

Q5.
Prayer and worship help Christians build relationships with God and create a sense of ...

Correct Answer: community, Community

5 Questions

Q1.
What do sacraments symbolise?

personal success
world peace
Correct answer: spiritual grace and God's presence

Q2.
Which Christian group does not celebrate sacraments?

Correct answer: Quakers
Orthodox Christians
Methodists

Q3.
The number and role of sacraments across Christian denominations.

Correct Answer: differs, Differs

Q4.
Which is an example of a sacrament that marks a significant life event?

singing hymns
reading scripture alone
Correct answer: baptism

Q5.
Which Christian group accepts all seven traditional sacraments?

Anglicans
Correct answer: Roman Catholics
Baptists

To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Diverse beliefs regarding sacraments, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...