Exam #2 Study Guide Perspectives

Salah

Salah

Fundamental practice in Islam involving physical and verbal acts performed facing the Kaaba in Mecca to connect with Allah.

Zina

Unlawful sexual relations in Islam, considered a major sin and prohibited in Islamic teachings.

Hadith

Sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad, important source of guidance for Muslims in understanding Islam.

Khadija

First wife of Prophet Muhammad, prominent female figure in Islam, successful businesswoman, and inspiration for Muslim women.

Shari’a

Islamic legal framework derived from the Quran and Hadith, governing personal conduct, family matters, commerce, and governance.

Zakah

Obligatory almsgiving or charity in Islam, one of the Five Pillars, involving giving a portion of wealth to help those in need.

Muhammad

Central figure in Islam, final prophet and messenger of God, ideal example of conduct for Muslims.

Shi’i

Branch of Islam believing in the leadership of Imam Ali and his descendants, distinct practices from Sunni Muslims.

Chakras

Energy centers within the subtle body according to Hindu and Buddhist traditions, corresponding to different aspects of well-being.

Parvati

A goddess in Hinduism symbolizing the divine feminine, considered the consort of Lord Shiva, and revered for fertility, love, devotion, and power.

Luther

Refers to Martin Luther, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation for critiquing Catholic Church practices and establishing Protestantism.

John the Baptist

A significant figure in Christianity, known as a prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River.

Calvin

Refers to John Calvin, a French theologian influential in the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God.

Sruti

Refers to the sacred texts of Hinduism believed to be divinely revealed, including the Vedas, transmitting eternal truths and spiritual knowledge.

Yoga

A spiritual discipline from ancient India aiming at union with the divine, involving practices like physical postures, breath control, meditation, and ethical principles.

Protestant

A major branch of Christianity stemming from the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing scripture authority, salvation by faith alone, and the priesthood of all believers.

Kamasutra

An ancient Indian text on human sexual behavior attributed to Vatsyayana, providing guidance on relationships, intimacy, and eroticism.

Varnashrama Dharma

Hindu social and religious order based on the division of society into four varnas (castes) and four ashramas (stages of life).

Dharma

The duty, righteousness, and moral law in Hinduism.

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of birth and death and union with the divine in Hinduism.

Saktas

Devotees of the goddess Devi, representing the divine feminine energy in Hinduism.

Vaishnavites

Devotees of the god Vishnu, associated with preservation and protection in Hinduism.

Sruti texts

Older, "heard" scriptures considered more authoritative in Hinduism.

Laws of Manu

Ancient Hindu legal text providing guidelines on social, moral, and legal conduct.

New Testament

The second part of the Christian Bible, comprising various texts including the Gospels and letters.

Divorce in Jesus's Time

In the cultural context of Jesus's time, divorce often left women vulnerable and marginalized due to their lack of legal and economic rights.

Paul's View on Marriage

Paul advocated for marriage as a means to avoid sexual immorality, while also recognizing the benefits of celibacy for spiritual focus and service to God.

Apocryphal Texts

Non-canonical texts like "Paul and Thecla" and "The Protevangelium of James" emphasize spiritual purity, virginity, and the miraculous conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Augustine's Views on Sexuality

Augustine believed in the inherent sinfulness of sex due to original sin, while also acknowledging its procreative function and the importance of marital fidelity.

Celibacy in Early Catholic Church

Before the 13th century, celibacy was promoted among clergy and monastic communities by the Catholic Church for spiritual purity and devotion to God.

Current Catholic Church Teachings on Sexuality

The Catholic Church teaches that sex is intended for procreation within marriage and prohibits contraception, though many Catholics do not strictly adhere to these teachings.