Relgion Flashcards
What does the term ‘Agnostic’ mean?
Without knowledge; does not deny nor believe in a sacred realm.
Define ‘Animism’.
Early belief that all things have souls.
What is an ‘Atheist’?
Without godly belief; denying existence of God.
What is a ‘Creed’?
A system of Christian or other religious belief.
Define ‘Dogma’.
A set of principles laid down by an authority as irrevocably true.
What are ‘Ethics’?
Moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour.
What is ‘Faith’?
Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.
Define ‘Humanism’.
A philosophy of life that considers the welfare of humankind to be of paramount importance.
What does ‘Hierophany’ refer to?
A manifestation of the sacred.
What is ‘Monotheism’?
Belief in one god.
Define ‘Monistic’.
God is unknowable and an impersonal entity.
What does ‘Naturism’ imply?
The forces of nature were believed to be controlled by spirits/powers in nature.
Who is considered a ‘Pagan’?
A person who is not religious or whose religion is not Judaism, Islam, or especially Christianity.
What is ‘Polytheism’?
Belief in many gods, each having a particular role.
Define ‘Religious pluralism’.
A positive attitude toward the existence of many faiths in one society.
What does ‘Religious impulse’ mean?
The universal urge to believe in something beyond ourselves.
What is meant by ‘Secular’?
Denoting attitudes or activities that have no religious or spiritual basis.
Define ‘Theophany’.
Manifestation of deity in sensible form.
What does ‘Artha’ refer to?
Earning money by honest means to provide for the family.
What is ‘Asceticism’?
Giving up worldly life; wandering, meditating, attaining salvation.
Who is ‘Brahman’?
The Ultimate God/Supreme Being.
Define ‘Brahma’.
The creator god of the Hindu sacred triad.
What is a ‘Brahmin’?
Highest of all casts entitled to study the Vedas.
What are ‘Bramanas’?
Interpretations of the Vedas.
What does the ‘Caste system’ refer to?
Social structure used to designate social classes of extreme rigidity.
Define ‘Dharma’.
Code of behaviour.
What is ‘Karma’?
The totality of one’s actions in life.
What does ‘Kama’ signify?
Pursuing love and physical pleasures to balance life.
What is ‘Moksha’?
Leading the soul toward salvation through honest and moral actions.
What does ‘Om’ represent?
A sacred syllable that invokes the essence of Brahman when chanted.
What is ‘Puja’?
Worship.
Define ‘Samsara’.
The cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth.
What is a ‘Bimah’?
A raised platform in a synagogue from which the Torah is read.
What do ‘Kashruth’ laws pertain to?
Dietary laws which come from the Torah.
What does ‘Mezuzah’ translate to?
Doorpost.
What is a ‘Minyan’?
Quorum of 10 men required for traditional Jewish public worship.
Define ‘Mitzvah’.
The act of performing a good deed; 613 mitzvah (248 positive & 365 negative).
What does ‘Shema’ mean?
Hebrew word meaning ‘Here, O Israel, The Lord is our God, the Lord is One.’
True or False: ‘Shoah’ refers to the mass murder of Jewish people during the Nazi regime.
True.
What is a ‘Tallit’?
Literally means ‘fringed garment’; worn for morning prayers and all prayer on Yom Kippur.
Who is an ‘Apostle’?
One of the twelve disciples chosen by Christ to teach the gospel.
What does ‘Ascension’ mark?
The bodily passing of Christ from earth to heaven on the fortieth day after Easter.
Define ‘Conclave’.
The assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope.
What is ‘Ecumenism’?
A movement aimed at improving relations between Christian denominations.
What does ‘Extra Omnes’ mean?
Latin for ‘everyone out!’.
What is the ‘Filioque clause’?
An extra phrase added to the Creed, stating ‘who proceeds from the Father and the Son’.
What does ‘Habemus Papam’ translate to?
We have a Pope!
Define ‘Indulgences’.
The remission of punishment caused by sin.
Who is a ‘Martyr’?
A person who voluntarily suffers death for their religion.
What does ‘Schism’ refer to?
The formal separation of a Church into two Churches.
What is the ‘Trinity’?
The doctrine that states God consists of three persons yet are one essence.
What is a ‘Hijab’?
Headscarf worn by Muslim women.
Define ‘Hijrah’.
Migration.
What are the ‘Five pillars’ of Islam?
- Shahadah (creed) * Salat (prayer) * Zakat (charity) * Sawm (fasting) * Hajj (pilgrimage)
What is the difference between ‘Greater’ and ‘Lesser jihad’?
Lesser jihad is fighting in self-defense; Greater jihad is spiritual striving.
What is ‘Wahi’?
Spiritual revelation.
What does ‘Wudu’ refer to?
The practice of ritual washing before daily prayer.
List Ninian Smart’s Six Traits of Religion.
- Religious Teaching or Doctrine * Community of Faith * Religious Experience * Sacred Stories * Sacred Symbols/Rituals * Morality
What is a ‘Theocentric’ worldview?
God-centered; purpose of life is to discover the path to union with God.
Define ‘Anthropocentric’ worldview.
Human-centered; values of humanism.
What does ‘Cosmocentric’ mean?
Nature is an expression of the sacred realm.
True or False: A ‘Secular’ worldview relies on science and technology to answer life’s problems.
True.
What are the main themes of the ‘Torah’?
- Creation * Redemption * Revelation
What is the ‘Tenach/Torah’?
The Hebrew Bible; consists of three sections: Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim.
What does ‘Mishnah’ represent?
The first compilation of the Oral Law.
Define ‘Gemara’.
Compilation of interpretations and theological arguments about the Mishnah.
What is the ‘Talmud’?
Combination of the Mishnah and Gemara; central document of post-biblical law.
List the Canonical Gospels.
- Mark * Matthew * Luke * John
What does ‘Shruti’ refer to in Hinduism?
Knowledge revealed or discovered by the seers, contained in the Vedas.
What is ‘Smriti’?
Human-made literature or knowledge that is remembered.
What are the ‘Vedas’?
Contain hymns, prayers, and instructions on how to live and worship.
What does ‘Aum’ represent in Hinduism?
A sacred sound that symbolizes the essence of Brahman.
What is the significance of the ‘Swastika’?
An ancient symbol of good fortune and protection.
Define ‘Festivals’ in a religious context.
Celebrations that often have specific rituals and meanings.
What is ‘Rosh Hashanah’?
The Jewish New Year; begins a period of repentance.
What does ‘Yom Kippur’ signify?
The Day of Atonement; a day of fasting and repentance.
What is ‘Hanukkah’?
Festival of lights; commemorates the miracle of the oil in the temple.
What is the ‘Seder Meal’?
A ritual feast marking the beginning of Passover.
What does ‘Holy Week’ encompass?
The week leading up to Easter, including Palm Sunday and the Triduum.
What does Beitzah symbolize in the context of the Passover Seder?
Hard boiled egg; symbol of life
The egg represents the cycle of life and renewal.
What does the cracker represent during the Passover Seder?
Reminder of the haste with which the Hebrews fled Egypt
The matzah, or unleavened bread, signifies the quick departure from slavery.
How many glasses of wine are consumed during the Passover Seder?
Four glasses
A special glass is left for the prophet Elijah.
What is the Afikoman in the context of Passover?
Hidden piece of matzah children eat for dessert
The Afikoman is a tradition to engage children in the Seder.
When does Holy Week begin?
Palm Sunday
It is the Sunday before Easter and marks the beginning of Holy Week.
What does the Triduum refer to?
Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday
These three days are significant in the Christian liturgical calendar.
What significant event does Holy Thursday commemorate?
The Last Supper and Jesus washing the feet of the disciples
This day marks the institution of the Eucharist.
What is commemorated on Good Friday?
The trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus
It is considered the most solemn of Christian holy days.
What does Easter Sunday celebrate?
The resurrection of Jesus
This event occurs three days after Jesus’s crucifixion.
When does Lent begin and end?
Begins two months after Christmas and lasts for 40 days
Starts with Ash Wednesday and ends with the start of Holy Week.
What does the term ‘Epiphany’ mean?
Manifestation
It celebrates the revelation of God the Son in human form.
When is Ramadan observed?
The most blessed month of the Islamic year
It commemorates when the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan
Eid means ‘festivity’; fitr means ‘to break the fast’.
What does Eid al-Adha commemorate?
Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God
Muslims sacrifice their best domestic animals during this holiday.
What is Holi known as?
Festival of Colours
It is celebrated during the springtime in March when there is a full moon.
What is Diwali?
Festival of Lights
It celebrates the triumph of good and knowledge over evil.
What does Navaratri signify?
Nine Nights festival
It involves worshipping different goddesses over nine nights.
Who is considered the ‘Father of the Jews’?
Abraham
He is a forefather for the three major Abrahamic religions.
What is the significance of the Abrahamic Covenant?
Deal made between God and Abram
It involves preaching monotheism in exchange for descendants.
What major event did Moses lead the Hebrews through?
The Exodus
The Hebrews wandered in the desert for 40 years after escaping Egypt.
What are the Ten Commandments?
Laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai
They established the rules of the covenant.
What role did the Angel Gabriel play in Muhammad’s life?
Gave the words of the Quran to Muhammad
Gabriel accompanied Muhammad on the Night Journey.
What was the significance of the Council of Nicaea?
Settled issues regarding the nature of the Son of God
It established the Nicene Creed and the official observance of Easter.
What initiated the Protestant Reformation?
Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses
It addressed issues within the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences.
What does the term ‘Great Schism’ refer to?
The split between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches
It was caused by various disputes, including authority of the pope.
What is the significance of the Night of Power & Excellence?
Revelations to Muhammad
It marks the moment when Muhammad received his first revelation.
What is the Adhan?
Call to prayer in Islam
It is performed shortly after a child’s birth.
What is the role of the Imam in Islamic marriage?
Reads from the Quran during the ceremony
The marriage contract must be witnessed by two other Muslims.
What does the term ‘Brahmin’ refer to in the caste system?
Highest caste including priests and teachers
They are expected to live godly lives and pursue knowledge.
Who are the Shudras in the caste system?
The laboring class whose duty is to serve
They are not required to observe Vedic rituals.
What is the significance of the Western Wall?
Place of prayer and pilgrimage sacred to Jews
It is believed that the divine Presence never departs from this wall.
What is Hajj?
Mandatory pilgrimage to Makkah
It is to be undertaken at least once in a lifetime by Muslims.
What does the term ‘Iqamah’ refer to in Islamic practice?
Command to rise and worship
It is the second call to prayer performed for children.
What is the Western Wall?
A sacred place of prayer and pilgrimage for Jews
The belief is that ‘the divine Presence never departs from the Western Wall.’
Why is there no new temple for Jews?
Because Jews aren’t ready and Muslims control the top of the Temple Mount
The Dome of the Rock is located on the Temple Mount.
What is Hajj?
The mandatory pilgrimage to Makkah for Muslims
It should be undertaken at least once in a lifetime by Muslims who have the health and means.
What do all pilgrims wear during Hajj?
White garments
This symbolizes solidarity and equality among all pilgrims.
Why is Rome significant for Catholics?
It is the residence of the Pope
Catholics believe that Jesus appointed Peter as the first Pope.
Who do Catholics believe was the first Pope?
Peter
He is believed to have been appointed by Jesus.
Fill in the blank: The Western Wall is a place of _______ and pilgrimage sacred to Jews.
prayer
True or False: Hajj can be performed multiple times in a Muslim’s lifetime.
True
What is the significance of white clothing during Hajj?
It shows solidarity and equality
All pilgrims, regardless of their background, wear the same attire.
What does the term ‘Shia’ refer to?
A branch of Islam
It is one of the two main branches, the other being Sunni.
What does the term ‘Sunni’ refer to?
A branch of Islam
It is the largest denomination within Islam.
