World Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering the core tenets, historical figures, social structures, and key terminology of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

In the Hindu caste system, which group represents the highest social order and what were their primary responsibilities?

Brahmins; they were considered the most intelligent and most pure, were mostly priests, and were responsible for the transmission of knowledge from the Vedas.

What role and responsibilities did the Kshatriyas hold in the Hindu caste system?

They were the rulers and military class, responsible for protecting and ruling.

Who were the Vaishyas in the Hindu caste system?

The providers, farmers, merchants, and landowners.

How does the lecture note define the Shudras in the Hindu caste system?

The servant classes, workers, artisans, serfs (a worker tied to a piece of land), and those who provide personal services.

Who were the Untouchables (Dalits), and what tasks did they perform?

They were outcasts or Dalits ("the oppressed") who dealt with impurities, including dealing with the dead, sewer cleaning, sweeping, and leather work.

How are the Hindu goals of Dharma and Artha defined?

Dharma is the aspiration for virtue (duties and rituals to be followed in one’s caste), while Artha is the aspiration for material, worldly prosperity.

What do the Hindu goals of Kama and Moksha represent?

Kama is the aspiration for pleasure (emotional fulfillment to avoid strain and maintain sanity), and Moksha is the aspiration for liberation from the endless cycle of reincarnation that traps the spirit.

In Hinduism, how are the concepts of Karma and Samsara explained?

Karma means people reap what they sow and every action counts in determining rebirth; Samsara is the cycle of rebirth/reincarnation caused by ignorance of the true nature of reality.

What are the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism?

First: Life is filled with suffering. Second: The cause of all suffering is people’s selfish desire for temporary pleasure. Third: The way to end all suffering is ending all desire. Fourth: The way to overcome desire is to follow the Eightfold Path (the Middle Way).

What are the Preliminary Step, Step 1, and Step 2 of the Buddhist Eightfold Path?

Preliminary Step is Right Association (staying close to things/people that help you find the right way); Step 1 is Right Views (having the right guidelines and mindset); Step 2 is Right Intent (having intention and working toward enlightenment).

How are Steps 3, 4, and 5 (Right Speech, Right Conduct, and Right Livelihood) defined in the Eightfold Path?

Right Speech leads toward veracity (truth) and charity; Right Conduct involves not killing, stealing, lying, or taking intoxicants; Right Livelihood involves having jobs that help others and better the world.

What do Steps 6, 7, and 8 of the Eightfold Path require?

Step 6 (Right Effort) requires patient work and taking vows; Step 7 (Right Mindfulness) requires monitoring how you feel and think; Step 8 (Right Concentration) requires cleaning the mind and meditating.

Who were Abraham and Moses in Judaism?

Abraham was a shepherd with whom Judaism began; Moses helped lead the Jews out of Egypt during the Exodus and received the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai.

What was the Exodus, and how were the Ten Commandments structured?

The Exodus was when the Jews escaped slavery in Egypt to become free. In the Ten Commandments, the first five dealt with obligations to the creator, and the last five dealt with relationships between people.

What are Mitzvots, and what was the Great Revolt?

Mitzvots are 613 religious commandments. The Great Revolt (First Jewish–Roman War) was a massive armed rebellion by the Jewish population of Judea against the Roman Empire from 66 to 73 CE.

What facts are noted regarding the early life and ministry of Jesus?

He was born Jewish in Bethlehem around 6–4 BCE, raised in Nazareth, became a carpenter, was baptized by John the Baptist, and became a speaker and preacher who performed miracles.

What occurred during and after Jesus's death according to the lecture notes?

He was arrested and crucified by authorities; his body disappeared three days after entering a tomb, and followers became convinced he was the Messiah after seeing appearances of him.

What are the Gospels, and who was instrumental in spreading Christianity across the Roman Empire?

The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament. The Apostle Paul spread Christianity by traveling and writing to both Jews and non-Jews.

What significant changes in the Roman Empire occurred regarding Christianity in 313 CE and 380 CE?

In 313 CE, Emperor Constantine declared Christians should no longer be persecuted or targeted; in 380 CE, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the empire's official religion.

What are the key details of the Prophet Muhammad's early life and revelation?

Born in 570 CE and orphaned by age 6, he learned values from the Bedouin. While meditating in a cave outside Mecca, an angel spoke to him; believing it was Allah, he became the last of God's prophets.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

1. Faith ("There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."), 2. Prayer (5 times daily toward Mecca), 3. Alms (giving money to the poor as a religious tax), 4. Fasting (Ramadan from dawn to sunset), 5. Pilgrimage (the hajj to Mecca once in a lifetime).