World Religions Test Study Guide

"Samsara"

(Hinduism and Buddhism) the endless cycle of birth and suffering and death and rebirth

"Four Noble Truths"

1) All life is full of suffering, pain, and sorrow. 2) The cause of suffering is non virtue, or negative deeds and mindsets such as hated and desire. 3) The only cure for suffering is to overcome non virtue/desire. 4) The way to overcome non virtue/desire is to follow the Eight fold Path

"Temples"

Buddhist sacred places. This includes temples at home.

Modern Hindus primarily live and work in...

India

"Shia"

the branch of Islam whose members acknowledge Ali and his descendants as the rightful successors of Muhammad

"Sunni"

A branch of Islam whose members acknowledge the first four caliphs as the rightful successors of Muhammad. This branch denies the leader must be a blood relative of Muhammad.

"Hebrew Bible"

A collection of sacred books containing diverse materials concerning the origins, experiences, beliefs, and practices of the early Hebrew people. Most of the extant text was compiled by members of the priestly class in the fifth century B.C.E. . Holy books about law, history, prophecy, and wisdom of the ancient people of Israel.

Christianity: Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Jewish messiah and...

A savior of the world.

"Hadith"

A tradition relating the words or deeds of the Prophet Muhammad; next to the Quran, the most important basis for Islamic law. Offers guidance for Muslims.

Christians PRIMARILY live and worship in all the following regions except... United States Europe Russia China

China

"Muslims"

Followers of Islam

Hinduism: The Hindus believed a deity wrote the Vedas which are:

Four holly books of Hinduism written in Sanskrit

Judaism: Judaism is practiced by Jews, who in ancient times were called...

Hebrews

"Pantheistic"

Hindu belief that the universe is God and God is the universe.

"Mandir"

Hindu temple/place of worship.

Islam: Muslims follow the teachings of Muhammad the prophet. What is a prophet?

Messenger of God

Buddhism: The religion of Buddhism is primarily practiced in all the following places except:

Northern Europe

"A church"

Place of worship for Christians

Islam: Islam is primarily practiced in the following regions except:

South America

Judaism: Judaism originated in which region?

The Middle East

Christianity: Followers of Christianity read the Holy Bible, which included the New Testament and the Hebrew Bible, known as what?

The Old Testament

"Karma"

The belief that actions in this life, whether good or bad, will decide your place in the next life. (Buddhists and Hindus)

The Names of Deities "Hindus believe in many deities, but their supreme being is worshiped in three forms, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. These three gods are all part of the universal spirit. Major branches included Vaishavas (followers of the preserver god), Shaivas (followers of the destroyer god), Shaktas (followers of the female deities), and Smartas (followers of five deities)." What does the term Shiva mean in the text?

The destroyer

Who was Buddha? "After five years of struggle, Siddhartha left the sect to recover and meditate on his own. One night he sat under a fig tree in northwest India. Meditating under this tree opened his awareness, leading him to enlightenment, peaceful state of being. At this point, he became Buddha." What does the word "Buddha" refer to in the text?

The enlightened founder of the Buddhist religion.

The Non-Citizens of Rome "Ancient Romans allowed citizens and non-citizens living within their borders to practice their religions because they felt it was easier to rule someone who was able to keep their belief system than someone who was forced to change. The only exception would come when Roman officials began to believe that Christianity was causing political problems. But, even with Christianity the Romans only placed limits on where and when Christians could meet." What does the word "Christians" mean in the text?

Those who follow Christianity.

Judaism: The Hebrew name for their only God used in the Bible is_______ and because they only worship one God, they are considered...

Yahweh; monotheistic

Hinduism: Hindus believed in karma, or that people create their own destiny through...

every action, word or thought

Who was Jesus? "Three major religions disagree on Jesus's role on this earth. Christians worship him as the messiah, son of God and savior of the world. Muslims believed Jesus was a prophet, but not the son of God as he claimed. In addition, Muslims added Muhammad's teachings as further holy text. The Jews doubt the validity of Jesus or Muhammad, still awaiting their savior." What does the word validity mean in the text?

impossible

Islam: What is the holy place where followers of Islam worship?

mosque

Buddhism: Buddhists believed that people were reincarnated until they reached ___________, an inner peace or enlightenment.

nirvana

"Synagogue"

the building where a Jewish assembly or congregation meets for religious worship and instruction.

"Qur'an (or Koran)"

the holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the actual words of God as revealed to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel.