Deities and Places of Worship

These flashcards highlight key concepts regarding deities and their representations in various cultures and religions.

The supernatural realm lies beyond our senses, yet in almost every age and culture, people have created __ that express their understanding of divinity.

diagrams, symbols, and pictures

In Islamic architecture, simple geometric shapes symbolize God: the sphere and dome stand for __ and the oneness of God.

the heavens

Animal features or natural phenomena can symbolize deities: the sun can be a symbol for God, Jesus is symbolized by a __ lamb, and the Holy Spirit by a dove.

sacrificial

In many religions, God is not pictured. Most African religions and Hinduism recognize a completely __ Supreme Being.

unknowable

The goddess __ was believed to contain the spiritual force of procreation, aiding ancient fertility rituals.

Venus of Willendorf

The __ Goddess was the first of the polytheistic gods, representing life, fertility, and death.

Earth

Brahman is described as one, pure _, and pure delight.

being

The __ of Maria de la Luz Casillas and Children is a form of prayer and thanks in central Mexico.

retablo

The __ at Ur is a sacred artificial mountain erected by the Sumerians to honor a deity.

Ziggurat

The __ symbolizes the void before creation in mandala art.

circle