World Religions: Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Science, and Creation

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fundamental terms, doctrines, figures, and practices across Islam, Judaism, and Christianity as presented in the lecture notes.

Shahada

The first pillar of Islam; the declaration of faith that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.

Salat

The second pillar of Islam; the practice of ritual prayer performed five times a day.

Zakat

The third pillar of Islam; the practice of giving money to help the poor and people in need.

Sawm

The fourth pillar of Islam; the obligation of fasting during the month of Ramadan.

Hajj

The fifth pillar of Islam; the pilgrimage to Mecca that must be completed at least once in a lifetime by those physically and financially able.

Sunni Muslims

The branch of Islam that believes Muhammad did not name a specific successor, allowing the Muslim community to choose its leader.

Shiite Muslims

The branch of Islam that believes Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, and his descendants were the rightful leaders of the Muslim community.

Quran

The central holy book of Islam, which Muslims believe is the literal word of God revealed directly to Muhammad.

Shariah

Islamic religious and moral guidance derived from the Quran, the example of Muhammad, and legal interpretations that guides prayer, family life, business, and personal conduct.

Greater Jihad

The personal, internal struggle to overcome selfishness, do what is right, and become a better Muslim.

Lesser Jihad

The outward struggle to defend the Muslim community, which can encompass armed conflict under specific rules and limitations.

Abrahamic Religions

The monotheistic religious traditions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—that trace their lineage or spiritual tradition back to Abraham.

Muhammad's Three Roles

The threefold responsibilities fulfilled by Muhammad as a religious leader teaching revelations, a political leader governing Medina, and a military leader directing defensive campaigns.

Yahweh

The sacred divine name for God in the Hebrew Scriptures, connected to the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3 meaning 'I AM WHO I AM.'

Adonai and HaShem

Reverent titles meaning 'Lord' and 'the Name' that are spoken aloud in Jewish tradition as substitutes for the divine name Yahweh.

Babylonian Exile

The historical event around 586 BCE in which the Babylonians conquered Judah, destroyed the First Temple, and forced many Jewish people into displacement.

Temple (in Jerusalem)

The ancient, central sanctuary of Jewish worship and sacrificial offerings, the second of which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.

Synagogue

A Jewish local place of communal worship, prayer, and Torah study that became essential after the destruction of the Temple.

Rabbinic Judaism

The form of Judaism developed after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, centering religious life on prayer, Torah study, synagogue life, and rabbis rather than animal sacrifices.

Shabbat

The Jewish Sabbath, lasting from Friday evening to Saturday evening as a holy time of rest, family, and prayer.

Kashrut

The traditional Jewish dietary laws that specify permissible foods and prohibit the consumption of pork, shellfish, and the mixing of meat and dairy.

Kosher

Food that satisfies the requirements and preparation standards mandated by Jewish dietary laws (kashrut).

Reform Judaism

A branch of Judaism emphasizing personal choice in observing the Sabbath and traditional dietary laws.

Conservative Judaism

A branch of Judaism that generally adheres to traditional Sabbath and dietary laws while allowing changes through rabbinic interpretation.

Orthodox Judaism

A branch of Judaism that strictly observes traditional Sabbath laws—including prohibitions on labor and technology—and comprehensive kosher rules.

Catholic Position on Evolution

The theological stance articulated by Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis that faith and science do not conflict, accepting biological evolution while affirming God as creator of the human soul.

Christian Fundamentalism on Creation

The view that the Book of Genesis is a literal, scientific account detailing God creating the entire universe in six ordinary days.

First Creation Narrative (Genesis 1:1–2:4a)

The biblical creation account spanning seven days that presents God methodically creating an orderly world, declaring it good, making humans in God's image, and resting on the seventh day.

Second Creation Narrative (Genesis 2:4b–25)

The biblical creation story centered on human relationships, describing God forming Adam from the dust, establishing the Garden of Eden, and fashioning Eve as his companion.

Passover (Pesach)

The Jewish holiday commemorating God delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under Moses, observed with a Seder meal and unleavened bread.

Matzah

Unleavened bread eaten during Passover to recall the rapid Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

Shoah

Also known as the Holocaust; the systematic state-sponsored persecution and genocide of approximately six million Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II.