Christian+Practices

Background of the Church
As in many other religions, it is permitted in Christianity to worship both in groups or as individuals. Many churches were, and still are, built in the form of a cross, the altar would be located at the east end. Within the different branches of Christianity, there are different design elements in the church.

Orthodox Churches
In an Orthodox church there are certain features that are specific only to this branch of Christianity. In the church there will be a screen called the //iconistasis//, this separates worshippers from the holiest part of the church, the sanctuary, where the altar is located. The priests can go from the front and back of the iconistasis through beautifully decorated doors.

Catholic Churches
One of the most important features of a Catholic church is the altar. The altar is the where the main service of worship is held. The altar will be used in a trip to the church. Another feature of Catholic churches is the confession booth. This is a wooden booth or screen where catholic worshippers can confess sins to the priest on the other side of the dividing screen. This is where one may ask for forgiveness from God.

Protestant Churches
Protestant churches are much different than an Orthodox church. The altar, unlike Catholic churches, is a plain table in the front of the room, this table represents Jesus' last supper. One of the most important features of a Protestant church is the pulpit, this is where preaching takes place. In the Protestant tradition, preaching is one of the most important types of praise and worship.

Church Design
Some churches will be decorated with statues, paintings of Jesus, and some will have stained glass windows. Others will have no decoration. This depends on the branch of Christianity. Most churches contain a pulpit for preaching and a font to baptize children. Another important feature of any church is the lectern, this is the stand for the bible. And lastly, many churches have pews for the congregation.

Buddhist, Hindu, and Jewish Worship
As Judaism, Christianity worships more by giving respect on the Bible and through the priest than with statues and offerings. In the Hindu temples and Buddhist temples, one may find statues, shrine rooms, secondary shrines, memorial shrines, and ceremonial shrines. These are all different ways to sorship different people. Going from a Buddhist or Hindu temple to a Jewish synagogue or a Christian church would be a real "religion shock."

Brown, Alan. Christianity. Laguna Hills, CA: QEB Publishing, 2006.