Religious Terms Flashcards
apostate
One who abandons his or her religious loyalty.
apostle
One of an authoritative New Testament group sent forth by Christ to preach the gospel.
Bhagavad Gita
A sacred book of Hinduism.
Brahmin
Highest of Hindu castes reserved for priests, spiritual leaders, etc.
Buddhism
Faith centered around achieving enlightenment. Based on the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gotama. Its main tenet is that life is suffering. Through meditative practice, one can escape Samsara (the Wheel of Suffering) and achieve a state of Nirvana (spiritual enlightenment).
Christianity
Monotheistic faith based on the teachings of Jesus Christ in which there are three aspects of a single divinity: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. These three aspects comprise the Trinity. The Christian Bible is split into the Old Testament and the New Testament (including the four books of the Gospel).
Conficianism
System of codes and ethics originating under Confucius. Religion centers around individuals understanding and fulfilling their roles within society.
disciple
One who accepts and assists in the spreading of doctrines of another.
Episcopalianism
Protestant faith that recognizes the Church of England.
heathen
An unconverted member of a people or nation that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible.
Hinduism
Polytheistic religion based primarily in South Asia. Known for its use of the caste system.
infidel
An unbeliever in respect to a particular religion.
Islam
Faith based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad. Monotheistic worship of Allah centers around the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
John Calvin
Founder of Calvinism, a strict Protestant faith centered around the concept of predestination.
Judaism
Monotheistic religion based on the Torah (Old Testament) and the Talmud texts.
Koran
The holy book of Islam.
Martin Luther
Founder of Lutheran faith. Began the Reformation with his posting of The Ninety-Five Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.
pagan
A follower of a polytheistic religion.
pagoda
A Far Eastern tower generally erected as a temple or memorial.
pariah
Outcasts or “untouchables” comprising the lowest of the Hindu castes.
predestination
Belief that those who will achieve Salvation are a select few who are preordained prior to birth.
Presbyterianism
Protestant faith that originated in Scotland.
proselytize
To attempt to convert others to a faith or religion.
Shintoism
Japanese religion based on the polytheistic worship of nature and ancestors.
Taoism
Pantheistic religion and philosophy originating in China focused on principles that allow people to live in harmony with the natural order. Founded by Lao-tzu.
