World Religions: Christianity, Buddhism, and the Nature of Religion

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational concepts, figures, branches, and definitions of Christianity, Buddhism, and the general study of religion.

Christianity

A religious tradition centered on Jesus Christ, especially his life, death, and Resurrection, as essential to humanity's salvation.

The Four Gospels

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These New Testament books recount Jesus' ministry, teachings, miracles, Passion, death, and Resurrection.

Pontius Pilate

The Roman governor of Judea who examined Jesus in the Passion narratives and authorized his crucifixion.

Crucifixion

The punishment imposed on Jesus under the authority of Pontius Pilate.

Virgin Birth of Jesus

Christian belief that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Ten Commandments

Biblical laws traditionally given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai; they guide worship of God and ethical conduct toward others.

The Seven Sacraments

Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Protestantism

A broad family of Christian traditions that emerged from the sixteenth-century Reformation.

Anglicanism

A Christian tradition that developed from the English Reformation and retains the historic ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons.

Ecumenism

Movement that promotes cooperation, mutual understanding, and unity among Christian denominations while respecting their differences.

Roman Catholicism

A worldwide communion of particular churches united under the Bishop of Rome, whose Petrine ministry is exercised in communion with the bishops.

Final Judgment

The universal judgment at the end of time, when Christ judges humanity and brings human history to its definitive fulfillment.

Resurrection

The raising of the dead by God's power; Christ's victory over death is central to Christian hope.

Siddhartha Gautama

The founder of Buddhism, recognized as the Buddha after attaining enlightenment.

The Four Noble Truths

Teachings explaining suffering, its cause, the possibility of its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.

First Noble Truth

Life involves suffering (dukkha).

Third Noble Truth

Suffering can cease by eliminating craving and attachment.

Noble Eightfold Path

Right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Karma

The moral significance of intentional actions—thoughts, words, and deeds—and their consequences.

Tripitaka

A sacred collection of Buddhist scriptures containing teachings, monastic rules, and philosophical discussions.

Theravada

A branch of Buddhism often translated as the "Teaching of the Elders," associated with early Buddhist teachings.

Vajrayana

The "Diamond Vehicle," associated with esoteric practices such as mantras, mandalas, visualization, and initiation.

Nontheistic classification

Buddhism's central teachings do not depend on belief in a supreme creator God; they emphasize ethical conduct, meditation, wisdom, and liberation from suffering.

Buddha

An enlightened teacher, not a creator God.

Craving and aversion

A key cause of suffering in Buddhist teaching.

Buddhist scriptures and Sanskrit traditions

Buddhist sacred texts and teachings connect with terms such as Tripitaka and Sutras; they are not to be confused with the Vedas and Upanishads.

Religion

An organized system of beliefs, practices, and moral principles through which people express their relationship with the sacred or divine.

Religio and religare

Latin terms associated with religion, linked with reverence for the sacred and being bound to faith.

Religion as a social entity

Religion as a collective institution where people share beliefs, participate in rituals, and influence community life and social behavior.

Religion as a system of beliefs

Shared beliefs and moral guidelines that shape how people understand the world and conduct themselves.

Sacred and holy

Beings, objects, places, or experiences regarded as possessing special spiritual significance and deserving reverence.

Supernatural powers

Powers or forces understood as existing beyond the natural world and potentially influencing human life.

Religious symbols

Symbols that communicate or represent spiritual and physical realities.

Faith-based belief

Acceptance of a belief through spiritual trust and conviction rather than empirical proof alone.

Religious rituals

Specific actions performed by individuals or groups to express beliefs and connection to supernatural powers.

System of rituals

Organized ceremonies, symbolic actions, and religious practices through which faith is expressed.