World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide

©2018 Achieve Page 8 of 96 1.2 Types of Theism Theism is the belief in a god or gods that drives the religion and connects the individual to the universe. The word “theism” is derived from the Greek word “theos”, meaning “god”. Mono (meaning “one”) and theism is the belief that there is one all-powerful god. Poly (meaning “many”) theism is the belief that many gods and/or goddesses exist. Some individuals who are polytheistic also believe that gods worshipped by other religions are acceptable as well. Pan (meaning “all”) theism is the belief that all in the universe is part of one whole and that is the same as god. Pantheists do not believe in a “personal” god. God is not personal to them, but an impersonal force that is non-anthropomorphic. Panentheism are similar to the pantheists in that the universe is one with god. But, they believe god is the universe, but there is more to the universe and that god is part of that as well. They do hold a belief in a personal god; in panentheism, god speaks, has thoughts, is good, and is loving. Henotheism (“heno” means “one”) is the belief in the worship of one god, but worshipers do not deny there are other gods. Followers believe they owe loyalty to their god while still respecting other gods. Deism or deists believe in a single god creator, but reject organized religion. Their god is one of rationality. They do not have a “personal” relationship with god. While god set the world in motion, he does not intervene or interfere with daily life. Atheism is about not believing. An atheist does not believe there is a god in the world, which is a rejection of all gods. Agnosticism is a theory of knowledge rather than a religious belief. Agnosticism states it is not possible to have an absolute knowledge of god or to be certain of god’s existence. 1.3 The Theisms of Religions Monotheistic religions are: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Rasta, Baha’I, Zoroastrians, and Vodou (Voodoo). Polytheism religions are: Zurvanism (off-shoot of Zoroastrianism), pagan Aztecs, Greeks, Celts, Egyptians, Norse, Sumerians, and Babylonians. Panentheism: The Science of Mind. Henotheism: Ancient Hebrews. They worshipped one god, but did not actively deny the existence of other gods.

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online