Ap Hug chapter 6 vocab

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.