Five Major World Religions
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All three faiths trace their origins to the patriarch Abraham. Sometimes referred to as “the desert religions.”
What are the Abrahamic religions?
the philosophical position that the existence or non-existence of God or a first cause is unknowable. They believe they cannot claim whether God exists or not.
What is agnosticism?
gender and species neutral term for gods, goddesses, and higher beings.
What is deity/deities?
an ordained Church leader who presides over the mass
What is a priest?
The gathering of people (congregation) and the distinct place (church, synagogue, temple) that make up the community.
What is the social/institutional dimension?
religion and philosophy that developed from the teachings of the “Awakened One”, who lived in northern India between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. Teaches that suffering is inherent to life and that the way to escape suffering and repeated existence is to limit one’s desires
What is Buddhism?
the belief that every material form of reality (plants, animals, stones, thunderstorms, earthquakes) have an indwelling spirit.
what is animism?
a spiritual state of awakening or profound wisdom and understanding
What is enlightenment?
A messenger of God
What is a prophet?
Creative works such as architecture, music, and symbols.
What is the material/creative dimension?
major religion stemming from the life, teachings, and death of the Anointed One of God in the 1st century CE. It has become the most widely diffused of all faiths.
What is Christianity?
the doctrine or belief that there is only one God.
the story of Christ’s life and teachings as told in the first four books of the Christian New Testament. The literal meaning of the word is “good news.”
What is the Gospel?
An honorary title given in the Catholic church to those who exemplify the ideals of the faith
what is a saint?
Ideas and laws that help shape human behavior.
major world religion originating on the Indian subcontinent and comprising several and varied systems of philosophy, belief, and ritual.
What is Hinduism?
belief in more than one god.
What is polytheism?
communication between a deity and human beings, in which the deity intentionally gives human beings vital information for salvation.
What is revelation?
all church members who are not part of the clergy.
What is the laity?
Worship, prayer, and sacramental offerings.
What is the practical and ritual dimension?
major world religion propagated by the Prophet Muhammad in Arabia in the 7th century CE. The people of this religion accept surrender to the will of Allah (in Arabic, Allāh: God).
What is Islam?
disbelief in any deity or supernatural power.
What is atheism?
refers to anything that is not religious.
What is secular?
One who is on the path of Buddhahood and awakening.
What is a Bodhisattva?
The creeds and teachings of the faith.
What is the doctrinal and philosophical dimension?