ASL Signs
Right index finger touching right temple, move down changing to “F” shape ending with both hands in “F” shape
What is Faith
Right index finger smoothly down from the right temple, palm facing in, clasp the left hand in front of the body.
What is Believe
Both hands squeeze downward
What is Trust
Both hands "H" shape front of face, moving downwards and in toward the chest
What is Honor
True or False: A religion is a Religion in Itself
False. ASL is a complete, natural language with its own grammar and syntax, used primarily by the Deaf community in the US and parts of Canada, not a system of religious beliefs.
Both hands “R” from forehead to outwards movement
What is Respect
Both hands open palms facing each other like “pray”, then modify to “A” shape raising up into the air near shoulders, moving in circular motion outward.
What is Hallelujah
Both hands open together in front of chest, twist hands in opposite direction then move hands downward and apart to each side of body
What is Peace
Both hands, middle finger down facing out, forward motion
What is Mercy
True or False: All religious concepts can be expressed in ASL
Hold non-dominant in fist front of chest, start dominant “1” from chin and change into “5” as you tap on fist
What is Promise
Dominant hand “B” go under non-dominant hand palm facing down
What is Humble
Both thumbs up hand moving upward on chest
What is Live
Both hands “X” upside down, circular motion
What is Sin
True or False: Sign language is the same in all religions
ASL can convey complex ideas, including physics, advanced math, and religion. While some abstract theological terms or metaphors might require recontextualization or new signs when first introduced to a Deaf audience, the language is fully capable of expressing these concepts.
Both hands up by nose in “A” together then open both hands outward
What is Bless/Blessing
Dominant “1” circular
What is Always
Dominant “ILY” shape with finger on dominant side template, transition to “Y” as you take your finger off
What is Forever
Same sign as “GET-UP” CL:V
What is Arose (rise up)
True or False: Some religions forbid the use of ASL
False. There is no evidence of specific religions universally forbidding ASL. In fact, many religious institutions and groups provide ASL interpretation and resources to ensure inclusivity for Deaf individuals.
Gentle creature, non-dominant arm extended out, V-shape dominant hand palm up, cutting motion up the non-dominant arm
What is a Lamb
Non-dominant palm hand open up, move dominant hand “H” across palm then dominant hand “M” on top of dominant temple side and bring it down to shoulder
Who is Holy Mary
Combined signs, Heaven + Father, Move dominant hand around non dominant hand then pull away from each other, then close both fists then open out hands into “5”
Who is Heavenly Father
Right hand "B" shape pointing upward above forehead moving downwards in arch shape
Who is God
True or False: Religious texts, like the Bible, have been translated into ASL
\True. The American Sign Language Version (ASLV) of the Bible began translation work in 1982, allowing Deaf Americans to access religious texts in their native language.