last ecumenical test can i get an amen

What is the root meaning of the name Islam?

either "Surrender" or "Submission". In essence, a Muslim is one who submits to Allah.

Describe the Qu'ran's size and structure, idenitfy its original language.

the Muslim book of worship; approximately four-fifths the size of the New Testament. The Qur'an has been divided into 114 chapters. Originally, the Qur'an was written in Arabic.

What is the literal meaning of the term "qu'ran"?

"reading" or "recitation"

When and where was Muhammad born?

AD 570; emigrated to Mecca; which is a city in Saudi Arabia.

Briefly describe the Night of the Power and Excellence.

Encounter with Angel Gabriel. It marked the beginning of Muhammad's career as a prophet. Would recite for 32 years.

What is the Hijra, and why is it important?

"emigration". Muslims base their system for assigning dates on this event. Emigration from Mecca to Medina, started Muslim community.

Why is Muhammad referred to as the Seal of the Prophets?

because he was the final prophet. He had to come finish what Jesus was sent to do, but could not do because he was killed. He was the last prophet, in essence, he sealed the final message of God to the people.

What is the Sunna of the Prophet?

a way of life designed for Muslims based on the teachings and practices of Muhammad. In addition, it also contains interpretations of the Qur'an.

Why is Allah thought to be genderless?

maleness and femaleness are human qualities and would limit God's nature.

Identify at least two of Islam's prophets other than Muhammad.

Jesus and Abraham.

Who is Ishmael, and what is his place in Islam?

Abraham's son who moved to Mecca to become the ancestor of the Arabic people; Muhammad's ancestor and a prophet; best known for constructing the Kaaba, which is located in Saudi Arabia.

How do Muslims interpret the Fall from perfection in the Garden of Eden?

Human nature is essentially good, but people are too capable of forgetting this.

Briefly describe what Muslims expect to happen before and on the Day of Judgment.

when the Mahdi comes to restore all of Islam and finally bring peace on Earth.

What is the Muslim view of the natural world?

it is good and worthy of reverence.

What determines inclusion in the Umma?

regardless of race, ethnicity, language, and other cultural barricades.

SOLELY IN RELIGION.

Identify two modern nations whose government is based on the Shari'a?

Saudi Arabia and Iran

What is the English translation of the Muslim confession of faith?

"There is no god except God. Muhammad is the messenger of God." This confession of faith is known as the Shahada.

Briefly describe the Muslim practice of daily prayer.

5 times a day; early morning, noon, midafternoon, sunset, and evening. Must have a ritual washing of hands and face and must face towards Mecca. Usually prayers are performed on a prayer rug. On fridays, there are public prayers usually conducted in a mosque lead by an iman.

What is Ramadan?

The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, a period during which Muslims fast, in accordance with the third of the Five Pillars.

What is required of Muslims according to the fourth pillar, wealth sharing?

Wealth sharing means that all Muslims, believers of Islam, must contribute 2.5% of the value of the items they believe are meaningful to them. The only individuals who don't have to do this are poor people.

What is the hajj, and what is its religious significance?

pilgrimage; significant because Allah forgives the sins of those who make the journey with reverence. Any pilgrim who dies on this journey will enter Paradise.

Summarize two Muslim teachings on the care of the body.

Body is to be kept clean. No pork/drinking of alcohol.

With regard to Muslim perspectives on women, what are the three specific points of connection commonly cited by Western critics?

divorce, polygamy, and the wearing of the veil.

Describe the word jihad.

Wealth sharing means that all Muslims, believers of Islam, must contribute 2.5% of the value of the items they believe are meaningful to them. The only individuals who don't have to do this are poor people.

What was the extent of Islamic expansion one century after Muhammad's death?

Islam was the religion of the entire Middle East, Persia, North Africa, and almost all of Spain.

What areas of the globe are presently populated with the greatest concentration of Muslims?

northwestern half of Africa, all of the Middle East, southwestern Asia, South Asia, and Malaysia/Indonesia.

Why does Arabia enjoy a special status in Islam?

Arabic involvement goes back to the earliest history of Islam; the location of Muslim sacred sites, and Arabic is the language spoken.

Why have some African Americans argued that Islam is better suited for their community than is Christianity?

because slaves were mainly Muslim and they do not want to have the same religion as people as they treated them so harshly.

What is Sunnism?

a classification of those who follow the Sunna of the Prophet, which is a way of life.

What is the meaning of the term shi'i?

"partisans of Ali."

Identify at least two modern nations that have a Shi'i majority or a significant Shi'i population.

Kuwait and Afghanistan

Briefly describe the figure of the Imam in Shi'ism.

believed to have special spiritual insight and is revered as the true earthly authority.

How does Sufism extend the first sentence of Islam's confession of faith?

The Sufi experiences oneness with Allah, and through that experience, gains spiritual fortitude.

Identify at least two Sufi methods, or disciplines.

Sufi is made up of orders.
Dance.

How much of the world's population is Christian? Where is Christianity the dominant religious tradition?

1/3. Americas, Europe, and Australia. With significant followings in Asia and Africa.

Define Christianity's two core doctrines.

the Incarnation, which asserts Christ is both fully divine and fully human; the Trinity, which says God is of three Persons- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

What are the literal and symbolic meanings of the Greek word ixthus?

fish. Each letter of which begins a word of the phrase "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior."

What are the primary sources of information about the life of Jesus?

The New Testament Gospels such as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

Briefly describe the political situation in Palestine during Jesus' lifetime.

Palestine was conquered by Romans in 63 BC. When Jesus was young, most of Palestine, came under direct control of Roman Emperor, Pilate.

Name and briefly describe the varieties of Judaism at the time of Jesus, including their responses to Roman rule.

Sadducees\= wealthy aristocrats who controlled Jersualem Temple were conservative and friendly w rulers.
Essenes\= fled from trouble lading lives of discipline and purity in desert communities.
Pharisees\= moderate, obeying commandments of Judaism and developing Torah.
Zealots\= believed only way to achieve Jewish independence was through armed rebellion.

Explain apocalyptism.

when the world had come under the control of evil forces.

Who was John the Baptist, and how was he important in Jesus' life?

Cousin of Jesus. preached coming of God. Baptized Jesus.

What are parables? Name two well-known.

stories cast in language and settings familiar to his listeners but proclaiming radical lessons intended to disrupt conventional ways of thinking; the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son.

To what was Jesus likely referring when he spoke of the Kingdom of God?

God's intervention in history to right the wrongs in the world. ...

What is Jesus' radical commandment on love?

Loving one's enemies.

Why was Jesus crucified?

because of the radical nature of his teachings and his ministry, and the agitated crows of followers he attracted got Jesus in trouble with the authorities. Pontius Pilate ordered his execution.

What does the term gospel mean?

Good news.

What is the primary focus of the Gospel of Matthew?

obedience to the Law. It presents Jesus as the new Moses who reveals the fulfillment of God's Law through spiritual obedience.

In what ways does the Gospel of Luke portray Jesus as reaching out to a diversity of people?

- This Gospel gives women more attention, and many of its parables characterize outcasts in the favorable light. Jesus reaches out to people of all segments of life.

What is the doctrine of the Incarnation?

identifies Christ as the Word, who from the beginning was with God and was God active in the creation of the world.

What is the focal point of the Gospel of John?

The Incarnation

According to the first epistle to the Corintians, what is Paul's Gospel message?

He refers specifically to the Gospel or "Good News".

What does Paul emphasize about salvation?

Power of Christ's Crucifixion and Resurrection is source of salvation.

What does Paul say about the second coming?

Paul emphasizes that salvation comes through God's grace- God's presence freely given.

What is the origin of the term creed?

I believe.

How does the Gospel of John emphasize both Jesus' divinity and humanity?

Apostles' Creed refers to each of the three Persons in the Trinity.

What is Christ called in the first chapter of John's Gospel?

Word called "logos"

What two creeds were formulated by the year 325?

The Nicene Creed and the Apostles' Creed

Historically speaking, what was the most critical point established at the Council of Nicea?

Jesus, the Son and God the Father are "one in Being". God became flesh in the person of Jesus but in no way is Jesus a lesser being. He is the same being.

What is the doctrine of the Trinity?

the centerpiece of Christian belief and theology: the Christian God is a triune God, three Persons- in one Godhead.

What did Paul say the Church is meant to be?

A unified body of people.

What are heresies?

opinions or doctrines at variance with an accepted doctrine.

Describe how Paul came to be an Apostle of Christ.

While traveling on a road to Damascus, Paul experienced the risen Christ.

What was decided at the Council of Jerusalem?

The apostles and elders decided Gentile Christians were virtually free from the requirements of the Jewish Law. It distinguished the Christian Church from its parents, Judaism.

Why did the early Christians settle on Sunday as their primary day of worship?

To commemorate Christ's Resurrection and to distinguish the Church from Judaism.

What were the central rituals of the early Church?

Eucharist and Baptism.

What were the three distinct offices in the Church by the early second century? Briefly describe the role of bishop in the early Church.

bishops, presbyters, and deacons. Bishops were seen as successors to Jesus's Apostles and therefore were highly esteemed. Each bishop was the overseer of his church, and the bishop performed the chief task of administering the Eucharist. Pope is considered the direct successor of St. Peter.

Why did worship on behalf of the Roman emperor bring Christians into conflict with the empire?

Act of disloyalty against Roman state.

Who was Augustine, and what great theological masterpiece did he write after the fall of Rome?

the Bishop Augustine of Hippo. He wrote The City of God where he argues that all governments and nations are corrupt and have fallen to sin.

What is the meaning of of the Greek word from which we get the word "Catholic"?

Universal

Identify elements leading to schism in Church that divided the eastern and western parts of Roman Empire.

The distance between Constantinople and Rome caused communication difficulties, the Eastern Church used Greek, and the Church in Rome used Latin. There was also a gradual loss of political unity when the western part of the Roman Empire fell, and the eastern part survived in the form of the Byzantine Empire. Finally, there was the Eastern Christians' refusal to accept the authority of the pope in Rome.

What significant event occurred in the year 1054?

- Pope Leo IX excommunicated the leader of the Greek Church, the patriarch of Constantinople, who in turn excommunicated the pope.

Identify some acheivements of Catholicism in the Middle Ages.

1) fortified institution with spiritual authority
2) great cathedrals constructed
3) Monasticism reached a new height
4) Established communities of monks and nuns were reformed
5) creation of Dominicans and Franciscans

Where, and in what century, did the Protestant Reformation take place?

16th century England mainly through Germany, Switzerland, and England.

What did Luther's NInety-five Theses protest against?

the selling of indulgences.

What did King Henry VIII play in the Protestant Reformation?

Broke with the Church and declared himself head of the Church of England.

Other than the establishment of Protestatism, what were two major effects of the Protestant Reformation?

Led up to the Catholic Reformation and the Thirty Years' War.

What is one distinctive characteristics of Roman Catholicism?

Its reliance on both the Bible and Tradition as the means of handing on God's revelation of Christ.

Identify the seven sacraments of Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

1) Baptism
2) Confirmation
3) Eucharist
4) Holy Orders
5) Matrimony
6) Anointing of the Sick
7) Reconciliation

When was the Second Vatican Council held, and what were in general aims?

from 1962 to 1965; to reflect on Church teaching so the Church would respond appropriately to the needs of the modern world, and to promote Christian unity.

Name a distinctive practice of Eastern Orthodoxy and identify the tradition's theological focal point.

Great emphasis on icons and early Christian Saints. Incarnation encourages a mystical union with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

What challenges does Eastern Orthodoxy face as a result of recent changes in the world and in the Church?

Revitalize traditions and challenge traditional ways. Breakup of SU. Membership makeup is changing. Membership of other groups.

What has Protestantism historically tended to protest against?

Protested against anything that stood in the way of the Christian's relationship with God through Christ.

What are the four main branches of Protestantism?

Lutheran, Calvinist, Baptist, and Anglican.

What is ecumenism?

the promotion of worldwide Christian unity.

Define the term covenant in relation to the Jews.

an agreement made many years ago between the ancient Israelites and God; it was first made through Abraham and later through Moses. God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, promising that if the Israelites would keep the covenant by obeying the Torah (the Law), they would be God's "treasured possession" and a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation." It is because of the Covenant that the Jews are seen as the God's Chosen People. The Israelites must live as good, righteous people. Because the Covenant is between God and the people, Judaism greatly emphasizes group identity.

Why do observant Jews avoid pronouncing the divine name? How is the name written?

because they consider it too holy to be spoken by human beings; YHWH, but pronounced Yahweh (Hebrew had no vowels). However, when they come across the name while reading the Bible, they say "the Lord" instead of the actual name.

What is the Shema?

Hebrew for "hear"; Judaism's most basic theological statement that declares the uniqueness of God. It recited at least 2 times per day, in both morning and evening prayers.

Identify the three related meanings of the Torah?

Instruction- referring to the will of God as it is revealed to humankind
Law- the revelation of God's will sets forth the Law, which guides proper human conduct
Torah- referring to the first 5 books of the Bible, which are traditionally believed to have been revealed directly by God to Moses and are the primary statement of the religious laws of Judaism

Why is the Hebrew Bible also known as Tanakh?

The three major parts of the Hebrew Bible are the Torah, the Prophets, and the writings. In Hebrew, these words are Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim, beginning with the letters T, N, and K. Thus, the Bible itself is sometimes referred to as the Tanakh, from T-N-K.

What is the Pentateuch?

The first five books of the Bible.

Who is traditionally regarded as the author of the Torah? How many specific laws is the Torah thought to contain?

Moses; 613 specific laws , the most famous being the Ten Commandments, Which are set forth in the book of Exodus, chapter 20

What is the literal meaning of "prophet"?

Messenger of god.

What is the oral Torah? How is it thought to complement the written Torah?

a vast and indigenous wealth of religious teachings that complement the Hebrew Bible (Torah); the material taught and transmitted by Judaism's great rabbis of antiquity.

When was the Mishnah written, and what does it contain?

written in about AD 200 and it contains teachings that were formulated and transmitted orally by the rabbis of the preceding four centuries. It became a sacred text not long after it was completed. It is the beginning to rabbinic study of the oral Torah.

What do the rabbis comment on in the Talmud, and how do they support their arguments?

The Talmud is based off of the Mishnah, of which small portions are cited followed by page after page of intricate commentary. To support their arguments, the rabbis cite biblical passages. Contained in the Talmud is a grand scheme of interpretations of God's will.

Rather than describing them as a single "race" of genetically related people, what is the most accurate way to think of the Jews?

As an ethnic group that shares a common history and religion. Usually Jews \= both ethnic and religious. However they can be ethnic and convert to another religion or they can be religious but not ethnic.

What does it mean to say theta God is providential?

He is directly involved in guiding and caring for creation. This is hard for Jews to consider because what kind of God allows the Holocaust to happen?

Why did the Pharisees emerge after the destruction of the Second Jerusalem Temple in AD 70 with their religious ways intact?

because they focused on the study of the Torah rather than on the rituals observed at the Temple.

What is the Diaspora?

the situation of Jews living away from their ancestral homeland (because they were exiled from their homelands and into Babylon because of the Babylonian Exile), a circumstance that has been true for most Jews since the classical period.