Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, centered on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra). It emphasizes the duality of good and evil, the importance of free will, and the eventual triumph of good. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Monotheism: Belief in a single, all-powerful god, Ahura Mazda. Dualism: The constant struggle … Read more
World religions are organized belief systems shared by large groups of people, often involving a code of ethics, rituals, and a worldview centered around the sacred or divine. These systems provide meaning, purpose, and community for their adherents, often influencing various aspects of their lives, from personal morality to social structures. Key Characteristics / Core … Read more
Voodoo is a syncretic religion combining West African traditions with elements of Catholicism and other beliefs. It’s characterized by its spiritual practices, rituals, and belief in spirits called loa. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Spirit Possession: A central aspect involves communication with and possession by spirits (loa). Rituals and Ceremonies: Voodoo incorporates various rituals and … Read more
Theology is the study of the nature of God and religious belief. It involves systematic reflection on religious faith, practices, and experience. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Systematic Study: Theology employs logical and reasoned methods to explore religious beliefs. God and Religious Belief: The central focus is on understanding God, divine attributes, and the nature … Read more
Talmudic law is the body of Jewish law and tradition derived from the Talmud, a central text in Rabbinic Judaism. It provides a comprehensive legal and ethical framework for Jewish life, encompassing religious observances, social interactions, and legal proceedings. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Halakha (Jewish Law): The system of codified rules and regulations derived … Read more
Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam that focuses on direct experience of God through spiritual practices. It emphasizes inner purification, devotion, and union with the divine. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Emphasis on inner spiritual journey and direct experience of God Practice of dhikr (remembrance of God) and other devotional practices Importance of love, … Read more
Stichomancy is a form of divination that involves selecting verses from a book, usually the Bible, at random and interpreting them as a prophecy or message. It’s a method of gaining insight or guidance by interpreting the meaning of randomly chosen words or verses. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Random verse selection: The core of … Read more
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent in the late 15th century. It emphasizes faith in one God, selfless service, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Monotheism: Belief in one God, formless and timeless. Guru Granth Sahib: The holy scripture, considered the … Read more
Shinto is a Japanese religion focusing on the kami, spirits believed to inhabit the natural world and objects. It’s characterized by rituals, festivals, and shrines dedicated to these spirits. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Kami: Spirits inhabiting natural elements, animals, objects, and even abstract concepts. Shrines (Jinja): Places of worship dedicated to specific kami. Ritual … Read more
Septuagint studies is the scholarly field dedicated to the research and interpretation of the Septuagint (LXX), the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. This interdisciplinary field draws upon biblical studies, philology, history, and other related disciplines to explore the Septuagint’s textual, historical, and theological significance. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Translation History: Studying the … Read more