World Religions and Ancient Philosophies

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering major world religions, ancient Chinese philosophies, and East-West trade along the Silk Road.

Abrahamic Religions

The three religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—that trace their origins back to Abraham.

Judaism

An Abrahamic monotheistic religion practiced by approximately 15 million to 15.8 million people worldwide, representing about 0.2% of the global population.

Noah's Ark

A vessel God instructed Noah to construct in 2348 BCE to save himself, his family, and pairs of all living creatures from floodwaters sent to cleanse a corrupt and violent earth.

Tower of Babel

A biblical structure associated with the date 2242 B.C.E.

Ten Commandments

A set of laws delivered by God to Moses at Mt. Sinai for the Israelites to live by.

Temple of Solomon

The holy temple built by the Israelites in 970 B.C.E.

Torah

The foundational holy scripture of Judaism.

Christianity

The world's largest religion, representing approximately 29% to 33% of the global population.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

A major Christian holy site in Jerusalem whose keys have been held by two separate Muslim families since the time of Saladin in 1187.

Islam

An Abrahamic religion practiced by roughly 25.6% of the world's population, numbering approximately 2 billion followers globally.

Quran

The holy text of Islam revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Hinduism

A major polytheistic religion comprising approximately 14.9% of the world's population (about 1.2 billion people), with 95% living in India and Nepal.

Brahmin

The highest class in the Hindu caste system, responsible for conducting religious ceremonies.

Kshatriyas

The warrior class in the Hindu caste system.

Vaisyas

The merchant and commoner class in the Hindu caste system.

Sudras

The peasant class in the Hindu caste system who possess few legal rights.

Untouchables

People outside the traditional caste structure in India assigned to perform degraded tasks such as collecting garbage and handling corpses.

Buddhism

A spiritual tradition begun in 563 BCE by Sidartha Gautama, teaching that suffering stems from selfish desires and that renouncing them leads to peace; practiced by 4–7% of the world.

Nirvana

The state of ultimate peace in Buddhism attained when an individual finds wisdom and releases selfish worldly goals.

Confucianism

A Chinese ethical philosophy founded by Confucius asserting that individuals should place the needs of their family and community before their own desires.

Daoism

A Chinese philosophy founded by Laozi that emphasizes harmony with nature and urges people to renounce worldly attachments in favor of the Dao.

Legalism

A Chinese governance philosophy developed by Hanfeizi holding that societal order requires strict laws and harsh punishments.

Old Silk Road

An ancient trade network connecting the East to the West, fueled by Western demand for Asian silk, perfumes, and spices.