Definitions Term 1

Question 0

Initiation (Aboriginal)

Answer 0

Ceremonies and rituals to celebrate and introduce boys and girls into adulthood in Aboriginal Spirituality

Question 1

Animism

Answer 1

Belief that spirits inhabit nature and have influence over people and natural events

Question 2

Agnosticism

Answer 2

The belief that there is an ultimate being out there but not knowing exactly what that is, referred to as the ‘fence sitters’ and are always awaiting more evidence

Question 3

Atheism

Answer 3

Belief there is no immortal, permanent, all powerful God

Question 4

Totemic

Answer 4

Totemic identity orients a person to a particular totem in Aboriginal Spirituality

Question 5

Monotheism

Answer 5

Belief in only one God. Example: Christianity

Question 6

Humanism

Answer 6

A psychological theory describing the human race as having the power to improve itself with our own power and potential. Many humanists are agnostic

Question 7

Theology

Answer 7

The study of religion

Question 8

Doctrine

Answer 8

A particular concept taught and advocates, especially in church. E.g. Catholic Doctrines

Question 9

Pantheism

Answer 9

The belief that God is nature and the whole universe

Question 10

Etymology

Answer 10

The study of words and how they originated and the ways in which their meanings have changed

Question 11

Theistic

Answer 11

Belief in the existence of a God or Gods

Question 12

Quantum theory

Answer 12

The theoretical basis of modern physics that explains the nature and behaviours of matter and energy on an atomic and subatomic level

Question 13

Polytheistic

Answer 13

A belief in more than one God eg Hinduism

Question 14

Imponderable

Answer 14

Unable to be weighed up or evaluated with exactness

Question 15

Kinship (aboriginal spirituality)

Answer 15

The system of “law” governing social interaction, in particular marriage in aboriginal groups

Question 16

Totem

Answer 16

A totem is a natural object, plant, or animal that is inherited by members of a group as their spiritual emblem. Especially in aboriginal spirituality eg crocodile

Question 17

Mission

Answer 17

Projects put together especially by the christain church to travel and spread the word of Christ

Question 18

Scared sites

Answer 18

Areas of significant aboriginal meaning relations to the dreaming/dreamtime stories eg. Uluru

Question 19

Ritual country

Answer 19

Land that a group has responsibility over (my country). Ritual country contains sacred sites and spiritual significance

Question 20

Religion

Answer 20

A set of beliefs that are practiced and followed like a moral law, usually by a group of people with a common faith