Religion Flashcards
A set of organized beliefs about the supernatural or spiritual worlds that guide behaviours and joins people into communities of believers
religion
a belief system based on conviction that does not require objective evidence to substantiate its claims
faith
a belief that all things possess a spirit
animism
belief in many gods; can be diffuse, with all gods considered equal, or hierarchal, with gods ranked in importance of power
polytheism
Belief in a single, all powerful, all knowing God
monotheism
Exists when scared symbols are integrated into the broader society regardless of their individual religious affiliations
Civil Religion (Secular Religion)
An informal group without defined structure; generally emerges around authoritarian and charismatic leaders who suppress rational thought to isolate members from the larger society
New Religious Movement
A small religious body with exclusive or voluntary membership that is aloof from or hostile to the larger society
Sect
An institution that brings together a moral community of believers in formal worship and integrates itself within the larger secular world
Church
A system in which many religious coexist and often compete with one another for members
religious pluralism
A system in which a church and the state have a formalized relationship
ecclesia
Weber’s term for religions that seek HARMONY with the natural world, other people, and human body
mysticism
weber’s term for religions that seek MASTERY over the natural world, other people, and the human body
asceticism
A religious orientation that focuses on the TANGIBLE world and our own creature comforts and aspirations
inner-worldly
A religious orientation that focuses on SEPARATION from the everyday world and finding spiritual enlightenment
other-worldly
A form of gov’t in which a god or other supernatural being is seen as the supreme civil ruler
theocracy
the moral responsibilities and guidelines that define an entire way of life
dharma
reincarnation, where the soul undergoes a series of births and deaths
samsara
the hindu state of spiritual perfection
moksha
the belief in cause and effect in a person’s life; you reap what you sow
karma
the buddhist state of spiritual perfection
nirvana
a movement designed to revitalize faith by retuning to traditional religious practices
fundamentalism
someone who thinks it is impossible to know whether gods exists, but DOES NOT deny the possibility
agnostic
someone who denies the exsistence of any supernatural beings or forces
atheist
elements of the everyday world that do not inspire or motivate
profane
things or activities that are set apart. ritualized, and at times inspire emotional reactions
sacred
an object that has special significance and meaning for a group of believers
totem
the doctrine that God alone chooses (or elects) who is saved
predestination
one’s work believed to be an expression of God’s will, particularly if that work brings fanancial success
calling
a movement by religious fundamentalists who advocate for a literal interpretation of the Bible to promote greater social equality
liberation theology
the process by which developed societies move away from explanations based on religion to ones based on science, rationality, and logic
secularization
