GRADE 11 RELIGION EXAM REVIEW

Monism – The belief that all things go back to one being.

Avatar – an incarnation of a deity (in Hinduism)

Congregation – a group arranged for religious worship.

Rabbi - Revered Jewish teachers.

Om – The holiest syllable in Buddhism. Used as a mantra in meditation.

Dalai Lama – Leader of Buddhism. Reached enlightenment but reincarnated upon death fourteen times
so far.

Transignification – belief by protestants that the bread and wine (eucharist) symbolically becomes the
body and bread of Christ.

Atman – the soul in Hinduism/Buddhism.

Brahmin - Priest, religious leader, highest part of caste system.

Puja - Honouring holy beings by making an offering and chanting.

Yom Kippur - Day of atonement and the most solemn day of the year. Tenth day of Tishre. People atone
for failures against the law of God and reconcile with those they have wronged. Involves abstinence
from work, food, and drink. Spend the day in the synagogue praying or doing acts of charity.

Priest – Ordained minister of the church

Meditation – Deep thinking/focus.

Monk - Daily Routine: 1) Rise at 4AM

2) Meditate until 7AM

3) At 7AM, prepare morning meal (through gardening or begging)

4) At 8AM, eat morning meal

5) Morning chanting at 830AM

6) 11AM main meal

7) 1130AM siesta (nap time)

8) 12-5PM study scripture

9) 5PM another nap

10) 530PM Instruction for novices

11) 7PM Meditate again

12) Free time from 10PM-12

13) Sleep by 12

Possessions of a monk: 1) 3 Saffron robes

2) A belt (Rope)

3) Sowing Needle

4) Fan

5) Water strainer

6) Razor

7) Begging Bowl

Monks can eat only before noon each day

Monks beg for their food daily from the laity

Becoming a monk:

When a boy is seven or eight, he enters the monastery as a novice and takes on the ten precepts. Acts as
an attendant to a senior monk who teaches him.

Ordination occurs at age twenty, where a young man makes the final decision to become a monk. Once
ordinated, he shaves his head as a sign of vanity, renounces possessions, takes a religious name, and
wears the appropriate robes.

Imam – The person who leads prayer in a mosque.

Lutheran – follower of Martin Luther.

Church – a building for Christian worship.

Animism – The belief that everything in nature has a soul.

Siddhartha - Predicted to be a great emperor or a religious leader. Grew up in isolation from suffering,
until seeing the four sights: old age, sickness, death, ascetic monk. The sights led Siddharta to the
realization that life is suffering. He reached enlightenment underneath a fig tree (Bodhi tree) while
meditating. Then he became Buddha, or the enlightened one. Siddharta disapproved of the caste
system of Hinduism and the belief that one needed to be of high ranking to achieve enlightenment.

Islam - Religion of Muslims

God - Yahweh

Ghettos - Small sections of towns in Europe in which Jewish people were forced to live.

Brahman – Almighty being from which everything originates in Hinduism.

Muslim – member of Islam

Yahweh – (YHWH) God

Allah – Islam God

Passover - The final plague brought upon Pharaoh by God for enslaving the Israelites, in which an Angel
of Death killed all Egyptian first-born sons but passed over the Israelites that marked their doors with
lamb blood.

Rosh Hashanah - Jewish new year 1st and 2nd days of Tishre. First days of creation marks beginning of
New Year. Involves doing penance, eating sweets, and saying special prayers for the years to come.

Synagogue - Places for congregational worship created during the Exile (when Jewish community
leaders were taken prisoner and put into exile in Babylonia). Became more important after the
destruction of the temple.

Mosque – Islam church.

Hanukkah – Festival celebrating the days the candle miraculously remained alit during the rededication
of the temple.

Samsara – The endless cycle of death and rebirth.

Reincarnation – Being reborn after death.

Vishnu – the preserver God, part of the trimurti.

Shiva - the destroyer God, part of the trimurti

Vedas – Holy books of Hinduism. Made up of Rig Veda – oldest, most sacred. Rig Veda - Collection of
over 1000 hymns to gods. Contains the basic mythology of the Gods; Yajur Veda – “knowledge of rites”;
Sama Veda – “knowledge of chants”; Atharva Veda – The use of charms and magical formulas

Karma - Totality of one’s thoughts or actions, which determines one’s fat in future lives.

Dharma - the nature of reality regarded as a universal truth taught by the Buddha; the teaching of
Buddhism.

Council of Trent – Council to contestant Protestantism, led to formation of Catholicism.

Diwali – Festival of lights.

Middle way – Path between self-denial and self-indulgence taught by the Buddha to lead to
enlightenment.

Sanskrit - Ancient language in which Hindu scripture is written. Deemed to inaccessible for Buddhism

Hebrew - Refers to Jewish language and people

Pali - The sacred language of Buddhism, said to be spoken by the Buddha himself. Main Buddhist
scripture is written in Pali.

Ahimsa – moral belief of non-violence and respect for all living things.
Minyan - 10 Adult Jewish males (or ten adult Jewish people in reformed).

Talmud - Rabbi teachings/commentary on the Tanakh

Zionism - The idea/promise that people of Israel would return to their promised land. Came true
following world war two.

Agnostic – One who believes we cannot know whether or not there is a God.

Transubstantiation – belief that the Eucharist is literally converted to the body and blood of Christ.

Oscar Schindler – Member of Nazi party who ended up saving 1,200 Jewish people.

Mohammed – Founder of Islam and a prophet God communicated through.

Circumcision - Jewish boys are circumcised eight days after birth as per the rules of Abrahams original
covenant with God.

Martin Luther – Protestant founder. Posted 95 Theses; his 95 issues with the Catholic church on a
church door. Believed Jesus is the head of the Church. faith alone will save us sacraments, blessings,
indulgences, feasts, praying for the dead, etc. cannot save us from sin. He was excommunicated from
the Church but was supported by various princes and people of Germany.

Shaman – One with influence over good/evil spirits.

Atheist – One with the belief in no God.

Moksha – Escaping Samsara (enlightenment).

Monotheism – Belief in only one God.

Torah - Teaching, instruction, or law in Hebrew. Jewish holy book containing Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers, and Deuteronomy. There are 613 laws in the Torah, called mitzvoth. All Torah scrolls are
written by a sofer, and the entire Torah is written by hand over one year.

Polytheism – Belief in more than one God

Bible – Christian holy book.

Mantra - Symbolic phrases chanted by Buddhists to help keep in touch with their spiritual nature.

Tripitaka – A compilation of Buddha’s teachings. Also known as three baskets. Originally passed down
orally, written around 100 BCE in Sanskrit.

Vinaya Pitaka- code for sangha (monks and nuns)

Sutra Pitaka- Discussions of Siddharta; includes his birth and enlightenment

Abidharma Pitaka- Examines and analyzes Buddha’s teachings. More often used by monks than
lay people.

Manadalas - Design (square surrounded by circles; symbolizing the limits of physical space) made of
coloured grains of sand and later blown away. Symbolizes the impermanence of the world. All Tibetan
monks must learn how to make Mandalas
Koran – Islam holy book, includes revelations of Mohammad.

Mandir – Hindu temple

Sangha - The five ascetic monks; Siddharta’s disciples; a community of monks.

Sacrament – A religious ceremony (Catholicism usually)

Polygamy – Having more than one spouse.

Shiah – Sect of Islam *see later Q*

Hijab – head covering, part of mandatory Islam dress code.

Incarnation – Living/physical form of a deity.

Sunni – Sect of Islam *see later Q*

Gospels – Teachings/revelations of Jesus.

Trinity – Father, son, holy spirit.

Wudu – ritual washing before prayer for Muslims.

Jihad – a fight or struggle, with oneself due to sin or with enemies of Islam.

Halal – Meat sacrificed to Allah.

Kosher - (Correct Hebrew form of the word kosher is kashrut). Kosher meat is ritually clean. Incision
across animal’s neck, blood drained out, salt used to remove remaining blood. Jewish people can eat
land animals that have split hooves or chew the cud. Jewish people can eat water animals if they have
fins or scales.

Shahadah – Muslim profession of faith. “there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of
Allah”

Ramadan – Ninth month of Muslim year in which one must fast from sunrise to sunset.

Holocaust - Mass genocide of Jewish people by Germany/Hitler during World War 2. Led to the death of
six million Jewish people.

Mahayana - Northern school of Buddhism. More liberal. Name means “Greater Vehicle”. There are sub-
sects of Mahayana. See Buddha as God-like. Emphasize the role of bodhisattvas.

-Humans are involved with others

-Group-oriented, one gets help from the group – one gives back to the group

-Key virtue is compassion

-Religion is also for Lay people

-Ideal being is bodhisattva (Those who have reached Nirvana but chose to remain on Earth to
help others achieve Nirvana)
 -Buddha is God-like

-Early scriptures in Sanskrit

Hinayana – (Theravada) Southern school of Buddhism. More conservative. Found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar,
Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Theravada means “Way of elders.” Hinayana means “Smaller Vehicle.”
Follow Tipitaka scriptures. Emphasis on the teachings of Buddha, not Buddha himself. Consider Buddha
a human, not a God. Rely on individual meditation to get to Nirvana. Spread attributed to King Ashoka
during third century BCE.

-Humans are individuals

-Key to virtue is wisdom

-Religion is for monks

-Ideal being is arhat (One who has achieved Nirvana)

-Buddha is a saint

-Early scriptures are in Pali

St. Paul – Considered the founder of Christianity. Extremely anti-Christian until his conversion on the
road to Damascus. Extended Christianity to the gentiles’ witch caused a wedge between Christians and
Jews. Was martyred in Rome. 14 of the 27 books of the New Testament are letters attributed to Paul.

Jesus – Son of God, Messiah according to Catholics, prophet to other Abrahamic religions.

Abraham – The person who established the first covenant with God. Covenant of circumcision.

Moses – Led the Jews out of slavery in Egypt.

1. What are some of the key differences between Catholics and Protestants?

Protestants believe:

God, the Trinity and that we are saved by Jesus.

Holy Scriptures: Bible

Nicene and Apostles Creed

Two sacraments (Baptism and Eucharist) but they do not save us from sin just show our faith.
Catholics have seven sacraments.

Jesus is present symbolically in the bread and wine (transignification).

Catholics believe they are receiving the actual body and blood of Christ (transubstantiation)

Only pray to God. Praying to saints will not help you.

2. Discuss how Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists believe in God

Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism are all monotheistic religions, meaning they
believe in only one God, who is usually the creator of everything.

3. Which religion did Christianity develop from? Explain.

Christianity developed from Judaism. Christians believe Jesus Christ is the Messiah whereas Jewish
people view him as a prophet.

4. Who wrote the Quran?

The Quran was written by Abu Bakr, based on the revelations revealed to Muhammed by God, and
Muhammed’s oral retelling of those events.

5. List the religions that originated in the Middle East.

All Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) originated in the Middle East.

6. Explain how a Buddhist can reach salvation.

Buddhist follow the middle way, a path between self-denial and self-indulgence.

7. What is Ultimate Reality?

Nirvana, heaven, enlightenment, depending on religion.

8. List the Religions that originated in India.

Hinduism and Buddhism originated in India.

9. Explain the Reformation.

Formation of the Catholic church as a counteraction against the Protestants.

10. According to Judaism, what is the ethical way to live?

Follow the 613 Mitzvot/laws in the Torah and the ten commandments.

11. Explain kosher rules. Discuss how Orthodox Jews follow these laws.

Kosher meat is ritually clean. Incision across animal’s neck, blood drained out, salt used to remove
remaining blood. Jewish people can eat land animals that have split hooves or chew the cud. Jewish
people can eat water animals if they have fins or scales.

12. Do all Hindus believe in God? Explain.

Hindus believe in an almighty supreme being from which all originates, called Brahman.

13. What was Martin Luther’s fundamental teaching?

Protestant founder. Posted 95 Theses; his 95 issues with the Catholic church on a church door. Believed
Jesus is the head of the Church. faith alone will save us sacraments, blessings, indulgences, feasts,
praying for the dead, etc. cannot save us from sin. He was excommunicated from the Church but was
supported by various princes and people of Germany.

14. What would life be like in a Monastery for a Buddhist Monk?

See definition of monks.

15. Compare the lives of two founders/ leaders of any two world religions.

Abraham: established first covenant with God, covenant of circumcision

Jesus: Son of God, died for our sins

Dalai Lama: Reincarnated fourteen times to help others become enlightened.

16. Compare two festivals/rituals from two different world religions.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah and confirmation are both coming of age.

17. Explain what the caste system is and how it works. Do we have a similar system? Explain.

Brahmin – Priest, religious leader

Kshatriya – warriors, rulers

Vaishya – merchants, farmers

Sudra – servants, laborers

Untouchables – menial tasks

Twice born: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya

Upper/lower/middle class is similar to caste system.

18. When is the Sabbath for the three major monotheistic religions?

Thursday sundown to Friday sundown - Islam

Friday sundown to Saturday sundown – Judaism

Saturday sundown to Sunday sundown – Christianity

19. List and explain the five pillars of Islam.

CREED (SHAHADAH) - “There is no god but Allah; Muhammed is the messenger of Allah” -To be a
Muslim you must recite and believe in the creed -Every other aspect of Muslim life depends on
this Pillar

PRAYER (SALAH) - The Koran is the exact word of God and is meant to be taken literally -Pray 5
times daily (dawn, midday, mid- afternoon, sunset, nightfall) -Muezzin calls the community to
prayer citing the Adhan. •Must wash before Prayer. The Mosque ( place of worship ) has a room
for this called a Wadu •Muslims kneel with forehead on the ground and face Mecca to offer
prayers •Friday is the Sabbath

ALMSGIVING (ZAKAH) - Muslims are expected to share their wealth with the poor of the
community -2.5 to 10 percent of one’s income. Collected as a tax in Islamic countries

FASTING (SAWM) – Fast during Ramadan

PILGRIMAGE (HAJJ) - Muslims must (if at all possible) travel to Mecca -Takes place during the
month of Nhul-Hijah (12 month on the lunar calendar) -Required to walk around the Kaaba
seven times counter-clockwise.

20. What would it be like if you attended an Orthodox synagogue service?

Wear a kippah/yarmulke. Reading from Torah scrolls. Follow along in prayer book.

21. Describe some of the characteristics of an Aboriginal worldview.

Animism, magic, divination (predictions about the future), taboo, totems, ancestor veneration, sacrifice.
22. List and briefly describe two symbols for five world religions.

Christianity – Cross, fish

Hinduism – Swastika, om

Judaism – star of David (Zionist movement), menorah (candelabrum for Hanukkah, holocaust
remembrance, or seven days of creation).

Buddhism – Mandalas (sand), Lotus flower (symbol of humanity seen by Buddha)

Native Spirituality – tree, animals

23. The four noble truths and eightfold path

Four noble truths

The noble truth of Suffering- All life is suffering (Dukkha)

The noble truth of the origin of suffering- the cause of suffering is ignorance, greed, desire, and
attachment.

The noble truth of the extinction of suffering- There is a way to end suffering; overcome desires.

The noble truth of the path to the extinction of suffering- The way to end suffering is to follow the eight-
fold path.

Eightfold path involves wisdom, morality, and meditation.

Wisdom: 1. Right view (view life in the right way. This means understanding and accepting the four
noble truths.) 2. Right thought (learning to be unselfish)

Morality: 3. Right speech (Speaking the truth in a helpful compassionate way; not gossiping, lying, or
swearing.) 4. Right Conduct (Living life following precepts) 5. Right Livelihood (Earning income in a way
that doesn’t harm others)

Meditation: 6. Right Effort (Working to the best of one’s abilities) 7. Right Mindfulness (Recognizing the
value of the moment, being mindful of who we are and where we come from.) 8. Right Concentration
(Expanding our consciousness through meditation).

24. Compare the following:

a. Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism.

See definitions.

b. Orthodox and reform Judaism

 Orthodox (stricter), conservative (middle), reformed (less strict). (see note)

c. Sunnis and Shiahs

SUNNIS -85% of all Muslims are Sunnis -They are Traditionalists which means they follow teachings
exactly as it was laid out by Muhammed -Abu Bakr became leader after Muhammed died -Leaders are
called Caliphs (the chief Muslim civil and religious ruler, regarded as the successor of Muhammad)

SHI’ITES • Ali was the leader • More militant • Imams are leaders. • More prominent in: • Iran • Iraq •
East Africa • Pakistan • India

25. Compare the basic beliefs of Christianity with two other world religions.

Judaism – believe Jesus was a prophet not the messiah

Islam – focus on Muhammad more than Jesus

26. Which religion do the following sects belong?

Reform / Judaism

Sunni / Islam

Roman Catholic / Christian

Mahayana / Buddhism

Protestant / Christian

27. Match the following symbols with their religion.

Crucifix / Christianity

kaaba / Islam

Lotus / buddhism

Menorah / Judaism

1. Teachings on non-violence.

Christianity – non-violent / Judaism – eye for an eye / Hinduism – Ahimsa / Buddhism – Ahimsa / Islam –
Jihad wrongly used to justify violence / Native Spirituality – do not take more than what is needed when
hunting, violence against others only in sacrifice.
2. Teachings about respect for the earth.

Native Spirituality – respect the earth, do not take more than needed / Christianity + Judaism – Respect
God’s creation / Buddhism + Hinduism – Cows viewed as sacred. Ahimsa applies to natural world as well.
/ Islam – protect the earth or bad will happen to someone

3. Moral Teachings such as respect for one’s body (no drugs, no alcohol, etc.) or other rules.

Buddhism – one of the precepts / Christianity + Judaism – alcohol and drugs are sinful / Native
spirituality – drugs and alcohol, especially hallucinogens, used in rituals / Islam – alcohol and drugs
forbidden in Koran

4. Teachings around the big, fundamental questions (e.g., who are we, is there a God, why have we
been created, what happens when we die)

See notes

5. Teaching about the role of women.

Islam – women viewed as lesser / Judaism – women included only in reform / Buddhism – Mahayana
includes women / Christianity – women included

6. Teachings on evil and suffering and how we can overcome suffering.

Buddhism – middle way / Hinduism - asceticism

7. If there is only one God, why are there so many religions? Is there a “right” religion and a “wrong”
religion? How does the philosophy of the eastern traditions differ from the western monotheistic
religions?

There is no right or wrong religion. Religions exist so people can put reason behind their existence.
Western monotheistic, generally Abrahamic, religions are centered around one God while Eastern
religions are centered around many.

8. How can one respect all religions?

Respect and accommodate others religious beliefs.