World Religion

Flash Cards

Religion

Religion begins with a mystery and provides a way of living and dying meaningfully by answering questions about the nature of the world and ultimate reality.

Human Condition

Questions about our essential nature, morality, and the existence of a soul are central to understanding the human condition.

Spiritual Perfection

Many religions offer aspirations or goals such as salvation, enlightenment, or transcendence, which can be achieved through spiritual perfection.

Ethics

Teaching what is right or wrong forms a significant part of most religious traditions.

Cosmology

Understanding the nature of the universe and the reality of the world we live in is important in religious beliefs.

Ultimate Reality

Most religions teach that the supreme/ultimate reality is revealed to humans through sacred stories/myths or religious experiences.

Monotheism

Belief in one God, such as in Judaism and Christianity.

Polytheism

Belief in many gods/goddesses, as in Hinduism.

Pantheism

Belief that everything/everyone is one, as in Buddhism.

Aboriginal People

Indigenous peoples in Canada have diverse environments and spiritual beliefs deeply connected to the physical environment.

Indigenous Beliefs

Indigenous people believe in the interconnectedness of all living things and the existence of spirits and powers in nature.

Shaman

A spiritual healer and teacher in indigenous cultures who uses their powers for the benefit of the community.

Medicine Wheel

A sacred symbol representing the continuous cycles of life and the connection among all species in indigenous cultures.

Circles and Drums

Circles and drums are sacred objects used in ceremonies and represent the renewal of all creation in indigenous cultures.

Judaism in Canada

Judaism is one of the largest religions in Canada, with a significant population in Toronto and Montreal.

Jewish Beliefs

Jews believe in one God, prophets, the Torah, kosher dietary rules, and the observance of holy days.

Synagogue

A place of worship and teaching for Jews, where the Torah is read and kept in an ark.

Kashrut and Kosher

Jewish dietary laws that determine what foods are fit to eat and how they must be prepared.

Torah

The first five books of the Bible, containing religious, moral, and social laws that guide the life of a Jew.

Talmud

A sacred Jewish text containing civil and religious laws, ethical teachings, and interpretations of the Torah.

Kippah

A skull cap worn by Jewish men in the synagogue as a sign of recognition that God is above and watches over them.

Yad

A ritual pointer used by the reader during the Torah reading from the parchment Torah scrolls.

Hanukkah Menorah

A nine-branched candelabra lit during the holiday of Hanukkah, symbolizing the miracle of the oil in the Jewish temple.

Muslim

One who submits to the will of God.

Islam

Arabic word meaning peace.

Muhammed

Descendant of Ishmael, born in 570 CE, founder of Islam.

Five Pillars of Islam

Shadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj.

Shadah

Declaration of faith/creed in Islam.

Salat

Mandatory prayer five times a day in Islam.

Zakat

Charity, giving 2.5% of assets to the poor in Islam.

Sawm

Mandatory fasting during the month of Ramadan in Islam.

Hajj

Mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca in Islam.

Festivals

The Ramadan Fast and Eid al-Fitr.

The Ramadan Fast

Month-long fast in Islam to draw closer to God.

Eid al-Fitr

Festival celebrating the end of Ramadan in Islam.

Hijab

Arabic word for cover, worn by women to cover most or all of their hair.

Niqab

Veil for the face, leaving the area around the eyes clear.

Burqa

Most concealing garment, covering the entire face and body with a mesh screen to see through.

Hinduism

Tradition with many variations, one of the oldest religions.

Brahman

Impersonal ultimate reality in Hinduism.

Atman

True essence of life, the soul, trapped in matter in Hinduism.

Maya

Illusion that keeps humans from perceiving the divine oneness in Hinduism.

Karma

Spiritual impurity due to actions in Hinduism.

Moksha

Ultimate goal of life, release of the soul and reunion with the divine in Hinduism.

Buddhism

12th largest religion in Canada, founded by Siddhartha Gautama.

Siddhartha Gautama

Founder of Buddhism, sought a new way of practicing religion.

Nirvana

Awakening to the truth about life, achieving complete peace in Buddhism.

Four Noble Truths

Teachings of the Buddha about suffering and its elimination.

Eight-Fold Path

Path to achieving Nirvana in Buddhism.