Quakerism, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, is a Christian faith that emphasizes direct, inner experience of God and the inherent worth of every person. It originated in 17th-century England with a focus on peace, social justice, and spiritual equality. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Inner Light: Belief that God’s light resides within … Read more
Prophecy is a prediction of the future, often made through divine or supernatural means. It involves claiming foreknowledge of events to come. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Prediction of Future Events: Prophecies focus on foretelling things that haven’t happened yet. Divine or Supernatural Origin: Many prophecies are attributed to a god, spirit, or other supernatural … Read more
New Testament studies is the academic discipline dedicated to the critical examination of the New Testament, the second part of the Christian Bible. It involves rigorous historical, literary, and theological analysis of the texts. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Textual Criticism: Examining various manuscript copies to determine the original wording. Historical Criticism: Investigating the historical … Read more
Kabbalah is a mystical tradition within Judaism that focuses on understanding God and achieving spiritual enlightenment. It involves esoteric interpretations of the Hebrew Bible and other Jewish texts, aiming to uncover hidden meanings and explore the nature of reality. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Esoteric Interpretation: Kabbalah goes beyond literal readings of scripture to uncover … Read more
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and self-discipline to achieve liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth. It’s one of the oldest living religions, with a rich history and philosophical tradition focused on spiritual purity and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Ahimsa (Non-violence): The core … Read more
Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion centered on the belief in one God, Allah, and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the Quran, Islam’s holy book. It’s the second largest religion in the world, with a diverse following across the globe. Its practices and beliefs profoundly shape the lives of millions. Key … Read more
Indigenous religions are spiritual beliefs and practices specific to various indigenous communities around the world. They are often deeply connected to the land, ancestors, and natural world. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Connection to Nature: A strong relationship with the environment and natural elements. Animism: The belief that spirits inhabit natural objects and phenomena (e.g., … Read more
Hinduism is a diverse religion originating in the Indian subcontinent, encompassing a broad range of traditions, philosophies, and practices. It’s characterized by a rich history and diverse beliefs, lacking a single founder or scripture. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Dharma: The righteous conduct and duty in accordance with one’s nature and social position. Karma: The … Read more
Hagiography is the writing of the lives of saints or other holy people. It often involves a combination of historical fact, legend, and religious devotion to present a positive and inspiring portrayal of the subject’s life. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Focus on piety and holiness: Hagiographies emphasize the spiritual qualities and virtuous actions of … Read more
Comparative religion is the academic study of the world’s religions, analyzing their similarities and differences in beliefs, practices, and historical development. It involves a systematic and objective approach, avoiding judgment or advocacy for any specific faith. Instead, it seeks to understand the diverse expressions of religious experience across cultures and time periods. Key Characteristics / … Read more