Agnosticism
Belief that nothing can be known about whether or not god exists
Animism
The belief that objects have a discrete spirit and conscious life
Atheism
Belief that god does not exist
Autonomous religion
A religion that does not have a central authority but shares ideas and cooperates informally.
Branch
A large and fundamental division within a religion.
Caste
The class or distinct hereditary order into which a Hindu is assigned, according to religious law.
Denomination
A division of a branch that unites a number of local congregations into a single legal and administrative body.
Ethnic religion
A religion with a relatively concentrated spatial distribution whose principals are likely to be based on the physical characteristics of the particular location in which its adherents are concentrated.
Fundamentalism
Literal interpretation and strict adherence to basic principles of a religion (or a religious branch, denomination, or sect).
Ghetto
Used to denote a section of a city in which members of any minority group live because of social, legal, or economic pressure.
Hierarchical religion
A religion which a central authority exercises a high degree of control.
Missionary
An individual who helps to diffuse a universalizing religion.
Monotheism
The doctrine of or belief in the existence of only one god.
Pilgrimage
A journey to a place considered sacred for religious purposes.
Polytheism
Belief in or worship of more than one god.
Syncretic
A religion that combines several traditions.
Universalising religion
A religion that attempts to appeal to all people, not just those living in a particular location.
Utopian society
An ideal community built around a religious way of life
Henotheism
Belief in a hierarchical formation of gods
Diaspora
The scattering of people who have a common background or belief
Zionism
The nationalist movement to unite the jewish people of diaspora and establish a community
Sacred site
A place infused with religious meaning
Interfaith boundary
The boundaries between the words major faiths/religions
Intrafaith boundary
The boundaries within a major religion
Sharia law
The legal framework within which public and some private aspects of life are regulated for those living in a legal system based on Muslim principles
Religious extremism
Religious fundamentalism carried to the point of violence
Sect
A relatively small group that has broken away from an established denomination.