APWH_Unit 0_Culture

Religions and related terms from Unit 0 in APWH.

Analects

A collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius and his disciples, emphasizing moral and ethical behaviors, social relations, and proper governance.

Buddhism

A religion and philosophy founded in the late 6th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama. Focuses on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to achieve enlightenment.

caliphate

A form of Islamic government promoting the political and religious authority of Islam. The leader is considered a successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

caste

A hierarchical system of social stratification in Hindu society, dividing people into rigid groups with specific duties and privileges.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the belief in one God and the importance of the Bible. It teaches about salvation, grace, and the significance of love and moral conduct.

Confucianism

A philosophical and ethical system focusing on morality, social relationships, and justice in order to maintain harmony in society.

Daoism

A religious and philosophical tradition from China that emphasizes living in harmony with the fundamental principle that is the source of all things. Advocates simplicity, humility, and compassion.

Dar-al-Islam

The term used to describe the geographical area where Islamic law is upheld and where Muslims can practice their religion freely. It represents the global community of Muslims under the guidance of Islamic principles.

Eightfold Path

A key aspect of Buddhism outlining the path to enlightenment through right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Five Pillars

The fundamental acts of worship and the framework of a Muslim's faith and practice, including the declaration of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Four Noble Truths

The foundation of Buddhist teaching, outlining the nature of suffering, its origin, cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.

Hinduism

A major world religion that originated in the Indian subcontinent, characterized by a variety of beliefs and practices including concepts of dharma, karma, and moksha, and a pantheon of deities.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing submission to the will of Allah and comprising a diverse set of beliefs and practices, including following the Quran.

Judaism

An ancient monotheistic religion with roots in the covenant between God and the Hebrew people, characterized by the belief in one God and the teachings of the Torah.

Mandate of Heaven

A Chinese political and religious doctrine used to justify the rule of the Emperor, asserting that heaven grants the right to govern based on moral integrity.

monastery

A religious community where monks live, work, and pray, often dedicated to a specific religious tradition.

monastic

Related to monasticism, particularly in terms of lifestyles and practices associated with monks and religious communities.

monotheism

The belief in a single, all-powerful deity, which is central to several major religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

polytheism

The belief in multiple deities or gods, each with distinct attributes and functions, prevalent in various ancient religions and cultures.

Neo-Confucianism

A philosophical and ethical system that developed during the Song dynasty in China, integrating Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist ideas.

Orthodox Church

A branch of Christianity that originated from the Eastern Roman Empire, characterized by its adherence to traditional religious practices and doctrines, including the veneration of icons and emphasis on liturgy.

Quran

The holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Roman Catholic Church

The largest Christian church, led by the Pope and characterized by its traditions, sacraments, and teachings, including the importance of the Virgin Mary and the Church's authority in interpreting Scripture.

Sharia

A system of Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith, governing both personal and communal aspects of life, including rituals, ethics, and social justice.

Shi’a

A branch of Islam that holds that Muhammad's rightful successor was his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, and emphasizes the leadership of an Imamate.

Sunni

The largest branch of Islam, Sunni Muslims believe in the legitimacy of the first four caliphs as successors to Muhammad and prioritize the community's consensus in interpreting Islamic teachings.

Theocracy

A system of government in which priests or religious leaders rule in the name of a deity, combining political authority with religious authority.

Vedas

The ancient sacred scriptures of Hinduism, consisting of hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings.

Zoroastrianism

An ancient religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster, emphasizing the worship of one god, Ahura Mazda, and the duality of good and evil in the universe.

Shinto

A traditional religion of Japan focused on ritual practices to connect with kami (spirits) and the veneration of ancestors.

Chichen Itza

A large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization, known for its step pyramids and advanced astronomical observations.

Diaspora

The dispersion of Jews beyond Israel and the scattering of various people across different regions, often due to migration or forced removal.