World Religions Final Exam Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary from the World Religions course, including definitions and explanations of important terms related to Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Interfaith dialogue

Positive cooperation between people from different religions without judgement.

Religious pluralism

The belief that the common good is best served when each community has a chance to make its unique contribution.

Religious totalitarianism

The belief that only one interpretation of one religion is the legitimate way of being, often leading to condemnation, conversion, or violence against others.

Tanakh

The Hebrew Bible and main text of Judaism, consisting of the Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim.

Torah

The holiest writings of Judaism, consisting of the 5 Books of Moses that contain God’s expectations for Israel.

Talmud

Literature that contains detailed explanations and interpretations of the Torah.

Mishnah

The oral Torah that explains and interprets laws in the written Torah; written down by Judah the Prince.

Rosh Hashanah

The celebration of the Jewish New Year, marking the creation of the world.

Yom Kippur

The holiest day of the Jewish year, known as the Day of Atonement.

Passover

A holiday commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt.

Hajj

The pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Qur'an

Islam’s holy book, containing the sacred word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Shahadah

The profession of faith, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Karma

The principle that one’s actions, thoughts, and words create consequences; good deeds lead to positive results and bad deeds lead to negative ones.

Dharma

The eternal order that governs one's life and responsibilities.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal of Buddhism, a state free from suffering, desire, and the cycle of death and rebirth.

Five Precepts

A commitment in Buddhism to being a better person through following ethical guidelines.