World Religions Exam

Unit 1: Aboriginal Spirituality

Definitions

• Elder – A respected leader and teacher in Indigenous communities who preserves and passes on spiritual knowledge and traditions.

• Symbol of Strength – Often represented through animals like the eagle or bear, symbolizing courage, resilience, and spiritual power.

• Vision Quest – A rite of passage involving solitude and fasting, where an individual seeks spiritual guidance or a guardian spirit.

• Sun Dance – A ceremonial dance practiced by Plains Indigenous peoples involving dancing, singing, and personal sacrifice to seek visions and healing.

• Potlatch/Giveaway – A ceremonial feast where wealth and gifts are redistributed to affirm social status and spiritual generosity.

Short Answer

1. What is the purpose of a vision quest?

   • To gain guidance, spiritual insight, or connect with a guardian spirit through solitude and fasting.

2. What does the Sun Dance represent?

   • It symbolizes renewal, sacrifice, community connection, and spiritual rebirth.

3. What is a Potlatch and what does it show about Indigenous values?

   • A gift-giving ceremony that reflects generosity, social balance, and community responsibility.

Unit 2: Hinduism

Definitions

• Shiva – The destroyer and transformer god in the Hindu trinity.

• Ahimsa – Non-violence toward all living beings.

• Caste System – A social structure dividing Hindus into rigid hierarchical groups based on karma and dharma.

• Brahman – The ultimate, unchanging reality and world soul in Hinduism.

• Mantra – A sacred utterance or sound repeated during meditation or prayer.

• Om – A sacred syllable symbolizing the essence of the universe.

• Swastika – Ancient symbol representing well-being and good fortune.

• Holi Festival – A spring festival of colors celebrating love, the triumph of good over evil, and Krishna.

Short Answer

1. Know 2 Hindu deities well:

   • Shiva: God of destruction and transformation, worshipped through meditation and yoga.

   • Lakshmi: Goddess of wealth and prosperity, worshipped especially during Diwali.

2. Beliefs: What are samsara, maya, moksha, and karma?

   • Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

   • Maya: Illusion or the false appearance of the material world.

   • Moksha: Liberation from samsara and union with Brahman.

   • Karma: Actions that determine future rebirths.

3. Know aspects of Gandhi’s life:

   • Gandhi was a Hindu who practiced ahimsa and led India to independence through non-violent resistance.

Unit 3: Buddhism

Definitions

• Middle Way – A path of moderation between self-indulgence and self-denial.

• Nirvana – Liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

• Life of Siddhartha – Born a prince, became an ascetic, achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became the Buddha.

• Ascetic Monk – A person who renounces worldly pleasures to seek spiritual insight.

• Mandala – A spiritual and ritual symbol representing the universe.

• Ultimate Goal – Achieving enlightenment and Nirvana through ethical living and meditation.

• Noble Eightfold Path – A guide to end suffering leading to enlightenment.

Short Answer

1. Name the 5 Precepts and what one hopes to achieve:

   • Do not kill, do not steal, do not lie, avoid sexual misconduct, avoid intoxicants. These promote moral living and spiritual growth.

2. What is Buddhist meditation and its purpose?

   • A practice of mindfulness and concentration to attain wisdom and inner peace.

3. What does the Buddha statue represent?

   • Peace, wisdom, and the enlightened state of the Buddha.

Unit 4: Judaism

Definitions

• Kosher Laws – Dietary laws from Leviticus and Deuteronomy; no pork, no shellfish, no mixing meat and dairy.

• Torah – The sacred text of Judaism containing laws and teachings.

• Dreidel – A spinning top played with during Hanukkah, symbolizing a miracle.

• Western/Wailing Wall – A sacred site in Jerusalem; the remaining wall of the Second Temple.

Short Answer

1. Joseph's Story:

   • Joseph was sold by his brothers, rose to power in Egypt, and forgave his family, showing God's plan and forgiveness.

2. Who is the "Father of Judaism"?

   • Abraham.

3. What is Challah bread and when is it eaten?

   • A braided egg bread eaten on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

4. Who is the Messiah for Jews?

   • Jews believe the Messiah has not yet come.

Unit 5: Islam

Definitions

• Minaret – A tower from which the call to prayer is announced.

• Muslim Prayer – Performed five times daily facing Mecca.

• Kaaba – A cube-shaped shrine in Mecca; Muslims pray toward it and circle it during Hajj.

Short Answer

1. Name and explain each of the 5 Pillars:

   • Shahadah: Declaration of faith.

   • Salat: Prayer five times daily.

   • Zakat: Charity to the poor (2.5% of income).

   • Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan.

   • Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca.

2. What is Hajj?

   • A pilgrimage to Mecca, required once in a Muslim's life; includes circling the Kaaba and other rituals.

3. What is Ramadan?

   • The holy month of fasting from dawn to dusk, commemorating the Qur’an’s revelation.

4. Discuss the role of women in Islam:

   • Women's roles vary; Islam teaches modesty and spiritual equality. Hijab is often worn as a sign of faith and identity.

Final Concepts

Origin Locations of Major Religions:

• Aboriginal Spirituality – Canada/Australia

• Hinduism – India

• Buddhism – India/Nepal

• Judaism – Israel/Canaan

• Islam – Saudi Arabia (Mecca)

Religious Symbols (S.A.)

• Om (Hinduism) – Symbol of cosmic sound and the universe.

• Star of David (Judaism) – Symbol of Jewish identity and divine protection.

• Crescent Moon & Star (Islam) – Often represents Islam and guidance.

• Lotus Flower (Buddhism) – Represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.

Religious Rankings Worldwide:

1. Christianity

2. Islam

3. Hinduism

4. Buddhism

5. Judaism

Religions Worshipping the God of the Bible:

• Judaism, Christianity, Islam

B.C.E. Meaning:

• Before Common Era (equivalent to B.C.)

Catholic vs Christian:

• All Catholics are Christians, but not all Christians are Catholic. Catholicism is a branch of Christianity.

Key Figures’ Lives (S.A.)

• Siddhartha Gautama: Lived in luxury, saw suffering, became an ascetic, reached enlightenment.

• Gandhi: Practiced nonviolence, led India’s independence, followed Hindu principles.

• Muhammad: Received revelations from Allah, founded Islam, migrated to Medina.

Films Watched:

• Stolen Summer – (Judaism/Christianity) A story about friendship and faith.

• Little Buddha – (Buddhism) Story of Siddhartha’s life and reincarnation.

• Dreamkeeper – (Aboriginal Spirituality) Indigenous myths and stories told through a grandfather and grandson.