Theology Quiz 1

Comparative Theology

a faith-based approach to comparing theological traditions, which involves one's own faith perspective to understand and interpret the beliefs, practices, and texts of another tradition

Exclusivism

Only one religion contains absolute truth and the only way to salvation

Inclusivism

One religion is the most true, but other religions can contain elements of that truth, allowing for some truth or even salvation to be found within them ; Other Religions: They are seen as incomplete or preparatory, providing valuable but not complete, spiritual insights or practices

Pluralism

All valid; Multiple religions are equally valid paths to ultimate reality or salvation

De Mello

(non)Attachment; an Indian Jesuit priest who wrote several books on spirituality

Dalai Lama - Meditation

Buddhist incorporating practices like observing the mind, cultivating compassion for others, and using analytical meditation to examine thoughts and emotions

Ignatian Spiritual Exercises- Examen

a daily Christian practice within the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola that uses reflection to review the day, assess one's actions and feelings in relation to God, and foster a growing self-awareness and relationship with God

Finding God in all things

recognize God's presence and activity in every aspect of life, not just in religious contexts, but also in ordinary daily experiences, suffering, and relationships

Guru

divine person, experience, something of wisdom, concept can provide knowledge, their book is the living, eternal embodiment of wisdom

Sikhi

experiential path of learning, to learn, a lived experience, student of life

Guru Nanak

First Sikh Guru; message of One-ness in common language: song

Adi Granth

first compiled book

Guru Granth

(10th - stopped line of humans) - eternal Guru and knowledge, “the First Book,” Sikh scriptures (no narratives or stories or “rules” just experiences in poetry recited in music and chant

khalsa

SOVEREIGN community, Unified brotherhood; a community of initiated Sikhs who dedicated themselves to teachings through a baptismal ceremony, more orthodox sikh community

Sant Sipahi/Warrior Sag

injustice, they were always warriors now in a different less peaceful form, defending against oppression, rooted in love and acted in revolutionary force ( 5K’s:Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (steel bracelet), Kachera (cotton underwear), and Kirpan (ceremonial sword), turban, hair, etc.)

Japji

fundamental sikh prayer, composed by Guru Nanak, daily morning devotion, recited, in the visual shape of Guru Nanak

Gurmukh vs. Manmukh

(Goal) Guru Facing (Facing the Guru and Others) vs.

Mind/Self facing (Self-focused)

Langar

self service communal kitchen, the free meal, sit on floor regardless of cast, serving one another

Kirtan

musical, communal singing

Nam

Name, an experience, goes beyond, Pluralistic (God cannot fit into name, cannot be contained into a type of conception or word)

Nam Simran

Meditation, Experience to be had, hard to put into language, mindful remembrance

Dan

Charity - Work hard and share wealth with the needy

Isnan

rise early and bathe, sadhana - discipline

seva

selfless service

ego

Keeps us focused on ourselves, self-centered nature, takes control = unbalance, tries to keep stability and self-same identity in the world, biggest threat is death

Householder

master or owner of a household, symbolizing authority and responsibility, particularly in Biblical parables and teachings

turban

signifies sovereignty, equality, and a commitment to the Gurus and God

Sikh response Post 9/11

Sikh coming together in Solidarity, not revenge but understanding

revolutionary love

a framework emphasizing love as an active, empowering force for societal transformation and justice, rooted in the belief that divine and human love motivates the opposition to oppression and the promotion of well-being for all

wonder

a practice of cultivating curiosity and connection by actively choosing to see everyone as kin

grieve

grief itself reveals the universal human experience, connecting us in shared suffering and showing that there are no truly separate beings

danger of the single story

creates incomplete and inaccurate stereotypes, leading to misconceptions, a lack of empathy, and the erasure of others' complexity and humanity