Art, drama and music in worship

Art, drama and music in worship

1. Different plays (drama)

   • Mystery/Miracle plays
     • Earliest forms of drama in Medieval Europe
     • Performed as Bible stories
     • Pope Innocent II banned clergy from being involved in the play 1210
     • Performed by guilds (moved town to town) who took responsibility for different bits of the Bible
     • 1534 banned in England (Reformation)
     • Since 1950’s been revived e.g. in York
   • Passion Plays/Easter pageants
     • Depicts passion of Jesus Christ
     • Includes stories of: -His trial, suffering & death -traditional part of lent in 7 Christian denominations
     • Popular in Medieval times
     • From Latin to local language
     • Involved Music
     • Banned in reformation too
     • Popular in 19th century especially in catholic schools
     • Performed at Easter in city centres e.g. Oberammergau

2. How is drama a presentation of worship/belief?

   • Expresses beliefs and strengthens understanding
   • Observers use it to focus on their own prayer and devotion
   • Dramatic reconstruction has more powerful impact than reading
   • Local Christian communities work together across denominational divides
   • Appeals to young people as story can be recast in contemporary terms, which makes Gospel more relevant and modern experience

3. Outline 3 reasons Passion plays are still performed today (3 marks)

   • Reason 1: - They are performed at Easter in public places, and it brings communities together as it is free
   • Reason 2: -They gather churches together across different areas, and so it unites everyone together

4. Explain 2 reasons why some Catholics consider drama a secular activity and not worship (4 marks)

   • Reason 1: -They believe it isn’t worship, but it increases their understanding of their faith by seeing stories of the Bible through drama. And so their belief on worship is praying and going to church
   • Reason2: -Also they believe if you are only observing, it can be used as a focus for their own prayer and devotion

5. Religious Symobls

   • The cross and crucifix
     • -Clear reminder of Jesus’ death and subsequent resurrection -Cross found in all churches and used as focus for prayer
     • Some catholics have them within their homes -They are often worn by Christians today to show their faith
   • Alpha & Omega
     • -First & Last letters of Greek alphabet -Revelation 22:13 Jesus says ‘I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end’
     • -The letters form a symbol of Christ -Symbols represent eternity of Christ as part of the trinity
     • -Found on Paschal Candle and used in other church decoration, e.g. altar
   • The fish/Ichthus
     • -Jesus Christ, son of God, saviour
     • -Choice for secret symbol as it’s connection to the apostles - ‘I will make you fishers of men’ Matthew 4:19 and events of Jesus’ life e.g. feeding the 5,000
     • -Fish used as a symbol in modern life to give a clear indication of Christian belief
   • The Chi-Rho
     • -Symbol made from first 2 letters of Greek word for Christ
     • -Symbol used by Christians before being adopted by the Roman Empire and Christianity was accepted as its religion
     • -Roman emperor Constantine put symbol on shields before battle against Maxentius at Milvian Bridge. Victory signalled start of the roman empire’s conversion to Christianity
     • -Chi-Rho appeared on helmets, shields and coins
   • The Dove
     • -Symbol of Holy Spirit and Baptism -a dove appeared (Holy Spirit ) at baptism of Jesus (Luke 3:22) and a dove brought hope on renewed life to Noah when returning with a leaf from an olive tree after the flood (Genesis 8:11)
     • -Frequently used as a symbol of peace by Christians and non-Christians -‘Extending an olive branch’ Genesis 8:1 and means to offer peace

6. Purpose of Music in Worship

   • -Convey moods and meanings -Inspirational words/lyrics
   • -Can excite and inspire -Can impact on emotions/wellbeing
   • -A source of devotion -A way of conveying feelings and emotions

7. How & Why sacred music is used by the Catholic Church?

   • Catholic Church always used music to praise God
   • Bishops at the 2nd Vatican council stressed that music should: -unite people in praise -increase the beauty of worship -help people to feel involved more in their prayer
   • Many composers have written music for the mass within the church
   • Music always helped people get involved in worship
   • Singing is a physical activity as well as an emotional one
   • Music inspired people to become fully involved in the praise of God