Belief Systems

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.