Key Terms-Introduction to Belief Systems

Belief that everything has a spirit, and that there is no separation between the spiritual and physical world

• Animism

• Monotheism

• Polytheism

• Doctrine

• Supernatural

Religious belief in more than one god and/or goddess

• Animism

• Monotheism

• Polytheism

• Doctrine

• Cosmology

Belief system bound by spiritual authority; includes faith in higher or supernatural power or powers and worship of that power

• Ethics

• Morals

• Religion

• Philosophy

• Cosmology

The study and investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, and conduct

• Ethics

• Morals

• Religion

• Philosophy

• Theology

Concepts or principles of right and wrong, good and bad

• Ethics

• Morals

• Religion

• Philosophy

• Skepticim

Rules of conduct or codes of behavior expected by the group to which the individual belongs

• Ethics

• Morals

• Religion

• Philosophy

• Ritual

Trust or belief that is not based on proof or evidence

• Deity

• Faith

• Ritual

• Worship

• Skepticism

Honor paid to spiritual authority, usually through formal or ceremonious giving of such honor

• Deity

• Faith

• Ritual

• Worship

• Supernatural

Repetitive or routine act; can refer to the established form for a ceremonial act or action

• Deity

• Faith

• Ritual

• Worship

• Skepticism

God or goddess (a supreme or supernatural being)

• Deity

• Faith

• Ritual

• Worship

• Doctrine