Western Religion Final

Monotheism

The belief in one God, which is fundamental to Judaism. This concept asserts that there is only one, indivisible God who is the creator and ruler of the universe.

Covenant

The special relationship between God and the Jewish people. It is believed to have been established through agreements with biblical patriarchs such as Abraham and includes mutual obligations and promises.

Torah

The central and most important text of Judaism. It refers to the Five Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) and contains Jewish laws, teachings, and practices.

Tanakh

The entire Hebrew Bible, which includes the Torah, Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). It is the primary source of Jewish law and tradition.

Ten Commandments

A set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship, which play a fundamental role in Judaism. They are believed to have been revealed by God to the Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai.

Messiah

In Jewish belief, a future redemptive figure who will bring about an era of global peace and prosperity. The concept of the ______ varies among different Jewish traditions.

Synagogues

Jewish houses of worship and community centers. They serve as places for prayer, study, and communal gatherings.

Rabbis

Jewish spiritual leaders and teachers. They interpret Jewish law, lead congregations, and provide guidance on religious and personal matters.

Shabbat/Sabbath

The Jewish day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. It is marked by the cessation of work and special prayers and meals.

Tikkun Olam

A Jewish concept meaning "repair/fix of the world." It emphasizes the shared responsibility of Jews to heal, repair, and transform the world through social action and justice.

Zionism

A movement supporting the establishment and development of a Jewish state for Jewish people in the historic Land of Israel through the colonization of Palestine. It emerged in the late 19th century and led to the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. Theodor Herzl was the founder of the modern _____ movement.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is observed with fasting, prayer, and repentance. It is one of the two components of the High Holy Days of Judaism. It is also the last of the Ten Days of Repentance.

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year, marking the beginning of the High Holy Days. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal in the Jewish tradition. Begins ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur.

Ashkenazi

refers to Jews primarily descended from Central and Eastern Europe

Sephardic

refers to Jews from Spain and Portugal

Mizrahi

refers to Jews from the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia

Abraham (Judaism)

In Judaism, the first patriarch of the Jewish people and the founder of the Jewish nation.

Abraham's Significance

Known for being the first person to teach that there is only one God. He is the first point of contact between God and the Jewish people. The basis for the Jewish claim to Israel. God promised _______'s children the land of Israel.

Moses

In Judaism, a prophet and leader who freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

Role of Moses

Led the Israelites out of Egypt and across the Red Sea. Received the Ten Commandments from Yahweh, which established the basis for Jewish law. Transcribed the Torah, also known as the Five Books of Moses, the foundational text of Judaism.

Three Main Branches

Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism

Orthodox Judaism Beliefs

Traditional and conservative, and adheres to a traditional interpretation of Jewish law. Believe that the written and oral Torah have divine origins.

Reform Judaism Beliefs

Liberal and progressive, and believes that the Torah is a background to modern ideals. Believe that Judaism can continue to develop beyond the biblical period.

Second Coming

In Christian theology, refers to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ to Earth in glory. This event is expected to include the final judgment of humanity, the resurrection of the dead, and the establishment of God's kingdom in its fullness.

Paul

Originally known as Saul of Tarsus, Paul was an early Christian apostle who authored many New Testament epistles and played a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. After a dramatic conversion experience, he became Christianity's most influential early missionary and theologian.

The New Testament

The second part of the Christian Bible, written primarily in Greek during the first century CE, containing 27 books including the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation. It documents the life and teachings of Jesus, the early Christian church, and foundational Christian theology.

Original Sin

The doctrine that all humans inherit a state of sinfulness from Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. This concept explains humanity's universal need for redemption and forms the basis for understanding salvation in Christian theology.

Salvation through Jesus Christ

The core Christian belief that humans can be saved from sin and death through faith in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. This salvation is typically understood as a gift of divine grace, received through faith rather than earned through works.

Trinity

The central Christian doctrine that God exists as three distinct but inseparable persons

The Nicene Creed

A formal statement of Christian faith adopted at the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE and modified at Constantinople in 381 CE. This creed defines core Christian beliefs about the Trinity, the nature of Christ, and the church, serving as a foundational document for most Christian denominations.

Council of Nicaea

The first ecumenical council of the Christian church, convened by Emperor Constantine in 325 CE. This historic gathering addressed the Arian controversy about Christ's divine nature and established the Nicene Creed as orthodox Christian doctrine.

Arianism

An early Christian movement, declared heretical in 325 CE, that taught Jesus was created by and subordinate to God the Father. This controversy led to the Council of Nicaea and the formal articulation of Trinitarian doctrine.

The Great Schism (East-West Schism)

The formal split that occurred between Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Roman Catholicism in 1054 CE. This pivotal event in Christian history marked the division of Christendom into two distinct branches.

Martin Luther's 95 Theses and Protestant Reformation

A document criticizing Catholic Church practices, particularly the sale of indulgences, which sparked the Protestant Reformation. This movement led to a major split in Western Christianity, establishing Protestant denominations that emphasized scripture as the sole authority (sola scriptura), salvation through faith alone, and rejected papal authority.

The Nicene Creed

A formal statement of Christian faith adopted at the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE and modified at Constantinople in 381 CE. This creed defines core Christian beliefs about the Trinity, the nature of Christ, and the church, serving as a foundational document for most Christian denominations.

Council of Nicaea

The first ecumenical council of the Christian church, convened by Emperor Constantine in 325 CE. This historic gathering addressed the Arian controversy about Christ's divine nature and established the Nicene Creed as orthodox Christian doctrine.

Arian (Nature of Christ)

Jesus was a created being, subordinate to God the Father (Nature of Christ)

Nicene (Nature of Christ)

Jesus is fully divine, of the same substance (homoousios) as the Father (Nature of Christ)

Arian (View of the Trinity)

Rejected the concept of the Trinity as understood by Nicene theology (View of the Trinity)

Nicene (View of the Trinity)

Affirmed the Trinity with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as coequal and coeternal (View of the Trinity)

Roman Catholic Church

The largest Christian denomination, led by the Pope as successor to Saint Peter and maintaining a hierarchical structure. It emphasizes tradition alongside scripture, seven sacraments, and the authority of the Magisterium in interpreting doctrine.

Eastern Orthodox Church

A communion of self-governing churches that separated from Rome in 1054, maintaining ancient traditions and liturgical practices. They emphasize theosis (divine transformation), the use of icons, and the authority of church councils.

Protestantism

A major branch of Christianity that emerged from the 16th-century Reformation, emphasizing biblical authority, salvation by faith alone, and the priesthood of all believers. It encompasses numerous denominations including Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Baptist, and Methodist churches.

Authority

Catholic/Orthodox emphasis on church tradition vs. Protestant focus on scripture alone

Sacraments

Seven in Catholic/Orthodox vs. typically two in Protestant traditions

Church Structure

Hierarchical in Catholic/Orthodox vs. varied in Protestant denominations

Salvation

Varying views on the role of faith, works, and grace. Catholics believe in salvation through faith and good works Protestants emphasize salvation through faith alone ("sola fide")

Worship Style

Liturgical (Catholic/Orthodox/some Protestant) vs. less formal (many Protestant)

Muhammad

The central and final prophet of Islam who received divine revelations that would become the Quran. Born in 570 CE in Mecca, he began receiving revelations at age 40 and established the foundations of Islamic faith and practice. Is believed to be a human being and not a divine figure.

Allah

The Arabic word for God

Islam

Refers to the religion and means “submission to the will of God”

Muslim

Refers to the one who follows Islam and means “one who submits to God”

Ummah

The global Muslim community

Tawhid

The fundamental principle of God's absolute oneness (i.e. strict monotheism, God is one without a partner or son)

Mecca

The holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. It is located in modern day Saudi Arabia and is a major center for the Hajj pilgrimage and religious activity.

The Kaaba

A cube-shaped building in the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca, is the most sacred site in Islam.

Jesus (Islam)

Muslims believe he was a prophet of God, and not the Son of God.

Abraham

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all trace their spiritual lineage back to him.

Sunni Islam

The largest branch of Islam (about 85% of Muslims), who believe that Abu Bakr was the rightful successor to Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community. They follow the Sunnah (practices) of Muhammad and accept the legitimacy of the first four caliphs.

Shia Islam

The second-largest branch (about 15% of Muslims), who believe that Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was the rightful successor to Muhammad. They place special emphasis on the family linage of Muhammad (Ahl al-Bayt) and their appointed successors (Imams).

Quran

Muslims believe the this is the direct, unchanged word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. There is only one version it.

Hadith

These are collections of verified narrations about Prophet Muhammad's sayings and actions

Sunnah

Represents the complete way of life exemplified by Prophet Muhammad, including his actions, statements, and silent approvals. While often used interchangeably with Hadith, specifically refers to the established practices and behaviors derived from the Prophet's example.

Five Pillars

Shahada, Five Daily Prayers, Ramadan, Zakat, and Hajj

Shahada

Profession of Faith, The belief that "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God"

Five Daily Prayers

Ritual prayer performed five times daily

Zakat

Obligatory charity given annually

Hajj

Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca (where the Kaaba is located)

Ramadan

The holy month of fasting from dawn to sunset, marked by increased prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection. Practicing Muslims abstain from all food and drink between dawn and sunset.

Eid al-Fitr

A three-day celebration marking the end of Ramadan fasting, featuring special prayers, family gatherings, feasts, and charitable giving

Eid al-Adha

The "Festival of Sacrifice" commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, celebrated with prayer, sharing meat with family and the poor.

Shariah

Refers to the comprehensive Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith that guides all aspects of Muslim life, including religious practices, moral conduct, and social relationships

Halal

Designates anything that is lawful and permitted in Islam, from food and drink to business transactions and personal conduct

Haram

Refers to anything that is forbidden or prohibited in Islam, such as consuming alcohol, eating pork, or engaging in dishonest business practices, and general sinful behavior

Tasawwuf (Islamic mysticism or Sufism)

The spiritual dimension of Islam that focuses on direct personal experience of the Divine through practices of self-purification, meditation, and remembrance of God. It emphasizes developing the inner spiritual life while maintaining adherence to Islamic law.

Tasawussuf/Sufism

Emphasizes the process of purifying the soul and transforming one's self from a carnal state to one of purity and submission to God.

Most Muslims are not _____, but most Arabs are _____

Arab; Muslim

Which is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world?

Indonesia