Unit 3 Religion Vocab

atheist

One who denies the existence of God.

atheism

The denial of the existence of God.

blasphemy

Speaking, acting, or thinking about God, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, or the saints in a way that is irreverent, mocking, or offensive.

covenant

A solemn agreement between human beings or between God and a human being in which mutual commitments are made.

divination

The practice of seeking powers or knowledge through supernatural means apart from the one, true God.

eschatology

The area of Christian faith having to do with the last things: the Last Judgment, the particular judgment, the resurrection of the body, Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.

evangelical counsels

To go beyond the minimum rules of life required by God and strive for spiritual perfection through a life marked by a commitment to chastity, poverty, and obedience.

examination of conscience

Prayerful reflection on, and assessment of, one's words, attitudes, and actions in light of the Gospel of Jesus.

heresy

The conscious and deliberate rejection of a dogma of the Church.

idolatry

The worship of other beings, creatures, or material goods in a way that is fitting for God alone.

magic

The belief in supernatural power that comes from a source other than God.

monotheism

The belief in and worship of only one God.

pantheon

A group of gods and goddesses worshipped by a particular people or religion.

perjury

The sin of lying while under an oath to tell the truth.

profanity

Speaking disrespectfully about something that is sacred or treating it with disrespect.

Sabbath

In the Old Testament, the 'seventh day,' on which God rested after the work of Creation was completed.

sacred

The quality of being holy, worthy of respect and reverence.

sacrilege

An offense against God. It is an abuse of a person, place, or thing dedicated to God and the worship of him.

simony

Buying or selling something spiritual, such as a grace, a Sacrament, or a relic.

superstition

Attributing to someone or something else a power that belongs to God alone and relying on such powers rather than trusting in God.

theological virtues

The name for the God-given virtues of faith, hope, and love.

tithe

A commitment to donate a tenth or some other percentage of our income to the Church and other charitable causes.

venerate

An action that shows deep reverence for something sacred.