AP Human Geo Unit 3 Religions Chapter

Atheism

Belief that there is no god.

Caste System

A Hindu social class system that controlled every aspect of daily life

Diaspora

the dispersion of the Jews outside Israel

Karma

The belief that actions in this life, whether good or bad, will decide your place in the next life.

Monotheism

Belief in one God

Missionary

A person who spreads his or her religious beliefs to others.

Pilgrimage

A journey to a place considered sacred for religious purposes.

Polytheism

Belief in many gods

Syncretism

a blending of beliefs and practices from different religions into one faith

Ethnic Religion

Appeals primarily to one group of people living in one place. Will not seek converts.

Shamanism

Belief in a leader who can communicate with spirits

Secularism

an indifference to or rejection of religion or religious belief

Sharia Law

system of Islamic law that is based on the Quran

Universalizing religion

A religion that attempts to appeal to all people, not just those living in a particular location.

Zionism

A policy for establishing and developing a national homeland for Jews in Palestine.

Sunni and Shia (Shi'ite)

Two mains sects within Islam

Heterogeneous

composed of unlike parts; different; diverse

Homogeneous

of a similar kind

proselytize

to persuade someone to convert to a faith, belief, or cause