Religion Glossary

This glossary contains definitions of some terms that are often used in discussions of religious beliefs and practices.

Agnostic - An agnostic is a person who believes that the existence of gods or other supernatural beings can't be proved or disproved. Most agnostics also doubt that anyone can have ultimate knowledge about how or why the universe was created.

Archfiend - This term is sometimes applied to the Devil, or Satan, who is generally regarded as the biggest menace to humankind. Demons are usually viewed as less-powerful fiends.

Atheist - An atheist is an individual who denies the existence of divine beings. Atheists often criticize religions on the grounds that they are illogical and contain weird beliefs. They are particularly critical of common religious concepts such as gods and goddesses, angels, the devil, demons, witches, heaven and hell, and idolatry.

Ascetic - This is someone who practices self-denial for religious reasons. Most ascetics follow strict rules and live very austerely, often fasting or praying for long periods of time. Some live alone as hermits, and others take up residence in monasteries or convents.

Cult - A cult is a small religious group whose members have very unorthodox beliefs, customs, and practices. Such a group usually originates as a small sect within a major religion. Members of doomsday cults believe that the world is about to be destroyed, or that civilization is about to collapse.

Demons - These are evil supernatural spirits, normally invisible, generally thought to inhabit both the earth and hell. They obey the commands of the Devil and help him carry out his immoral activities.

Devil's Mark - A Devil's Mark is an odd-looking mole, wart, or skin blemish that was used in attempts to identify witches during the period of the witch hunts.

Idolatry - Idolatry is the worship of a statue or other physical object as a god or goddess.

Myths - Myths are traditional stories of a religious nature that have usually been passed down from an earlier, more primitive stage of a society. Many of them try to describe the origin of the world, activities of gods and goddesses, and the early history of humankind.

Omen - An omen is an occurrence, circumstance, or phenomenon that is taken as a portent of an important future event. Omens are usually viewed as either good or evil, depending on what they supposedly predict.

Relic - A relic is the remains of a body part or personal possession of a religious leader, prophet, or very holy person. Some relics purportedly have supernatural healing powers.

Ritual - A ritual is a prescribed set of actions that have a spiritual meaning and purpose. Also called a rite, It is usually performed in a place of worship as part of a religious ceremony.

Sabbat - Also known as a Witches' Sabbath, this is a supposed midnight gathering of witches during which they take part in various evil activities in which Satan and numerous demons also participate.

Sacred Scriptures - A scripture is a sacred writing or book thought to contain immutable truths, often in the form of divine revelations from a god or goddess.

Sacrifice - Sacrifice is the ritual murder of an animal, or even a human being, in the expectation of gaining the favor of a deity. In many cases the sacrificed being is regarded as a substitute victim who is killed in place of a sinful person.

Satanism - Some ancient writings can be interpreted to mean that Satan is the real ruler of the world. Many people have noticed that evil individuals frequently come out ahead of good people, and they attribute this to Satan's powers.

Seance - A seance is a gathering in which efforts are made to communicate with the spirits of dead people. The gathering usually includes an especially sensitive person known as a "medium" who serves as a channel for the communications.

Sect - A sect is a dissenting religious group that usually starts from within a major religion, but may eventually break away and become an independent body. Small sects with unusual beliefs and practices sometimes evolve into weird cults.

Soul - A soul is the spiritual part of a person. In most societies it is believed to be immortal, which means that it continues to survive after the physical body dies. Depending on the belief system, after a soul leaves a dead body it may go to heaven or hell, or be re-incarnated in the body of a newborn human or animal.

Spirit World - This is a supposed invisible world or hidden reality in which spiritual beings normally dwell. It is often thought to co-exist with our own world, but in a hidden dimension or superimposed space.

Witch - A witch is a woman who is suspected of worshipping the Devil, and of having supernatural powers that can be used for evil purposes. In past centuries many accused witches have been tortured and killed.

Witch Trials - Most of the trials of accused witches took place in Christian countries during the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. The trials were conducted by both Protestants and Catholics, often under the direction of high-ranking church officials.

Worship - Worship is a religious act intended to show adoration and display devotion to a supernatural being such as a god or goddess. Churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques are mainly built to serve as places of worship.