Question

world religions – read world religions and ethical systems text (pdf) and complete the chart and questions.
vocabulary

1. belief system –
2. cultural diffusion –
3. missionary –
4. monotheism – belief in one god.
5. polytheism – the belief in many gods.
6. religion –
7. schism –
8. reincarnation –

Explanation:

To answer these vocabulary questions, we refer to standard definitions in the context of World Religions (a subfield of Social Science - Religion):

1. belief system: A set of mutually supportive beliefs. These beliefs can be religious, philosophical, or ideological, forming a framework for understanding the world, values, and how to live. For example, the beliefs about deities, afterlife, and moral conduct in a religion form its belief system.
2. cultural diffusion: The spread of cultural beliefs, practices, ideas, technologies, etc., from one society or group to another. In the context of religions, it can be seen when religious practices, texts, or ideas spread from their place of origin to other regions, like how Buddhism spread from India to other Asian countries.
3. missionary: A person sent on a religious mission, especially one sent to promote Christianity in a foreign country or to convert people to a particular religion. Missionaries often travel to different areas to teach and spread their religious beliefs, establish religious communities, and provide religious education.
4. monotheism (already partially answered): The belief in the existence of only one god or supreme being. Religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are monotheistic, where followers believe in a single, all - powerful, and all - knowing deity.
5. polytheism (already partially answered): The belief in or worship of more than one god. Ancient Greek religion, with gods like Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, and Hinduism (with a large pantheon of gods and goddesses) are examples of polytheistic belief systems.
6. religion: A system of beliefs, practices, and moral values based on the worship of a deity or deities, or the pursuit of spiritual truth. It often involves rituals, sacred texts, places of worship, and a community of believers who share these beliefs and practices.
7. schism: A split or division, especially within a religious organization or a belief system. For example, the Great Schism in Christianity in 1054 CE led to the division between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, due to differences in doctrine, practice, and leadership.
8. reincarnation: The belief that the soul or spirit, after biological death, begins a new life in a new body (which may be human, animal, or spiritual depending on the belief system). This concept is central to religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, where the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) is an important part of the spiritual journey.

Answer:

1. belief system - A set of mutually supportive beliefs (religious/philosophical/ideological) forming a worldview framework.
2. cultural diffusion - Spread of cultural (including religious) beliefs/practices/ideas between societies/groups.
3. missionary - Person sent on a religious mission (e.g., to convert, spread religion).
4. monotheism - Belief in one god (e.g., in Judaism, Christianity, Islam).
5. polytheism - Belief in many gods (e.g., in ancient Greek religion, Hinduism).
6. religion - System of beliefs, practices, morals based on deity worship or spiritual truth - seeking.
7. schism - Split/division (especially in a religious organization/belief system).
8. reincarnation - Belief that the soul/spirit is reborn in a new body after death.