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666 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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(Intro) Absolutist
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Believing one's received traditions as completely and exclusively true
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(Intro) Agnosticism
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Belief that if there is anything beyond this life it is impossible for humans to know
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(Intro) Allegory
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Narrative using symbols to convey abstract ideas
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(Intro) Atheism
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Belief that there is no deity
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(Intro) Awakening
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Full awareness of invisible reality
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(Intro) Charisma
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Magnetic attraction (Often used to describe spiritual leaders)
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(Intro) Comparative Religion
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Discipline that attempts to compare & understand patterns found in different religious traditions.
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(Intro) Creationism
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Belief that all life was created by God
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(Intro) Dogma
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Doctrines proclaimed as absolutely true by religious institutions
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(Intro) Enlightenment
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Wisdom that is thought to come from direct experience of Ultimate Reality
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(Intro) Exclusivism
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Belief that ones own tradition is the only true religion and that others are invalid
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(Intro) Fundamentalism
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Insistence on what is perceived as the historical form of ones religion
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(Intro) Gnosis
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Intuitive knowledge of spiritual realities
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(Intro) Heretic
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One whose assertions about religion are considered false by his/her institution
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(Intro) Immanent
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Present in the visible world
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(Intro) Incarnation
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Physical embodiment of the divine
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(Intro) Intelligent Design
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Theory that scientific discoveries prove the exsistence of an all emcompassing Designer... since they reveal complexities that seem to be beyond chance of evolutionary process
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(Intro) Liberal
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Flexible... nondogmatic approach
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(Intro) Metaphysics
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Philosophy based on theories of subtle realities that transcend the physical world
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(Intro) Monotheism
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Belief that there is only one deity
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(Intro) Mysticism
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Intuitive perception of spiritual truths beyond the limits of reason
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(Intro) Myth
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Symbolic story expressing ideas about reality or spiritual theory
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(Intro) Orthodox
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Strictly standing by received traditions
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(Intro) Phenomenology
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Study of religious practices to comprehend their meaning for their practitioners
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(Intro) Polytheism
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Belief that there are many deities
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(Intro) Profane
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Worldy... secular as opposed to sacred
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(Intro) Realization
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Personal awareness of the exsistence of Unseen Reality.
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(Intro) Redaction
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Editing & organization of religion's scriptures
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(Intro) Religion
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A particular response to dimensions of life considered as sacred... as shaped by institutions and traditions
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(Intro) Ritual
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Repeated... patterned religious act
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(Intro) Sacred
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The realm of the extraordinary... beyond everyday perceptions... the supernatural... holy
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(Intro) Scientific Materialism
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Belief that only the material world exists and that the supernatural is only imagine by humans
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(Intro) Symbol
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Visible representation of an invisible reality or concept
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(Intro) Theism
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Belief in a deity/deities
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(Intro) Transcendent
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Spiritual reality that exists apart from the material universe
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(Intro) Universalism
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Acceptance that truth may be found in all religions
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(Intro) Anthropomorphism
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The expression of the divine in human form—king... child... goddess; a mythic image of a mysterious power that helps people relate to abstract Being through earthly images.
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(Intro) Archetypal image
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Carl Jung’s theory of a symbolic element of the collective unconscious—such as the hero... shadow evil... lover... or god—discovered in dreams and myths... whose stories shape the psyche and religions.
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(Intro) Being... ground of Being
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The absolute... the depth... the foundation of existence glimpsed in experience... paradox... and images... not just in cognition; symbolized in many ways—gods... nature... stars... compassion.
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(Intro) Hermeneutics
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The study of methodologies of interpretation; originally of religious scriptures now of any principle of interpretation... such as literalism.
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(Intro) History of religion
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The study of the historical dimension of religion—texts and timelines... for example—sometimes reducing it to sociocultural events.
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(Intro) Mandala
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A visual design... usually circular... symbolizing the divine
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(Intro) Numinous
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From the Latin numen... the spiritual experience of awesome mystery
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(Intro) Phenomenology
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The study of religious manifestations of Being that explore the general themes of spirituality... such as myth... ritual... initiation... compassion
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(Intro) Postmodernism
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A wide-ranging critical approach to modern belief in the metaphysics of objective truth... technological progress... religious traditions... science... patriarchy; deconstructing cultural metanarratives as social constructs... not rooted in absolute truth.
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(Intro) Projection
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Theoretical concept of psychology; the externalization of unconscious material into the world... as in falling in love at first sight... or hating someone or something not really known. God in religious critique.
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(Intro) Psychology of religion
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The study of the role of psychology in religion... sometimes reducing it to a byproduct of psychology.
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(Intro) Reduction
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A method of explaining one domain as a product of a lower domain... such as saying that Gods are projections of the psyche... as Sigmund Freud did. Basic to science... also applied to culture.
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(Intro) Ritual
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Symbolic actions... individual or group... crude or refined... such as a fight... a funeral... wedding... meditation... or worship.
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(Intro) Sacred
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Opposite of profane... the realm of ultimate reality... appearance of the infinite... Being.
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(Intro) Sociology of religion
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The study of the role of religion in society... sometimes reducing it to a byproduct of society.
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(Intro) Transcendent
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Rising above common thought; exalted... mystical... ultimate.
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(Indigenous) KEY TOPICS
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Key Topics: Indigenous Sacred Ways... Cultural Diversity... Circle of Right Relationships... Spiritual Specialists... Group Observations... Contemporary Issues
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(Indigenous) Cosmogony
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A model of the origins of the universe
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(Indigenous) Dream Time
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Timeless time of Creation... according to Australian aboriginal belief
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(Indigenous) Indigenous
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Native to an area
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(Indigenous) Lifeway
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An entire approach to living in which sacred and secular are NOT separate
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(Indigenous) Medicine Person
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Indigenous healer
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(Indigenous) Orisa
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Yoruba term for a deity
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(Indigenous) Shaman
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A man or woman who has undergone spiritual ordeals and can communicate with the spirit world to help people
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(Indigenous) Vision Quest
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A solitary ordeal undertaken to seek spiritual guidance about ones mission in life
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(Indigenous) Indigenous
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First nations native to a region.
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(Indigenous) Medicine
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Since indigenous cultures participate fully in the environment... healing partakes of several factors: physiological... astronomical... behavioral... and spiritual. Good medicine may include herbal mixtures... songs to ancestors or divinities... art... good social co-operation... family counseling... or sacrificial offerings.
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(Indigenous) Oral tradition
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Storytelling and singing are the vehicles for teaching and passing on sacred knowledge among indigenous peoples with no books.
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(Indigenous) Shaman
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an indigenous people’s medicine healer and leader of sacred ways; an inspired... ecstatic... and charismatic man or woman with the power to control spirits... often by incarnating them or making out-of-body journeys.
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(Indigenous) Corroboree
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An Australian Aborigine dance festival held at special ceremonial grounds to celebrate events such as the gathering of clans... a battle victory... marriages... and initiations.
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(Indigenous) Divination
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An indigenous ritual for uncovering the spiritual cause of a problem and how to solve it... by indicators such as dreams... ordeals... reading bones... or animal behavior.
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(Indigenous) Kwanzaa
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An African-American and PanAfrican holiday for family... community... and culture. Celebrated from December 26 through January 1... its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase matunda ya kwanza... which means “first fruits” in Swahili... the most widely spoken African language. Kwanzaa was created by an African-American to introduce and reinforce the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles). Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday... not a religious one... thus available to and practiced by Africans of all religious faiths.
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(Indigenous) Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles)
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Umoja(unity)... Kujichagulia (self-determination)... Ujima(collective work and responsibility)... Ujamaa(co-operative economics)... Nia (purpose)... Kuumba (creativity)... and Imani (faith).
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(Indigenous) Sacred pipe ceremony
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As a ceremonial... long... wood-stemmed pipe with a bowl made of pipestone... common in North American Plains tribes... is filled with sacred tobacco... all the world... including the ceremony’s participants... identify with it as their own center and the center of the universe. Its smoke is an offering to the powers of the universe.
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(Indigenous) Sun dance
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A Lakota (Sioux) summer fullmoon ceremony where men pierce their chest or back skin and dance around a central sacred tree or drag buffalo skulls until the skin rips... as an offering to the great sacred power... Wakan Tanka.
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(Indigenous) Sweat lodge
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A purification ceremony in a domed lodge of skins; a group of participants sit inside... while a central hole is filled with hot rocks and water is poured over them... making steam; prayers are offered to the powers of the universe present in the earth... stone... water... and all beings.
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(Hinduism) Hinduism Key Topics
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Key Topics: Philosophical and Metaphysical Origins... Major Philosophical Systems... Religious Foundations & Theistic Paths... Hindu Way of Life... Modern Hinduism
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(Hinduism) Ashram
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Ascetic spiritual community of followers gathered around their guru
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(Hinduism) Atman
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The individual soul
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(Hinduism) Avatar
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An incarnation of a diety
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(Hinduism) Bhakti
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Intense devotion to a personal manifestation of Supreme Reality
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(Hinduism) Brahman
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Supreme Reality --The impersonal ultimate principle; also... one of the priestly... aristocratic caste.
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(Hinduism) Brahmin
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Priest or member of the priestly caste
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(Hinduism) Caste
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Occupational category -- A social organization by hierarchy of occupations... sanctified by Hinduism.
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(Hinduism) Chakra
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Subtle energy center in the body
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(Hinduism) Darshan
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Visual contact with the divine
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(Hinduism) Deva
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Deity
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(Hinduism) Dharma
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Moral order... rightousness... religion -- the universal cosmic law... duty; in Buddhism... cosmic law... the teachings of the Buddha... and the realization and practice of truth (the second of the Three Jewels: Buddha... dharma... sangha).
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(Hinduism) Guru
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Spiritual teacher
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(Hinduism) Kali Yuga
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Present degraded era
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(Hinduism) Karma
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Our actions and their efforts on this life and lives to come -- he cosmic moral law of consequences for ethical actions and their effects on social and personal well-being or suffering that are seen as rewards and punishments for prior incarnations; the goal of religion is liberation from karmic cycles.
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(Hinduism) Moksha
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Liberation
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(Hinduism) Prana
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Invisible life force
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(Hinduism) Puja
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Ritual worship
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(Hinduism) Reincarnation
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After death... rebirth in a new life
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(Hinduism) Rishi
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A Sage
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(Hinduism) Shaivite
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Worshiper of Shiva
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(Hinduism) Shakta
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Worshiper of the divine in female form
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(Hinduism) Samsara
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Worldy circle of birth... death and rebirth
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(Hinduism) Sannyasin
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Renunciate spiritual seeker
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(Hinduism) Sanskrit
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Ancient language of the Vedas
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(Hinduism) Secularism
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Constitutional principle of not giving favored status to any religion
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(Hinduism) Sutra
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Terse spiritual teaching
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(Hinduism) Tantra
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Sacred esoteric text with spiritual practices honoring the divine female form
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(Hinduism) Vaishnavite
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Worshiper of Vishnu or one of his manifestations (such as Krishna)
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(Hinduism) Yoga
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Practices for union with the true Self -- (yoking [to divinity]) Techniques for transforming consciousness and attaining liberation; there are many forms... such as guru yoga... devotion... work... study... asceticism... physical exercises... mantra repetition... visualization... meditation.
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(Hinduism) Atman
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In Hinduism... the soul.
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(Hinduism) Bhakti
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devotion to a god/goddess or guru... with love and adoration.
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(Hinduism) Kali Yuga
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The contemporary era... a dark age... one of many cycles (yugas) of a vast cosmic time.
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(Hinduism) Om
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In Hinduism... the primordial sound vibration.
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(Hinduism) Pandit
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One of the hereditary priestly caste learned in ancient texts... customs... and rituals
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(Hinduism) Puranas
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Mythological texts of ancient days; popular devotional texts
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(Hinduism) Rishi
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A poetic sage; rishis are visionary authors of Vedic hymns heard within in meditation
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(Hinduism) Smrti texts
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Great epic poems... descriptions of gods and goddesses... codes of moral conduct... such as the Mahabharata.
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(Hinduism) Sruti texts
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“Heard” by ancient sages in meditation... mostly the Vedas
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(Hinduism) Upanishads
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Philosophical reflections on ultimate reality... a oneness in which we all participate
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(Hinduism) Vedas
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Foundational scriptures for Hindu tradition... written down c. 1500 bce; oldest are the Rig Vedas
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(Jainism) KEY TOPICS
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Key Topics: Tirthankaras & Ascetic Orders... Freeing the Soul of Ethical Pillars... Spiritual Practices... World Jainism... Ahimsa... Anekantwad
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(Jainism) Ahimsa
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Nonvoilence (A central Jain Principle)
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(Jainism) Anekantwad
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Jain principle of mainfold aspects of the truth
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(Jainism) Aparigraha
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Nonacquisitiveness (A major Jain principle)
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(Jainism) Digambara
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Highly ascetic order of Jain monks who wear no clothes
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(Jainism) Jiva
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The soul
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(Jainism) Svetambara
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Jain order of monks who are less ascetic than Digambara -- A Jain sect that wears white clothing
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(Jainism) Tirthankaras
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The great enlightened teachers in Jainism - Mahariva was the last I nthe present cosmic cycle -- (bridgebuilder) The 24 great enlightened Jain teachers
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(Jainism) Ahimsa
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Principle of non-violence... based on reverence for all l
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(Jainism) Anekantavada
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The principle of manifold aspects... or the relativity of knowledge
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(Jainism) Canon
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The official list of books with authority in a religion... either because they are believed to be inspired or revealed... or have been so designated.
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(Jainism) Five Jain Vows
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Non-violence... truthfulness... non-stealing... continence... and nonpossessiveness
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(Jainism) Jiva Soul
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every soul is potentially divine... and greatly influenced by karma
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(Jainism) Karma
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In Jainism... the cosmic moral law of consequences for ethical actions and their effects from prior incarnations; it appears as subtle particles that accumulate on the soul as a result of one’s thoughts and actions... and is to be avoided by ascetic self-restraint.
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(Jainism) Manifold aspects
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The multiplicity and relativity of all points of view... visible to perfected souls... promoting tolerance and non-violence.
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(Jainism) Renunciation
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Reducing desires and minimizing consumption to free the soul from karmic entanglements and lessen earthly pollution
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(Jainism) Stoicism
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Impassive indifference to pleasure or pain (Greek word).
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(Jainism) Syadvada
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The relativity of truth to different points of view
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(Buddhism) KEY TOPICS
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Key Topics: Life & Legend of Buddha... Dharma... Branches of Buddhism... Buddhism in the West... Scoially Engaged Buddhism... Anatman
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(Buddhism) Anatman
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There is no eternal self
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(Buddhism) Anitya
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Impermanence
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(Buddhism) Arhant
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Worthy One who has followed the Buddha's path to liberation
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(Buddhism) Bhikshu
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Monk or nun who renounces wordliness for the sake of following the path of liberation and whose simple physcial needs are met by lay supporters
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(Buddhism) Bodhisattva
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Person dedicated to liberating others from suffering
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(Buddhism) Deity Yoga
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Vajrayana meditation on a deity in order to develop his/her qualities
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(Buddhism) Dharma
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Teachings and laws for conduct - given by the Buddha -- In Buddhism... cosmic law... the teachings of the Buddha... and the realization and practice of truth (the second of the Three Jewels: Buddha... dharma... sangha); in Hinduism... the universal cosmic law... duty.
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(Buddhism) Dukkha
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Discomfort... suffering... frustration... disharmony
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(Buddhism) Karma
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Actions - The law of cause and effect -- In Buddhism... the cosmic moral law of consequences for ethical actions and their effects from prior incarnations; karma can be altered by good or bad intentions... is not fatalistic... and can be changed at any time by meditative insight.
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(Buddhism) Kensho
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Sudden experience of enlightened awareness
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(Buddhism) Koan
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Question used by Zen teachers to boggle the students mind and liberate direct awareness
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(Buddhism) Lama
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High Vajrayana teacher
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(Buddhism) Mahayana
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Great Vehicle - the Buddhist school that stresses the altruistic wish to become perdectly awakened in order to free all living beings from suffering -- The form of Buddhism from northern Asia that teaches the effort to liberate other beings; it emphasizes the Buddha-nature in all things and the importance of direct experience.
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(Buddhism) Nirvana
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Liberation from mental afflictions... suffering and rebirth -- A heavenly realm discovered after death and... in Mahayana teaching... a state of awakening during life: the discovery of the path beyond ego’s desires and passions... the realization of the union of opposites... the transcendence of mind’s limits. It is peace and tranquillity on earth... coming from beyond the duality of ordinary life.
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(Buddhism) Pali Canon
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Ancient Buddhist scriptures written in Pali and considered authoritative
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(Buddhism) Sangha
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Monastic community... more broadly... a Dharma community
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(Buddhism) Stupa
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Monument containing Buddhist relics or images
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(Buddhism) Sunyata
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Doctrine of voidness... emptiness -- The lack of a permanent... selfexisting soul in the skandhas and all reality.
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(Buddhism) Theravada
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The remaining orthodox school of Buddhism... which adheres to the earliest scriptures -- Form of Buddhism from southern Asia which adheres to early scriptures and monastic renunciation; its texts are the Pali Canon.
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(Buddhism) Vajrayana
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Branch of Mahayana Buddhism... practiced in Tibetan diaspora that incorporates deity yoga... mantras... mudras (hand gestures)... and mandalas to achieve awakening -- Form of Buddhism which teaches that emptiness is complemented by compassion and action. The Dalai Lama is its leader in the Tibetan tradition.
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(Buddhism) Vipassana
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Insight - a meditation technique for developing in sigh to dukkha... anicca and anatta -- The central focus of meditation in Theravada practice... which stresses mindfulness and tranquillity... leading to liberation.
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(Buddhism) Zazan
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Sitting meditation (in Zen schools)
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(Buddhism) Zen
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Chinese and Japanese school emphasizing that all things have Buddha-nature... which can only be grasped when one escapes from the intellectual mind
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(Buddhism) Bhikkhu
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A Theravadin monk
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(Buddhism) Bhikkhuni
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A Theravadin nun.
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(Buddhism) Bodhisattva
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In Theravada... an historical Buddha before Buddhahood was attained; in Mahayana... a compassionate being who vows to become a Buddha for all sentient beings.
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(Buddhism) Buddha
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In Theravada... the historical persons who awaken to truth... such as Gautama; in Mahayana... an enlightened person and a universal principle of all beings.
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(Buddhism) Canon
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The official list of books with authority in a religion... either because they are believed to be inspired or revealed... or have been so designated.
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(Buddhism) Pinyin
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New romanized transcription of Chinese adopted in 1979... replacing 1859 Wade-Giles system
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(Buddhism) Sutta (Theravada) & Sutra (Mahayana)
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Sacred Buddhist texts
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(Buddhism) Tatha¯gata
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“Thus-come...” “Thus-arrived.” Reincarnated Buddha.
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(Daoism & Confucianism) KEY TOPICS
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Key Topics: Ancient Daoism & Confucianism Traditions... Daoism - Way of Nature and Immortality... Confucianism - Practice of Virtue... Dao (Tao)... Li... Neo-Confucianism
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Dao (Tao)
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Way or path (The Nameless)
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Li
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Ceremonies... rituals and rules of proper conduct... in the Confucian tradition
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Neo-Confucianism
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Stressing the importance of meditation and dedication to becoming a sage... established during the Chinese Song dynasty
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Qi (Ch'i)
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Vital energy in the universe and in our bodies (according to Chinese cosmology and the Chinese sciences)
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Ren
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Humanity... benevolence - the central Confucian Virtue
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Wu Wei
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"In Daoism ""Not doing""... meaning taking no action contrary to the natural flow"
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Yang
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"Bright... Asserive ""Male"" energy in the universe"
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Yin
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"Dark... Receptive ""Female"" energy in the universe"
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Amita-fo
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The major Chinese Buddha of Infinite Light and Pure Land paradise this side of nirvana. Associated with Guanyin.
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Analects of Confucius
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The most revered Confucian scripture... a collection of the sayings of Confucius... probably compiled by the second generation of his disciples.
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Chan
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Branch of Chinese Buddhism that emphasizes meditative direct experience of the Buddha... awakening to nirvana... not just from books or conventional ritual. In Japan it became Zen.
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Dao
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(the Way) A term used by all Chinese schools of thought. The Daoist path of selfdirecting righteousness and harmony... the ineffable... ultimate... universal reality... hidden behind existence.
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Dao de jing
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(The Classic of the Way of Power) The primary text of Daoism... in condensed paradoxical poetry.
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Dharmakaya
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The formless... all present... indescribable... infinite essence of all things.
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Emptiness
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The imperceptible... undifferentiated void giving birth to all existence... not-being... nothingness. Central in both Daoism and Buddhism.
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Immortals
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Eight Daoist legendary perfected persons
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Li
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The largely Confucian guides to ritual... propriety... etiquette... and social norms
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Mandate of Heaven
|
Confucian sense of transcendent rightness of the state... closer to religion than most Confucian ideas; may or may not be present in a ruler or state
|
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Pinyin
|
New Romanized transcription of Chinese adopted in 1979... replacing 1859 Wade-Giles system
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(Intro) Absolutist
|
Believing one's received traditions as completely and exclusively true
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Pu
|
Uncarved block... uncut tree... a Daoist and Chan image of ultimate reality
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(Intro) Agnosticism
|
Belief that if there is anything beyond this life it is impossible for humans to know
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|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Qi
|
Vital energy in the universe and in our bodies; union of yin and yang. A theme of folk religions and Daoism... and synthesized with other traditions
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(Intro) Allegory
|
Narrative using symbols to convey abstract ideas
|
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Ren
|
Benevolence... human-heartedness... humanistic love toward others; the highest Confucian virtue
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(Intro) Atheism
|
Belief that there is no deity
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Sage
|
An educated... sensible... wise man
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(Intro) Awakening
|
Full awareness of invisible reality
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Tai Ji
|
(Great Ultimate Reality) Creates yin and yang... drawn in a circl
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(Intro) Charisma
|
Magnetic attraction (Often used to describe spiritual leaders)
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(Daoism & Confucianism) Taijiquan
|
(Power of the Great Ultimate) Stylized... graceful physical exercises practiced daily to enter into harmony with the universe... the Dao.
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|
(Judaism) KEY TOPICS
|
Key Topics: History of Jewish People... Torah... Sacred Practices... Holy Days... Contemporary Judaism... Anti-Semitism
|
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|
(Intro) Comparative Religion
|
Discipline that attempts to compare & understand patterns found in different religious traditions.
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|
(Judaism) Anti-Semitism
|
Expressions of prejudice against Jews in general
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|
(Intro) Creationism
|
Belief that all life was created by God
|
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|
(Judaism) Apocalypse
|
The dramatic end of the present age (In Judaism and Christianity)
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(Intro) Dogma
|
Doctrines proclaimed as absolutely true by religious institutions
|
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(Judaism) Ashkenazim
|
Ethic grouping of the Jews that migrated first to Itlay... spread throughout central and eastern Europe and thence on to the Americas
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(Intro) Enlightenment
|
Wisdom that is thought to come from direct experience of Ultimate Reality
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(Judaism) Ghetto
|
Urban area occupied by those rejected by a society... such as quarters for Jews in some European cities
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(Intro) Exclusivism
|
Belief that ones own tradition is the only true religion and that others are invalid
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(Judaism) Haggadah
|
Nonlegal part of the Talmud and Midrash -- The order of service for the Jewish Passover Seder.
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(Intro) Fundamentalism
|
Insistence on what is perceived as the historical form of ones religion
|
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(Judaism) Halakhah
|
Jewish legal decision and the parts of the Talmud dealing with laws
|
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(Intro) Gnosis
|
Intuitive knowledge of spiritual realities
|
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(Intro) Heretic
|
One whose assertions about religion are considered false by his/her institution
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(Judaism) Hasidism
|
Ecstatic Jewish piety... dating from 18th century Poland
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(Intro) Immanent
|
Present in the visible world
|
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(Judaism) Kabbalah
|
Jewish mystical tradition
|
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(Intro) Incarnation
|
Physical embodiment of the divine
|
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|
(Judaism) Kosher
|
Ritually acceptable - applied to foods in Jewish Orthodoxy
|
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|
(Judaism) Messiah
|
"The ""anoited"" the expected king and deliverer of the Jews - a term later applied by the Christians to Jesus"
|
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|
(Intro) Intelligent Design
|
Theory that scientific discoveries prove the exsistence of an all emcompassing Designer... since they reveal complexities that seem to be beyond chance of evolutionary process
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|
(Intro) Liberal
|
Flexible... nondogmatic approach
|
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|
(Judaism) Midrash
|
Literature of delving into the Jewish Torah
|
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|
(Intro) Metaphysics
|
Philosophy based on theories of subtle realities that transcend the physical world
|
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(Judaism) Minyan
|
Quorum of 10 male adults required for Jewish communal worship
|
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(Intro) Monotheism
|
Belief that there is only one deity
|
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(Judaism) Mitzvah
|
Divine commandment or sacred deed in fulfillment of a commandement
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(Intro) Mysticism
|
Intuitive perception of spiritual truths beyond the limits of reason
|
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(Intro) Myth
|
Symbolic story expressing ideas about reality or spiritual theory
|
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|
(Judaism) Orthodox Judaism
|
Observing the traditional rabbinial halakhah - the strictest form of Judaism
|
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|
(Judaism) Pentatruch
|
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible... also called “Torah”: Genesis... Exodus... Leviticus... Numbers... and Deuteronomy.
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(Intro) Orthodox
|
Strictly standing by received traditions
|
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|
(Judaism) Rabbi
|
Teacher... ordained spiritual leader
|
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|
(Intro) Phenomenology
|
Study of religious practices to comprehend their meaning for their practitioners
|
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|
(Judaism) Reform/Liberal Judaism
|
Movement that began as a way of modernizing the religion and making it more accessible and open-ended -- Progressive Jewish movement from the nineteenth century in Europe and the United States; accepts moral laws... rejects ritual laws inconsistent with modernity.
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(Intro) Polytheism
|
Belief that there are many deities
|
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|
(Judaism) Sabbath
|
Day of the week set aside for rest and worship (sunset Friday night to sunset Saturday night)
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(Intro) Profane
|
Worldy... secular as opposed to sacred
|
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|
(Judaism) Sephardim
|
Ethic groupong of Jews who migrated first to Spain then to North Africe then to Americans and back to West Asia
|
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|
(Intro) Realization
|
Personal awareness of the exsistence of Unseen Reality.
|
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|
(Judaism) Shekkinah
|
Gods presence in the world... in Judaism
|
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|
(Intro) Redaction
|
Editing & organization of religion's scriptures
|
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|
(Judaism) Synagogue
|
Meeting place for Jewish study and worship
|
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|
(Intro) Religion
|
A particular response to dimensions of life considered as sacred... as shaped by institutions and traditions
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(Judaism) Talmud
|
Jewsish law and lore -- Body of commentary and discussion of interpretations of tradition.
|
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|
(Intro) Ritual
|
Repeated... patterned religious act
|
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|
(Judaism) Tanakh
|
The complete Jewish scriptures: Torah... Prophets... and Writings.
|
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|
(Judaism) Zionism
|
Movement dedicated to the establishment of the politically viable... internationally recgonized Jewish state in the biblical land of Israel
|
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|
(Intro) Sacred
|
The realm of the extraordinary... beyond everyday perceptions... the supernatural... holy
|
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|
(Judaism) Bar Mitzvah
|
(son of the Commandment) An initiation for Jewish boys about 13 who have studied Judaism and ritually become responsible adults.
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|
(Intro) Scientific Materialism
|
Belief that only the material world exists and that the supernatural is only imagine by humans
|
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|
(Judaism) Bat Mitzvah
|
(daughter of the Commandment) An initiation for Jewish girls about 13 who have studied Judaism and ritually become responsible adults.
|
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(Intro) Symbol
|
Visible representation of an invisible reality or concept
|
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|
(Judaism) Canon
|
The official list of books with authority in a religion... believed to be either inspired or revealed
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(Intro) Theism
|
Belief in a deity/deities
|
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|
(Intro) Transcendent
|
Spiritual reality that exists apart from the material universe
|
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|
(Judaism) Conservative
|
A moderate branch of modern Judaism... between Orthodox and Reform traditions
|
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|
(Intro) Universalism
|
Acceptance that truth may be found in all religions
|
|
|
(Judaism) Covenant
|
A sacred contract between God and Israel... stipulating obligations such as circumcision and obedience to Torah and God’s promise of a great nation in Israel
|
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|
(Intro) Anthropomorphism
|
The expression of the divine in human form—king... child... goddess; a mythic image of a mysterious power that helps people relate to abstract Being through earthly images.
|
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|
(Judaism) Deuteronomic
|
One of four strands of the Pentateuch... primarily Deuteronomy
|
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|
(Intro) Archetypal image
|
Carl Jung’s theory of a symbolic element of the collective unconscious—such as the hero... shadow evil... lover... or god—discovered in dreams and myths... whose stories shape the psyche and religions.
|
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|
(Judaism) Diaspora
|
(dispersion... exile) Jewish communities outside the land of Israel
|
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|
(Intro) Being... ground of Being
|
The absolute... the depth... the foundation of existence glimpsed in experience... paradox... and images... not just in cognition; symbolized in many ways—gods... nature... stars... compassion.
|
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|
(Judaism) Elohist
|
One of four strands of the Pentateuch... using “Elohim” to name God
|
|
|
(Intro) Hermeneutics
|
The study of methodologies of interpretation; originally of religious scriptures now of any principle of interpretation... such as literalism.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Holocaust
|
The destruction of many Jews in Germany... Poland... and other European countries by the Nazis before and during World War II
|
|
|
(Intro) History of religion
|
The study of the historical dimension of religion—texts and timelines... for example—sometimes reducing it to sociocultural events.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Midrash
|
Interpretations of scriptures... the basis of much of the Talmud
|
|
|
(Intro) Mandala
|
A visual design... usually circular... symbolizing the divine
|
|
|
(Judaism) Mishnah
|
A legal code based on the Torah... in oral traditions from around 200 ce
|
|
|
(Intro) Numinous
|
From the Latin numen... the spiritual experience of awesome mystery
|
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|
(Judaism) Mitzvot
|
Sacred obligations to God and humans
|
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|
(Intro) Phenomenology
|
The study of religious manifestations of Being that explore the general themes of spirituality... such as myth... ritual... initiation... compassion
|
|
|
(Judaism) Priestly
|
One of four strands of the Pentateuch... written late... with ritual concerns
|
|
|
(Intro) Postmodernism
|
A wide-ranging critical approach to modern belief in the metaphysics of objective truth... technological progress... religious traditions... science... patriarchy; deconstructing cultural metanarratives as social constructs... not rooted in absolute truth.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Prophets
|
Oracular seers in many religions... believed to channel divine messages; in Judaism... a group of such seers recorded in books such as Isaiah and Jeremiah who emphasized social injustices and promised the Messiah
|
|
|
(Intro) Projection
|
Theoretical concept of psychology; the externalization of unconscious material into the world... as in falling in love at first sight... or hating someone or something not really known. God in religious critique.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Reconstructionism
|
A radical branch of Judaism that rejects theism and its anthropomorphic language as metaphors and sees the Law as evolving flexibly with modern autonomy of the individual and science
|
|
|
(Intro) Psychology of religion
|
The study of the role of psychology in religion... sometimes reducing it to a byproduct of psychology.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Torah
|
(teaching) Variously used to mean the first five scrolls of the Hebrew Scriptures (Pentateuch)... all the Laws of Israel.
|
|
|
(Intro) Reduction
|
A method of explaining one domain as a product of a lower domain... such as saying that Gods are projections of the psyche... as Sigmund Freud did. Basic to science... also applied to culture.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Yahwist
|
One of four strands of the Pentateuch... using “YaHWeH” to name God
|
|
|
(Intro) Ritual
|
Symbolic actions... individual or group... crude or refined... such as a fight... a funeral... wedding... meditation... or worship.
|
|
|
(Christianity) KEY TOPICS
|
Key Topics: Historical Evidence... Evidence of the Bible ... Life and Teachings of Jesus... Early Church... Church Administration... Intellectual Revival and Monasticism... Medieval Mysticism... Protestant Reformation... Liberal Trends... Second Vatican... Orthodox World Today... Central Beliefs in Contemporary Christianity... Sacred Practices... Contemporary Trends... Ascension
|
|
|
(Intro) Sacred
|
Opposite of profane... the realm of ultimate reality... appearance of the infinite... Being.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Ascension
|
Ascent of Jesus to heaven 40 days after his resurrection
|
|
|
(Intro) Sociology of religion
|
The study of the role of religion in society... sometimes reducing it to a byproduct of society.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Baptism
|
Sacrament by which God cleanses all sin and makes one a sharer in the divine life and a member of Christs body... the Church
|
|
|
(Intro) Transcendent
|
Rising above common thought; exalted... mystical... ultimate.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Common Era
|
"Years after the traditional date used for the birth of Jesus... previously referred to in exclusively Christian terms as ""AD"" and no abbreviated to ""CE"" as opposed to ""BCE"""
|
|
|
(Indigenous) KEY TOPICS
|
Key Topics: Indigenous Sacred Ways... Cultural Diversity... Circle of Right Relationships... Spiritual Specialists... Group Observations... Contemporary Issues
|
|
|
(Christianity) Creed
|
Formal statement of the beliefs of a particular religion (Nicene Creed)
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Cosmogony
|
A model of the origins of the universe
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Dream Time
|
Timeless time of Creation... according to Australian aboriginal belief
|
|
|
(Christianity) Crucifixion
|
The executiong (in Roman times) of a criminal by fixing him to a cross (reference to Jesus - his death on a cross symbolic of his self sacrifice for the good of all humanity
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Indigenous
|
Native to an area
|
|
|
(Christianity) Denomination
|
subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name... tradition... and identity
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Lifeway
|
An entire approach to living in which sacred and secular are NOT separate
|
|
|
(Christianity) Dogma
|
established belief or doctrine held by a religion... or a particular group or organization
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Medicine Person
|
Indigenous healer
|
|
|
(Christianity) Ecumenism
|
movement promoting unity among Christian churches or denominations
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Orisa
|
Yoruba term for a deity
|
|
|
(Christianity) Eucharist
|
Sacrament by which believers are renewed in the mystical body of Christ by partaking of bread and wine (body and blood)
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Shaman
|
A man or woman who has undergone spiritual ordeals and can communicate with the spirit world to help people
|
|
|
(Christianity) Fundamentalism
|
Mostly Protestant movement insisting on biblical literalism and rejecting liberal theological trends
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Vision Quest
|
A solitary ordeal undertaken to seek spiritual guidance about ones mission in life
|
|
|
(Christianity) Gentile
|
Person who is not of Jewish origin
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Indigenous
|
First nations native to a region.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Gnosticism
|
Mystical perception of spiritual knowledge... applied to a 2nd century CE movement arising in Egypt
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Medicine
|
Since indigenous cultures participate fully in the environment... healing partakes of several factors: physiological... astronomical... behavioral... and spiritual. Good medicine may include herbal mixtures... songs to ancestors or divinities... art... good social co-operation... family counseling... or sacrificial offerings.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Gospel
|
"The ""good news"" that God has raised Jesus from the dead and in so doing has begun the transformation of the world (New Testamament - Matthew... Mark... Luke and John) chronicling the life and works of Jesus"
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Oral tradition
|
Storytelling and singing are the vehicles for teaching and passing on sacred knowledge among indigenous peoples with no books.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Holy Trinity
|
Christine doctrine that in One God there are 3 divine persons - The Father... The Son... The Holy Spirit
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Shaman
|
an indigenous people’s medicine healer and leader of sacred ways; an inspired... ecstatic... and charismatic man or woman with the power to control spirits... often by incarnating them or making out-of-body journeys.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Incarnation
|
Physical embodiment of the divine - with particulare refernce to Jesus' becoming man
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Corroboree
|
An Australian Aborigine dance festival held at special ceremonial grounds to celebrate events such as the gathering of clans... a battle victory... marriages... and initiations.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Inquisition
|
Use of force or terror to eliminate heresis and nonbelievers in the Christian Church - specific insitution of this name set up in Spain in 1478
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Divination
|
An indigenous ritual for uncovering the spiritual cause of a problem and how to solve it... by indicators such as dreams... ordeals... reading bones... or animal behavior.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Messiah
|
Annointed One Jesus Christ
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Kwanzaa
|
An African-American and PanAfrican holiday for family... community... and culture. Celebrated from December 26 through January 1... its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase matunda ya kwanza... which means “first fruits” in Swahili... the most widely spoken African language. Kwanzaa was created by an African-American to introduce and reinforce the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles). Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday... not a religious one... thus available to and practiced by Africans of all religious faiths.
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|
|
(Christianity) Original Sin
|
All human beings are bound together in prideful efocentricity. Decscribe mythically as an act of disobedience on the part of Adam and Eve
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles)
|
Umoja(unity)... Kujichagulia (self-determination)... Ujima(collective work and responsibility)... Ujamaa(co-operative economics)... Nia (purpose)... Kuumba (creativity)... and Imani (faith).
|
|
|
(Christianity) Parable
|
Allegorical story
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Sacred pipe ceremony
|
As a ceremonial... long... wood-stemmed pipe with a bowl made of pipestone... common in North American Plains tribes... is filled with sacred tobacco... all the world... including the ceremony’s participants... identify with it as their own center and the center of the universe. Its smoke is an offering to the powers of the universe.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Pentecost
|
Occasion when the Holy Spirir descended upon the disciples of Jesus after his death
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Sun dance
|
A Lakota (Sioux) summer fullmoon ceremony where men pierce their chest or back skin and dance around a central sacred tree or drag buffalo skulls until the skin rips... as an offering to the great sacred power... Wakan Tanka.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Pope
|
Bishop of Rome - Head of Roman Catholic Church
|
|
|
(Indigenous) Sweat lodge
|
A purification ceremony in a domed lodge of skins; a group of participants sit inside... while a central hole is filled with hot rocks and water is poured over them... making steam; prayers are offered to the powers of the universe present in the earth... stone... water... and all beings.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Resurrection
|
Rising of Christ in his earthly body on the first Easter Day... 3 days after his crucifixion and death
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Hinduism Key Topics
|
Key Topics: Philosophical and Metaphysical Origins... Major Philosophical Systems... Religious Foundations & Theistic Paths... Hindu Way of Life... Modern Hinduism
|
|
|
(Christianity) Sacrament
|
Outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Ashram
|
Ascetic spiritual community of followers gathered around their guru
|
|
|
(Christianity) Synod
|
Council of church officials called to reach agreement on doctrines and administration
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Atman
|
The individual soul
|
|
|
(Christianity) Synoptic
|
Three similar books of the Bible - Matthew... Mark and Luke
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Avatar
|
An incarnation of a diety
|
|
|
(Christianity) Apocrypha
|
(hidden things) Non-canonical books associated with the Bible
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Bhakti
|
Intense devotion to a personal manifestation of Supreme Reality
|
|
|
(Christianity) Canon
|
The official list of books with authority in a religion... either because they are believed to be inspired or revealed... or have been so designated
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Brahman
|
Supreme Reality --The impersonal ultimate principle; also... one of the priestly... aristocratic caste.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Disciples
|
The 12 companions of Christ... the first followers of his teachings
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Brahmin
|
Priest or member of the priestly caste
|
|
|
(Christianity) Eastern Orthodox
|
Branch of Christianity... once Church of the Byzantine Empire; broke with Roman Church in 1054; especially strong in Russia and Greece
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Caste
|
Occupational category -- A social organization by hierarchy of occupations... sanctified by Hinduism.
|
|
|
(Christianity) Grace
|
God’s freely given... unmerited love and forgiveness
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Chakra
|
Subtle energy center in the body
|
|
|
(Christianity) Heresy... heretic
|
Belief contrary to the orthodox doctrines of Christianity; a follower of such beliefs
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Darshan
|
Visual contact with the divine
|
|
|
(Christianity) Justification
|
God’s saving of humans from sin by grace through sacraments (Catholic) or faith (Protestant).
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Deva
|
Deity
|
|
|
(Christianity) Manichaeism
|
Third-century Iranian religion founded by Mani... with a dualistic faith opposing God and matter; apostles of light fight powers of darkness
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Dharma
|
Moral order... rightousness... religion -- the universal cosmic law... duty; in Buddhism... cosmic law... the teachings of the Buddha... and the realization and practice of truth (the second of the Three Jewels: Buddha... dharma... sangha).
|
|
|
(Christianity) Orthodox
|
The branch of a religious tradition that seeks to practice the original religion in its strictest form... in contrast with reform movements
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Guru
|
Spiritual teacher
|
|
|
(Christianity) Protestant
|
Branch of Christianity that began with Martin Luther in 1500s; stresses authority of Bible... priesthood of all believers... justification by faith; many denominations
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Kali Yuga
|
Present degraded era
|
|
|
(Christianity) Roman Catholic
|
Branch of Christianity centered in Rome... led by pope; priests officially male and celibate... Mary honored... opposed to abortion
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Karma
|
Our actions and their efforts on this life and lives to come -- he cosmic moral law of consequences for ethical actions and their effects on social and personal well-being or suffering that are seen as rewards and punishments for prior incarnations; the goal of religion is liberation from karmic cycles.
|
|
|
(Christianity) RSV
|
Revised Standard Version of the Bible: American English translation... using twentiethcentury language (1946/52); the New RSV is more gender-inclusive (1989/95).
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Moksha
|
Liberation
|
|
|
(Christianity) Savior
|
Christians focus on Jesus as the Messiah or Christos (Greek)... a human appearance of God who brings salvation; some hoped for political leadership... but Jesus stressed spirituality
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Prana
|
Invisible life force
|
|
|
(Christianity) Synoptic
|
The similar gospels of Matthew... Mark... and Luke... whose contents can be compared side-by-side in synopsis fashion
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Puja
|
Ritual worship
|
|
|
(Islam) KEY TOPICS
|
Key Topics: Pre-Islamic Arabia... Prophet Muhammad... The Qur'an... Central Teachings... Five Pillars... Sunni and Shi'a... Sufism... Spread of Islam... Relationships in the West... Muslim Resurgence
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Reincarnation
|
After death... rebirth in a new life
|
|
|
(Islam) Allah
|
The one God
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Rishi
|
A Sage
|
|
|
(Islam) Caliph
|
Successor to the Prophet (In Sunni Islam)
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Shaivite
|
Worshiper of Shiva
|
|
|
(Islam) Fatwa
|
Legal opinion issued by an authority to a school of law often erroneously defined as an edict againse someone or something
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Shakta
|
Worshiper of the divine in female form
|
|
|
(Islam) Hajj
|
Holy pilgrimage to Mecca for Muslims -- taken at least once in a lifetime if affordable.
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Samsara
|
Worldy circle of birth... death and rebirth
|
|
|
(Islam) Hadith
|
Traditional report about the sayings and actions of Muhammad
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Sannyasin
|
Renunciate spiritual seeker
|
|
|
(Islam) Hijab
|
Veiling of women for the sake of modesty
|
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|
(Hinduism) Sanskrit
|
Ancient language of the Vedas
|
|
|
(Islam) Hijrah
|
Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Secularism
|
Constitutional principle of not giving favored status to any religion
|
|
|
(Islam) Imam
|
Title for the person carrying the initiatic tradition of the Phophetic Light (in Shi'ite Islam)
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Sutra
|
Terse spiritual teaching
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Tantra
|
Sacred esoteric text with spiritual practices honoring the divine female form
|
|
|
(Islam) Islam
|
Complete... truting surrender to God
|
|
|
(Islam) Islamist
|
Person seeking to establish Islamic states in which the rule of God is supreme
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Vaishnavite
|
Worshiper of Vishnu or one of his manifestations (such as Krishna)
|
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|
(Islam) Jihad
|
Muslims struggle against the inner forces that prevent God realization and the outer barries to establishment of the order
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Yoga
|
Practices for union with the true Self -- (yoking [to divinity]) Techniques for transforming consciousness and attaining liberation; there are many forms... such as guru yoga... devotion... work... study... asceticism... physical exercises... mantra repetition... visualization... meditation.
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|
(Islam) Madrasa
|
Traditional religious school teaching a narrow cersion of Islam
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Atman
|
In Hinduism... the soul.
|
|
|
(Islam) Muezzin
|
In Islam... one who calls the people to prayer from a high place
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Bhakti
|
devotion to a god/goddess or guru... with love and adoration.
|
|
|
(Islam) Shahadah
|
"Central Muslim expression of faith - ""There is no god but God... and Muhammad is the Messenger of God"""
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Kali Yuga
|
The contemporary era... a dark age... one of many cycles (yugas) of a vast cosmic time.
|
|
|
(Islam) Shari'ah
|
Divine law in Islam
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Om
|
In Hinduism... the primordial sound vibration.
|
|
|
(Islam) Shi'a
|
Minority branch os Islam which tells that Muhammad's legitimate successors were 'Ali and a series of Imams - a follower of this branch
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Pandit
|
One of the hereditary priestly caste learned in ancient texts... customs... and rituals
|
|
|
(Islam) Sufism
|
Mystical path in Islam
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Puranas
|
Mythological texts of ancient days; popular devotional texts
|
|
|
(Islam) Sunnah
|
Behavior of the Prophet Muhammad... used as a model in Islamic law
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Rishi
|
A poetic sage; rishis are visionary authors of Vedic hymns heard within in meditation
|
|
|
(Islam) Sunni
|
Follower of the majority branch of Islam- which tells that successors to Muhammad are to be chosen by the Muslim community
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Smrti texts
|
Great epic poems... descriptions of gods and goddesses... codes of moral conduct... such as the Mahabharata.
|
|
|
(Islam) Sura
|
A chapter of the Holy Qur'an
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Sruti texts
|
“Heard” by ancient sages in meditation... mostly the Vedas
|
|
|
(Islam) Ummah
|
The Muslim community
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Upanishads
|
Philosophical reflections on ultimate reality... a oneness in which we all participate
|
|
|
(Islam) A’isha
|
Muhammad’s youngest wife... who was the source of many Hadith
|
|
|
(Hinduism) Vedas
|
Foundational scriptures for Hindu tradition... written down c. 1500 bce; oldest are the Rig Vedas
|
|
|
(Islam) Fatiha
|
The first Sura of the Qur’an
|
|
|
(Jainism) KEY TOPICS
|
Key Topics: Tirthankaras & Ascetic Orders... Freeing the Soul of Ethical Pillars... Spiritual Practices... World Jainism... Ahimsa... Anekantwad
|
|
|
(Islam) Hadith
|
A traditional report about the Prophet’s sayings or actions
|
|
|
(Jainism) Ahimsa
|
Nonvoilence (A central Jain Principle)
|
|
|
(Islam) Islamism
|
Movement for establishment of Muslim states governed by Shari’ah
|
|
|
(Jainism) Anekantwad
|
Jain principle of mainfold aspects of the truth
|
|
|
(Islam) Khadija
|
Muhammad’s first wife... who supported him when he received prophecies
|
|
|
(Jainism) Aparigraha
|
Nonacquisitiveness (A major Jain principle)
|
|
|
(Islam) Mecca
|
The holy city of Islam whose Ka’ba is the goal of Hajj pilgrimages
|
|
|
(Jainism) Digambara
|
Highly ascetic order of Jain monks who wear no clothes
|
|
|
(Islam) Medina
|
City where organized Islam began
|
|
|
(Jainism) Jiva
|
The soul
|
|
|
(Islam) Monism
|
The philosophy that ultimately only one substance exists underneath the multiplicity of appearances
|
|
|
(Jainism) Svetambara
|
Jain order of monks who are less ascetic than Digambara -- A Jain sect that wears white clothing
|
|
|
(Islam) Mosque
|
Sacred building for Muslim worship... usually an open-roofed rectangle with towers (minarets) for calling to prayer
|
|
|
(Jainism) Tirthankaras
|
The great enlightened teachers in Jainism - Mahariva was the last I nthe present cosmic cycle -- (bridgebuilder) The 24 great enlightened Jain teachers
|
|
|
(Islam) Night Journey
|
Muhammad’s visionary journey to Jerusalem and up through seven heavens to Allah to receive revelations
|
|
|
(Jainism) Ahimsa
|
Principle of non-violence... based on reverence for all l
|
|
|
(Islam) Rak’ah
|
Unit of praye
|
|
|
(Jainism) Anekantavada
|
The principle of manifold aspects... or the relativity of knowledge
|
|
|
(Islam) Ulama
|
Educated clerics who are considered authorities in matters of Islamic law and theology
|
|
|
(Jainism) Canon
|
The official list of books with authority in a religion... either because they are believed to be inspired or revealed... or have been so designated.
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) KEY TOPICS
|
Key Topics: Social Context of New Religious Movements... Charismatic Leadership... Offshots of Older Religions... Combinations of Older Religions... Social Trends... Opposition to New Religious Movements... Will New Religious Movements Last?
|
|
|
(Jainism) Five Jain Vows
|
Non-violence... truthfulness... non-stealing... continence... and nonpossessiveness
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Apostasy
|
Accusation of abandonment of religious principles
|
|
|
(Jainism) Jiva Soul
|
every soul is potentially divine... and greatly influenced by karma
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Cult
|
Any relgion that focuses on worship of a particular person or deity
|
|
|
(Jainism) Karma
|
In Jainism... the cosmic moral law of consequences for ethical actions and their effects from prior incarnations; it appears as subtle particles that accumulate on the soul as a result of one’s thoughts and actions... and is to be avoided by ascetic self-restraint.
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Ethnic Religions
|
New religions that emerge since the fall of communism as revivals of pre-Christian ehtnic traditions in eatern Europe and Russia
|
|
|
(Jainism) Manifold aspects
|
The multiplicity and relativity of all points of view... visible to perfected souls... promoting tolerance and non-violence.
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Goddess Spirituality
|
Worhsip of a female high goddess in ancient times... now revived in many places
|
|
|
(Jainism) Renunciation
|
Reducing desires and minimizing consumption to free the soul from karmic entanglements and lessen earthly pollution
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Millennium
|
One thousand years - used for a hoped-for period of holiness and happiness... with Christ ruling the Earth (Book of Revelation)
|
|
|
(Jainism) Stoicism
|
Impassive indifference to pleasure or pain (Greek word).
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Neo-Paganism
|
Nature oriented spirituality referring to pre-Christian sacred ways
|
|
|
(Jainism) Syadvada
|
The relativity of truth to different points of view
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Rapture
|
19th century belief amongst Christians that they would be caught up in clouds to meet Jesus when he returned to earth (using Pauls letter to the Thessalonians)
|
|
|
(Buddhism) KEY TOPICS
|
Key Topics: Life & Legend of Buddha... Dharma... Branches of Buddhism... Buddhism in the West... Scoially Engaged Buddhism... Anatman
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Santeria
|
Combination of African and Christian practices that developed in Cuba
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Anatman
|
There is no eternal self
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Sect
|
Subgroup withing a larger tradition
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Anitya
|
Impermanence
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Syncretism
|
Form of religion in which otherwise differing traditions are blended
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Arhant
|
Worthy One who has followed the Buddha's path to liberation
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Wicca
|
Neo-Pagan sect of a secret coven of witches traced to the writings of Gerald Gardner in England in 1940s
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Bhikshu
|
Monk or nun who renounces wordliness for the sake of following the path of liberation and whose simple physcial needs are met by lay supporters
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Baha’i
|
A universalist religion which began in nineteenth-century Iran and now has followers in most countries
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Bodhisattva
|
Person dedicated to liberating others from suffering
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) CaoDai
|
A syncretic new religious movement from Vietnam
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Deity Yoga
|
Vajrayana meditation on a deity in order to develop his/her qualities
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Charismatic
|
Extraordinary personal magnetic appeal of a person... or speaking in a strange language
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Dharma
|
Teachings and laws for conduct - given by the Buddha -- In Buddhism... cosmic law... the teachings of the Buddha... and the realization and practice of truth (the second of the Three Jewels: Buddha... dharma... sangha); in Hinduism... the universal cosmic law... duty.
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Cult
|
A religious group devoted to a single person or deity
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Dukkha
|
Discomfort... suffering... frustration... disharmony
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Neo-paganism
|
A variety of religions reawakening ancient nature mysticism
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Karma
|
Actions - The law of cause and effect -- In Buddhism... the cosmic moral law of consequences for ethical actions and their effects from prior incarnations; karma can be altered by good or bad intentions... is not fatalistic... and can be changed at any time by meditative insight.
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Sect
|
A religious group different from an orthodox tradition... with a charismatic leader... strict rules of conduct... a sense of elite privilege... and restrictions on individuality
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Kensho
|
Sudden experience of enlightened awareness
|
|
|
(New Religious Movements) Syncretism
|
Combination of various religions’ beliefs and practices
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Koan
|
Question used by Zen teachers to boggle the students mind and liberate direct awareness
|
|
|
(Sikhism) Guru Granth Sahib
|
The Sikh holy scripture... now regarded as the Guru
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Lama
|
High Vajrayana teacher
|
|
|
(Sikhism) Khalsa
|
Sikh warrior-saints pledged to protect people of all religions and castes from oppression
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Mahayana
|
Great Vehicle - the Buddhist school that stresses the altruistic wish to become perdectly awakened in order to free all living beings from suffering -- The form of Buddhism from northern Asia that teaches the effort to liberate other beings; it emphasizes the Buddha-nature in all things and the importance of direct experience.
|
|
|
(Sikhism) Langar
|
Free community kitchen
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Nirvana
|
Liberation from mental afflictions... suffering and rebirth -- A heavenly realm discovered after death and... in Mahayana teaching... a state of awakening during life: the discovery of the path beyond ego’s desires and passions... the realization of the union of opposites... the transcendence of mind’s limits. It is peace and tranquillity on earth... coming from beyond the duality of ordinary life.
|
|
|
(21st Century Religion) KEY TOPICS
|
Key Topics: Globalization... Secularism... Religious Pluralism... Religion in Politics... Interfaith Movement... Rleigion and Social Issues... Religion and Materialism... Religion and the Future of Humanity
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Pali Canon
|
Ancient Buddhist scriptures written in Pali and considered authoritative
|
|
|
(21st Century Religion) Exclusivism
|
Idea that ones own religion is the only valid way
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Sangha
|
Monastic community... more broadly... a Dharma community
|
|
|
(21st Century Religion) Inclusivism
|
Idea that all religions can be accomodated within on e religion
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Stupa
|
Monument containing Buddhist relics or images
|
|
|
(21st Century Religion) Interfaith Dialogue
|
Appreciative communication between people of different religions
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Sunyata
|
Doctrine of voidness... emptiness -- The lack of a permanent... selfexisting soul in the skandhas and all reality.
|
|
|
(21st Century Religion) Modernism
|
Values that developed in the 20th century including individualism. Preference for: change rather than continuality... quantity rather than quality... efficiency... prahmatism and profitering... all seen by some as threatening the exsistence of traditional religious values
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Theravada
|
The remaining orthodox school of Buddhism... which adheres to the earliest scriptures -- Form of Buddhism from southern Asia which adheres to early scriptures and monastic renunciation; its texts are the Pali Canon.
|
|
|
(21st Century Religion) Pluralism
|
An appreciation of the diversity of religions
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Vajrayana
|
Branch of Mahayana Buddhism... practiced in Tibetan diaspora that incorporates deity yoga... mantras... mudras (hand gestures)... and mandalas to achieve awakening -- Form of Buddhism which teaches that emptiness is complemented by compassion and action. The Dalai Lama is its leader in the Tibetan tradition.
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Vipassana
|
Insight - a meditation technique for developing in sigh to dukkha... anicca and anatta -- The central focus of meditation in Theravada practice... which stresses mindfulness and tranquillity... leading to liberation.
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Zazan
|
Sitting meditation (in Zen schools)
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Zen
|
Chinese and Japanese school emphasizing that all things have Buddha-nature... which can only be grasped when one escapes from the intellectual mind
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Bhikkhu
|
A Theravadin monk
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Bhikkhuni
|
A Theravadin nun.
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Bodhisattva
|
In Theravada... an historical Buddha before Buddhahood was attained; in Mahayana... a compassionate being who vows to become a Buddha for all sentient beings.
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Buddha
|
In Theravada... the historical persons who awaken to truth... such as Gautama; in Mahayana... an enlightened person and a universal principle of all beings.
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Canon
|
The official list of books with authority in a religion... either because they are believed to be inspired or revealed... or have been so designated.
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Pinyin
|
New romanized transcription of Chinese adopted in 1979... replacing 1859 Wade-Giles system
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Sutta (Theravada) & Sutra (Mahayana)
|
Sacred Buddhist texts
|
|
|
(Buddhism) Tatha¯gata
|
“Thus-come...” “Thus-arrived.” Reincarnated Buddha.
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) KEY TOPICS
|
Key Topics: Ancient Daoism & Confucianism Traditions... Daoism - Way of Nature and Immortality... Confucianism - Practice of Virtue... Dao (Tao)... Li... Neo-Confucianism
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Dao (Tao)
|
Way or path (The Nameless)
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Li
|
Ceremonies... rituals and rules of proper conduct... in the Confucian tradition
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Neo-Confucianism
|
Stressing the importance of meditation and dedication to becoming a sage... established during the Chinese Song dynasty
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Qi (Ch'i)
|
Vital energy in the universe and in our bodies (according to Chinese cosmology and the Chinese sciences)
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Ren
|
Humanity... benevolence - the central Confucian Virtue
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Wu Wei
|
"In Daoism ""Not doing""... meaning taking no action contrary to the natural flow"
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Yang
|
"Bright... Asserive ""Male"" energy in the universe"
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Yin
|
"Dark... Receptive ""Female"" energy in the universe"
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Amita-fo
|
The major Chinese Buddha of Infinite Light and Pure Land paradise this side of nirvana. Associated with Guanyin.
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Analects of Confucius
|
The most revered Confucian scripture... a collection of the sayings of Confucius... probably compiled by the second generation of his disciples.
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Chan
|
Branch of Chinese Buddhism that emphasizes meditative direct experience of the Buddha... awakening to nirvana... not just from books or conventional ritual. In Japan it became Zen.
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Dao
|
(the Way) A term used by all Chinese schools of thought. The Daoist path of selfdirecting righteousness and harmony... the ineffable... ultimate... universal reality... hidden behind existence.
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Dao de jing
|
(The Classic of the Way of Power) The primary text of Daoism... in condensed paradoxical poetry.
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Dharmakaya
|
The formless... all present... indescribable... infinite essence of all things.
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Emptiness
|
The imperceptible... undifferentiated void giving birth to all existence... not-being... nothingness. Central in both Daoism and Buddhism.
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Immortals
|
Eight Daoist legendary perfected persons
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Li
|
The largely Confucian guides to ritual... propriety... etiquette... and social norms
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Mandate of Heaven
|
Confucian sense of transcendent rightness of the state... closer to religion than most Confucian ideas; may or may not be present in a ruler or state
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Pinyin
|
New Romanized transcription of Chinese adopted in 1979... replacing 1859 Wade-Giles system
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Pu
|
Uncarved block... uncut tree... a Daoist and Chan image of ultimate reality
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Qi
|
Vital energy in the universe and in our bodies; union of yin and yang. A theme of folk religions and Daoism... and synthesized with other traditions
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Ren
|
Benevolence... human-heartedness... humanistic love toward others; the highest Confucian virtue
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Sage
|
An educated... sensible... wise man
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Tai Ji
|
(Great Ultimate Reality) Creates yin and yang... drawn in a circl
|
|
|
(Daoism & Confucianism) Taijiquan
|
(Power of the Great Ultimate) Stylized... graceful physical exercises practiced daily to enter into harmony with the universe... the Dao.
|
|
|
(Judaism) KEY TOPICS
|
Key Topics: History of Jewish People... Torah... Sacred Practices... Holy Days... Contemporary Judaism... Anti-Semitism
|
|
|
(Judaism) Anti-Semitism
|
Expressions of prejudice against Jews in general
|
|
|
(Judaism) Apocalypse
|
The dramatic end of the present age (In Judaism and Christianity)
|
|
|
(Judaism) Ashkenazim
|
Ethic grouping of the Jews that migrated first to Itlay... spread throughout central and eastern Europe and thence on to the Americas
|
|
|
(Judaism) Ghetto
|
Urban area occupied by those rejected by a society... such as quarters for Jews in some European cities
|
|
|
(Judaism) Haggadah
|
Nonlegal part of the Talmud and Midrash -- The order of service for the Jewish Passover Seder.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Halakhah
|
Jewish legal decision and the parts of the Talmud dealing with laws
|
|
|
(Judaism) Hasidism
|
Ecstatic Jewish piety... dating from 18th century Poland
|
|
|
(Judaism) Kabbalah
|
Jewish mystical tradition
|
|
|
(Judaism) Kosher
|
Ritually acceptable - applied to foods in Jewish Orthodoxy
|
|
|
(Judaism) Messiah
|
"The ""anoited"" the expected king and deliverer of the Jews - a term later applied by the Christians to Jesus"
|
|
|
(Judaism) Midrash
|
Literature of delving into the Jewish Torah
|
|
|
(Judaism) Minyan
|
Quorum of 10 male adults required for Jewish communal worship
|
|
|
(Judaism) Mitzvah
|
Divine commandment or sacred deed in fulfillment of a commandement
|
|
|
(Judaism) Orthodox Judaism
|
Observing the traditional rabbinial halakhah - the strictest form of Judaism
|
|
|
(Judaism) Pentatruch
|
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible... also called “Torah”: Genesis... Exodus... Leviticus... Numbers... and Deuteronomy.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Rabbi
|
Teacher... ordained spiritual leader
|
|
|
(Judaism) Reform/Liberal Judaism
|
Movement that began as a way of modernizing the religion and making it more accessible and open-ended -- Progressive Jewish movement from the nineteenth century in Europe and the United States; accepts moral laws... rejects ritual laws inconsistent with modernity.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Sabbath
|
Day of the week set aside for rest and worship (sunset Friday night to sunset Saturday night)
|
|
|
(Judaism) Sephardim
|
Ethic groupong of Jews who migrated first to Spain then to North Africe then to Americans and back to West Asia
|
|
|
(Judaism) Shekkinah
|
Gods presence in the world... in Judaism
|
|
|
(Judaism) Synagogue
|
Meeting place for Jewish study and worship
|
|
|
(Judaism) Talmud
|
Jewsish law and lore -- Body of commentary and discussion of interpretations of tradition.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Tanakh
|
The complete Jewish scriptures: Torah... Prophets... and Writings.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Zionism
|
Movement dedicated to the establishment of the politically viable... internationally recgonized Jewish state in the biblical land of Israel
|
|
|
(Judaism) Bar Mitzvah
|
(son of the Commandment) An initiation for Jewish boys about 13 who have studied Judaism and ritually become responsible adults.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Bat Mitzvah
|
(daughter of the Commandment) An initiation for Jewish girls about 13 who have studied Judaism and ritually become responsible adults.
|
|
|
(Judaism) Canon
|
The official list of books with authority in a religion... believed to be either inspired or revealed
|
|
|
(Judaism) Conservative
|
A moderate branch of modern Judaism... between Orthodox and Reform traditions
|
|
|
(Judaism) Covenant
|
A sacred contract between God and Israel... stipulating obligations such as circumcision and obedience to Torah and God’s promise of a great nation in Israel
|
|
|
(Judaism) Deuteronomic
|
One of four strands of the Pentateuch... primarily Deuteronomy
|
|
|
(Judaism) Diaspora
|
(dispersion... exile) Jewish communities outside the land of Israel
|
|
|
(Judaism) Elohist
|
One of four strands of the Pentateuch... using “Elohim” to name God
|
|
|
(Judaism) Holocaust
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The destruction of many Jews in Germany... Poland... and other European countries by the Nazis before and during World War II
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(Judaism) Midrash
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Interpretations of scriptures... the basis of much of the Talmud
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(Judaism) Mishnah
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A legal code based on the Torah... in oral traditions from around 200 ce
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(Judaism) Mitzvot
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Sacred obligations to God and humans
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(Judaism) Priestly
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One of four strands of the Pentateuch... written late... with ritual concerns
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(Judaism) Prophets
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Oracular seers in many religions... believed to channel divine messages; in Judaism... a group of such seers recorded in books such as Isaiah and Jeremiah who emphasized social injustices and promised the Messiah
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(Judaism) Reconstructionism
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A radical branch of Judaism that rejects theism and its anthropomorphic language as metaphors and sees the Law as evolving flexibly with modern autonomy of the individual and science
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(Judaism) Torah
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(teaching) Variously used to mean the first five scrolls of the Hebrew Scriptures (Pentateuch)... all the Laws of Israel.
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(Judaism) Yahwist
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One of four strands of the Pentateuch... using “YaHWeH” to name God
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(Christianity) KEY TOPICS
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Key Topics: Historical Evidence... Evidence of the Bible ... Life and Teachings of Jesus... Early Church... Church Administration... Intellectual Revival and Monasticism... Medieval Mysticism... Protestant Reformation... Liberal Trends... Second Vatican... Orthodox World Today... Central Beliefs in Contemporary Christianity... Sacred Practices... Contemporary Trends... Ascension
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(Christianity) Ascension
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Ascent of Jesus to heaven 40 days after his resurrection
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(Christianity) Baptism
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Sacrament by which God cleanses all sin and makes one a sharer in the divine life and a member of Christs body... the Church
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(Christianity) Common Era
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"Years after the traditional date used for the birth of Jesus... previously referred to in exclusively Christian terms as ""AD"" and no abbreviated to ""CE"" as opposed to ""BCE"""
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(Christianity) Creed
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Formal statement of the beliefs of a particular religion (Nicene Creed)
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(Christianity) Crucifixion
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The executiong (in Roman times) of a criminal by fixing him to a cross (reference to Jesus - his death on a cross symbolic of his self sacrifice for the good of all humanity
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(Christianity) Denomination
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subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name... tradition... and identity
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(Christianity) Dogma
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established belief or doctrine held by a religion... or a particular group or organization
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(Christianity) Ecumenism
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movement promoting unity among Christian churches or denominations
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(Christianity) Eucharist
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Sacrament by which believers are renewed in the mystical body of Christ by partaking of bread and wine (body and blood)
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(Christianity) Fundamentalism
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Mostly Protestant movement insisting on biblical literalism and rejecting liberal theological trends
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(Christianity) Gentile
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Person who is not of Jewish origin
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(Christianity) Gnosticism
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Mystical perception of spiritual knowledge... applied to a 2nd century CE movement arising in Egypt
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(Christianity) Gospel
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"The ""good news"" that God has raised Jesus from the dead and in so doing has begun the transformation of the world (New Testamament - Matthew... Mark... Luke and John) chronicling the life and works of Jesus"
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(Christianity) Holy Trinity
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Christine doctrine that in One God there are 3 divine persons - The Father... The Son... The Holy Spirit
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(Christianity) Incarnation
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Physical embodiment of the divine - with particulare refernce to Jesus' becoming man
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(Christianity) Inquisition
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Use of force or terror to eliminate heresis and nonbelievers in the Christian Church - specific insitution of this name set up in Spain in 1478
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(Christianity) Messiah
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Annointed One Jesus Christ
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(Christianity) Original Sin
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All human beings are bound together in prideful efocentricity. Decscribe mythically as an act of disobedience on the part of Adam and Eve
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(Christianity) Parable
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Allegorical story
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(Christianity) Pentecost
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Occasion when the Holy Spirir descended upon the disciples of Jesus after his death
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(Christianity) Pope
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Bishop of Rome - Head of Roman Catholic Church
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(Christianity) Resurrection
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Rising of Christ in his earthly body on the first Easter Day... 3 days after his crucifixion and death
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(Christianity) Sacrament
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Outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace
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(Christianity) Synod
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Council of church officials called to reach agreement on doctrines and administration
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(Christianity) Synoptic
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Three similar books of the Bible - Matthew... Mark and Luke
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(Christianity) Apocrypha
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(hidden things) Non-canonical books associated with the Bible
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(Christianity) Canon
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The official list of books with authority in a religion... either because they are believed to be inspired or revealed... or have been so designated
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(Christianity) Disciples
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The 12 companions of Christ... the first followers of his teachings
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(Christianity) Eastern Orthodox
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Branch of Christianity... once Church of the Byzantine Empire; broke with Roman Church in 1054; especially strong in Russia and Greece
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(Christianity) Grace
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God’s freely given... unmerited love and forgiveness
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(Christianity) Heresy... heretic
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Belief contrary to the orthodox doctrines of Christianity; a follower of such beliefs
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(Christianity) Justification
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God’s saving of humans from sin by grace through sacraments (Catholic) or faith (Protestant).
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(Christianity) Manichaeism
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Third-century Iranian religion founded by Mani... with a dualistic faith opposing God and matter; apostles of light fight powers of darkness
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(Christianity) Orthodox
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The branch of a religious tradition that seeks to practice the original religion in its strictest form... in contrast with reform movements
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(Christianity) Protestant
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Branch of Christianity that began with Martin Luther in 1500s; stresses authority of Bible... priesthood of all believers... justification by faith; many denominations
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(Christianity) Roman Catholic
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Branch of Christianity centered in Rome... led by pope; priests officially male and celibate... Mary honored... opposed to abortion
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(Christianity) RSV
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Revised Standard Version of the Bible: American English translation... using twentiethcentury language (1946/52); the New RSV is more gender-inclusive (1989/95).
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(Christianity) Savior
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Christians focus on Jesus as the Messiah or Christos (Greek)... a human appearance of God who brings salvation; some hoped for political leadership... but Jesus stressed spirituality
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(Christianity) Synoptic
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The similar gospels of Matthew... Mark... and Luke... whose contents can be compared side-by-side in synopsis fashion
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(Islam) KEY TOPICS
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Key Topics: Pre-Islamic Arabia... Prophet Muhammad... The Qur'an... Central Teachings... Five Pillars... Sunni and Shi'a... Sufism... Spread of Islam... Relationships in the West... Muslim Resurgence
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(Islam) Allah
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The one God
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(Islam) Caliph
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Successor to the Prophet (In Sunni Islam)
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(Islam) Fatwa
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Legal opinion issued by an authority to a school of law often erroneously defined as an edict againse someone or something
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(Islam) Hajj
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Holy pilgrimage to Mecca for Muslims -- taken at least once in a lifetime if affordable.
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(Islam) Hadith
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Traditional report about the sayings and actions of Muhammad
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(Islam) Hijab
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Veiling of women for the sake of modesty
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(Islam) Hijrah
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Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina
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(Islam) Imam
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Title for the person carrying the initiatic tradition of the Phophetic Light (in Shi'ite Islam)
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(Islam) Islam
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Complete... truting surrender to God
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(Islam) Islamist
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Person seeking to establish Islamic states in which the rule of God is supreme
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(Islam) Jihad
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Muslims struggle against the inner forces that prevent God realization and the outer barries to establishment of the order
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(Islam) Madrasa
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Traditional religious school teaching a narrow cersion of Islam
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(Islam) Muezzin
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In Islam... one who calls the people to prayer from a high place
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(Islam) Shahadah
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"Central Muslim expression of faith - ""There is no god but God... and Muhammad is the Messenger of God"""
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(Islam) Shari'ah
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Divine law in Islam
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(Islam) Shi'a
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Minority branch os Islam which tells that Muhammad's legitimate successors were 'Ali and a series of Imams - a follower of this branch
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(Islam) Sufism
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Mystical path in Islam
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(Islam) Sunnah
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Behavior of the Prophet Muhammad... used as a model in Islamic law
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(Islam) Sunni
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Follower of the majority branch of Islam- which tells that successors to Muhammad are to be chosen by the Muslim community
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(Islam) Sura
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A chapter of the Holy Qur'an
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(Islam) Ummah
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The Muslim community
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(Islam) A’isha
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Muhammad’s youngest wife... who was the source of many Hadith
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(Islam) Fatiha
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The first Sura of the Qur’an
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(Islam) Hadith
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A traditional report about the Prophet’s sayings or actions
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(Islam) Islamism
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Movement for establishment of Muslim states governed by Shari’ah
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(Islam) Khadija
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Muhammad’s first wife... who supported him when he received prophecies
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(Islam) Mecca
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The holy city of Islam whose Ka’ba is the goal of Hajj pilgrimages
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(Islam) Medina
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City where organized Islam began
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(Islam) Monism
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The philosophy that ultimately only one substance exists underneath the multiplicity of appearances
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(Islam) Mosque
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Sacred building for Muslim worship... usually an open-roofed rectangle with towers (minarets) for calling to prayer
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(Islam) Night Journey
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Muhammad’s visionary journey to Jerusalem and up through seven heavens to Allah to receive revelations
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(Islam) Rak’ah
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Unit of praye
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(Islam) Ulama
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Educated clerics who are considered authorities in matters of Islamic law and theology
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(New Religious Movements) KEY TOPICS
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Key Topics: Social Context of New Religious Movements... Charismatic Leadership... Offshots of Older Religions... Combinations of Older Religions... Social Trends... Opposition to New Religious Movements... Will New Religious Movements Last?
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(New Religious Movements) Apostasy
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Accusation of abandonment of religious principles
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(New Religious Movements) Cult
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Any relgion that focuses on worship of a particular person or deity
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(New Religious Movements) Ethnic Religions
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New religions that emerge since the fall of communism as revivals of pre-Christian ehtnic traditions in eatern Europe and Russia
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(New Religious Movements) Goddess Spirituality
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Worhsip of a female high goddess in ancient times... now revived in many places
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(New Religious Movements) Millennium
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One thousand years - used for a hoped-for period of holiness and happiness... with Christ ruling the Earth (Book of Revelation)
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(New Religious Movements) Neo-Paganism
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Nature oriented spirituality referring to pre-Christian sacred ways
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(New Religious Movements) Rapture
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19th century belief amongst Christians that they would be caught up in clouds to meet Jesus when he returned to earth (using Pauls letter to the Thessalonians)
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(New Religious Movements) Santeria
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Combination of African and Christian practices that developed in Cuba
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(New Religious Movements) Sect
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Subgroup withing a larger tradition
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(New Religious Movements) Syncretism
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Form of religion in which otherwise differing traditions are blended
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(New Religious Movements) Wicca
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Neo-Pagan sect of a secret coven of witches traced to the writings of Gerald Gardner in England in 1940s
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(New Religious Movements) Baha’i
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A universalist religion which began in nineteenth-century Iran and now has followers in most countries
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(New Religious Movements) CaoDai
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A syncretic new religious movement from Vietnam
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(New Religious Movements) Charismatic
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Extraordinary personal magnetic appeal of a person... or speaking in a strange language
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(New Religious Movements) Cult
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A religious group devoted to a single person or deity
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(New Religious Movements) Neo-paganism
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A variety of religions reawakening ancient nature mysticism
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(New Religious Movements) Sect
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A religious group different from an orthodox tradition... with a charismatic leader... strict rules of conduct... a sense of elite privilege... and restrictions on individuality
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(New Religious Movements) Syncretism
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Combination of various religions’ beliefs and practices
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(Sikhism) Guru Granth Sahib
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The Sikh holy scripture... now regarded as the Guru
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(Sikhism) Khalsa
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Sikh warrior-saints pledged to protect people of all religions and castes from oppression
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(Sikhism) Langar
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Free community kitchen
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(21st Century Religion) KEY TOPICS
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Key Topics: Globalization... Secularism... Religious Pluralism... Religion in Politics... Interfaith Movement... Rleigion and Social Issues... Religion and Materialism... Religion and the Future of Humanity
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(21st Century Religion) Exclusivism
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Idea that ones own religion is the only valid way
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(21st Century Religion) Inclusivism
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Idea that all religions can be accomodated within on e religion
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(21st Century Religion) Interfaith Dialogue
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Appreciative communication between people of different religions
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(21st Century Religion) Modernism
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Values that developed in the 20th century including individualism. Preference for: change rather than continuality... quantity rather than quality... efficiency... prahmatism and profitering... all seen by some as threatening the exsistence of traditional religious values
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(21st Century Religion) Pluralism
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An appreciation of the diversity of religions
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