Religion

Religion

A system of beliefs, practices, and values that often involves worship of a higher power or deity.

Material

aspects of religion that focus on physical objects or practices, such as rituals, symbols, and sacred spaces.

Non-material

aspects of religion that emphasize spiritual beliefs, ethics, and the experiences of individuals rather than physical objects or practices.

Universalizing religions

religions that seek to appeal to all people, regardless of culture or location, promoting a universal faith.

Ethnic religion

a religion that is closely tied to a specific ethnic group, culture, or nationality, often emphasizing heritage and traditions. It typically does not seek to convert outsiders.

Syncrenism

the blending of different religious traditions and beliefs, creating new cultural practices and spiritual philosophies.

Animism

the belief that objects, places, and creatures possess a spiritual essence, often rooted in nature and local traditions.

Christianity

a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing faith in Him as the Son of God and the Savior.

Islam

a monotheistic faith that originated in the 7th century CE based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing submission to the will of Allah.

Buddhism

a spiritual tradition rooted in the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, focusing on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to achieve enlightenment.

Sikhism

a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of India, teaching devotion to one God and emphasizing equality and service to humanity.

Hinduism

a major world religion originating in India, characterized by a variety of beliefs, practices, and rituals, often centered around the concepts of karma, dharma, and moksha.

Judiasm

a monotheistic religion with a rich tradition based on the covenant between God and the Hebrew people, emphasizing ethical conduct and adherence to the Torah.

Hearth

The geographic origin of a particular religion or cultural practice, where its fundamental beliefs and practices first emerged.

Cultural diffusion

the process by which cultural beliefs and social activities are spread from one group to another, often resulting from trade, migration, or communication.

Historical diffusion

the spread of cultural beliefs or practices over time through various forms of interaction, including migration, trade, and colonization.

Trade

The exchange of goods and services between individuals or groups, which can facilitate cultural diffusion and economic interaction.

Migration

the movement of people from one place to another, often resulting in the exchange of cultural practices and ideas.

Conquest

the act of acquiring territory or gaining control over a region through military force, often leading to significant cultural exchange and diffusion.

Colonization

the establishment of settlements in a new territory by a ruling power, often involving the control and exploitation of indigenous resources and peoples.

Cultural contact

the interaction and exchange between different cultures, often resulting from migration, trade, or colonization.

Columbian exchange

the widespread transfer of plants, animals, people, culture, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

Silk road

a network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between various civilizations.

Indian trade

a historical system of commerce that linked the Indian subcontinent with the Mediterranean and other regions, involving the exchange of spices, textiles, and cultural influences.

Trans-saharan trade

a network of trade routes across the Sahara Desert that connected West Africa to the Mediterranean, enabling the exchange of goods, including gold, salt, and textiles.

Mediterranean trade

a historical trade network that connected the cultures and economies of the Mediterranean region, involving the exchange of goods such as olive oil, wine, and grains.

Islamic caliphates

political and religious states ruled by a caliph, representing the political unity of the Muslim community and expanding Islam through conquest and trade.

Spanish and Portugese

Brought Catholicism to Latin America

Mercantalism

an economic theory and practice that emphasized the role of the state in managing trade and accumulating wealth through the establishment of colonies and a favorable balance of trade.

Imperialism

a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often leading to the domination of one nation over another.