World Religions Quiz Vocabulary

A comprehensive vocabulary list from the World Religions lecture covering founders, sacred texts, core beliefs, and historical origins of eight major spiritual traditions.

Buddhism Origin

Founded around the $5^{th}$ century BCE in India by Siddhartha Gautama.

Buddha

A title meaning "the enlightened one," given to Siddhartha Gautama after he reached enlightenment.

Buddhism Deity View

Non-theistic; it does not center on a creator God.

Mahayana Sutras

The sacred texts associated with Buddhism.

Dharma (Buddhism)

Duty or the opportunity to act virtuously.

Four Noble Truths

The core Buddhist beliefs: $1$. All living beings experience suffering; $2$. Selfish desire causes suffering; $3$. Suffering can be stopped; $4$. The way to stop suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.

Noble Eightfold Path

Guidelines in Buddhism for living wisely and righteously to reach enlightenment.

Middle Way

A Buddhist principle of living in moderation, avoiding extremes, avoiding harm, and cultivating goodwill.

Daoism Origin

Founded in the $6^{th}$ century BCE in China by Lao Zi.

Tao-te-Ching

The sacred text of Daoism.

The Dao

Meaning "the Way," it refers to the natural or rightful way of living.

Wu wei

A Daoist concept meaning "without action," which involves knowing when to act and when not to act.

Yin and Yang

Opposing forces in Daoism that must remain in balance.

Brahman

In Hinduism, the supreme reality that is genderless and omnipotent.

Hindu Sacred Texts

Includes the Vedas, Upanishads, and Tantras.

Dharma (Hinduism)

Ethics, duties, and responsibilities.

Karma

The law of cause and effect where actions have consequences.

Samsara

The cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Moksha

The release from the cycle of Samsara.

Hindu Caste System

Social division including Brahmin (priests), Kshatriya (warriors), Vaisya (merchants/landowners), Sudra (commoners, peasants, servants), and Outcasts/Untouchables.

Confucianism Origin

Founded in $550$ BCE in China by Kong Qiu, also known as Confucius.

The Analects

The sacred text of Confucianism consisting of sayings and teachings written by followers of Confucius.

Filial Piety

A Confucian value of respect and obedience toward parents and ancestors, including caring for them in old age and honoring them after death.

Five Constant Virtues

The Confucian principles of benevolence, propriety, righteousness, wisdom, and integrity.

Zoroastrianism Origin

Founded in the mid-$5^{th}$ century BCE in the Persian Empire by the prophet Zoroaster.

Ahura Mazda

The one God of Zoroastrianism, described as compassionate, just, and the creator of the universe.

Avesta

The sacred text of Zoroastrianism.

Dualism

In Zoroastrianism, the struggle between good and evil, truth/order, and chaos.

Three Good Actions

The Zoroastrian mantra of good thoughts, good words, and good actions.

Judaism Origin

Began around $2000$ BCE in the Middle East, with Abraham as a central founding figure.

Monotheism

The belief in one God, a central tenet of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Tanakh

The Hebrew Bible; the Torah comprises the first five books.

Covenant

In Judaism, the relationship and agreement between God and Abraham.

Synagogue

The place of worship for followers of Judaism.

Christianity Origin

Began in the $1^{st}$ century CE in the Middle East, founded by Jesus.

Holy Trinity

The Christian understanding of one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Messiah

The title for Jesus in Christianity, identifying him as the Son of God.

Christian Branches

Major divisions including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant.

Islam Origin

Began in the $7^{th}$ century CE in the Middle East (Arabian Peninsula), founded by Muhammad.

Allah

The Arabic word for God.

Qur'an

The sacred text of Islam containing revelations from God to Muhammad.

Five Pillars of Islam

Foundation of Islamic practice: Shahada (Faith), Salat (Prayer), Zakat (Alms), Sawm (Fasting), and Hajj (Pilgrimage).

Shahada

The Islamic profession of faith: belief in one God and that Muhammad is God's messenger.

Salat

Ritual prayer performed $5$ times a day while facing Mecca.

Zakat

The practice of giving a portion of one's wealth to those in need.

Sawm

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Hajj

The pilgrimage to Mecca, expected once of Muslims who are physically and financially able.

Abrahamic Religions

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which share a common heritage through Abraham and maintain monotheistic beliefs.