Religious Terms

Question 1

apostate

Answer 1

One who abandons his or her religious loyalty.

Question 2

apostle

Answer 2

One of an authoritative New Testament group sent forth by Christ to preach the gospel.

Question 3

Bhagavad Gita

Answer 3

A sacred book of Hinduism.

Question 4

Brahmin

Answer 4

Highest of Hindu castes reserved for priests, spiritual leaders, etc.

Question 5

Buddhism

Answer 5

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).

Question 6

Christianity

Answer 6

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).

Question 7

Conficianism

Answer 7

System of codes and ethics originating under Confucius. Religion centers around individuals understanding and fulfilling their roles within society.

Question 8

disciple

Answer 8

One who accepts and assists in the spreading of doctrines of another.

Question 9

Episcopalianism

Answer 9

Protestant faith that recognizes the Church of England.

Question 10

heathen

Answer 10

An unconverted member of a people or nation that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible.

Question 11

Hinduism

Answer 11

Polytheistic religion based primarily in South Asia. Known for its use of the caste system.

Question 12

infidel

Answer 12

An unbeliever in respect to a particular religion.

Question 13

Islam

Answer 13

Faith based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad. Monotheistic worship of Allah centers around the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Question 14

John Calvin

Answer 14

Founder of Calvinism, a strict Protestant faith centered around the concept of predestination.

Question 15

Judaism

Answer 15

Monotheistic religion based on the Torah (Old Testament) and the Talmud texts.

Question 16

Koran

Answer 16

The holy book of Islam.

Question 17

Martin Luther

Answer 17

Founder of Lutheran faith. Began the Reformation with his posting of The Ninety-Five Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.

Question 18

pagan

Answer 18

A follower of a polytheistic religion.

Question 19

pagoda

Answer 19

A Far Eastern tower generally erected as a temple or memorial.

Question 20

pariah

Answer 20

Outcasts or “untouchables” comprising the lowest of the Hindu castes.

Question 21

predestination

Answer 21

Belief that those who will achieve Salvation are a select few who are preordained prior to birth.

Question 22

Presbyterianism

Answer 22

Protestant faith that originated in Scotland.

Question 23

proselytize

Answer 23

To attempt to convert others to a faith or religion.

Question 24

Shintoism

Answer 24

Japanese religion based on the polytheistic worship of nature and ancestors.

Question 25

Taoism

Answer 25

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.