Violence and Religion

These flashcards contain vocabulary terms and their definitions related to the themes of violence and religion, providing a study tool for key concepts discussed in the lecture.

Violence

The destructive exercise of power aimed at oneself, other persons, property, and the environment.

Overt Violence

Outward forms of violence that are easily identifiable.

Psychological Violence

Use of mechanisms that induce shame, guilt, and social isolation.

Sexual Assault

Violence that makes people, especially women and children, vulnerable.

Economic Deprivation

A form of violence characterized by poverty or lack of financial resources.

Environmental Damage

Destruction to natural resources that harms individuals and other species.

Crusades

Military campaigns by Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslims, marked by significant violence.

World War II

Conflict in which primarily Christian Germans perpetrated genocide against Jews.

Hindus and Muslims Conflict

Historical battles in Kashmir, illustrating ongoing religious strife.

Maximalist Approach

The belief that religion should dictate all aspects of human institution, including governance.

Minimalist Approach

The belief that religion's role should be confined to private practice, without imposing beliefs on others.

Healthy Tensions

Respectful discussions between differing religions, leading to understanding.

Unhealthy Tensions

Conflict stemming from one religion's belief in its absolute truth over others.

Truth Claims

Rigid beliefs held by religions that can serve as a catalyst for violence.

Blind Obedience

Compliance with authority without questioning potentially harmful orders.

Ideal Time

The belief in a world perfectly created by God, as opposed to the current state of existence.

End Justifies the Means

The notion that violent deeds are acceptable if the resulting goal is deemed worthwhile.

Holy War

A conflict considered sacred, often justified by religious motives.

Jihad

An Arabic term meaning 'to do justice', often misconstrued as violent conflict.

Religious Justification

Using religious beliefs to rationalize acts of violence or oppression.

Historical Development

The evolution of religious traditions and their influence on present-day beliefs.

Complex Relationship

Interconnections among religion, politics, economics, and culture.

Cultural Mechanisms

Institutions or societal structures that perpetuate oppression.

Rationalists

Individuals who believe that reason and empirical evidence are the only valid sources of knowledge.

Materialists

Those who assert that only physical matter and energy constitute reality.

Copernicus

Scientist who proposed a heliocentric model of the universe, challenging geocentric views.

Galileo Galilei

Astronomer who supported Copernicus's heliocentric theory and faced repercussions from the Church.

Charles Darwin

Naturalist known for the theory of evolution and its implications on religious interpretations.

The Enlightenment Period

An era recognized for emphasizing reason and scientific thought over tradition.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to inquiry based on observation and experimentation.

Ultimate Reality

The metaphysical concept of the fundamental nature of existence and being.

Axiology

The study of values and judgments regarding what is considered good and ethical.

Anthropology

The study of human beings and their societies throughout history.

Rigid Definitions of Religion

Narrow definitions that separate religion from other facets of culture.

Belief Systems

Systems of belief that can influence individuals' actions and societal structures.

Theological Challenges

Questions and debates that arise at the intersection of faith and reason.

Cultural Integration

The engagement of religions with cultural aspects such as economics and politics.

Transformative Agent

The intended role of religion to promote positive change in the world.

Civilization Conflicts

Disputes arising from differing cultural and religious backgrounds among societies.

Interpersonal Violence

Violence occurring between individuals, resulting in harm or emotional distress.

Structural Violence

Institutionalized forms of violence that oppress certain groups and individuals.

Critical Examination

The practice of daily self-assessment and reflection by religions on their beliefs.

Religiously Sponsored Violence

Acts of violence that are supported or justified by religious beliefs.

Ideological Extremism

Belief in absolute truths that can lead to violent actions against perceived opponents.