Nature of Religion topic test UNFINISHED DON'T USE

Worldview

A system of answers and assumptions shared by a group that explains reality, humanity, and the purpose of life.

Religious worldview

A worldview that includes belief in a supernatural dimension and a divine power or powers beyond the human and natural world.

Supernatural dimension

A reality that exists beyond the observable natural world and human experience, often associated with divine beings or powers.

Transcendent religious worldview

A belief in a divine being or powers that exist beyond the universe and are not subject to the laws of nature, yet sustain and govern it (e.g. Christianity, Islam, Judaism).

Immanent religious worldview

A belief that divine powers or spirits dwell within the individual and within nature, such as mountains, streams, forests (e.g. Hinduism, many forms of Buddhism).

Pantheism

The belief that the universe itself is God; all matter and energy, including humanity, are divine, and there is no divine reality outside the universe.

Polytheism

Belief in many gods or goddesses, where adherents may honour one deity while acknowledging others (e.g. ancient Greek religion, aspects of Hinduism).

Montheism

Belief in one God who created and sustains the universe, and with whom humans are meant to have a relationship (e.g. Christianity, Islam, Judaism).

Theism

Belief in a personal God or gods involved in the world and human life.

Deism

Belief in a creator God who made the universe but does not intervene in it after creation.

Atheism

The position that God or gods do not exist.

Agnosticism

The view that the existence of God or gods is unknown or ultimately unknowable.

Humanism

A worldview that centres on human values, reason and ethics without necessary reference to God or the supernatural.

Beliefs

Key tenets, doctrines and values that underpin religious practice and express a tradition’s understanding of ultimate reality.

Believers

Adherents who accept and live according to the beliefs and practices of a religious tradition; may be devout or more nominal.

Sacred texts and writings

Authoritative writings that contain core beliefs, stories and teachings, often preserved with special reverence in worship spaces.

Rituals and ceremonies

Prescribed words, actions and symbolic performances that express beliefs and connect adherents with the sacred dimension; can be public or private.

Ethics

Systems of moral principles and guidelines that answer “what it means to be fully human” and guide decision‑making and behaviour; often based in sacred texts.

Variants

Different schools of thought or divisions within a religious tradition that share core beliefs (paradigm) but differ on other doctrines or practices.

Paradigm

The core belief or set of beliefs that are essential for belonging to a particular religious tradition.

Devout

Believers who are strongly committed to the beliefs and practices of their religion.

Dynamic religion

A religion characterised by energy, change and adaptation, constantly refreshing itself through the interaction of beliefs, texts, ethics and rituals.

Living religion

A religion that is “full of life”, practical and immersed in everyday human existence, shaping individuals, society and culture.

Search for meaning

The human quest to understand existence, purpose, suffering and death; religions respond with beliefs and narratives.