Definitions Term 1 Flashcards
(21 cards)
Initiation (Aboriginal)
Ceremonies and rituals to celebrate and introduce boys and girls into adulthood in Aboriginal Spirituality
Animism
Belief that spirits inhabit nature and have influence over people and natural events
Agnosticism
The belief that there is an ultimate being out there but not knowing exactly what that is, referred to as the ‘fence sitters’ and are always awaiting more evidence
Atheism
Belief there is no immortal, permanent, all powerful God
Totemic
Totemic identity orients a person to a particular totem in Aboriginal Spirituality
Monotheism
Belief in only one God. Example: Christianity
Humanism
A psychological theory describing the human race as having the power to improve itself with our own power and potential. Many humanists are agnostic
Theology
The study of religion
Doctrine
A particular concept taught and advocates, especially in church. E.g. Catholic Doctrines
Pantheism
The belief that God is nature and the whole universe
Etymology
The study of words and how they originated and the ways in which their meanings have changed
Theistic
Belief in the existence of a God or Gods
Quantum theory
The theoretical basis of modern physics that explains the nature and behaviours of matter and energy on an atomic and subatomic level
Polytheistic
A belief in more than one God eg Hinduism
Imponderable
Unable to be weighed up or evaluated with exactness
Kinship (aboriginal spirituality)
The system of “law” governing social interaction, in particular marriage in aboriginal groups
Totem
A totem is a natural object, plant, or animal that is inherited by members of a group as their spiritual emblem. Especially in aboriginal spirituality eg crocodile
Mission
Projects put together especially by the christain church to travel and spread the word of Christ
Scared sites
Areas of significant aboriginal meaning relations to the dreaming/dreamtime stories eg. Uluru
Ritual country
Land that a group has responsibility over (my country). Ritual country contains sacred sites and spiritual significance
Religion
A set of beliefs that are practiced and followed like a moral law, usually by a group of people with a common faith
