WORLD RELIGIONS EXAM Flashcards
(51 cards)
What is the religious impulse?
The universal urge to believe in something beyond ourselves
What is animism?
Every natural thing in the universe has a soul (spiritual essence)
What are three differences between religions and cults? In your answer, explain a few of the characteristics of cults.
Characteristics of cults:
Isolation from friends and family
Give their entire salary
100% dedication
Intimidation and fear
Focus inward
Simple (good or bad)
Say the world is a bad place and needs to be destroyed before fixed
Make members feel guilty, use of humiliation
sacred scriptures of jjudaism
The Torah (first five books of the Hebrew Bible – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy).
Also includes Mishnah (oral law, 200 CE), Talmud (commentary on the Mishnah), and Midrash (interpretation of stories and laws).
sacred scriptures of islam
Qur’an (literal Word of God, revealed to Muhammad over 23 years by Angel Gabriel)
Hadith (sayings, actions, and approvals of Muhammad, second source of Islamic law)
sacred scripture of hinduism
Vedas – oldest Hindu texts. Include ritual rules and spiritual teachings. The Rig Veda is most important. The Upanishads are spiritual reflections within the Vedas.
sacred scriptures of buddhism
-Tripitaka
Vinaya Pitaka: Monastic rules
Sutra Pitaka: Buddha’s teachings
Abhidhamma Pitaka: Philosophical analysis
-sutras: word of the buddha
-koans: non-rational statements, riddles
sacred scripture of sikhism
Guru Granth Sahib - holiest scripture
Christianity timeline: Explain what happened during the Eastern Schism, Protestant Reformation, the Council of Trent, the Counter Reformation and Vatican Council
-Eastern Schism (Great Schism of 1054):
Split into Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church over disagreements about Papal authority, filioque clause, and cultural differences.
-Protestant Reformation:
Martin Luther’s 95 Theses (1517) protested indulgences and corruption, leading to new denominations (Lutheran, Calvinist, Anglican).
-Council of Trent:
Reaffirmed Catholic doctrine, corrected abuses, emphasized tradition, 7 sacraments, and authority of the Church.
-Counter Reformation:
Catholic response to Protestantism emphasizing tradition, sacraments, and Church authority.
-Vatican Council II (1962–1965):
Modernized Church (Mass in vernacular), promoted interfaith dialogue (Nostra Aetate).
origins of judaism
Originates with Abraham, who made a covenant with God.
Continued through Isaac, Jacob, and the 12 tribes of Israel.
Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and received the Ten Commandments, establishing Jewish law.
The religion developed further during the Babylonian exile, with the emergence of synagogues and rabbis.
origins of christianity
origins of islam
-Founded by Prophet Muhammad who received first revelation at age 40 in the Cave of Hira, Mecca.
-Muhammad migrated (Hijra) to Medina in 622 CE, becoming spiritual, political, and military leader.
-Islam spread under first four Caliphs after Muhammad’s death (632 CE)
origins of hinduism
Originated in the Indus Valley Civilization (~3000 BCE – 1750 BCE). Polytheistic. Modern Hindu myths trace back to this period
origins of buddhism
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) (~563 BCE). After encountering old age, sickness, and death, he renounced luxury and found enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
origins of sikhism
-Founded in northwestern India 1400s
-Emerged from hinduism and islam
-Sik means student or learner, following teachings of its founder Guru Nanak
Identify important places of worship or pilgrimage for at least three religions
-Islam: mecca - most sacred site, destination of Hajj pilgrimage
-Judaism: Western Wall (wailing wall): last remaining part of the Second Temple in Jerusalem
-Buddhism: bodhi tree (site of buddha’s enlightenment),
-Hinduism: Ganges River (sacred pilgrimage site)
-Sikhism: gurdwara
kosher vs halal
Hallal means lawful or permitted - islam
Kosher is the prohibition of certain foods - judaism
Compare three festivals from three different world religions
islam: Miraj: Celebrates Muhammad’s Night Journey and Ascension.
judaism: Passover: celebrates exodus from egypt
hinuism: Diwali: festival of lights celebrating good over evil, honouring vishnu and lakshmi. Includes fireworks, vegetarian feasts, and puja
siddhartha guatama
-Left royal life to seek truth, attained enlightenment, founded buddhism
-The middle way
muhammad
-founder of islam SEAL OF THE PROPHETS
-Born 570 CE in Mecca, orphaned young, known as “Al-Amin.”
-Received first revelation at age 40.
-Faced persecution, Year of Sorrow in 619 CE.
-Night journey (Mi’raj) and ascension.
-Migrated to Medina (Hijra).
-Led battles of Badr, Uhud, and Trench.
-Conquest of Mecca in 630 CE peacefully.
-Delivered Farewell Sermon emphasizing equality, sanctity of life, rights of women, finality of message.
-Died in 632 CE in Medina.
jesus
Born in Bethlehem, baptized by John the Baptist, performed miracles, preached Kingdom of God, crucified under Pontius Pilate, resurrected on the third day, ascended into heaven, sent the Holy Spirit to Pentecost.
martin luther
Protested Church corruption with 95 Theses, started Protestant Reformation.
dalai lama
-Spiritual leader of tibetan buddhism
-Promotes peace and compassion
-In exile due to tibet-china conflict
gandhi
Hindu leader who promoted ahimsa (non-violence)
Led india’s independence
Influenced by hindu values
