World Religions Exam

Elder

A respected leader and teacher in Indigenous communities who preserves and passes on spiritual knowledge and traditions.

Symbol of Strength

Often represented through animals like the eagle or bear, symbolizing courage, resilience, and spiritual power.

Vision Quest

A rite of passage involving solitude and fasting, where an individual seeks spiritual guidance or a guardian spirit.

Sun Dance

A ceremonial dance practiced by Plains Indigenous peoples involving dancing, singing, and personal sacrifice to seek visions and healing.

Potlatch/Giveaway

A ceremonial feast where wealth and gifts are redistributed to affirm social status and spiritual generosity.

What is the purpose of a vision quest?

To gain guidance, spiritual insight, or connect with a guardian spirit through solitude and fasting.

What does the Sun Dance represent?

It symbolizes renewal, sacrifice, community connection, and spiritual rebirth.

What is a Potlatch and what does it show about Indigenous values?

A gift-giving ceremony that reflects generosity, social balance, and community responsibility.

Shiva

The destroyer and transformer god in the Hindu trinity.

Ahimsa

Non-violence toward all living beings.

Caste System

A social structure dividing Hindus into rigid hierarchical groups based on karma and dharma.

Brahman

The ultimate, unchanging reality and world soul in Hinduism.

Mantra

A sacred utterance or sound repeated during meditation or prayer.

Om

A sacred syllable symbolizing the essence of the universe.

Swastika

Ancient symbol representing well-being and good fortune.

Holi Festival

A spring festival of colors celebrating love, the triumph of good over evil, and Krishna.

Know 2 Hindu deities well, Shiva

God of destruction and transformation, worshipped through meditation and yoga.

Know 2 Hindu deities well, Lakshmi

Goddess of wealth and prosperity, worshipped especially during Diwali.

Samsara

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Maya

Illusion or the false appearance of the material world.

Moksha

Liberation from samsara and union with Brahman.

Karma

Actions that determine future rebirths.

Gandhi

A Hindu who practiced ahimsa and led India to independence through non-violent resistance.

Middle Way

A path of moderation between self-indulgence and self-denial.

Nirvana

Liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Life of Siddhartha

Born a prince, became an ascetic, achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became the Buddha.

Ascetic Monk

A person who renounces worldly pleasures to seek spiritual insight.

Mandala

A spiritual and ritual symbol representing the universe.

Ultimate Goal

Achieving enlightenment and Nirvana through ethical living and meditation.

Noble Eightfold Path

A guide to end suffering leading to enlightenment.

Name the 5 Precepts and what one hopes to achieve:

Do not kill, do not steal, do not lie, avoid sexual misconduct, avoid intoxicants. These promote moral living and spiritual growth.

What is Buddhist meditation and its purpose?

A practice of mindfulness and concentration to attain wisdom and inner peace.

What does the Buddha statue represent?

Peace, wisdom, and the enlightened state of the Buddha.

Kosher Laws

Dietary laws from Leviticus and Deuteronomy; no pork, no shellfish, no mixing meat and dairy.

Torah

The sacred text of Judaism containing laws and teachings.

Dreidel

A spinning top played with during Hanukkah, symbolizing a miracle.

Western/Wailing Wall

A sacred site in Jerusalem; the remaining wall of the Second Temple.

Joseph's Story

Joseph was sold by his brothers, rose to power in Egypt, and forgave his family, showing God's plan and forgiveness.

Who is the "Father of Judaism"?

Abraham.

What is Challah bread and when is it eaten?

A braided egg bread eaten on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

Who is the Messiah for Jews?

Jews believe the Messiah has not yet come.

Minaret

A tower from which the call to prayer is announced.

Muslim Prayer

Performed five times daily facing Mecca.

Kaaba

A cube-shaped shrine in Mecca; Muslims pray toward it and circle it during Hajj.

Name and explain each of the 5 Pillars, Shahadah

Declaration of faith.

Name and explain each of the 5 Pillars, Salat

Prayer five times daily.

Name and explain each of the 5 Pillars, Zakat

Charity to the poor (2.5% of income).

Name and explain each of the 5 Pillars, Sawm

Fasting during Ramadan.

Name and explain each of the 5 Pillars, Hajj

Pilgrimage to Mecca.

What is Hajj?

A pilgrimage to Mecca, required once in a Muslim's life; includes circling the Kaaba and other rituals.

What is Ramadan?

The holy month of fasting from dawn to dusk, commemorating the Qur’an’s revelation.

Discuss the role of women in Islam:

Women's roles vary; Islam teaches modesty and spiritual equality. Hijab is often worn as a sign of faith and identity.

Origin of Aboriginal Spirituality

Canada/Australia

Origin of Hinduism

India

Origin of Buddhism

India/Nepal

Origin of Judaism

Israel/Canaan

Origin of Islam

Saudi Arabia (Mecca)

Om (Hinduism)

Symbol of cosmic sound and the universe.

Star of David (Judaism)

Symbol of Jewish identity and divine protection.

Crescent Moon & Star (Islam)

Often represents Islam and guidance.

Lotus Flower (Buddhism)

Represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.

Religious Rankings Worldwide: Christianity

The largest religion globally.

Religious Rankings Worldwide: Islam

The second largest religion globally.

Religious Rankings Worldwide: Hinduism

The third largest religion globally.

Religious Rankings Worldwide: Buddhism

The fourth largest religion globally.

Religious Rankings Worldwide: Judaism

The smallest of the five major world religions.

Religions Worshipping the God of the Bible

Judaism, Christianity, Islam.

B.C.E. Meaning

Before Common Era (equivalent to B.C.).

Catholic vs Christian

All Catholics are Christians, but not all Christians are Catholic. Catholicism is a branch of Christianity.

Siddhartha Gautama

Lived in luxury, saw suffering, became an ascetic, reached enlightenment.

Gandhi

Practiced nonviolence, led India’s independence, followed Hindu principles.

Muhammad

Received revelations from Allah, founded Islam, migrated to Medina.

Stolen Summer

A story about friendship and faith, relating to Judaism/Christianity.

Little Buddha

Story of Siddhartha’s life and reincarnation, relating to Buddhism.

Dreamkeeper

Indigenous myths and stories told through a grandfather and grandson, relating to Aboriginal Spirituality.