AP Human Geography: Cultural Patterns and Processes Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the key beliefs, hearths, founders, holy texts, and religious landscapes of the five major world religions.

Hinduism

The oldest religion, with its hearth in India and no founder; its holy text is the Vedas, it is both monotheistic and polytheistic, and its key concepts include dharma and karma.

Judaism

A monotheistic religion with its hearth in Israel, founded by Abraham; its holy book is the Torah and its house of worship is the synagogue.

Buddhism

A nontheistic religion with its hearth in northeastern India/Nepal, founded by Buddha, a former Hindu prince; its core teachings include the Four Noble Truths & Eightfold Path.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion with its hearth in Jerusalem/Israel, founded by Jesus; based on the New Testament & Bible, and divided into 3 branches.

Islam

A monotheistic religion (Allah is God) with its hearth in Saudi Arabia, founded by Muhammad; its holy book is the Quran/Koran, places of worship are mosques with minarets, and it includes the Five Pillars, hajj, 3 holy cities, and 2 branches.

Vedas

The holy text of Hinduism.

Torah

The holy book of Judaism.

Synagogue

The place of worship and religious landscape feature associated with Judaism.

Buddha

A former Hindu prince who became the founder of Buddhism.

Four Noble Truths & Eightfold Path

The central beliefs and spiritual path of Buddhism.

Abraham

The founder of Judaism.

Jesus

The founder of Christianity.

Muhammad

The founder of Islam.

Quran/Koran

The holy text of Islam.

Hajj

The pilgrimage to Mecca in Islam.

Minaret

An architectural landscape feature associated with Islam and mosques.

Mosque

The place of worship in Islam.

Three Holy Cities of Islam

Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.

Dharma and Karma

Major beliefs and aspects of Hinduism.

Five Pillars of Islam

Core beliefs and religious practices central to the Islamic faith.