RELG 237 Final Exam Review (1)

World religion

Judaism

A natural religious tradition closely tied to Jewish culture and ethnic heritage, where one is born into the faith.

Characteristics of God in Judaism

God is seen as one, invisible, infinite in knowledge and power, holy, merciful, etc.

History in Judaism

Viewed as a linear progression from beginning to end.

Sheol

A term in Judaism referring to the afterlife, often described as a 'dark pit'.

Covenant

The special relationship between God and the Jewish people, where God's blessings are conditioned by the people's obedience.

Abrahamic faiths

Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, all of which consider Abraham to be the 'father' of God's people.

Messiah in Judaism

The messiah is perceived as a military ruler descended from King David who restores Israel; not all Jews believe in this concept.

Tanakh

The Hebrew scriptures consisting of Torah (the Law), Naviim (the Prophets), and Ketuvim (the Writings), canonized between 200 B.C.E. and 200 C.E.

Kabbalah

A branch of Judaism that emerged in Europe during the 11th-13th centuries, focusing on esoteric teachings about the relationship between God and humanity.

Tikkun olam

A central principle in Jewish life meaning 'repair of the world', associated with social action and social justice.

Shabbat

Celebrated from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, involving joyful festivities and family time.

Branches of Judaism

The three main branches are Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

Rite of passage

Marks important transitional points in a person’s life, examples include male circumcision and Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

Historical Jesus

Jesus as a day laborer who became a teacher (Rabbi) and healer at age 30, affiliated with Judaism.

Core belief of early Christians about Jesus

They viewed him as the 'Anointed One' (Messiah) who ascended into heaven post-death.

Jesus of history vs. Christ of faith

Differentiation between the historical figure of Jesus and the theological interpretation of his divine role.

Branches of Christianity

The three main branches are Roman Catholicism, Greek Orthodoxy, and Protestantism.

Gnostics

An early Christian sect believing in salvation through esoteric knowledge, often questioning the incarnation of Jesus.

Islamic view of God

Monotheistic belief in one God (Allah) and the rejection of the Trinity.

Quran

The holy book of Muslims, written in Arabic, containing 114 surahs, meaning 'recitation'.

Jihad

Means 'struggle'; contains both the greater jihad (internal struggle) and the lesser jihad (external struggle).

Five Pillars of Islam

The core practices guiding Muslims, including declaration of belief, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.

Sikhism

The fifth-largest world religion, originating in the Punjab region in the 16th century CE.

Khalsa

The Sikh community of individuals initiated into Sikhism, emphasizing purity.

Saint-soldier

A Sikh principle requiring members of Khalsa to combat injustice without enmity.

Langar

A communal meal served at Gurudwaras, symbolizing equality among all individuals regardless of background.

Fundamentalism

A response to modern globalization and secularization, characterized by strict adherence to religious traditions.

Exclusivism

The belief that only one religion is true and should spread its teachings to dominate others.

Inclusivism

The understanding that all religions can be true since they converge on the same ultimate reality.

Pluralism

Affirming the differences among religions while recognizing the truths inherent in each.