Civil Religion
A set of sacred beliefs so commonly accepted by most people that it becomes part of the national culture
Religion
A system of beliefs and practices around sacred things, a set of shared "stories" that guide belief and action
Sacred
Describes holy things meant for special use and kept separate from the profane. The sacred realm is unknowable and mystical, so it inspires us with feelings of awe and wonder.
Profane
Describes the things of mundate, everyday life
Theism
The worship of a god or gods, as in christianity, islam, or hinduism
Ethicalism
The adherence to certain principles to lead a moral life, as in Buddhism and Taoism
Animism
The belief that spirits roam the natural world, as in totemism
Denominations
Big groups of congregations that share the same faith and are governed under one administrative umbrella
Congregations
Groups of people that gather together, especially for worship