World Religions Midterm

What is Holy Envy

Admiring aspects of another religion so much that you want to incorporate it into your own

Why has Prof. Gaskill spent so long studying world religions?

he is a convert, avoiding faux pas, his mission, his faith is often misunderstood

What is the role of non-LDS religions in God’s plan?

God’s plan includes other religions and they can receive light and truth too

What Article of Faith is most applicable to the Saint’s ability to learn from other faiths?

Article of Faith 13 “if there is anything virtuous, loverly, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things

What are the implications of 2 Nephi 29:10-12 on the Latter-day Saints search for truth?

God will speak to all nations which mean that other religous texts we don’t use can still be true

Cautions of interacting with those of another faith tradition

• a “why” question can be loaded

• avoid media sensationalism

• don’t stare at those who are different

• avoid loaded terms like “cult” or “normal”

• be realistic about cultural appropriation

• don’t step on already bruised toes

• know your own beliefs before you study others

How to show respect for other religions

• treat their religious articles and practices with respect

• observe their customs when possible and appropriate

• never ridicule

• avoid arguing

• be kind to their representatives

• remember that they too are sons and daughters of God

If a man enter a Roman Catholic cathedral (in Latin America) what should he remove? What should a woman do?

A man should remove his hat and a woman should cover her head

Keys for comprehending the doctrines of other faith traditions

1. What question is this doctrine trying to answer?

2. Jehovah’s Witnesses and Latter-day Saints are unique because they are doctrinal and dogmatic

3. Keep an open mind and be objective

Why is the name of Judaism pronounced “Judah-sim”

it comes from the tribe of Judah

Whos is the founder of Judaism?

Abraham

What provoked the creation of Judaism?

a covenant between God and Abraham

six major branches of Judaism from most observant of the Law to least observant

Haredi, Modern Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Assimilated

What does the word “Haredi” mean?

to tremble or quake

Which denomination of Judaism seeks to separate themselves from the secular world, and reject modern clothing, entertainment, and the like?

Haredi

What is the difference between the “Written Torah” and the “Oral Torah”?

Written Torah are the first 10 commandments written on stone by Moses. Oral Torah are the additional commandments

How many commandments are in the Written and Oral Torah?

613 commandments, 10 are written

How do many Reform Jews feel about things like circumcision, a minyan, or a mikveh?

They don’t feel like these are relevant and important in the modern day

What direct do most Jew lean theologically?

theologically progressive

What do scholars describe as the biggest threat to Judaism in the modern age?

the progressive movement because the religion gets watered down more and more

What type of worship with Gods were ancient Judaism? Now?

Aciently they were monolatrist. Today they are monotheistic

Why do Jews dislike the term “Old Testament”

Old Testament implies it is no longer relevant and old. Instead use Hebrew Bible or Tanakh

What does “TaNaKh” stand for?

Torah, Neviim, K’tuvim

The Mishnah is often called what?

the Oral Torah

The Mishnah and the Gemara combined is called what?

Talmud

What does the Mishnah offer commentary on on?

Commentary on the Torah and 613 commandments

What does the Gemara offer commentary on?

The Mishnah

What does Midrash comment on?

Any portion of the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible

How old are Jewish boys when they are circumcised?

8 days olds

How old are boys and girls when they have their Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah?

Boys are 13, Girls are 12

What denominations of Judaism traditionally allow girls to have Bat Mitzvah?

conservative, reform, reconstructive

Jew get married under a canopy that is called what?

under a chuppah

Why do Orthodox Jews make a small tear in their clothing when a loved one has died?

to symbolize the connection of the relationship being broken

What does it mean for a Jew to “sit Shiva”?

Week long mourning where close people will sit with you

What articles of symbolic clothing are usually worn by a high percentage of Haredi and Modern Orthodox Jews?

Kippah (head covering), Tefillin (box on forehead with scrolls of scripture), Tallit (prayer shawl)

What is the “Shema,” and where is it found?

The prayer, Deuteronomy 6:4

What is a “minyan”?

Communal prayer, 10 males who are 13 years or older

What does the Hebrew term “mezuzah” mean? Why do Jews kiss them?

Door post. It reminds them to stop and pray and thank God

Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of what?

New Years and Repentance

What is the point of putting together a “court of three persons” during Rosh Hashanah?

So you can receive feedback about how you are as a person and then begin to repent and change

What is the point of blowing the shofar (ram’s horn) during Rosh Hashanah?

To declare war on sin

Why can you no gain forgiveness for sins committed against other people on Yom Kippur, unlike sins against God?

Because you need to go to the person you’ve sinned, not God

What is “mikveh”

ritual immersion bath

Why must your sukkah be impermanent?

To remind you that you can’t rely on things of the world

What is the focus of the holiday Simchat Torah?

It means reveling with the Torah. It marks the end of the public Torah reading cycle and it focuses on scripture

What does “Hanukkah” mean?

dedication

What is the difference between a Menorah and a Hanukkiah?

A Menorah has 7 branches. A Hanukkiah is a specific type of menorah with 9 branches used from Hanukkah

Why is it common during Hanukkah for Jews to eat foods fried in oil?

to commemorate the miracle of temple oil?

“Tu BiShvat” is also known as “The New Year for” what?

the New Years for the trees

What is the symbolism of fruit during Tu BiShvat?

The seeds represent sinful or impure things in the world

The skin represents protecting Holy things

The edible part represents Holy things we should partake of or make part of our lives

What does the Jewish holiday of Passover commemorate?

The escape from bondage in Egypt

What is the reason Jews eat unleavened bread on Passover?

during the escape they didn’t have time to let their bread rise

What two holidays does The Omer connect together?

Passover and Pentecost

What is the one “semi-celebratory” event that takes place during The Omer?

You cut the boy’s hair The Omer after their second birthday

Shavuot commemorates what event in Jewish history?

The giving of the law on Siani

What is a common way to commemorate Shavuot?

Stay up all night and read God’s law. They do this because their ancestors did not and fell into sin.

What does Bein ha-Metzarim commemorate?

The tragedies that have fallen upon the Jewish people throughout their history

Are Jewish rabbis more comparable to Catholic Priest or LDS Bishops?

Catholic Priests because there are academic credentials that are needed

What does the Hebrew word “Kosher” mean?

Fit

The Hebrew word for unclean is tawmay. What does it mean?

something that is symbolically neagtive

What animals can observant Jews eat and not eat?

Can: lamb, goat, poultry, fish with fins

CanNOT: scavenger birds, shellfish

What is the meaning behind Kosher animals?

Kosher animals are symbolic of what God wants you to become, while non-kosher animals are symbolic of what God does not want you to become

What do some of the non-kosher animals symbolize?

Cloven animals: don’t be those that slip around

Shellfish: don’t isolate yourself and lead yourself astry

Flies: don’t have erratic behaviors

Hares: don’t be immoral

Pigs: don’t only acknowledge God during emergency

What occasions might an observant Jew participate in mikveh

conversion, menstruation, holidays

When is the Jewish Sabbath?

sundown friday to sundown saturday

What is the official symbol of the State of Israel?

the Menorah (not Star of David)

Does Hinduism require that you believe certain doctrines or practice certain rites in order to be a  faithful (or “orthodox”) Hindu?

no, people can do their own thing

Who was the founder of Hinduism?

no one

Hinduism likely began through the interactions of what two  groups of people?

Aryans and the Dravidians

Do Hindus today believe it appropriate to proselytize converts?

No they don’t try to convert because if they were supposed to be Hindu they would be born Hindu

Do Hindus believe that religions other than Hinduism have a role to play in the spiritual purpose  of mortality or the spiritual development of humans?

Yes, all religions are steps along the path

What does the term “Hindu” mean?

“Indian” or “from India”

What is a name for Hinduism that is deemed more appropriate than  “Hindu”?

Dharma which means “the way”

Which of the following are acceptable beliefs for faithful Hindus: Polytheism, Monism, Modalism,  Monotheism, and/or Atheism?

all are acceptable

The various Hindu gods are technically just different ways to perceive of what?

The ultimate- Brahman

Who are the best-known Hindu gods?

Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), Shiva (destroyer)

What is the difference between Brahma, Brahman, and Brahmin?

Brahma is one of the big three Gods

Brahman is the ultimate

Brahmin is the priestly caste

Why do most Hindus not worship Brahma?

his work (creation) is done

When Vishnu awoke from his sleep, what came into existence?

the universe and he gave birth to Shiva and Brahma

What Hindu deity is not worshipped much because he does so little outside of creating the earth?

Brahma

Shiva is said to be “the energy of” whom? And, in this capacity, he is akin to what Christian  concept?

Energy of the Ultimate (which is Brahman). This is akin to the Holy Ghost

What is symbolized by depictions of Shiva dancing on the back of the demon of ignorance?

His triumph over ignorance, therefore his ability to overcome

What does the term “Shakti” mean?

active, feminine force

What technically is the title for the “Supreme Being” or  “single god” of Hinduism?

Brahman

A common symbolic analogy for our return to God at the  end of the cycle of reincarnation is what?

a drop of water being reunited with the ocean

Is there “good karma” in orthodox/traditional Hindu?

No, there is no good karma. Karma is the negative accountability

What is “Atman” in Hinduism, and how does it different from the traditional ideas of the “soul”?

It means breath. There is no soul in Hinduism

What is the difference between “reincarnation” and “transmigration of the soul”?

Transmigration of the soul is the movement of the soul, while reincarnation is the calculation of your karma

What are the five most common castes and who falls into each caste?

Brahmins- priests and scholars

Kshatriyas- politicians and military leaders

Vaisyas- merchants, farmers, ordinary people

Sudras- peasants and servants

Untouchables: The “Harijan”- the outcasts

What are the three way off the round of rebirth?

Karma (good works)- the more good work associated with your dharma

Jyana (knowledge)- study of text and meditation

Bhakti (devotion)- praying and worship to God

How is salvation achieved in each way off the round of rebirth?

Karma is salvation by works

Jyana is salvation by thought

Bhakti is salvation by grace

What texts are more authoritative or canonical in Hinduism?

Shruti are canonical writing, while Smritis are popular writings

What is the meaning of “Shruti”?

“heard” or “revealed”

What is the meaning of “Smriti”?

“remebered”

How consistently are scriptures used in Hinduism?

majority don’t use scripture personally; nobody is commanded to read scripture expect for Brahmin priests

What are the four stages of life and social interaction known as Ashrams”?

Student, Householders, Seeker (hermit), Ascetic (holy man)

What is the common Hindu term for worship?

Puja

What are common acts of Hindu puja?

prasad, offerings, ritual washing, circumambulating a shrine, chanting

*there is NO sabbath or group worship

Do most Hindus believe that their statues are an actual god?

No, the statues are reminders and representations

What is the HIndu position on sacred clothing?

Sacred clothing is more likely to draw you away from god. Hindus have the janeu and the naked body as sacred clothing.