Introduction to Religion & Cults Review

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does the term 'ahimsa' refer to?

A ritual performed in temples

The concept of non-violence towards all living creatures (correct)

An offering made to deities

A form of meditation practice

What is puja?

A philosophical text

A community festival

A pilgrimage to sacred sites

A form of home worship involving offerings to deities (correct)

What significance does the Ganges River hold in Hindu culture?

It is primarily used for flood control

It symbolizes life-giving properties (correct)

It is considered a source of wealth

It is believed to have medicinal properties

Why is Varanasi known as the 'city of temples'?

It is located along the Ganges River and is home to many temples Signup and view all the answers

What is the linga in the context of Varanasi?

A sacred symbol representing creative energy of Shiva Signup and view all the answers

What does the Tanakh primarily consist of?

Books of law, prophets, and writings Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Brit Milah?

It is a covenant regarding circumcision. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is directly associated with the renewed push for the creation of Israel?

The destruction during the Holocaust Signup and view all the answers

What is the Shema in Judaism?

The central affirmation of Judaism Signup and view all the answers

What does the Talmud cover?

Full scope of Jewish Law and tradition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the Jewish scriptures?

Torah Signup and view all the answers

How many Jews were estimated to have been killed during the Holocaust?

6 million Signup and view all the answers

What did Constantine accomplish during his reign?

He built a basilica for Christian worship. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of Sawm in Islam?

Fasting during Ramadan Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first to accept the sign of circumcision as a covenant with G-d?

Abraham Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a part of the Tanakh?

The Gospels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the five pillars of Islam?

Puja Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the final prophet in Islam?

Muhammad Signup and view all the answers

What does the term Hijab mean?

To cover or veil Signup and view all the answers

What is Zakat in the context of Islam?

Mandatory almsgiving Signup and view all the answers

Which city is known as the birthplace of Muhammad?

Mecca Signup and view all the answers

What does Islamophobia refer to?

Prejudice against Muslims and Islam Signup and view all the answers

What does 'monism' refer to?

The belief that a single element or principle underlies all reality Signup and view all the answers

What is 'karma' primarily associated with?

Actions that influence future outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What does 'moksha' signify in Hindu beliefs?

The ultimate state of freedom from the cycle of rebirth Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes 'maya'?

The belief that everything is an illusion Signup and view all the answers

What does 'dharma' imply in Hindu philosophy?

A guide for ethical conduct and behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'atman'?

The concept of the soul Signup and view all the answers

Which term represents the belief in an underlying principle in all reality?

Monism Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Indigenous' refer to?

A group belonging naturally to an environment Signup and view all the answers

Which group is the largest Indigenous group in Canada?

First Nations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the Metis people?

They emerged through intermarriage with First Nations and Europeans Signup and view all the answers

What region do Inuit people primarily inhabit?

The north Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a Bar Mitzvah in Judaism?

To mark a boy's formal admission to religious life Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the Jewish day of rest?

Sabbath Signup and view all the answers

What is another term for a person from the Inuit community?

Inuk Signup and view all the answers

How many First Nations are recognized in Canada?

618 Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Land Acknowledgement relates to Indigenous identity?

Homage to the territories Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the Metis people?

They emerged from intermarriage between First Nations and Europeans Signup and view all the answers

What does monotheistic belief entail?

Belief in one God Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines an atheist?

A person who believes in no god Signup and view all the answers

What does a cosmocentric worldview emphasize?

The interconnectedness of all life and nature's sacredness Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the religious impulse?

The urge to find meaning through transcendent relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to someone who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God?

Agnostic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the common elements of religions?

Sacred writings Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a sect from a cult?

A sect is typically larger and more established than a cult Signup and view all the answers

What defines a destructive cult?

A group that may exploit its members and exert manipulative control Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Exam Format

Final exam review will include multiple choice, identification, short answer, and long answer questions.
The exam covers the material from the entire semester.

Unit 1: Introduction to Religion & Cults

Monotheistic: Belief in one God
Polytheistic: Belief in multiple Gods
Atheistic: Belief in no God
Cosmocentric worldview: Nature is a sacred expression, all life interconnected
Religious impulse: The urge to believe in something divine, finding life's meaning in a relationship with something transcendent.
Agnostic: Believing neither faith nor disbelief in God
Religion: What is it? Why follow it? Why study religions? Dangers of a single story?
4 C's of Religion: Creed, Code, Cult, and Community. Common elements like place of worship, sacred places, and holy days.
Mainstream religion, sect, cult: Differences and destructive cult characteristics
Examples of identifying characteristics: (5 characteristics)

Unit 2: Indigenous Spirituality

Indigenous peoples: Different names used to describe Canada's Indigenous Peoples
First Nations: Largest Indigenous group, spread throughout Canada, 618 recognized groups.
Métis: Emerged through intermarriage between First Nations and European settlers
Inuit: Indigenous people living in the North, found in Greenland, Alaska, and Russia

Unit 3: Judaism

Bar/Bat Mitzvah: A Jewish coming-of-age ceremony. Marking the boy's/girl's assuming religious responsibility.
Sabbath: Religious observances which involve resting one day of the week to commemorate God's work in creation.
High Holy Day: Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement/ most holy day of year.
Kashrut: Rules about what Jewish people can eat
Kosher: Following the laws of Kashrut, or food preparation and observance of Jewish Dietary Laws
Western Wall: Sacred site in Jerusalem
Torah/Tanakh: Jewish scriptures- law book, prophets, and writings.
Holocaust: The genocide of 6 million Jews

Unit 4: Christianity

Crusades: A sequence of military conflicts between Christians and Muslims over control of the Holy Land.
Constantine: Roman Emperor, legalized Christianity, moved capital.
Legalization of Christianity: Constantine's decree ended persecution of Christians.
Diocletian: divided the Roman Empire into Eastern and Western halves
Western and Eastern cultures: Language, beliefs, and practices that lead to division.
Great Schism: The split of the Christian church into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic branches

Unit 5: Islam

Sawm (fasting): Fasting during Ramadan
Ramadan celebrations: End of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr
Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca
Hijab: Modest headscarf worn by some Muslim women
Medina & Mecca: Important cities in Islam
Muslim: A person who submits to Allah
Zakat: Mandatory almsgiving.
Jihad: An aspect of Islam; means striving in the way of God
Qur'an Salat: Prayers.
Islamophobia: Discrimination or prejudice against Muslims

Unit 6: Hinduism

Brahman: Ultimate reality, present everywhere
Atman: Soul
Monism: Belief in a single element or cause
Dharma: A code of conduct or good behaviour
Karma: Actions
Samsara: The cycle of life and rebirth
Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth
Maya: Illusion
Ahimsa: Non-violence
Puja: Home worship
Ganges River: Sacred river in Hindu culture
Varanasi: "City of temples," located along the Ganges River
Reincarnation: The soul returning to the physical world in a new body
Four Vedas: Ancient sacred scriptures. Hindu scriptures
Guru: Teacher
Avatar: Incarnation of deity
Shiva: Destroyer/ creator of the universe
Yoga: Practices to connect with the divine
Bhakti Yoga: Path of loving devotion
Caste System: Social hierarchy in Hinduism.

Unit 7: Buddhism

Buddha: "Enlightened one" (Siddhartha Gautama).
Middle Path: Path between luxury and asceticism
Karma: Totality of one's actions and thoughts
Dharma: Path or teachings
Dukkha: All life consists of suffering
Annica: Impermanence (all things are changing)
Mantra: Symbolic phrases for spiritual focus
Four sights: Old man, sick man, dead man, ascetic man (led Buddha to dedicate life to finding meaning)
Story of Buddha: Prince Siddhartha's journey to enlightenment.
Enlightenment: Spiritual understanding of suffering

Unit 8: Sikhism

Waheguru: The supreme being
Guru Nanak: Founder of Sikhism
Khalsa: Pure ones, special group
Khanda: A religious symbol of Sikhism
Five Ks: Five articles of faith that Sikhs wear.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Prepare for your final exam with this comprehensive review covering the definitions and characteristics of monotheistic, polytheistic, and atheistic beliefs, as well as an exploration of different types of religions, including mainstream religions, sects, and cults. Test your understanding of key concepts like the 4 C's of Religion and the religious impulse.