Question | Answer |
Al-Ghazzali | 1058-1111 Islamic theologian reconciling reason with mysticism |
Allah | Islamic name for the one God |
Almsgiving | obligatory charitable giving to the poor (Islam) |
Ibn Rushd Averroes | 1126-1198 Islamic theologian synthesizing Aristotle with Islam |
Bahai | modern syncretistic religion, originally from Persia; "All denominations lead to the one God." |
Dervish | Islamic mystic who attempts to gain ecstasy by dancing (another name for Sufi) |
Druses | Islamic, apocalyptic, exclusivistic, non-proselytizing sect found largely in Lebanon |
Elijah Muhammad | 1897-1975 leader of U.S. Black Muslims, Nation of Islam |
Infidel | derogatory Muslim term for a non-Muslim |
Jihad | Islamic holy war against infidels; also includes ethics about treatment of innocent in warfare; can refer to an inward struggle |
Koran (Qu’ran) | Islamic scripture, revelations received by the prophet Muhammad, usually transliterated as Qu'ran |
Malcolm X | African-American spokesman for Nation of Islam who later challenged its doctrine of racial prejudice |
Mecca | Islamic city of obligatory pilgrimage; Muslims face Mecca when praying |
Mohammed | 570-632 C.E. Arab founder of Islam, "the prophet" who recited the Qur’an, preached theistic monotheism |
Mosque | a building for Islamic worship |
Muslim, Moslem | an adherent of Islam, "one who submits to God" |
Nanak | 1469-1539 founder of Sikh religion, he was originally a Hindu in India |
Nation of Islam | "Black Muslims"; African-American movement with prejudicial views against whites and Jews |
Palestine | geographical area in which ancient and modern Israel have been established; also, a proposed Arab nation in that region |
pilgrimage | a journey to attend a shrine; pilgrimage to Mecca is obligatory in Islam |
Ramadan | month-long Muslim festival involving daytime fasting |
Sabaean-Mandean | an ancient monotheistic religion of the Middle East; practices baptism |
Shia | sect of Islam predominant in Iran and Libya; has present-day living prophet (imam) |
Sufis | Islamic mystics; originated in Persia, some are dancing dervishes, influenced Al Ghazzali |
Sunni | sect of Islam predominant outside of Iran; based upon consensus agreement on Qu’ran; Muhammad was the last prophet |
Adventist | a 19th century U.S. movement led by William Miller which declared that 1844 would be the second coming of Christ; influenced Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses |
Amish | pacifist Protestant sect committed to living a simple, 19th century life style, found in rural Pennsylvania |
Anabaptist | original Baptist churches of the European Reformation; associated with peasant rebellions of the 16th century |
Anne Lee | 18th century founder of Shakers, claimed to be feminine incarnation of Christ |
Billy Graham | 20th century Protestant Evangelical, effective preacher with simple message; salvation by grace |
Brigham Young | 19th century Mormon leader; took over after Smith's assassination and led Mormons to Utah |
Charles Taze Russell | 1852-1916 millenarian preacher, founder of Jehovah's Witnesses |
Christian Science | a denomination founded by Mary Baker Eddy; emphasizes spiritual healing |
Cult | a small sect with devoted followers; a pejorative term for a new religious movement denomination (especially one which has doctrines or rituals outside the mainstream, or is abusive of followers) |
David Koresh | self-proclaimed second Jesus who led the Waco group of Branch Davidians into a 1993 battle with federal agents |
Ellen G. White | 1826-1915 founder of Seventh Day Adventists |
Evangelical | modern born-again Christians who emphasize Bible's authority; proselytizing, Fundamentalist Protestants |
George Fox | 1624-1691 Englishman who founded Quakers (Society of Friends) |
Holy Roller | derogatory term for 20th century Pentecostals or Charismatic Christians who sway or fall down in ecstasy |
Jehovah's Witnesses | proselytizing denomination founded by C.T. Russell; set apocalyptic dates, deny the trinity, refuse participation in civil affairs |
Jim Jones | founder of People's Temple, a cult which committed Mass suicide in Guyana in 1978 |
John Humphrey Noyes | 19th century founder of Oneida Perfectionists; advocated complex marriage (multiple husbands & wives) |
Joseph Smith Jr. | 1805-1844 founder of Latter Day Saints, "the prophet" who translated Book of Mormon, other revelations |
Juche | the state sponsored religion of North Korea |
Kingdom Hall | a building for Jehovah's Witness meetings |
L. Ron Hubbard | 20th century science fiction writer who founded Scientology, Dianetics |
Macumba | Brazilian popular religion with African roots |
Martin Luther King | 1929-1968 Baptist minister, nonviolent civil rights leader of African-Americans |
Mormon | Also called Latter Day Saints, Christian denomination started in 19th century by Joseph Smith; emphasizes family, temple rituals, no smoking/coffee |
Pentecostal | 20th century American denomination; emphasizes presence of the Holy Spirit; speaking in tongues |
Perfectionists | 19th century Oneida community founded by J.H. Noyes; practiced communism and complex marriage |
Quaker | pacifistic religion founded by G. Fox; no clergy, no sacraments; also known as the Society of Friends |
Scientology | 20th century denomination founded by L. Ron Hubbard; opponents consider it to be a mere front for the Dianetics Movement and having cultish tendencies |
Seventh Day Adventist | 19th century Protestant sect founded by Ellen White; apocalyptic, vegetarian, worship on Saturday |
Shakers | 19th century American sect famous for their rigorous dancing; celibate, communitarian; founded by Ann Lee, now extinct |
Sun Myung Moon | Korean founder of Unification Church, considered a cult by many |
William Miller | 19th century apocalyptic preacher, predicted the second coming in 1844; Adventist, Millerite movement |