Parable: A short story with a moral.
Incarnation: Becoming flesh taking human form.
Crucifixion: Ancient execution method; Jesus was nailed to a cross.
Baptism: Ritual of becoming a member of the Church.
Good Friday: Day Jesus was crucified.
Easter Sunday: Jesus rose from the dead, 3 days after crucifixion.
Ascension: 40 days after resurrection, Jesus went to heaven.
Trinity: Belief in One God in three persons—Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
Jesus' Crucifixion: He died accused of blasphemy; the temple veil tore after His death—seen as a sign of new access to God.
Jesus' Resurrection: Rising from the dead on Easter. Signifies victory over sin and death.
Significance of Resurrection: Proof of eternal life, forgiveness, and hope for Christians.
Significance of Crucifixion: Jesus took the punishment for sins; shows God’s love and Jesus’ obedience.
Shahada: Declaration of faith.
Salah: Prayer five times a day.
Zakah/Zakat: Giving 2.5% of earnings to charity.
Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan.
Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca.
Angels: Record good and bad deeds.
Prophets: Messengers of God—e.g., Muhammad, Ibrahim.
Tawhid: Belief in one God.
Fate: God knows your destiny, but you still have free will.
Day of Judgement: Good people go to Heaven, bad people to Hell.
Holy Books: Includes the Torah, Gospel, Qur’an.
Eid ul-Fitr: Celebrates end of Ramadan; includes giving of Zakat.
Eid ul-Adha: Commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son; animals are sacrificed to remember the story.
Brahman: Supreme spiritual power in all living things.
Brahma: The Creator.
Vishnu: The Preserver.
Shiva: The Destroyer.
Puja: Daily worship at home.
Bell: Signals beginning of worship (sound).
Dish: Used to receive blessings (touch).
Food Offerings: Symbol of love (taste).
Holy Water: Cleansing and purification (touch).
Incense: Purifies the air (smell).
Arti Lamp: Fire helps connect with God (sight).
Based on holy books.
Expression of love for God.
Done in temples and homes, especially on Sundays or special occasions.
Diwali: Festival of lights; celebrates return of Rama and Sita.
Holi: Spring festival of colors; honors Krishna.
Kara: Steel bracelet symbolizing God’s eternity.
Kesh: Uncut hair, as a gift from God.
Kanga: Wooden comb for cleanliness.
Kirpan: Small sword for self-defense.
Kachera: Cotton underclothes for freedom in battle.
Mool Mantra: Statement of Sikh beliefs—God is eternal, fearless, not born or dying, loves all.
Vaisakhi: Harvest and religious festival celebrating the birth of the Khalsa; includes parades and Amrit ceremonies.
Humanism is a non-religious belief system that focuses on using reason, science, and empathy to live a good and meaningful life. Humanists believe we can be moral and happy without believing in God or an afterlife.
Humanists believe there is no afterlife—we only live once. They think people should be remembered for the good they did and the impact they had on others.
Instead of religious baptisms, humanists have naming ceremonies to welcome a child. Parents and guide parents make promises to support and care for the child.
In a humanist wedding, the couple writes their own vows and chooses symbols that are personal to them. The ceremony focuses on their love and commitment, without any religious content.