Download Terms for World Religions

Terms for World Religions (the “isms”)
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Monotheism: The word monotheism comes from the Greek monos, which means
one, and theos, which means god. Thus, monotheism is a belief in the existence of a
single god.
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Polytheism: The belief in, and consequent worship of, many gods
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Agnostic/Agnosticism: Agnosticism is the position of believing that knowledge of
the existence or non-existence of god is impossible.
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Monism: a view that there is only one kind of ultimate substance.
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Atheism: lack of belief in God or active disbelief in God.
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Consumerism: The theory that a progressively greater consumption of goods is
economically beneficial. Attachment to materialistic values or possessions.

Individualism: A doctrine holding that the interests of the individual should take
precedence over the interests of the state or social group.
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Humanism: A system of thought that rejects religious beliefs and centers on
humans and their values, capacities, and worth.
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Moral Relativism: Moral relativism is the view that ethical standards, morality, and
positions of right or wrong are culturally based and therefore subject to a person's
individual choice. We can all decide what is right for ourselves. You decide what's
right for you, and I'll decide what's right for me. Moral relativism says, "It's true for
me, if I believe it."
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Doctrine: a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject: the doctrine
of the Catholic Church.
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Ecumenism: After Vatican II, Pope John Paul II opened discussion between the
Catholic faith and all other Christian faiths. The intent was not to convert but rather
to learn and improve the Catholic Faith.

Inter-religious dialogue/faith: PJPII invited religious leaders from all the world’s
religions to Vatican. The intent was to discuss world issues and respond with a
united religious front.
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Stereotype: A fixed, commonly held notion or image of a person or group, based on
a simple opinion of a person or group behaviour, physical traits or
personality.Examples: Negative—all Jews are cheap / Positive-- Asians are good at
math
Negative stereotypes are projected unto all people that share the same characteristics. They
cause fear and reactions that do not reflect the person but the stereotype. Positive stereotypes
(ie. Black men are good at basketball) are negative also because they expect a standard from
someone that may not be accurate.