Barron's AP Human Geography Religion Vocabulary

Animism

Most prevalent in Africa and the Americas, doctrine in which the world is seen as being infused with spiritual and even supernatural powers.

Missionary

A person of a particular faith that travels in order to recruit new members into the faith represented.

Hinduism

A cohesive and unique society, most prevalent in India, that integrates spiritual beliefs with daily practices and official institutions such as the caste system.

Pilgrimage

A journey to a place of religious importance.

Islam

A monotheistic religion based on the belief that there is one God, Allah, and that Muhammad was Allah's prophet. Islam is based in the ancient city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Muhammad.

Denomination

A particular religious group, usually associated with differing Protestant belief systems.

Evangelical religions

Religion in which an effort is made to spread a particular belief system.

Global religion

Religion in which members are numerous and widespread and their doctrines might appeal to different people from any region of the globe.

Ethnic religion

Religion that is identified with a particular ethnic or tribal group and that does not seek new converts.

Universalizing religion

Religion that seeks to unite people from all over the globe.

Local religion

Religions that are spiritually bound to particular regions.

Caste system

System in India that gives every Indian a particular place in the social hierarchy from birth. Individuals may improve the position they inherit in the caste system in their next life through their actions, or karma. After many lives of good karma, they may be relieved from cycle of life and win their place in heaven.

Buddhism

System of belief that seeks to explain ultimate realities for all people-- such as the nature of suffering and the path toward self-realization.

Judaism

The first major monotheistic religion. It is based on a sense of ethnic identity, and its adherents tend to form tight-knit communities wherever they live.

Shaman

The single person who takes on the roles of priest, counselor, and physician and acts as a conduit of the supernatural world in a shamanist culture.

Fundamentalism

The strict adherence to a particular doctrine.

Christianity

The world's most widespread religion. Is a monotheist, universal religion that uses missionaries to expand its members worldwide. The three major categories of ______ are Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox.

Polytheism

The worship of more than one god.

Monotheism

The worship of only one god.