World religions fina exam

religio

Latin root of "religion," meaning to bind or connect-often interpreted as humans binding themselves to the divine

2nd Vatican Council Teachings on Religions and Salvation

Affirmed that salvation is possible for non-Christians; recognized truth in other religions

Ecumenism / Interreligious Dialogue

Efforts to promote unity among Christian denominations (ecumenism) and understanding between different religions (interreligious)

Best Practice When Studying Religions

Approach with empathy, respect, openness, and a non-judgmental mindset

Ultimate Concern

Paul Tillich's idea—religion is about what a person holds as their ultimate priority or meaning in life

Xenophobia

Fear or hatred of people from other cultures or countries

Contemporary View of Salvation

Often more inclusive; recognizes that salvation may be experienced beyond traditional religious boundaries

Example of a myth

Genesis creation story

Example of a ritual

Baptism

Example of a symbol

Cross

Example of a doctrine

Holy Trinity

Atman

Individual soul or self (hindu)

Avatar

Divine incarnation, especially of Vishnu (e.g., Krishna, Rama)

Brahma

The creator god in the Hindu trinity

Brahman

A single spiritual power that Hindus believe lives in everything

Dharma (Hindu)

Moral duty or righteous path, varies by caste and stage of life

Diwali

"Festival of Lights"; celebrates the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance

Holi

Spring festival of colors, celebrates Krishna and the arrival of spring. Throws colored powder

Karma

Law of cause and effect-actions determine future rebirths

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of rebirth (hindu)

Samsara

Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth

Shiva

The destroyer god in the Hindu trinity

Veda

A collection of hundreds of sacred hymns

Vishnu

The preserver god; known for many avatars

Ahimsa Principles

Non-violence toward all living beings

Buddha

"Awakened one"; title given to Siddhartha Gautama

3 Jewels

Buddha, Dharma (teaching), Sangha (community)

3 Poisons

Ignorance, greed, hatred-cause suffering

4 Noble Truths

1) Life is suffering, 2) Cause is desire, 3) End suffering by ending desire, 4) Follow Eightfold Path

4 Sights

Old man, sick man, dead man, holy man—led Siddhartha to seek enlightenment

8-Spoke Wheel

Symbol of the Eightfold Path (Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration)

Anatman

No-self or no-soul; rejection of permanent soul or identity (buddhism)

Bodhisattva

One who seeks enlightenment but delays it to help others

Buddhist View of Suffering

Suffering is inherent in life; can be overcome through spiritual practice

Dharma (Buddhist)

The teachings of the Buddha

Nirvana

Liberation from suffering and rebirth; ultimate goal

Middle Way

Path between self-indulgence and self-denial

Siddhartha Gautama

Founder of Buddhism; became the Buddha

Theravada Buddhism

Oldest form; emphasizes monastic life and individual enlightenment

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Coming-of-age ritual for Jewish boys and girls (12 or 13)

Halakah

Jewish law derived from Torah and rabbinic teachings

Central Beliefs in God (Jewish)

One God, covenant with Israel, God is just and merciful

Mezuzah

Parchment inscribed with scripture, placed on doorposts

Mishnah

Oral Torah written down; foundation of Talmud

Pesach (Passover)

Commemorates the Exodus from Egypt

Shabbat

Weekly day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday evening

Shavuot

Celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai

Talmud

Commentary on Jewish law and traditions; key text in Rabbinic Judaism

Tanakh

Hebrew Bible— Torah, Prophets (Nevi'im), Writings (Ketuvim)

Torah

First five books of the Hebrew Bible; most sacred

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement; holiest day in Judaism

Common Teachings

Trinity, Jesus as Savior, resurrection, Bible as sacred scripture

Council of Nicaea

325 CE; affirmed divinity of Jesus; called by Emperor Constantine

Evangelicalism

Protestant movement emphasizing personal conversion, biblical authority, and spreading the gospel

Evangelicals & Politics

Often conservative; emphasize family values and religious freedom

Protestant Reformation Issues

Corruption in Church, sale of indulgences, need for scriptural authority.

John Calvin

Reformer who taught predestination and sovereignty of God

John Wesley

Founder of Methodism; stressed personal holiness and social justice

John Wycliffe

Early reformer who translated the Bible into English

Luther's Sola Fide

Salvation by "faith alone"

Martin Luther

German monk; started the Reformation by posting 95 Theses

Schism of 1054

Split between Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic; due to cultural, theological, and political differences

Council of Trent

Catholic response to Reformation; reaffirmed doctrine and reformed Church practices.

Ali

Cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad; first Imam in Shia Islam

Gabriel

Angel who delivered revelations to Muhammad

Hajj

Pilgrimage to Mecca; one of the Five Pillars

Hijab

Modest dress for Muslim women; also refers to head covering

Injil

Gospel message of the Quran

Jihad

Struggle or effort in the path of God; can be internal (greater) or external (lesser/"holy war")

Qur'an

Holy book of Islam/Heart of Islam; word of God. Means "Recite"

Ramadan

Month of fasting from dawn to sunset; spiritual reflection

Shahadah

Declaration of faith-"There is no god but God, and Muhammad is His messenger."

Ulama

Islamic scholars

Ummah

"Family", performing prayer together

Zakat

Charity; one of the Five Pillars, giving a percent wealth to the needy