Religion and Non-Religion – Key Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering major terms, concepts and movements discussed in the lecture on Religion and Non-Religion.

Worldview

A set of fundamental beliefs that shapes how a person perceives, thinks, knows and acts in life.

Religious Worldview

A philosophy centred on the supernatural dimension and shaped by belief in divine beings or forces.

Supernatural Dimension

The realm of existence believed to be beyond human understanding, inhabited by divine or spiritual beings.

Transcendent

Describing a deity that exists beyond and independent of the material universe.

Immanent

Describing a deity or spiritual force present and active within the material world.

Animism

The belief that all living things—and sometimes inanimate objects—possess a soul or spirit.

Polytheism

Belief in and worship of multiple gods or deities, each with distinct roles and personalities.

Monotheism

Belief in a single, all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present God.

Pantheon

The collective group of gods revered in a polytheistic tradition (e.g., the Greek pantheon).

Mt Olympus

Mythical home of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses.

Omnipresent

Attribute of being present everywhere at the same time.

Omnipotent

Attribute of being all-powerful and able to do anything.

Omniscient

Attribute of being all-knowing, aware of everything past, present and future.

Original Sin

Christian teaching that humanity inherits a fallen nature due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience.

Meaning and Purpose

The personal sense of direction and significance that religion can provide to adherents.

Social Cohesion

The bonding of individuals into a unified community through shared beliefs and practices.

Social Separation

The division of groups caused by differing or conflicting religious beliefs.

Social Transformation

Religion-inspired efforts to reform or change societal structures for perceived betterment.

Doctrine

Authoritative teaching or set of beliefs upheld by a religious tradition.

Sacred Scripture

Holy writings regarded as authoritative and inspired within a faith tradition.

Rites of Passage

Ceremonies marking transitions between key stages of an adherent’s life.

Festival

A special religious celebration or holy day observed by a faith community.

Customs

Daily behavioral regulations in a religion, such as dietary laws or dress codes.

Halal

Islamic term for food and practices permissible under Sharia law.

Kosher

Jewish term for food prepared in accordance with biblical dietary laws.

Hijab

Head covering worn by many Muslim women as an expression of faith and modesty.

Turban

Headwear commonly worn by Sikh men symbolising faith and equality.

New Religious Expression

Any modern spiritual movement or adaptation that diverges from traditional faith structures.

New Age

Umbrella term for alternative spiritualities emphasizing personal growth, inner peace and holistic practices.

Materialism

Worldview prioritising wealth and possessions, often critiqued for neglecting spiritual values.

Scientific Progress

Advances in knowledge and technology that can challenge or reshape religious perspectives.

Ecological Awareness

Heightened concern for environmental stewardship often influencing new spiritual movements.

Disenchantment

Loss of trust or satisfaction with traditional religions, prompting search for alternatives.

Agnosticism

Position that the existence of God is unknown or unknowable; open to evidence either way.

Atheism

Rejection of belief in any god or supernatural being.

Humanism

Philosophy emphasising human value, reason and ethics without reliance on the divine.

Rational Humanism

Branch of humanism asserting that reason should guide decisions for humanity’s welfare.

Scientific Humanism

Form of humanism that trusts science and empirical method to solve human problems.

Personal Fulfillment

The individual quest for happiness, self-realisation and purpose.

Moral Relativism

Idea that no single universal set of morals exists; ethics depend on personal or cultural context.

Kami

Spirits or deities in Shinto believed to inhabit natural phenomena and objects.

Aboriginal Spirituality

Indigenous Australian belief system centred on land, ancestors and the Dreaming.

Shinto

Japanese religion focused on kami, rituals and reverence for nature.

Faith

Trust or confidence in a set of religious beliefs or a divine being.

Caliph

Successor to the Prophet Muhammad as leader in early Islamic history.

Stewardship

Religious responsibility to care for and protect the environment and creation.

Individualism

Emphasis on personal autonomy and self-reliance, often contrasted with institutional authority.

Tarot

Card system used in some New Age practices for divination and self-reflection.

Numerology

Belief that numbers have mystical significance influencing human life events.