World Religions Overview

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to major world religions.

Catholicism

The largest Christian denomination with over 1.3 billion followers, centered in Vatican City.

Pope Francis

The current Pope of the Catholic Church, born in Argentina, first South American pope.

Confession

Process where followers confess their sins to a priest to receive forgiveness in Catholicism.

Sacraments

Sacred rites recognized by the Catholic Church that are believed to confer God's grace.

Reformation

A religious movement in the 1500s led by Martin Luther that resulted in the beginning of Protestantism.

Protestantism

A major branch of Christianity that emphasizes personal relationship with God and interpretation of the Bible.

Judaism

The oldest of the major western religions, centered on the teachings of the Old Testament or Torah.

Rabbis

Leaders in Judaism who officiate in temples or synagogues.

Islam

The world's second largest religion, founded by the prophet Mohammed, centered around the Qur'an.

Five Pillars of Islam

Five basic acts in Islam that are considered the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice.

Sunnis

The largest branch of Islam, making up 85%-90% of Muslims, who believe in qualified leadership.

Shiites

A branch of Islam making up 10%-15% of Muslims, who believe leadership should be from Mohammed's bloodline.

Mecca

The holiest city in Islam, where Muslims must make a pilgrimage at least once in their lives.

Vedas

Ancient sacred texts of Hinduism outlining its fundamental beliefs.

Reincarnation

The belief in Hinduism that the soul is reborn into a new body after death.

Karma

In Hinduism, the total of a person's actions, which affects their future reincarnations.

Moksha

The liberation from the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism, achieved through enlightenment.

Brahma

The Hindu god known as the creator in the trinity of primary deities.

Shiva

The Hindu god known as the destroyer in the trinity of primary deities.

Vishnu

The Hindu god known as the preserver in the trinity of primary deities.

Buddhism

A religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, focusing on achieving enlightenment.

Theravada Buddhism

The branch of Buddhism known as 'The School of Elders', found in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

Mahayana Buddhism

The branch of Buddhism known as 'The Great Vehicle', mainly found in East Asia.

Nirvana

The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism, representing the end of suffering and desire.

Three Jewels

The core principles in Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

Four Noble Truths

The foundational truths in Buddhism that outline the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.

Noble Eightfold Path

The path in Buddhism leading to the cessation of suffering and the achievement of Nirvana.

Spiritual leaders in Islam

Individuals such as imams and mullahs who guide the community and lead prayers.

Holy cities of Islam

Mecca, Medina, and East Jerusalem, considered sacred in the Islamic faith.

Christmas

A major holy day in Catholicism, celebrating the birth of Christ.

Easter

The main holy day in Catholicism, marking the resurrection of Jesus.

High Holy Days

Key religious holidays in Judaism, including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Ramadan

The holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims.

Almsgiving

The act of giving to the poor as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Pilgrimage

A religious journey to a sacred place, specifically the Hajj to Mecca in Islam.