Allah: literally “the god” Arabic name for the deity used by Muslims

Agnostic-“one who does not know”; usually taken by persons who claim not to know for certain

the nature or reality of God.

Ahura Mazda-The one true God recognized by Zoroastrians. His symbol is the sacred fire.

Baptism-Christian initiatory ritual.

Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah-Jewish rituals in which young men and young women respectively,

are officially recognized as adult members of the community.

Caliph-Successors of Muhammad in leading Islam.

Chanukah (Hanukkah)-Jewish festival that celebrates the rededicating of the Temple by Judas

Maccabaeus in 165 BCE.

Consubstantiation-Presence of the body and blood of Jesus in the bread and wine of

communion.

Diaspora-Scattering of the Israelites from their homeland, which began with the Assyrian

destruction of Israel in 721 BCE.

Docetism-Belief held by some Gnostics that Jesus only appeared to be human while he was

actually pure spirit.

Eschatology-Doctrines concerning the end of the world.

Eucharist-Christian memorial meal of bread and wine that celebrates the sacrifice of Jesus,

literally means “thanksgiving”.

Ghetto-Section of certain European cities where Jews were forced to live.

Gnostic-Family of early Christian heresies that were purported to contain the secrets of the

universe and were thus considered superior to orthodox Christianity.

Hajj-Pilgrimage each Muslim is supposed to make once in a lifetime to the shrines in and around

Mecca.

Jihad-Arabic word meaning “struggle in the cause of God”, examples range from mission work

to armed conflict.

Kosher-means “fit” or “proper”, that which is ritually clear or acceptable in Judaism; usually

applied to food or food preparation.

Monotheism-The belief in a single Supreme God.

Mosque-Muslim house of prayer.

Prophet-one who speaks the words of the gods.