Chapter 4 Flashcards
What are the sacred scriptures of Judaism called?
The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh)
The Tanakh includes the Torah, Prophets, and Writings.
Define ‘Covenant’ in the context of Jewish beliefs.
A sacred agreement between God and the Hebrew people.
Who is Moses in Jewish tradition?
The Hebrew prophet who led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and received the Ten Commandments.
What are the Ten Commandments?
A set of ethical and religious laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
What is the Torah?
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, foundational to Jewish law and tradition.
What historical event is referred to as the Babylonian Exile?
The period (586–538 BCE) when Jews were exiled to Babylon following the destruction of the First Temple.
What was the Second Temple?
Rebuilt in Jerusalem after the Babylonian Exile, it became the center of Jewish worship until its destruction in 70 CE.
Who was Jesus of Nazareth?
A Jewish preacher whose teachings formed the foundation of Christianity.
What are the Gospels?
The accounts of Jesus’ life, teachings, and resurrection found in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
What is the Sermon on the Mount?
One of Jesus’ most famous teachings, emphasizing love, humility, and moral righteousness.
What significant event is known as the Last Supper?
Jesus’ final meal with his disciples, during which he instituted the Christian Eucharist (Communion).
What does ‘Crucifixion’ refer to in Christian beliefs?
A Roman method of execution used on Jesus, central to Christian beliefs about sacrifice and redemption.
Define ‘Resurrection’ in Christianity.
The belief that Jesus rose from the dead, proving his divine nature.
Who was Paul of Tarsus?
An early Christian missionary who spread Christianity beyond Jewish communities and wrote many New Testament letters.
What are Christian Martyrs?
Early Christians who were persecuted and executed for their faith, inspiring later believers.
Who was Constantine the Great?
The first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, legalizing the religion with the Edict of Milan.
What was the Edict of Milan?
A decree that legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire and ended persecution of Christians.
What was the purpose of the Council of Nicaea?
A gathering of Christian leaders that established core doctrines, including the Nicene Creed.
What is the Nicene Creed?
A foundational statement of Christian beliefs about the Trinity and the nature of Jesus.
What is the Trinity in Christianity?
The doctrine that God exists as Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
Who was Augustine of Hippo?
A Christian theologian whose writings shaped Western Christianity.
Define ‘Monasticism’.
A religious movement emphasizing withdrawal from society for prayer, study, and self-discipline.
Who was Benedict of Nursia?
Founder of Western monasticism and author of the Benedictine Rule, which established guidelines for monastic life.
What is the Qur’an?
The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad.
Who is Muhammad in Islamic belief?
The founder of Islam, regarded as the final prophet.
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
The core practices of Islam:
* faith
* prayer
* fasting
* charity
* pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)
What is the Hajj?
The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, required at least once in a lifetime for Muslims who are able.
What is Sharia Law?
Islamic legal principles derived from the Qur’an and Hadith.
What are the Hadith?
A collection of traditions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, second in importance to the Qur’an.
What is the Kaaba?
A sacred Islamic shrine in Mecca, believed to have been built by Abraham and Ishmael.
What does ‘Jihad’ mean?
An Arabic term meaning ‘struggle’; can refer to personal spiritual struggle or military struggle.
What is the Dome of the Rock?
An Islamic shrine in Jerusalem built on the site of the Jewish Temple Mount.
What is the Sunni-Shia Split?
A division in Islam over leadership succession after Muhammad’s death.
How did Islam spread?
Islam expanded rapidly through trade, military conquest, and cultural exchange from the 7th century onward.
What is Zoroastrianism?
An ancient Persian monotheistic religion emphasizing good vs. evil.
Define Manichaeism.
A syncretic religious movement combining elements of Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Buddhism.
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
A Hindu sacred text within the Mahabharata, exploring duty, devotion, and the nature of the self.
Who is Siddhartha Gautama?
The founder of Buddhism, who taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
What are the Four Noble Truths?
The central Buddhist teaching about suffering, its cause, its end, and the path to enlightenment.
What is the Eightfold Path?
A set of ethical and meditative practices leading to enlightenment in Buddhism.
What distinguishes Theravada from Mahayana Buddhism?
Theravada focuses on monasticism, while Mahayana emphasizes compassion and Bodhisattvas.
What is a Bodhisattva?
A being in Mahayana Buddhism who has attained enlightenment but chooses to help others.
Define Daoism.
A Chinese philosophy/religion emphasizing harmony with nature and the Dao (the Way).
Who is Laozi?
The legendary founder of Daoism, traditionally credited with writing the Dao de Jing.
What is Confucianism?
A Chinese ethical system focusing on social harmony, duty, and respect for elders.
What does ‘Filial Piety’ refer to?
A core Confucian value emphasizing respect for parents and ancestors.
What is the influence of religious thought on civilizations?
Religious traditions shaped ethical systems, governance, and cultural practices.
