theology
She studied theology at Yale Divinity School.
theology = the study of religion
Definition
Generally theology means:the study of religion; or a particular system or school of religious beliefs
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
evangelist
Rick Warren may be today's most admired evangelist.†
evangelist = a Christian who tries to convince others to become Christian
Definition
Generally evangelist means:a Christian who tries to convince others to become Christian — especially on television, radio, or in large gatherings
or when qualified (such as "an ecosystem evangelist"): anyone who tires to convince others of something
or when qualified (such as "an ecosystem evangelist"): anyone who tires to convince others of something
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
consecrate
The priest consecrated the chapel.
consecrated = made holy (typically by means of religious rites)
Definition
Generally consecrate means:make holy by means of religious rites
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Judaism
Jerusalem is a holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Judaism = the oldest of the three major monotheistic religions — whose believers are known as Jews
Definition
Generally Judaism means:the oldest of the three major monotheistic religions — having its spiritual and ethical principles embodied chiefly in the Torah and in the Talmud
Word Statistics
| Library | 24 uses in 10 avg bks |
testament
Her success raising numerous small contributions is testament to her popularity.
testament = evidence for something
or:
a statement of belief
or:
a will (written instructions expressing how somebody wants their property distributed after they die)
or:
either of the two main parts of the Christian Bible
or:
a statement of belief
or:
a will (written instructions expressing how somebody wants their property distributed after they die)
or:
either of the two main parts of the Christian Bible
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
doctrine
She argues that the action is protected under the separation-of-powers doctrine that is fundamental to the US Constitution.
doctrine = principle
Definition
Generally doctrine means:a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
denomination
as in:
the Baptist denomination
Downtown synagogues, mosques and churches of various denominations joined to assist the homeless.
denominations = a group of religious congregations (such as churches, temples, masques...) sharing distinctive beliefs and belonging to the same organization
Definition
Generally this sense of denomination means:a group of religious congregations (such as churches, temples, masques...) sharing distinctive beliefs and belonging to the same organization
or more rarely (and less formally): any categorization of people
or more rarely (and less formally): any categorization of people
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
catholic
When the Apostles' Creed uses the word "catholic", it does not reference the church headed by the Pope, but rather a universal church.
catholic = universal; or inclusive of a wide range of people or interests
Definition
Generally this sense of catholic means:universal or inclusive of a wide range of people or interests
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
serene
While I lie awake worrying, she sleeps serenely.
serenely = calmly and peacefully
Definition
Generally serene means:calm and untroubled
Word Statistics
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
anguish
I felt unbearable anguish when my 4-year-old child died from brain cancer.
anguish = extreme pain
Definition
Generally anguish means:extreme pain, suffering, or distress (of body or mind)
Word Statistics
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
secular
Many countries of the Middle East and North Africa maintain a dual system of secular courts and religious courts, in which the religious courts mainly regulate marriage and inheritance.
secular = non-religious
Definition
Generally secular means:not religious
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
parable
Many people have heard the parable of the prodigal son.
parable = a short story told to teach a moral lesson — especially those told by Jesus in the New Testament
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Islam
Islam is predominant in northern Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
Islam = Muslim religion which is second most practiced in the world
Definition
Generally Islam means:the monotheistic religious system of Muslims founded in Arabia in the 7th century and based on the teachings of Muhammad as laid down in the Koran; the world's second most practiced religion
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
atone
To atone for sins is a common religious theme.
atone = make up
Definition
Generally atone means:to fix or make up for a wrong — especially a sin (even if nothing can be done to make up for the wrong other than to show regret)
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
medieval
The story takes place during medieval times.
medieval = relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
Protestant
Protestant churches deny universal authority of the Pope.
Protestant = any of the Western churches that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation
Definition
Generally Protestant means:a member of or relating to any of the Western churches that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
reign
as in:
She reigned over England
The arranged marriage solidified the alliance between two of Europe's most important reigning families.
reigning = ruling
Definition
Generally this sense of reign means:rule (like that of a king or queen); or the time during which one ruled
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
disciple
She was his favorite student and disciple.
disciple = someone who believes and helps to spread the teachings of another
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
temporal
as in:
temporal world
She focuses more on the spiritual while his main concern is with temporal existence.
temporal = concerned with the material (in contrast to the spiritual) world
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Hinduism
Hindu/Muslim discord resulted in partitioning and violence in post-colonial India.
Hindu = the third most common religion; polytheistic (many gods) with most adherents in India
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
canon
as in:
a canonical requirement
Their actions violate the canon of proportional response.
canon = an official or established rule or principle; or a collection of such rules or principles (often in reference to rules or principles of a church)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
monk
a Tibetan monk wearing an orange robe
monk = a male member of a religious order typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
monastery
Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries was the largest legally enforced transfer of property in English history since the Norman Conquest.
monasteries = the residences of religious communities
Definition
Generally monastery means:the residence of a religious community
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
liturgy
She supports a more contemporary liturgy.†
liturgy = a specific form prescribed for public worship
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
gospel
3 meanings
as in:
gospel of the Bible
The earliest surviving complete copy of the gospels dates back to the 4th century.
gospels = books in the New Testament that Christian's believe tell the story of Jesus Christ's life and teachings
Definition
Generally this sense of gospel means:the religious teachings of Jesus
or:
one of the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that Christian's believe tell the story of Jesus Christ's life and teachings
or:
one of the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that Christian's believe tell the story of Jesus Christ's life and teachings
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
they consider it gospel
I heard her story, but I don't take it as gospel.
gospel = an unquestionable truth
Definition
Generally this sense of gospel means:a set of beliefs firmly held by a group
or:
an unquestionable truth
or:
an unquestionable truth
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
gospel music
She sings gospel music at church.
gospel = a type of vocal music that originated in African-American churches in the United States
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
parish
Are we talking about a governmental or a religious parish?
parish = a local church community
or in Louisiana: a jurisdiction of government like a county
or in Louisiana: a jurisdiction of government like a county
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
New Testament
The dominant message of the New Testament is to love.†
New Testament = the second half of the Christian Bible which describes the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as other Christian teachings
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Old Testament
The Bible consists of the Old and New Testaments.†
Old and New Testaments = the collection of books comprising the sacred scripture of the Hebrews which is the first half of the Christian Bible
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Kabbalah
Many Kabbalist masters were killed in the Holocaust.†
Kabbalist = a discipline and school of thought discussing the mystical aspect of Judaism and hidden meanings in Hebrew scripture
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Qur'an
Many of the people and events recounted in Qur'an are also recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible.
Qur'an = the sacred writings of Islam
Definition
Generally Qur'an means:Islam: the sacred writings of Islam said to be revealed by God to the prophet Muhammad during his life at Mecca and Medina
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
apostle
2 meanings
as in:
an apostle for the cause
an apostle of revolution
apostle = an ardent early supporter of a cause or reform
or:
any important Christian missionary — especially the first to a country or region
or:
any important Christian missionary — especially the first to a country or region
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
chosen by Jesus
Paul claimed the role of Apostle to the Gentiles.
Apostle = Christianity: one of the original 12 disciples (followers) chosen by Jesus Christ to preach his gospel
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
revelation
It was a revelation to me. Until they gave us those tests, I had no idea that I was better than most people at clerical accuracy.
revelation = something surprising and previously unknown
Definition
Generally this sense of revelation means:something that was previously unknown (and typically surprising); or making such a thing known
Word Statistics
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
Middle East
It is as likely as fair weather in southern California and unrest in the Middle East.†
Middle East = a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf (though there is no agreement on an exact to definition)
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
Jerusalem
Palestinians demanded that Israel halt construction in East Jerusalem.
Jerusalem = capital and largest city of the modern state of Israel; a holy city for Jews, Christians and Muslims
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
Abraham
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam each revere Abraham as a founding patriarch.†
Abraham = religion: father of Isaac (Judaism and later Christianity) and of Ishmael (Islam); tested when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac; pleaded for Sodom and Gomorrah
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
baptism
She was baptized at the same church as her grandmother.
baptized = "spiritually renewed" in a Christian ceremony
Definition
Generally baptism means:a Christian ceremony signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth
or:
a challenging experience that initiates or purifies
or:
a challenging experience that initiates or purifies
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
divine
2 meanings
as in:
to forgive is divine
Her pies are divine.
divine = wonderful
Definition
Generally this sense of divine means:wonderful; or god-like or coming from God
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
divined from tea leaves
She claims she can divine the future with a crystal ball.
divine = to predict or discover something supernaturally (as if by magic)
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
ecclesiastical
Many consider The Bishop of Rome to be a first among equals in this ecclesiastical fraternity.
ecclesiastical = associated with a church
Definition
Generally ecclesiastical means:of or associated with a church — especially a Christian Church
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
righteous
as in:
a righteous cause
The extremism is fed by unquestioned belief in the righteousness of their cause.
righteousness = moral correctness
Definition
Generally this sense of righteous means:morally correct; or morally justified
or:
acting or feeling morally superior — especially when it isn't true (this meaning is more typically seen as a compound word beginning with "self-")
or:
acting or feeling morally superior — especially when it isn't true (this meaning is more typically seen as a compound word beginning with "self-")
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
tithe
Although she no longer attends services, she still tithes.
tithes = donates 10% of income to a church
Definition
Generally tithe means:to donate a portion of one's income — especially a tenth of income to a church; or the amount given
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
trinity
as in:
the Christian trinity
In the popular novel, The Shack, three characters represent the Trinity.†
trinity = Christian description of three simultaneous forms of God: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit (that provides strength and guidance to Christians)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
pious
3 meanings
as in:
a good, pious woman
The cartoon with a drawing of Muhammad outraged many pious Muslims.
pious = highly religious
Definition
Generally this sense of pious means:religious or highly moral
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
a pious hypocrite
He was another pious slave owner who treated his slaves mercilessly.
pious = self-righteous (acting as though one is, or believing one is highly moral when it is not true)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
cling to the pious hope
She is clinging to the pious hope that everyone will just start to get along.
pious = sincerely felt, but highly unlikely
Definition
Generally this sense of pious means:(describing a hope or wish as) sincere, but highly unlikely
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
providence
On the eve of battle, he prayed that providence was in our favor.
providence = luck; or God's plan
Definition
Generally this sense of providence means:resulting from God's intervention or plan; or lucky — especially with regard to when something happened
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
advent
as in:
it is Advent
Christians began celebrating Advent in the fourth century.
Advent = Christianity: the period that includes the four Sundays preceding Christmas
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 2000 |
metaphysics
Ontology is a central branch of metaphysics.†
metaphysics = the philosophical study of being and knowing
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
materialistic
She thinks Americans are too materialistic.†
materialistic = concerned with wealth and possessions at the expense of other interests
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
ecumenical
It's an ecumenical organization that provides food and shelter to the homeless.†
ecumenical = pertaining to the working together in harmony of different religious groups
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Mecca
Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering Mecca.
Mecca = the birthplace of Muhammad and the holiest city of Islam (located in western Saudi Arabia)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
clergy
Under labor law, the clergy can be required to uphold the beliefs of the religion they have chosen.
clergy = formal religious leaders (typically in Christianity)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Vishnu
He has more names than Vishnu.†
Vishnu = a Hindu divinity worshipped as the preserver of worlds
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
monotheism
the three great monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
monotheistic = belief in a single God
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
polytheism
Polytheism was the typical form of religion during the Bronze Age and Iron Age.†
polytheism = belief in multiple Gods
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
deity
Literature is filled with references to Greek and Roman deities.
deities = gods and goddesses
Definition
Generally deity means:god or goddess
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
deify
He deified science, then poetry, and then returned to belief in God.†
deified = exalt to the position of a God
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
theist
An interesting combination — a theist married to an atheist.†
theist = a person who believes in the existence of a God or gods
or:
a person who believes God actively intervenes in daily life
or:
a person who believes God actively intervenes in daily life
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
atheist
While many atheist decline any non-material reality, others have a spiritual outlook on life.
atheist = someone who does not believe in the existence of god
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
agnostic
He's agnostic — about the existence of God and the proof of any non-physical belief.
agnostic = someone who is doubtful or noncommittal about something — especially belief in God
Definition
Generally agnostic means:a person who believes they lack true knowledge about the existence of God (but believes that God might exist)
or more rarely: someone who is doubtful or noncommittal about something
or more rarely: someone who is doubtful or noncommittal about something
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
karma
I wouldn't do that. It's bad karma.
karma = the good or bad luck some believe is earned through good or bad acts
Definition
Generally karma means:the good or bad luck some believe is earned through good or bad acts
or in Hinduism and Buddhism: the force that impacts a future life from actions of a prior life
or in Hinduism and Buddhism: the force that impacts a future life from actions of a prior life
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Jesuit
The University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy is an outstanding college-prep school.
Jesuit = a member of the Society of Jesus (known for their schools and missionary work)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was dismayed at atrocities committed in his name during the Peasants' War.†
Martin Luther = German theologian who led the Reformation and deeply influenced the doctrines of Lutheran, Protestant and other Christian traditions with his belief that salvation comes from personal faith (not deeds) and does not require mediation from the church (1483-1546)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Anglican
He has no authority, but he asked Anglican vicars to retire if they don't believe in God.†
Anglican = referencing churches (or their members) whose traditions trace back to the Church of England
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
John the Baptist
I was moved by Rodin's sculpture of Saint John the Baptist.†
John the Baptist = New Testament: a preacher and hermit and forerunner of Jesus (whom he baptized); beheaded by Herod at the request of Salome
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Ascension
Many of the books of the New Testament describe Jesus' Ascension to heaven.†
Ascension = Christianity: celebration of the Ascension (rising) of Christ into heaven; observed on the 40th day after Easter
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Puritans
The Pilgrims who we remember on Thanksgiving were Puritans.
Puritans = English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries wanted more purity and less ritual in worship, and who stressed hard work above pleasure
Definition
Generally Puritans means:English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries wanted more purity and less ritual in worship, and who stressed hard work above pleasure
(a Protestant is any of the Western Christian religious denominations that broke off from the Catholic Church. In the US, the bets known are Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians.)
(a Protestant is any of the Western Christian religious denominations that broke off from the Catholic Church. In the US, the bets known are Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians.)
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
omnipotent
When I was young, I believed in the myth of omnipotent science, technology and logic.
omnipotent = all powerful
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
omniscient
She believes God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.
omniscient = all-knowing; i.e., to know everything
Definition
Generally omniscient means:all-knowing (to know everything)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
omnipresent
She believes God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.†
omnipresent = being present everywhere at once
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Taoism
Taoism emphasizes compassion, moderation, and humility.†
Taoism = popular Chinese philosophical system based in teachings of Lao-tzu (compassion, moderation, humility, and noninterference with the course of natural events)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
epistemology
Her faith and reason led her to study epistemology.†
epistemology = the study of how we know what we know
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Reformation
Most scholars date the reformation from Luther's 1517 publishing of The Ninety-Five Theses to the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia.†
Reformation = a series of Christian efforts to reform the Catholic Church which led to major protestant denominations separate than the Catholic Church
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Brahma
It is a Hindu sect that worships Brahma.†
Brahma = a Hindu divinity worshipped as the creator
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Brahman
The nature of Brahman is described differently in various philosophical schools.
Brahman = the supreme spirit found in Hinduism
Definition
Generally Brahman means:the supreme spirit found in Hinduism
or:
Brahmin (highest rank in the traditional Hindu caste system)
or:
Brahmin (highest rank in the traditional Hindu caste system)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Brahmin
Even today, discrimination against Brahmins and non-Brahmins are both widespread.†
Brahmins = the first caste of Hindu society — responsibility for maintaining and communicating cultural tradition; hence providing priests, scholars and teachers
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
nirvana
I found nirvana when I went away to college.†
nirvana = any place of complete bliss, delight and peace
or in Hinduism and Buddhism: the enlightenment that transcends the cycle of reincarnation; characterized by the extinction of desire, suffering, and individual consciousness
or in Hinduism and Buddhism: the enlightenment that transcends the cycle of reincarnation; characterized by the extinction of desire, suffering, and individual consciousness
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
pantheism
Hinduism is a pantheistic religion.†
pantheistic = the doctrine or belief that God is the universe and its phenomena (taken or conceived of as a whole) or the doctrine that regards the universe as a manifestation of God
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Council of Trent
The Council of Trent ended the sale of indulgences.†
Council of Trent = a council of the Roman Catholic Church convened between 1545 and 1563 to examine and condemn the teachings of Martin Luther and other Protestant reformers; redefined the Roman Catholic doctrine, abolished various ecclesiastical abuses, and strengthened the papacy
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
dogma
he believed all the Marxist dogma†
dogma = a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative by some group
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
dogmatic
The dogmatic coach is fond of saying, "My way's the right way. Your way's the wrong way!"
dogmatic = prone to stating opinions as absolute truth
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Allah
The word Allah has been used by Arabic people since pre-Islamic times.
Allah = Islamic way of referencing God
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
Rama
Rama is the main central character of the Ramayana.
Rama = Hindu Religion: avatar of Vishnu whose name is synonymous with God
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Calvinism
The doctrine of predestination is probably the most controversial aspect of Calvinism.†
Calvinism = the theological system of John Calvin and his followers emphasizing omnipotence of God and salvation by grace alone
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Apocrypha
Since 1826, most protestant Bibles have excluded the Apocrypha.†
Apocrypha = books which were included in the Roman Catholic version of the Old Testament but not accepted in the Hebrew or Protestant Bibles
or more rarely:
early Christian writings never included in any version of the Bible
or more rarely:
early Christian writings never included in any version of the Bible
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
invocation
Any invocations must be done so they do not advance any particular faith or belief.†
invocations = a prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
crusade
as in:
First Crusade to Jerusalem
Resentments date back to the Crusades.
Crusades = any of the more or less continuous military expeditions in the 11th to 13th centuries when Christian powers of Europe invaded Muslims in the Holy Land in the Middle East
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Zoroastrianism
There are small Zoroastrian communities all over the world.
Zoroastrian = related to a religion founded in Persia in the 6th century BC by Zoroaster; based on concept of struggle between light and dark (good and evil)
Definition
Generally Zoroastrianism means:a religion founded in Persia in the 6th century BC by Zoroaster; based on concept of struggle between light and dark (good and evil)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Quakers
Quakers are known for their pacifism.†
Quakers = members of the Religious Society of Friends (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)
Definition
Generally Quakers means:a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
Krishna
There are many stories of Krishna's mischievous youth.
Krishna = 8th and most important avatar of Vishnu; incarnated as a handsome young man playing a flute
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Holy Communion
There are those who would like to deny Holy Communion to pro-choice politicians, but most see such a policy as violating the separation of church and state.
Holy Communion = sharing of bread and wine to remember Jesus' death (also called Eucharist)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Eucharist
Though to most Christians there is no distinction between the Catholic and Protestant view of the Eucharist, Protestants are not supposed to take communion at Catholic services.†
Eucharist = sharing of bread and wine to remember Jesus' death (also called Holy Communion)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
blaspheme
Did she blaspheme against the Prophet Muhammad?†
blaspheme = utter obscenities or profanities; or to speak disrespectfully of something considered sacred
Definition
Generally blaspheme means:utter obscenities or profanities; or to speak disrespectfully of something considered sacred — especially of God or religion
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
apostasy
Are there governments that still punish apostasy with death?†
apostasy = renouncing one's religion or (less precisely) political party or other cause
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
apostate
When apostates are executed in the Muslim world, it is usually done by non-governmental groups operating with impunity from the government.†
apostates = someone who abandoned their religion
or:
someone not faithful to a cause or a friend
or:
someone not faithful to a cause or a friend
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
imam
The imam was trained in Saudi Arabia.
imam = the person who leads prayers in a mosque
Definition
Generally imam means:Islam: the person who leads prayers in a mosque
or for Shiites: a recognized authority on Islamic theology and law, and a spiritual guide
or for Shiites: a recognized authority on Islamic theology and law, and a spiritual guide
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
bodhi
Bodhi-Dharma was Zen's legendary founder.†
bodhi = Sanskrit for "enlightenment"
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |