Religions and Belief Systems

Question 1

What is Hinduism?

Answer 1

The oldest religion in the world, characterized by Polytheism and the belief in Reincarnation, karma, and Dharma. Created the Caste System.

Question 2

What is Dharma?

Answer 2

Duty: the religious and moral duties of an individual. Believed by both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Question 3

What is Karma?

Answer 3

The belief that actions in this life, whether good or bad, will decide your place in the next life. Believed by both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Question 4

What is Reincarnation?

Answer 4

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the process by which a soul is reborn continuously until it achieves perfect understanding.

Question 5

What is Moksha?

Answer 5

Reaching oneness with the Gods, Becoming liberated from the cycle of reincarnation in Hinduism.

Question 6

What does Dana mean?

Answer 6

Generosity, giving to those less fortunate than yourself.

Question 7

Who is Brahma?

Answer 7

A Hindu god considered the creator of the world.

Question 8

What is the Caste System?

Answer 8

A set of rigid social categories part of Hinduism, that determined not only a person’s occupation and economic potential, but also his or her position in society.

Question 9

What are the Vedas?

Answer 9

Ancient Sanskrit writings that are the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism.

Question 10

What is the Bhadgavad-Gita?

Answer 10

A Hindu scripture written about 2000 years ago. It is composed of 700 verses with rhyming lines which is why many people refer to it as an Epic poem or a song.

Question 11

What is Buddhism?

Answer 11

Belief system that started in India in the 500s BC. Happiness can be achieved through removal of one’s desires. Believers seek enlightenment and the overcoming of suffering.

Question 12

Who is Siddhartha Gautama?

Answer 12

The prince who is said to have founded Buddhism.

Question 13

What are the 4 Noble Truths?

Answer 13

Core of Buddha’s doctrine; all life involves suffering, desire is the cause of suffering, elimination of desire brings the end to suffering, and disciplined life conducted in accordance with the Eightfold Path brings elimination of desire.

Question 14

What is the Eightfold Path?

Answer 14

The path to nirvana, comprising eight aspects in which an aspirant must become practiced: right views, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Question 15

What is Nirvana?

Answer 15

In Buddhism, the end of the cycle of Reincarnation, a condition of great peace or happiness.

Question 16

What is Monotheism?

Answer 16

Belief in one God.

Question 17

What is Polytheism?

Answer 17

Belief in more than one god.

Question 18

What is Atheism?

Answer 18

Belief in No God(s).

Question 19

What is Christianity?

Answer 19

The monotheistic religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices.

Question 20

Who is Jesus of Nazareth?

Answer 20

Founder of Christianity.

Question 21

What is Judaism?

Answer 21

A religion with a belief in one god. It originated with Abraham and the Hebrew people. Yahweh was responsible for the world and everything within it.

Question 22

Who is Abraham?

Answer 22

Founder of Judaism, First Prophet.

Question 23

What are the Abrahamic Religions?

Answer 23

3 religions that regard Abraham as their 1st Prophet: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Question 24

What is the Torah?

Answer 24

First five books of the Hebrew Bible.

Question 25

What is Yahweh (YHWH)?

Answer 25

Hebrew name for God.

Question 26

What is Allah?

Answer 26

Arabic word for God.

Question 27

What is Islam?

Answer 27

A religion based on the teachings of the prophet Mohammed which stresses belief in one god (Allah) and a body of law written in the Quran. Followers are called Muslims.

Question 28

What does Islam mean in Arabic?

Answer 28

Submission, surrender.

Question 29

What is the Quran?

Answer 29

The holy book of Islam.

Question 30

What are the 5 Pillars of Islam?

Answer 30

Faith, Prayer, Alms, Fasting, Pilgrimage.

Question 31

What does Halal mean?

Answer 31

Denoting or relating to meat prepared as prescribed by Muslim law.

Question 32

What does Kosher mean?

Answer 32

Prepared according to Jewish dietary law.

Question 33

What is Mecca?

Answer 33

City in western Arabia; birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, and ritual center of the Islamic religion.

Question 34

What is The Kaaba?

Answer 34

A black stone building in Mecca that is shaped like a cube and that is the most sacred Muslim pilgrim shrine.

Question 35

When did Hinduism originate?

Answer 35

4000-2000 BCE.

Question 36

When did Buddhism originate?

Answer 36

Around 500 BC.

Question 37

When did Judaism originate?

Answer 37

Around 2000 BCE.

Question 38

When did Christianity originate?

Answer 38

Around 30 CE.

Question 39

When did Islam originate?

Answer 39

During 7th century.

Question 40

What is Daoism/Taoism?

Answer 40

A Chinese philosophy where people practice humility, lead a simple life and have harmony with nature.

Question 41

Did Daoism/Taoism have Gods?

Answer 41

Depending on the denomination yes. Daoism often melded with local myths and animistic Gods.

Question 42

Who is Lao Tzu (Laozi)?

Answer 42

Founder of Taoism/Daoism.

Question 43

What is one motto of Daoism?

Answer 43

Simplicity, Patience, Compassion.

Question 44

What is Yin and Yang?

Answer 44

In Daoist belief, complementary factors that help to maintain the equilibrium of the world. One is associated with masculine, light, and active qualities while the other with feminine, dark, and passive qualities.

Question 45

What is Confucianism?

Answer 45

The system of ethics, education, and statesmanship taught by Confucius and his disciples, stressing love for humanity, ancestor worship, reverence for parents, and harmony in thought and conduct.

Question 46

What are the 5 key relationships of Confucianism?

Answer 46

Father/Son, Older Bro/Lil Bro, Husband/Wife, Ruler/People, Friend/Friend.

Question 47

Who is Confucius?

Answer 47

(551-479 BCE) A Chinese philosopher known also as Kong Fuzi and created one of the most influential philosophies in Chinese history.

Question 48

What was the Warring States Period in China?

Answer 48

The three centuries when Chinese states battled for territory. (481/403 BCE - 221 BCE) The Qin Dynasty ultimately took over and became the first unified Chinese state.

Question 49

What is the Qin Dynasty?

Answer 49

(221-207 BCE) The first centralized dynasty of China that used Legalism as its base of belief.

Question 50

What are the achievements of the Qin Dynasty?

Answer 50

Ordered construction of the Great Wall of China, standardized coinage, weights measurements.

Question 51

What is Legalism?

Answer 51

Chinese philosophy developed by Hanfeizi; taught that humans are naturally evil and therefore need to be ruled by harsh laws with strict punishments.

Question 52

Who is Han Feizi?

Answer 52

Founder of Legalism.

Question 53

What is the Zhou Dynasty?

Answer 53

The longest lasting Chinese dynasty, during which the idea of Mandate of Heaven came, ending with the Warring States period.