Animism
Belief System that is based on spirits in nature. It was originally founded in Africa.
Polytheistic
Belief in more than one god.
Monotheistic
Belief in one God.
Judaism
Belief system that originated with Abraham, follows the 10 commandments, and reads the Torah.
Torah
Holy book for Jews (first 5 books of the Old Testament).
10 Commandments
Rules that both Jews and Christians should follow.
Semitic
Anything that originates in the Middle East.
Jerusalem
Holy city for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Christianity
Belief System where Jesus is the messiah and they use the Bible as a guide to live a moral life.
Jesus
Messiah for Christians (savior of the faith).
Golden Rule
General guideline that most religions follow, which is to treat others as you would want to be treated.
Mecca
One of the three holy cities of Islam. It is the place where the Ka'Bah is and all Muslims must make a pilgrimmage there.
Medina
One of the three holy cities of Islam, this is the place where Muhammad lived while he was exiled from his home city.
Koran (Qu'ran)
Holy book of Muslims.
Sharia
Muslim holy law, that is found in strict Islamic countries around the world (Iran, Afghanistan, etc).
5 Pillars
The five things that Muslims are suppose to do in order to live a good life.
Muhammad
Main and final prophet for Muslims.
Allah
Muslim word for God.
Arabs
Race of people in the middle east. They are not all Muslim (ex. Jews in Israel).
Hinduism
Polytheistic religion from India, that believes in reincarnation, Brahma, karma, dharma, and moksha.
Ahimsa
Non-violence in Hinduism.
Moksha
When someone in Hinduism finally breaks the reincarnation cycle.
Caste System
Social hierarchy in India where people are born into their social classes based on if they were good/bad in their past life.
Reincarnation
Your karma from the previous life will determine what you are reborn as in your next life.
Karma
Good and bad deeds that will influence what you are reincarnated as.
Dharma
Rules and guidelines that Hindus and Buddhists follow to try and break the reincarnation cycle or be reincarnated as a higher life form.
Cows
Animal that Hindus have a deep respect for.
Vedas
Hindu holy book.
Buddhism
Belief system that originated in India, but has spread to most of Asia and beyond. Their central figure is Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), who was the first person to become "enlightened".
Four Noble Truths
The four facts that Buddhists follow that attempts to end suffering by ending desires. It is necessary to follow these to achieve Nirvana.
Eight Fold Path
Nirvana for Dummies". The eight guidelines you must follow to achieve enlightenment/Nirvana.
Siddhartha Gautama
Buddha's real name and the founder of Buddhism.
Nirvana
The ultimate goal of Buddhists and the highest form of enlightenment. When this is achieved it will stop the reincarnation cycle.
Confucianism
Belief System that is very important in China and was created by a man named Confucious.
5 Relationships
Father > Son, Husband > Wife, Ruler > Subject, Older Sibling > Younger Sibling, Friend = Friend.
Filial Piety
Respect for your parents. Important part of Confucianism.
Respect
Important idea in Confucianism, you can summarize this belief system with this word.
Analects
Holy book in Confucianism, written by Confucious.
Duty
Important idea in Confucianism, which is it is important to accept and carry out one's role in society.
Taoism
Important belief system in China that suggests that everyone should follow "the way". They believe that the Yin and the Yang are important symbols that represent harmony and balance.
Shintoism
Belief system in Japan that is founded by a deep respect for nature.
Kami
Spirits in nature that are worshipped in Shintoism.
Untouchables
Lowest caste in Hinduism, also known as outcasts of society.
Ramadan
Holy month of fasting for Islam.
Mosque
Holy place of worship for Muslims.
Religion
A set of beliefs that has a spirtual force (god/gods) and organized rituals/ceremonies that are performed.
Social Philosophy
A set of guiding principles that determines how a community lives. Usually does not have a spiritual force (god/gods).
Western (Wailing Wall)
Important religious site for Jews. It is the remains of the Temple of Solomon and can be found in Jersualem.
Synagogue
Place of worship for Jews.
Ring of Fire
Active fault line that has had a strong influence on Shintoism in Japan.
Aryans
Nomadic group that invaded the Indus River Valley and through cultural diffusion created Hinduism.
Jihad
Struggle or holy war in Islam.
Guru
Hindu teacher.
Israel
Homeland of the Jews, given to them after WWII.
Moses
Prophet that lead the Jews out of slavery in Egypt.
Tao
Also means "the way" and is what Taoist believe is the natural way of the universe.