World Religions AP World

Zoroastrianism

A religion founded by Zarathustra around the 6th century BCE in Iran, centered on the dualistic battle between Ahura Mazda (good) and Angra Mainyu (evil).

Ahura Mazda

The main deity in Zoroastrianism, representing truth and goodness.

Angra Mainyu

The evil spirit in Zoroastrianism, opposing Ahura Mazda.

The Avesta

The key text of Zoroastrianism, containing various sections including the Gathas and Yasna.

Dualism

A central concept in Zoroastrianism representing the struggle between good and evil.

Legalism

A philosophy founded in China between 475 BCE and 221 BCE, emphasizing strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order.

Shang Yang

A prominent leader of Legalism known for his reforms in the Qin state.

The Book of Lord Shang

An important text in Legalism outlining its principles.

Confucianism

A philosophical system founded by Confucius between the 6th and 5th centuries BCE in China, focusing on ethics and social harmony.

Ren

A key concept in Confucianism meaning benevolence or humaneness.

The Five Relationships

A framework in Confucianism outlining key social roles and responsibilities.

Daoism

A philosophical and religious tradition founded around the 6th century BCE in China, emphasizing harmony with the Tao.

Tao Te Ching

A foundational text of Daoism attributed to Laozi.

Wu Wei

A Daoist principle of non-action or effortless action, promoting naturalness and simplicity.

Hinduism

A major world religion originating around the 2nd millennium BCE in the Indian subcontinent, characterized by a belief in multiple deities and the concepts of Dharma, Karma, and Samsara.

Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva

The three principal deities in Hinduism representing creation, preservation, and destruction, respectively.

The Vedas

The oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, forming the foundation of its beliefs and practices.

Buddhism

A religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 6th to 5th centuries BCE, focusing on the path to enlightenment.

Four Noble Truths

The core teachings of Buddhism outlining the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.

Judaism

A monotheistic religion founded nearly 4000 years ago, centered on the covenant between God and the Israelites.

The Hebrew Bible

The sacred text of Judaism, including the Torah as a central component.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded in the 7th century CE by the Prophet Muhammad, centered on the worship of Allah.

The Qur'an

The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad.

Five Pillars of Islam

The foundational acts of worship in Islam, including Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion founded in the 1st century CE by Jesus Christ, centered on the belief in his resurrection and salvation.

The Bible

The sacred text of Christianity, divided into the Old Testament and New Testament.

The Trinity

The Christian belief in one God in three persons:the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Sacraments

Important religious rites in Christianity, including Baptism and Eucharist.

The Church

A central institution in Christianity that played a significant role in medieval politics and society.