World Religions and Historical Development

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the evolution of religious beliefs, major Christian historical milestones, and modern faiths based on lecture notes.

Hunter / Gatherer

An economic stage that began approximately $200,000$ years ago.

Agriculture

An economic transition that occurred approximately $10,000$ years ago.

Urban Economy

An economic stage that is between $5,000$ and $6,000$ years old.

Industrial Revolution

A period beginning $250$ years ago characterized by empire building, colonialism, and trade which spread urban religions.

Sumer

An early civilization associated with the practice of polytheism.

San Bushman (Khoi San)

A group associated with animism and ancestor worship.

Voodoo

An example of a combo religion where African spirituality is disguised as Christianity.

Council of Ephesus ($431$)

An early Christian council involved in the initial splits of the religion.

Council of Chalcedon ($451$)

An early Christian council that contributed to the lineage splits within the faith.

Great Schism

An $11^{th}$ Century event that caused a major split within Christianity.

Reformation

A $16^{th}$ Century movement that led to the development of Protestantism.

Scientific Revolution

A period from the $1500$-$1800$'s during which some people began to step away from religion.

Late Industrial Era

A period during which the status of women typically improves.

Wicca

A modern religious movement categorized as "New Age" or new pagan.

Unitarians

A religious group noted for having looser, less dogmatic rules and rituals.

Scientology

A modern religion that may incorporate scientific elements into its belief system.

Baha’i

A Persian religion founded in the $19^{th}$ century that currently has $6$ million followers worldwide.

Baha’u’llah

The figure in the Baha’i faith who taught the unity of God, religion, and mankind.

Baha’i Messengers

Figures sent to help humans understand God, including Abraham, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus, Krishna, and Muhammad.

Global / Information Age

A modern era characterized by easy access to information on exotic religions and cross-cultural spirituality.