Religion
Andreas of Caesarea wrote several commentaries on this book, which in one section describes how water became bitter after the star Wormwood fell on the Earth. The second and third chapters of this book include epistles to the seven churches of Asia, and it describes an evil woman named the ***** of Babylon.
Book of Revelation
These events usually take place underneath a canopy called a chuppah and always end with a man crushing a wine glass with his foot. For 10 points, name these events during which, according to Ashkenazi tradition, a veil covers the face of the bride.
Jewish weddings
Ananias restored the life of Saul of Damascus in this book, which described how he converted to Christianity and became Paul the Apostle. For 10 points, Luke is said to have written what fifth book of the New Testament named for the deeds of Jesus's disciples?
Acts of the Apostles
This book recounts the story of Eutychus, a man in Troas who falls from a window and is immediately revived. In this book, a Pharisee named Gamaliel advises a council to leave some other men alone, and an Ethiopian eunuch converts to Christianity. At the opening of this book, lots are drawn and Matthias is chosen to replace a man who had died. Philip meets the Samaritan sorcerer (*) Simon Magus in this book, which also chronicles the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr.
Acts of the Apostles
One metaphor in this religion treats its laws as 'choice wine' to be savored; those laws include payment of a fine to the Local Spiritual Assembly for fornication and the facing of the Qiblih in once-a-day prayer. In 1957, its Guardian Shoghi Effendi died. Mandating a yearly fast of 19 days' length, this priestless religion's holy scriptures include the Book of Aqdas and the Book of Certitude
Ba'ha'i Faith
and practitioners of this faith with a Universal House of Justice in Haifa, Israel, tolerate all faiths as paths towards God. Symbolized by a nine-pointed star, for 10 points, name this monotheistic religion founded in 19th century by the Bab and Baha'ullah.
Ba'ha'i Faith
In favor of abolishing the extremes of wealth and poverty, its Book of Certitude emphasizes the unity between God, religions, and humanity. Currently centered at the Universal House of Justice in Haifa, for 10 points, name this religion, founded in 1844 by the Bab and popularized by Baha'ullah.
Baha'i
Its followers set aside four or five Ayyam-i-Ha, or Intercalary Days, before observing a nineteen-day fast. One leaderr of this religion translated Epistle to the Son of the Wolf into English; that leader was Guardian Shoghi Effendi, and its Houses of Worship include the New Delhi [*] Lotus Temple
Baha'i
Adherents believe in the unity of God, religion, and humanity, and in the revelation of God's nature through prophets such as Jesus and Muhammad. Name this faith founded by a Persian born with the name Mírzá Ḥusayn-Alí Núrí, who was heralded by the Báb and changed his name to Bahá'u'lláh.
Bahá'í
One text in this religion describes the soul's journey towards God by reaching one of the title locations "of True Poverty and Absolute Nothingness". That book is The Seven Valleys. This religion's main theological text is the Kitáb-i-Íqán, and it was led by Shoghi Effendi until the establishment of the Universal House of Justice.
Bahá'í
(*) Naomi and Ruth return to this city in the Book of Ruth. A census taken by Caesar Augustus requiring residents of Syria to register in the towns of their ancestors forced a family to travel to this birthplace of King David. For 10 points, name this site of the massacre of the innocents, the adoration of the magi, and the birth of Jesus.
Bethlehem
Matthew holds that an event in this city fulfilled a prophecy by Jeremiah beginning, "A voice was heard in Ramah." In this city, a woman sat at the foot of a prospective husband's bed and "uncovered his feet" to try to seduce him. A woman of Moab moved to this city after promising, "Where you go, I will go," and found a job in this city gleaning the fields of Boaz.
Bethlehem
He was almost killed by (*) Mehmet Ali Agca. The bank controlled by this man likely funded a trade-union in his home country called Solidarity. He was the first non-Italian to hold his office since Adrian VI. For 10 points, name this Polish-born pope, the predecessor of Benedict XVI.
Blessed Pope John Paul II
This man was once nearly killed by a bayonet that was thrust upon him by a disciple of Marcel Lefebvre. The Mitrokhin Commission investigated an earlier attempt by a Grey Wolves member to kill this man. This man controversially kissed a Quran after visiting the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. His predecessor and namesake died six weeks after assuming office, and he established the World Youth Day gatherings
Blessed Pope John Paul II
At one point in this book, a figure is put on trial by the prosecutor Tertullus and left in prison until the governor Felix is replaced by Festus. Near the end of this book, that same person is shipwrecked on Malta while being transported to Rome. At the start of this book, Matthias is chosen to replace Judas, and the Ascension occurs.
Book of Acts
This book was written in Rome between 70 and 90 CE by Luke, and it describes Paul's missionary activities. For 10 points, name this book of the New Testament, which immediately follows the four gospels.
Book of Acts
In this Biblical book, a woman who is staying at an inn calls her spouse a "bloody husband" after she performs a circumcision. A man in this book laments his "uncircumcised lips" while his genealogy is being related to him. In this book, a bitter well is turned sweet when a tree is thrown into it. In this book, the magicians Jannes and Jambres turn rods into snakes that are devoured by another snake.
Book of Exodus
While living in Midian, a man in this book is told the phrase "I am that I am" by a burning bush. In this book, a golden calf is idolized by the followers of Aaron while stone tablets bearing the Ten Commandments are given to Moses. For 10 points, name this second book of the Hebrew Bible.
Book of Exodus
Another man in this book sees his son sent to the Land of Nod; that man also named the animals before being a serpent and his wife tempted him to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. For 10 points, name this book that features Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as well as Adam and Eve, the first book of the Bible.
Book of Genesis
This book sees one figure rescue his relative from the King of Shinarand before being blessed by a priest of "God the most high" named Melchizedek. Another figure in this book is almost seduced by Abimelech while disguised as her husband's sister, while yet another is dressed up in goatskins to fool his blind father into blessing him. That man spends fourteen years working for (*) Laban in order to marry his two daughters, Rachel and Leah.
Book of Genesis
The author of this book recounts seeing a seven-headed dragon, and it features a series of trumpet blasts and the opening of the seven seals. Written by John of Patmos, For 10 points, name this final book of the Bible about the apocalypse.
Book of Revelation
A rival of this figure once climbed up a peak and hurled a large rock at him, which splintered and made this figure's foot bleed. This man summoned his followers to a lake, held up a certain object without saying a word, and was met with a smile and a laugh by his successor. His mother, Maya, had a vision of a beautiful elephant entering her womb. This man traveled to a deer park to begin his teachings and is considered to be the first (*) arhat.
Buddha
In his adolescence, this deliverer of the "Flower Sermon" was disturbed by the sight of an old man, a diseased man, and a corpse. This prompted him to meditate under a Bodhi tree and come up with the Four Noble Truths. For 10 points, name this religious figure who was born Siddhartha Gautama.
Buddha
The dhyana mudra represents this action. This action is performed while dying in phowa. It often involves Dharani. The Three marks of existence are the center of the vipassana kind of it. Many people do nianfo while doing it, and say "Namu Amida Butsu." This action was first done in the shadow of a Jampu tree. It is the central practice of the (*) Pure Land school.
Buddhist meditation
The zazen form of it involves contemplating koans and this action often involves repeating mantras. For 10 points, name this way of cultivating mindfulness, reaching enlightenment, and relaxing in Buddhism.
Buddhist meditation
The sangha consists mainly of these people, who are called Bhikku or Bhiksu in Pali or Sanskrit respectively. For 10 points, name these people who work toward nirvana while living in secluded and often silent monasteries.
Buddhist monks
[Note to teams: Description acceptable.] A barber named Upali was responsible for recording the rules governing these people's actions. These people do not eat food after noon, one of the Ten Precepts obeyed by some of them. They must be at least twenty years old, or else they are called sramanera. A part of the Tripitaka called the Vinaya Pitaka governs the behavior of these people, who wear a three-piece garment called a kasaya, which is often brown or saffron.
Buddhist monks
Huldrych Zwingli influenced the early stages of this religion, whose reformation happened in Switzerland after the Lutheran Reformation. For 10 points, name this branch of Christianity whose five major tenets were outlined in its founder's Institutes of the Christian Religion and include total depravity and predestination.
Calvinism
Jacobus Arminius rejected some of this religion's main points at the Council of Dort, setting the basis for the split between this religion and Methodism. In Scotland, this religion developed into John Knox's Presbyterianism.
Calvinism
One story from this religion tells of a man who continually tries to run away from his shadow, yet never thinks to sit under the shade of a tree. A key figure from this religion once wondered whether he dreamt of a butterfly or the butterfly dreamt of him. Practitioners of this religion attempt to attain the concept of non-action, or (*) "wu wei.
Daoism
This religion, whose deities include the Immortal Eight and the Jade Emperor, describes the interconnectedness of opposite forces through the concepts of yin and yang. For ten points, identify this Chinese religion which advocates "the way" and was founded by Laozi.
Daoism
Forty days before Ascension Thursday and fifty days before Pentecost, it ends the period of Lent and occurs two days after Good Friday, on a Sunday. For 10 points, name this Christian holiday honoring the resurrection of Jesus, associated with brightly colored eggs.
Easter
Its season extends either 40 days to Ascension Day or 50 days to Pentecost, and it ends the period of Lent. Strongly tied to the Jewish Passover, for 10 points, name this Christian holiday which occurs two days after Good Friday, a spring festival which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus with objects like painted eggs.
Easter
Melito of Sardis and other Quartodecimans celebrated this holiday on a different date, but the First Council of Nicaea decreed that it should follow the 14th day of a certain ecclesiastical month. The Exsultet is intoned during this holiday's traditional Church service, during which a large candle is lit.
Easter
The Quartodecimans, mostly in Asia Minor, argued for a different date for this holiday, but mostly died out after Pope Victor disagreed. The Council of Nicaea agreed with the earlier Council of Arles that all Christians should celebrate it on the same day. Converts to the Catholic church are baptized and confirmed during this holiday's vigil.
Easter
Cheese is eaten on this holiday to commemorate the beheading of Holofernes, the leader of the Assyrians, by Judith. During this holiday, Al ha-Nissim are added to the hoda'ah section of the Amidah, and the last day of it is called Zot.
Hanukkah
In Israel, the letter Pey, instead of Shin, accompanies Nun, Gimel, and Hey on a top used in a game on this holiday, which also involves the singing of the Ma'oz Tzur, or Rock of Ages. Beginning on the 25th of Kislev, it commemorates a revolt by the Maccabees and includes a candle-lighting ceremony for eight nights. For 10 points, name this Jewish holiday known as the "Festival of Lights".
Hanukkah
Observers of this holiday sing songs like "M'Ymaleil?" ("me-uh-ma-layl") and "Ma'oz Tzur." The letters Shin, Nun, Gimel, and Hey are inscribed on a top used in a traditional game for this holiday. This holiday celebrates a successful revolt against Antiochus, as well as the miraculous burning of an oil lamp for eight days. For 10 points, name this Jewish holiday celebrated with a menorah.
Hanukkah
On this holiday, children play a game involving a device marked with initials referring to "a great miracle" and sing songs including "Ma'oz Tsur". The aforementioned device is a dreidel, and the miracle of this holiday is oil in the Temple burning for eight days after a revolt led by Judah Maccabee. Name this Jewish festival that includes the lighting of a nine-branched menorah.
Hanukkah
The Haftarah starting at Zechariah 2:14 is read on this holiday. One song connected with this holiday is a round with the drawn-out word "Shma" and is entitled "Mi YeMalel", while another is the "Hanerot Hallalu" blessing. The shamash is a helper for the main ceremony of this holiday.
Hanukkah
This is the first holiday of the year in which "Al Ha-Nissim" is added to the Amidah. Hillel and Shammai debated whether a ritual for this holiday should be done increasingly or decreasingly; that ritual involves a shamash.
Hanukkah
In one version of this event, women take men's scarves and put sugar in them, tying them to trees. In other variants, depictions of gods are swung around and accompanied by singing. Offerings are made to the love god Kamadeva on this holiday. One ritual performed during this day involves women drinking thangai or bhang and then hitting shielded men with lathis.
Holi
This holiday celebrates the survival of King Hiranyakashipu's son, Prahlada, on a burning pyre. This event takes place on Phalguna Purnima, the vernal equinox. For 10 points, name this Hindu spring festival that involves throwing brightly colored powder.
Holi
Disagreements over the authority of the agama, and whether women could ever attain moksha, led to the split between its Digambara and Svetambara sects. For 10 points, name this Indian religion founded by Mahavira on the non-violent principle of ahimsa.
Jainism
Lack of anger, extreme tallness, and wish fulfillment by kalpa trees were experienced by people born in the Su?ama-su?am? era prophesized by this faith. Its underworld is the Adho Loka, and a mirror and a fish couple are two of its Eight Auspicious Symbols
Jainism
Lack of anger, extreme tallness, and wish fulfillment by kalpa trees were experienced by people born in the Su?ama-su?am? era prophesized by this faith. Its underworld is the Adho Loka, and a mirror and a fish couple are two of its Eight Auspicious Symbols.
Jainism
The aim of one of its rituals is to transcend the jiva to experience Atman; this meditation is known as Samayika. The Digambara sect of this faith is notorious for its nudity, but preaches ahimsa and venerates the 24th tirthankara. For 10 points, name this Indian religion whose tenets were laid out by Mahavira.
Jainism
This religion's doctrine of "not-one-pointedness" holds that factual propositions should be turned into one of seven kinds of conditionals prefaced by the adverb syad. This religion's major symbol consists of a swastika above an open palm containing a chakra wheel. Monks in this religion take the "five great vows" in order to attain right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct, its non-Buddhist (*) Three Jewels.
Jainism
These events are traditionally preceded by the giving of a mohar, and modern versions of an item made for these events generally include a Lieberman clause to prevent these events from ending in an Agunah. The results of these events can be reversed by the issuing of a "get". Seven blessings are said during these events, which are preceded by an erusin period and the signing of a ketubah.
Jewish weddings
He later became a grand vizier after correctly predicting a seven-year famine in Egypt by interpreting Pharaoh's dreams. For 10 points, name this man sold into slavery by his eleven brothers, who for being the favorite son of the Hebrew patriarch Jacob was given a coat of many colors.
Joseph
The bodies of this man's two sons by Asenath were carried along with his to be buried in Shechem. Late in life, he accused a younger brother of stealing a silver cup from his treasury. This man was put in jail with a cupbearer and baker for allegedly sleeping with the wife of Potiphar.
Joseph
One thinker from this non-Greek tradition defended the immortality of the soul in Phaedon and was part of this tradition's enlightenment or Haskalah. Another philosopher of this religion criticized the methods, but not the conclusions, of the Kalam school in a treatise whose third book begins with an exegesis of a passage about a chariot. That book argued that the God of this religion can only be described by what he is (*) not and attempted to reconcile Aristotelianism with this religion.
Judaism
The Tractatus Theologico-Politicus disputed this religion's claim to chosenness. The Guide for the Perplexed was written by a member of this religion, Maimonides. For 10 points, name this religion from which Baruch Spinoza was expelled for denying the divine origins of the Torah.
Judaism
Facing the east is an object on which Adam frequently sat, but the sins of man have changed the original color of that object. Home to the black stone, for 10 points, what is this cubic building in Mecca to which Muslims pray?
Ka'abah
It is believed to be the spot where sakinah, or divine piece, led to one famous event, and the area outside of it is known as the mataf. It is in that area that the tawaf is performed, and this is covered with the kiswah.
Ka'abah
One line in this work states that "he who shall have done an atom's weight of good shall behold it." Another part says that Joseph would have succumbed to Potiphar's wife "had he not been shown a sign from his Lord." People who memorize this work are known as hafiz and are permitted to intercede on the behalf of ten people at Judgment Day.
Koran
The Cave of Hira was the first site of the revelations said to be recorded verbatim in this work, and its chapters include "The Cow," "The Cave," and "The Night Journey." For 10 points, name this work divided into 114 suras and revealed by the archangel Jibreel to Muhammad, the holy book of Islam.
Koran
Male members of this faith go on a two-year mission to tell of a sacred book on golden plates. For 10 points, name this religious sect founded in America by Joseph Smith, whose central temple is in Salt Lake City.
Mormon Church
Some members of this organization celebrate "hump day" in anticipation of "trunk day" a year later. Its stories include a place called Bountiful where a group builds a ship after a vision of bright white fruit on a sacred tree, and it holds that "sons of perdition" will exist forever in God's absence in the Outer Darkness. In 2011, these holders of sealing ceremonies commissioned a new Samoan edition of the (*) Pearl of Great Price, bundled with a text depicting the Lamanites' loss at Cumorah to the wicked, dark-skinned Nephites.
Mormon Church
Getting help from a strong east wind that separated the Sea of Reeds, this figure delivered the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery. For 10 points, name this prophet who received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.
Moses
This figure built the nehushtan to heal some companions from snakebites and disappeared after climbing Mount Pisgah. According to the sura Al-Qasas, after breaking up a second fight involving the same quarrelsome man, this figure fled to Midian. This figure was hidden for three months before being set afloat on a reed basket by Amram and Jochebed, who three years earlier had given birth to Aaron, who constructed the Golden Calf in this man's absence.
Moses
A Biblical passage set at this location mentions that the Lord was not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire. After he's threatened for his life by King Ahab, Elijah winds up at this place. At this place, the Levites kill three thousand of their brothers, friends, and neighbors, and are called a "stiff-necked people" by God. According to Deuteronomy, this place should more accurately be called Horeb.
Mount Sinai
A man here is forced to wait for two periods of forty days and forty nights after he drops a chiseled piece of stone, prompting the other Israelites to construct the Golden Calf. For 10 points, name this mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
Mount Sinai
Its school in Edessa was closed by imperial edict, and this sect was condemned by one council for denying the title of Theotokos, or God-Bearer, for the Virgin Mary. The Indian portion of this sect was known as the Christians of St. Thomas, and its namesake was an early bishop of Constantinople.
Nestorianism
Sometimes called the Assyrian Church and the Church of the East, those who reunited with the Roman church in 1551 were called Chaldeans. Condemned at the councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon, for 10 points, name this Christian set that stressed the independence of the human and divine natures of Jesus Christ.
Nestorianism
Most of these works begin with "Dear brothers and sisters." One of these says that women should cover their heads in the presence of God and that "Love is patient; love is kind." For 10 points, name these Biblical books found after the Acts of the Apostles, written by a certain Apostle to the Gentiles.
Pauline Epistles
One of these works was supposedly written to Seneca the Younger, but was never authenticated, and another of these works was co-written by Sosthenes. One of these warns against Encratism and teaches congregations how to pray, while another addressed to the same person uses the phrase "Itching Ears" to refer to people who simply hear what they wish.
Pauline Epistles
A servant of Caiaphas named Malachus was the victim of an (*) ear-slicing by this man, who nearly drowned attempting to replicate Jesus's water-walking. Jesus predicts that the rooster will crow after this man thrice denies him. For 10 points, name this Apostle whom Jesus called the rock upon whom he will build his church.
Peter
This man is commanded to eat the animals inside a sheet that descends from heaven. A book attributed to this man references a "proclamation to the impassioned spirits," which serves as the basis for the Harrowing of Hell. The "Restoration" of this man at the end of the Book of John ends with him being instructed to "Feed my lambs," "Take care of my sheep," and "Feed my sheep," after he hauls in a miraculous catch of 153 fish.
Peter
In 1969, this man became vice president of the University of Regensburg, and three years later he worked with Hans Urs von Balthasar and Henri de Lubac to create the journal Communio. He went to the International Mariological Congress in 1978 as the special envoy of (*) Pope John Paul I, one year after becoming Archbishop of Munich and Freising.
Pope Benedict XVI
In 2002, he became Dean of the College of Cardinals. For 10 points, give the papal name of Joseph Alois Ratzinger, who succeeded John Paul II in 2005.
Pope Benedict XVI
A work sometimes attached to this book states that "My hands made a harp/my fingers fashioned a lyre". This book is alluded to in Second Samuel 22 and part of the authorship of this book is made clear by Acts 4:25. Several parts of this book are associated with Asaph, while other sections are connected with the choir of Jeduthun.
Psalms
One speaker in this book describes his desire to (*) "dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life", and a more famous section states that "thy rod and thy staff comfort me" after beginning "The Lord is my shepherd". The majority of this book is attributed to David. For 10 points, name this longest book of the Bible, a set of 150 poems praising God.
Psalms
German linguist Theodor Noldeke wrote a popular "introductory history" of this book. Though it is not the Kebra Nagast, this book describes a campaign in the Year of the Elephant led by the Christian zealot Abraha. This book holds that mankind was created from a single clot of blood. An oft-memorized passage about a (*) chair that symbolizes God's rule over mankind is found in the second and longest section of this book.
Qu'ran [or Koran]
Three pagan goddesses are praised in a controversial section of this book known as the Satanic Verses. Sections named Yasin and Fatiha are found in this book, which praises the People of the Book. Compiled into book form by Abu Bakr and divided into suras, for 10 points, name this holy book verbally revealed by Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad.
Qu'ran [or Koran]
At one point during this period, some people go into I'tekaf, or seclusion. The undertaking of umrah bears special weight if taken during this observance. During this period, people recite tariwah at night, and wake up early for suhoor. The Laylat al-Qadr is a full night of worship during this time period.
Ramadan
Denouncing someone behind his or her back offsets the benefit gained from observing it, and one of the practices it prohibits can be done until a white thread is easily distinguishable from a black one. One of its days marks the time that a certain object was revealed to Samaa Adunya; that "Night of Measures" is known as the Laylat al-Qadr.
Ramadan
Instead of partaking in the central practice of this observance, the sick and elderly must donate food to the poor. Observers must begin their days with the oath, or niyyah, otherwise their actions are seen as invalid. During this religious period, the point when the angel Gabriel began to recite scripture is marked by the Night of Power.
Ramadan
It involves practicing sawm before the consumption of dates begins iftar, the evening meal. A group prayer is performed after the new moon is sighted, marking the end of this period on Eid al-Fitr. For 10 points, name this ninth Islamic month which involves daily fasting.
Ramadan
Near the end of this time period observers participate in sadaqah, so that all may celebrate on the first day of Shawwal during the festival of Eid al-Fitr. The concept of sawm refers to self-control and fasting during this time. For 10 points, name this ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims typically fast from dawn until dusk.
Ramadan
Six nonconsecutive days of Shawwal follow it, and the main activity during it is known as sawm. It ends with the iftar, but it is ceremoniously broken by the Eid ul-Fitr. For 10 points, name this month of fasting in Islam.
Ramadan
Its holidays include "reasonings," and adherents are taught to reject "Babylon" and that corruption can be burned out of the heart by smoking ganja, or cannabis. For 10 points, name this religion whose prophets include Marcus Garvey, which believes that Jah, or God, took the form of Haile Selassie.
Rastafari movement or Rastafarianism
This religion's scriptures include the four books of Athlyi, which form the Holy Piby, as well as The Promise Key. Its members reject "-isms" and use words such as livification, overstanding, and upfulness. Ingesting shellfish, pork, or alcohol is prohibited because they turn the temple of the body into a cemetery, according to its diet, called I-tal.
Rastafari movement or Rastafarianism
April 21 is a very important holiday because on that day in 1966, the man regarded as the messiah, Haile Selassie, visited this movement's central country. For 10 points, name this movement which advocates the hatred of the white race and is most associated with marijuana use, dreadlocks, and Jamaica.
Rastafarianism
The most observant followers of this movement follow a dietary law called ital, and its sacred text is an altered version of the Christian Bible compiled by Robert Athlyi Rogers of Anguilla in the early 20th century, that being the Holy Piby.
Rastafarianism
Alternate names for this holiday include Yom Hatzikaron, Yom Hadin, and Yom Truah. It marks the beginning of the days of return, or teshuvah, which are concluded ten days later by the Sabbath of Complete Rest. Some people observe tashlich on this day by throwing bread crumbs into a river or stream, and a traditional dish served on this holiday is carrot tzimmes.
Rosh Hashanah
Celebrated on the first of the month of (*) Tishre, this holiday features the blowing of the shofar, and the eating of apples and honey in hopes of a sweet new year. For 10 points, give the name of the Jewish new year, the first of the High Holidays that are completed by Yom Kippur.
Rosh Hashanah
It opens with the Beatitudes, and contains the Lord's Prayer, as well as instructions to "resist not evil" and "turn the other cheek". For 10 points, name this event described in chapters five to seven of the Gospel of Saint Matthew, an oration delivered on the namesake structure by Jesus Christ.
Sermon on the Mount
Martin Luther rejected the Roman Catholic interpretation of this event and instead asserted that it applied only to the spiritual realm of life. In it, the act of fasting is stated to be useless unless sincere. Some consider this event to be the antitype of Moses' proclamation of the Ten Commandments.
Sermon on the Mount
One doctrine held by this religious group is "occultation", which claims that the Mahdi was born but disappeared from human contact. Sects within this group include the more mystical Ismailis, and the majority Twelvers.
Shi'a Islam
These adherents believe in a series of divinely appointed imams and reject the caliphs in favor of Muhammad's (*) cousin Ali. This group is currently most prominent in Iraq and Iran. For 10 points, name this smaller of the two major branches of Islam, along with Sunni.
Shi'a Islam
A rite of this religion sees a kannushi bless the groundbreaking ceremonies of buildings. After receiving an unfavorable fortune at a temple for this religion, tradition mandates tying the fortune to a tree or fence at that jinja.
Shinto
One festival of this religion symbolizing death and rebirth centers around rebuilding a temple every (*) twenty years. This religion became its home country's official state religion during the Meiji period. For 10 points, name this animistic Japanese religion that reveres kami.
Shinto
An iron bowl is used to induct adherents of this religion into its Khalsa order, and its central text is the Adi Granth. For 10 points, name this Indian religion centered in Punjab that was founded by Guru Nanak.
Sikhism
Its sacred text is considered to be alive and was originally called the Adi Granth, and the "Five Ks" are to be followed by all believers include carrying a ceremonial dagger, or kirpan, and maintaining uncut hair. For 10 points, name this monotheistic religion whose Golden Temple can be found in Amritsar, India, expounded by Nanak and nine other Gurus.
Sikhism
One holiday in this religion celebrates the Forty Immortals and is called Maghi; another celebrates five men who entered a tent with the intention of losing their heads; that holiday, Vaisakhi, marks the origin of this religion's baptism from an iron [*] bowl.
Sikhism
One leader of this religion was responsible for the building of the Harimandir, the holiest of this religion's gurdwaras. Another leader of this religion set up a community of initiates within the religion known as Khalsa. Members of that group in this religion must wear long hair, a comb, and dagger as part of the five K's.
Sikhism
The fourth of this religion's early leaders wrote four hymns used in marriage rites, and his successor compiled the first edition of this faith's book of scripture before being martyred by Murtaza Khan. Adherents to this religion are instructed to avoid Kam, Lobh, Krodh, Moh, and Ahankar, and groom themselves with a wooden comb known as a Khanga twice a day as part of the "Five Ks."
Sikhism
This religion's leaders have included (*) Nanak and Gobind Singh, who were two of the ten human gurus. For 10 points, name this Indian religion whose scripture is the Adi Granth and whose Golden Temple is found in Amritsar.
Sikhism
A group known as the Sephardi was among the chief targets of this event. This event targeted groups known as Marranos and Moriscos, both of whom were forced to become Conversos. This event included a ritual in which the guilty party was read their sentence known as an auto de fe.
Spanish Inquisition
One prominent leader of this event, who supported the Alhambra Decree calling for the expulsion of (*) Jews in 1492, was Tomas de Torquemada. For 10 points, name this tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church aimed at rooting out heretics that took place in an Iberian nation.
Spanish Inquisition
, and he had earlier had a conversion experience while on the road to Damascus. Name this former tax collector, a figure of the New Testament who wrote several of its books in epistle form, including Titus, Ephesians, and First and Second Corinthians.
St. Paul of Tarsus
: At one point, this figure confronts Peter about his reluctance to eat a meal with Gentiles. This man was also notable for preaching openly for Barnabus, and for making five separate trips to Jerusalem. In one of his writings, he noted the importance of "faith, hope, and love", but that "the greatest of these is love",
St. Paul of Tarsus
In one incident in this book, Coriantumr (kuh-RYE-an-toom-urr) decapitates Shiz, who continues to stand up and struggle for breath for several moments afterwards. Other episodes in this text include the emigration of the "brother of Jared" and the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites.
The Book of Mormon
The same organization that follows this text believes that in 1830, a man used a pair of glasses, called Urim and Thummim, to decode this work from (*) gold plates buried in the ground. For 10 points, identify this central book of a Christian denomination founded by Joseph Smith.
The Book of Mormon
One segment of this book describes men "who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows." The opening stanza of another part of this book asks "how long will you hide your face from me," amidst a refrain of "how long?" The ashrei prayer consists entirely of segments from this book. One part of this book, which consists of 22 stanzas, each beginning with a different (*) letter of the Hebrew alphabet, is the longest chapter of the Bible.
The Book of Psalms
Superscriptions appear above most parts of this book, which was paraphrased in Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." The words "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" open its twenty-third section. For 10 points, name this Old Testament book of lyrics, attributed to David.
The Book of Psalms
This figure is revered at Lumbini by pilgrims, and repulsed a figure known as Mara while residing in the Deer Park. The Kingdom of Kandy claimed to preserve a tooth of this figure, who once held up a flower wordlessly in lieu of a speech and developed a following called the sangha.
The Buddha
This member of the Shakya clan first saw an old man, a sick man, and a corpse during his journeys as a prince. The Pali canon, or Tipitaka, was written by followers of this man, who discovered that all life is suffering as he sat under the Bodhi tree. For 10 points, name this being who promoted the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path after achieving nirvana.
The Buddha
An eight-hour film depicting the "photo-drama" of this act was made by Charles Taze Russell. Among the Albigensians, this act was said to have been done by the old God, and is why angels are trapped in bodies. A kabbalistic doctrine about this event is described by the phrase "yesh me-Ayin." The phrase "Tohu wa-bohu" appears in a narrative about this act, and translates as (*) "formless and empty."
The Creation of the World or Universe
The Fourth Lateran Council ruled that this act occurred ex nihilo. This act, part of which involved making "the greater light to rule the day" and the "lesser light to rule the night" featured the command "Be Fruitful and Multiply" at the end of its fifth and sixth Days. For 10 points, name this event depicted in the first chapter of Genesis, which began with God stating "Let there be light!"
The Creation of the World or Universe
Jesus responded to one this man at the Last Supper by saying "I am the way and the truth and the life." This grandson of Alpheus and son of James was possibly killed by four guards with spears during his ministry in India.
Thomas the Apostle
The patron saint of architects, this brother of Matthew is sometimes called Didymus, meaning "twin," but he is better known for proclaim "My Lord and my God" after examining the wounds of Jesus. For 10 points, name this apostle best remembered for doubting the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Thomas the Apostle
. The gods in this faith are divided into the Petro and Rada families, with the supreme god Bondye ruling over Papa Legba and the top hat wearing Baron Samedi. For 10 points, name this religion which is popular in Haiti and which venerates spirits called loa and does not actually involve sticking pins in dolls.
Voodoo
According to this religion, each person has a "big" and a "little" guardian angel. This religion's stories include the banishment of Obatala by Olorun. Symbols for this faith's deities are created using flour and ash, and those with great Ashe in this religion become Bokors. In this religion, the Kanzo ceremony can be used to initiate houngan priests and mambo priestesses
Voodoo
Dropping a stone into still water demonstrates how these concepts become sensible after they arise from an initial emptiness and later return to that emptiness. The unity and ultimate nature of these concepts are espoused in a certain martial arts style that involves the interrelations of attack and defense.
Yin and Yang
Shown as either broken or solid lines in the trigrams and hexagrams of the I Ching, these concepts can also stand for passivity and aggression, male and female, and other dualities manifested through these cosmic principles. For 10 points, name these dual concepts prevalent in Chinese religion, often sybmolized with a circle broken into tear drops, one white and the other black.
Yin and Yang
During evening prayer services on this holiday, many married men wear a robe called a kittel that is otherwise used as a funeral shroud. One minor tradition on this holiday is the reading of the entire Book of Jonah during the afternoon service. Oral tradition dictates that people may not wash themselves or have sex while observing this holiday.
Yom Kippur
One important prayer during this holiday is recited in Aramaic rather than the usual Hebrew; that is the Kol Nidre. It is observed with a 25-hour fast and special synagogue services. For 10 points, name this Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the year in Judaism.
Yom Kippur
Parsi practitioners of it are placed in towers of silence when they die, and its sacred texts are found in the Zend-Avesta. For 10 points, name this faith that centers on the conflict between Ahriman and Ahura Mazda and was formed by a namesake Persian prophet.
Zoroastrianism
This belief's adherents trust that the third savior Saoshyant will bring about the "final renovation." Vishtaspa was the protector of their founder, who taught about the conflict between truth and lies, known as asha and druj. This religion's first man is Gayomart, and one sect of it believes in the timeless, apathetic god Zurvan. Hymns of this religion include the Gathas and the Yashts, which can be found in the Yasna.
Zoroastrianism
Its ninth chapter contains the sword verse and is notable for not starting with the Bismillah. Beginning with Al-Fatiha and ending with An-Nas, the Hadith supplements its interpretation. Containing 114 suras, Jibril revealed it to Muhammad. For 10 points, name this sacred text of Islam.
al-Qur'an
This text's 24th chapter proscribes the punishment for zina and tells of a niche containing a lamp lit from the oil of a blessed olive tree. Verse 255 of its second chapter discusses a "Kursi," or throne, while another part tells of the Isra and Mi'raj, or the "night journey."
al-Qur'an
Prior to this event, the census of Quirinius forced everyone to return to their ancestral homes. After his emissaries failed to report back after this event, a king ordered the death of all infant boys in a certain city under the age of two in the Massacre of the Innocents. Kings from the east were sent by Herod to investigate this event, the central figure of which received gifts of gold, (*) frankincense, and myrrh.
birth of Jesus
The three wise men gave those gifts in a manger, since all the inns in Bethlehem were already filled when Joseph and the Virgin Mary arrived. For ten points, identify this event that is celebrated by nativity scenes on Christmas.
birth of Jesus
This practice is alternatively referred to as Taharah in Arabic, and is usually called Tihan. Known as a bris milah in Judaism, it takes place on the eighth day after birth. For 10 points, name this action, that when performed on Jesus, resulted in the Holy Prepuce's formation.
circumcision
Zipporah placed the central object of this action on Moses's feet, and God commanded Joshua to do his en masse at Gilgal. One notable incident of this action is celebrated on a January 1 feast day in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Genesis 17:10 is an important scriptural source about this action, and is usually interpreted as ordaining normally forbidden action on the Sabbath.
circumcision
. In Jainism, Sallekhana consists of doing this until one's death. Jews do this on Tisha B'Av and Yom Kippur. This action is mandated by the pillar of "sawm". For 10 points, name this action practiced by Muslims during Ramadan, a voluntary refusal of food and drink consumption.
fasting
According to the Twelver Shi'ah, those who travel more than 40 miles in a day are exempt from this practice. In Islam it is called sawm and is ended by the Eid al-Fitr. The Eastern Orthodox dedicates four seasons of it, one of which is during the Holy Week. Jewish traditions dictate that it be practiced to lament the assassination of the governor of Judah, Gedalia
fasting
Moses performed this action before receiving the tablets on a mountain from God. For 10 points, identify this religious practice observed during the daylight hours of Ramadan and also during Yom Kippur.
fasting
The Taoist practice of bigu ["bee-goo"] is the technique of performing this action to achieve immortality. In one religion, adherents who do not perform this action are forced to either free a slave or feed and clothe sixty people. This action and prayer are the two "Great Obligations" of the Baha'i faith. Mormons often perform this action on the first Sunday of the month.
fasting
Offerings of the haoma plant are done by white-clad priests in these buildings, which must be built near water. People recite the Yasna in these structures while venerating Ahura Mazda. For 10 points, name these houses of worship in Zoroastrianism, which venerate an exothermic chemical process.
fire temples
These locations contain metal urns called afringans. A bell in these structures is rung five times to mark the boi ceremony. The middle grade of these structures requires an offering from soldiers, farmers, priests, and artisans, and is called Adaran. An offering made in these places mixes three twigs, water, milk, and pomegranate leaves. Attendance at these places is high during Nowruz. These structures are based on the idea that Atar is an agent of (*) purification.
fire temples
These laws, which are analogous to the labels of halal and haram in Islam, prohibit the consumption of pork, shellfish, and, simultaneously, milk and meat. For 10 points, name these dietary laws of Judaism.
kashrut
These statements govern the use of a tool called a sakin, also known as a halaf. The shechet is responsible for obeying most of these statements. These statements permit unrestricted use of items known as pareve, and classify items as either milchig or fleishig. One notable example of these statements derives from the commandment, "Thou shalt not boil a kid in its mother's milk."
kashrut
In the Gospel of Luke, Luke uses the word "kataphileo" to describe one instance of this action. During the Hajj, a Muslim may point towards the Black Stone and recite "In the name of God, God is great" if they are unable to do this action at the Black Stone of the Kaaba. Whenever entering a room, Jews do this action to the mezuzah.
kiss
The father of the Prodigal Son did this action to his son upon the son's return. In return for thirty pieces of silver, one person agreed to do this to his master in the Garden of Gethsemane. For 10 points, name this action, the ironic way in which Judas betrayed Jesus.
kiss
Subject to endogamy and exogamy rules, these compacts often involving the gifting of dowries. For 10 points, name this kinship-creating contract often between a husband and wife.
marriage
The Nuer of Sudan perform the "ghost" type of it, and in central Asia, ala kachuu is an example of performing this "by capture," acquiring one central component of this phenomenon on horse or by car. In traditional Judaism, these phenomena are undone by a document known as a get, and in Tibet, multiple brothers engage in a single one of these.
marriage
Like other members of this nightshade family, this foodstuff produces the toxin (*) solanine when stored long enough in light to turn green. A toy based on it includes holes for eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and feet. For 10 points, name this vegetable that is often served mashed or baked.
potato
Sicilians wrote an enemy's name on, then buried, one of these objects in the belief that doing so would kill that enemy. Ludwig Feuerbach lamented that this kind of blood "can make no revolution." According to superstition, stealing one of these objects is supposed to cure rheumatism.
potato
Aided by marks called "trope," this task is done on a different segment, or parshah, each week. For 10 points, name this action performed for the first time in one's life at the bar mitzvah service, the chanting of passages from a holy scroll at a synagogue.
reading from the Torah
Performers of this action might encounter a shalshelet in one of four locations, but more commonly see a pazer or et-nachta while doing it. After this action is finished, a hagba occurs and believers raise their pinky fingers in the air. A pointer called a yad is used during this action, which is usually done on a raised platform called the bimah after a call for blessing known as (*) aliyah.
reading from the Torah
During some Voodoo ceremonies, a devotee enters this state in order to allow Papa Legba and other loas to speak. In the land of the Gerasenes, Jesus speaks to Legion before ridding a man of this condition. For 10 points, identify this condition which can be ended by an exorcism.
spirit possession
Women believed to be in this condition are the subject of multi-day dances in the North African zar cult. In Santeria, the experience of this condition is referred to as "mounting of the horse" and is encouraged by the music of bembé drumming parties. In Jewish folklore, a tzaddik can save someone from this condition by promising salvation to the dybbuk responsible. After a man was saved from this condition in the Gospel of Mark, thousands of (*) pigs rushed into the sea and drowned.
spirit possession
In Luke 1:26 this figure is visited during the Annunciation by Gabriel, and, according to the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, this daughter of St. Anne was born free of original sin. A prayer to this cousin of Elizabeth calls her "blessed amongst women." For 10 points, name this virgin wife of Joseph.
the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Seven Sleepers are described in The Cave, which immediately precedes the sura named for this figure, who also appears in Al Imran, a sura named for this figure's father. The salutations of this figure caused a baby to leap in the womb of the wife of Zacharias. The Assumption celebrates the bodily ascension of this figure, who, in the Eastern church is called theotokos.
the Blessed Virgin Mary
In another section of this long text, part of a yellow animal is used to bring a man back to life to accuse his murderer; that section, containing the "throne verse," is called "the Cow." This book consists of ayat that form surahs. For 10 points, name this most sacred text of Islam.
the Qur'an
This text compares men who take non-divine patrons to spiders, who build the weakest homes of any animal. Another passage from this text compares divine light to "a niche and within it a lamp; the lamp enclosed in Glass: the glass as it were a brilliant star." Its brief first section, containing a request to "guide us on the right path," is called "The (*) Opening."
the Qur'an
His witnessing of the Four Sights and his meditation under the (*) Bodhi tree led him to the Four Noble Truths. For 10 points, name this founder of Indian religion with Theravadan and Mahayanan sects, also known as Siddhartha Guatama.
the Sakyamuni Buddha
This figure's birthday is celebrated on the 8th of the 4th month of Chinese lunar calendar, and many of the myths surrounding his birth are collected in the Jataka tales. This figure delivered his first sermon in the Deer Park at Benares.
the Sakyamuni Buddha
Its two main parts are the Mishna and Gemarah. This work is known for its structure consisting of blocks of text surrounded by commentary. For 10 points, name this compilation of Jewish law and its Rabbinic commentary.
the Talmud
One story from this collection concerns the ending of a drought by Honi the circle maker, who bargains with God for rain. The Babylonian part of this work includes the Bava Kamma and Bava Metzia. The first half of this collection has six orders, two of which are Nashim and Kodashim.
the Talmud
Before these object are used, a prayer beginning "vyazor vyagein" is chanted. Gabbais direct their use, and people prepare for using them with a tikkun. They are held up and then covered in hagba and gelilah. The last component of their use is called maftir, and their use is bookended by prayers beginning (*) "barchu et adonai hamvorach."
the Torah scroll
These objects are danced around the synagogue the day after Sukkot. These objects are crowned and stored in the aron, or Ark. They are read from using a yad during aliyot. For 10 points, name these scrolls that contain the first five books of the Bible in Hebrew.
the Torah scroll
According to the Bhagavad Gita, the spirit can be liberated through the practice of this number of yogas. This is the age at which a Jewish boy receives his first haircut, the upsherin, and in Kabbalah, the ten Sephirot are divided into this many columns. Victor Hugo is one of this many saints venerated in Cao Dai, and Buddhists believe in this number of "Jewels."
three
According to the Gospels, Jesus was tempted by Satan this many times and rose from the dead this number of days after the Crucifixion. Adherents of Arianism reject a doctrine that defines this many aspects of God. For 10 points, give this number of figures in both the Hindu Trimurti and the Christian Trinity.
three
These people give a sermon called a samavasarana (suh-MOV-suh-RUN) after reaching the thirteenth gunasthana (GOON-sthah-nah). Most of these figures died at a pilgrimage site called Samet Shikhar (sa-MET shee-CUR). Five auspicious events, called the panch kalyanak ("PUNCH" cull-YAH-nuk), occur during the lifetimes of these people, including their attainment of kevaljnana (KEH-vul-NYAN), or (*) perfect knowledge.
tirthankaras
When these people are conceived, their mothers have a vivid series of fourteen dreams. One of these people, Mallinath, was a woman according to Shvetambaras (SHVEH-tum-burrs). These people are distinguished from other siddhas (SIH-dhahs) by their goal of helping others reach moksha. Twenty-four of these people are born during each half of the Jain time-cycle. For 10 points, name these liberators in Jainism, the most recent of which was Mahavira.
tirthankaras
