Terms for Gods Myths and Religion Final

Culture

A shared system of meanings, practices, symbols, values, and habits shared by a group of people.

Discourse

Ways of speaking and thinking that shape what society considers true, normal, or authoritative.

Animism

The belief that spirits or spiritual forces exist in nature, objects, animals, or people.

Apologetics

The defense of a religion or religious belief system against criticism.

Casuistry

Case-based moral reasoning where general ethical rules are applied to specific situations.

Teleological

Ethical reasoning focused on goals, outcomes, or consequences.

Deontological

Ethical reasoning focused on duties, rules, and moral obligations.

Aretological

Ethical reasoning focused on virtue, character, and becoming a good person.

Utilitarianism

The idea that the best action is the one that creates the greatest overall good or happiness.

Meta-ethics

The study of what morality itself means and whether moral truths are objective or subjective.

Maximalism

A broad definition of religion that includes many beliefs, practices, symbols, and experiences.

Minimalism

A narrow definition of religion that focuses only on essential features.

Mimeticism

The idea that humans imitate the desires of others.

Secular

Nonreligious or separate from religion.

Secularization

The process where religion loses influence in society, politics, or culture.

Secularism

The belief that religion should be separated from government or public institutions.

Enchantment

A worldview where the world is filled with sacred, spiritual, or magical meaning.

Disenchantment

Weber’s idea that modern society becomes more rational and scientific, reducing belief in the sacred or supernatural.

Denominationalism

The organization of religion into established denominations within society.

Sectarianism

Strong loyalty to one religious group, often involving separation from or hostility toward others.

Ecumenicalism

Efforts to create unity or cooperation between different religious groups.

Exclusivism

The belief that only one religion or truth claim is fully correct.

Inclusivism

The belief that one religion is most true, but other religions may contain partial truth.

Relativism

The belief that truth or morality depends on culture, perspective, or context.

Pluralism

The belief that multiple religions or belief systems can all have value or legitimacy.