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ACT Humanities - Religion and Beliefs

Here you will learn some English words related to religion and beliefs, such as "secular", "rite", "deity", etc. that will help you ace your ACTs.

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ACT Vocabulary for Humanities
Scripture
Scripture
[noun]

the sacred writings of the Christian faith, comprising the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, considered authoritative and divinely inspired by Christian

Ex: Scripture readings are integral to Christian worship services , with passages chosen based on the liturgical calendar or thematic focus .
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deity
deity
[noun]

a supernatural figure that is worshipped like a god or goddess

Ex: The deity's followers celebrated their faith with elaborate rituals .
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altar
altar
[noun]

the table in a church, used for giving communion in Christianity

Ex: The priest placed the chalice and paten on the altar before the Eucharistic celebration .
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providence

the divine guidance, care, and intervention of a higher power

Ex: Believers express gratitude for the providence of God , acknowledging blessings and unexpected positive outcomes in their lives .
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rite
rite
[noun]

a formal or ceremonial act, procedure, or ritual, often associated with religious practices

Ex: During the Easter service , the congregation participated in the solemn rite of communion .
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mosque
mosque
[noun]

a place of worship, used by Muslims

Ex: He listened to the imam 's sermon during the weekly Friday sermon at the mosque.
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clergy
clergy
[noun]

people who are officially chosen to lead religious services in a church or other religious institution

Ex: The church was filled with clergy from different denominations .
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monk
monk
[noun]

a member of a male religious group that lives in a monastery

Ex: The monk's robe and shaved head were symbols of his commitment to his religious order .
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disciple
disciple
[noun]

a follower or student who adheres to the teachings and practices of a particular leader, teacher, or philosophy

Ex: The philosopher 's disciples carried on his legacy by teaching future generations about his ideas and principles .
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denomination

a distinct branch or or subgroup within a larger religious tradition, characterized by specific beliefs, practices, and organizational structures

Ex: She converted to a new denomination of Christianity after studying its beliefs and practices .
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hymn
hymn
[noun]

a religious song intended to praise God, especially sung by Christians in congregation

Ex: The choir performed a beautiful hymn during the Easter celebration .
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gospel
gospel
[noun]

a set of teachings or principles of a religious group considered authoritative or generally accepted within that group

Ex: Teachers present the gospel to students in religious studies .
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pilgrimage

a journey or religious expedition to a sacred place or shrine, typically undertaken for spiritual or religious reasons

Ex: The annual Thaipusam festival in Malaysia involves a pilgrimage to the Batu Caves , where devotees perform acts of devotion and penance .
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dogma
dogma
[noun]

a belief or a belief system held by an authority who proclaims it to be undeniably true and expects immediate acceptance

Ex: The cult 's dogma required followers to adhere to a set of rigid and unquestionable rules .
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motto
motto
[noun]

a brief statement or phrase that represents the guiding beliefs or ideals of an individual, family, or institution

Ex: The company 's motto, " Innovation for Tomorrow , " reflects its commitment to forward-thinking and progress .
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credo
credo
[noun]

a formal statement of beliefs or principles, often religious or philosophical in nature

Ex: The educator 's credo may prioritize fostering a love of learning , equity in education , and the holistic development of students .
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spiritualism

the belief that the human spirit or soul can survive after death and communicate with the living

Ex: Spiritualism gained popularity in the 19th century as people sought to contact the dead .
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rationalism

the belief or principle that ideas and actions should be based on logic instead of religion or emotion

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idealism
idealism
[noun]

the belief in or pursuit of high principles, values, or ideals, often with a focus on the potential for perfection or improvement

Ex: The teacher encouraged idealism, asking students to envision a perfect future .
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determinism

the theory or doctrine that all events and occurrences are completely determined by previously existing causes, therefore human beings cannot be punished or held accountable for their deeds

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fundamentalism

a strict commitment to the core beliefs and teachings of a religion, often accompanied by a literal interpretation of its sacred texts

Ex: Islamic fundamentalism seeks to implement Sharia law based on a strict interpretation of the Quran .
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empiricism

(in philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is derived from sensory experience rather than theory or intuition

Ex: She studied empiricism to understand the roots of modern science .
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individualism

the conviction that prioritizes self-reliance and personal independence as virtues

Ex: The debate between individualism and collectivism is central to many political and social theories .
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consumerism

the idea or belief that personal well-being and happiness depend on the purchase of material goods

Ex: Advertising plays a significant role in promoting consumerism by persuading people to buy products they may not necessarily need .
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materialism

the philosophical belief that the spiritual world does not exist and the only thing that exists is physical matter

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dualism
dualism
[noun]

the belief that reality consists of two fundamental and opposing components, such as mind and body or good and evil

Ex: Gender dualism explores the binary classification of gender roles and identities into male and female categories .
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egalitarian

a person who believes in or advocates for the principle of equality, especially in regards to social, political, and economic affairs

Ex: The egalitarian’s speech inspired many to join the movement for racial equality .
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utilitarian

someone who supports the theory that actions are morally right if they maximize happiness or pleasure and morally wrong if they cause unhappiness or pain, regardless of other outcomes

Ex: Utilitarians prioritize the greatest good for the greatest number , aiming to achieve the most favorable outcomes for society as a whole .
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pacifist
pacifist
[noun]

an individual who is against war and violence as a way to settle disagreements or conflicts

Ex: Despite threats , the pacifist continued to speak out against violence and aggression .
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zealot
zealot
[noun]

a person who is fanatically committed to a cause, ideology, or belief, often with uncompromising intensity and willingness to act aggressively in its defense

Ex: Tech zealots defended their favorite platforms with cult-like devotion .
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radical
radical
[noun]

a person who holds extreme or unconventional ideas or opinions

Ex: A radical criticized the mainstream policies.
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abolitionist

a person who advocates for the complete elimination of something

Ex: Susan B. Anthony was not only a suffragist but also an abolitionist who fought for the rights of women and slaves .
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extremist
extremist
[Adjective]

holding or promoting extreme opinions in politics, religion, etc.

Ex: Despite widespread condemnation , the extremist organization continued to recruit members through online propaganda .
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martyr
martyr
[noun]

someone who is killed because of their beliefs

Ex: The group honored the martyr who sacrificed their life for freedom .
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benediction

a prayer asking for divine blessing, protection, or guidance

Ex: They paused for a moment of benediction before the journey .
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to minister

to fulfill a role in religious service or guidance, providing support and leadership within a community

Ex: The religious leader continued to minister, delivering sermons and conducting ceremonies for the congregation .
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to baptize

to initiate into a religious faith by immersing in or sprinkling with water

Ex: The priest gently baptized the baby , welcoming them into the community of believers .
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to espouse

to take up, follow, or support a cause, belief, ideology, etc.

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to consecrate

to make something sacred through religious rituals

Ex: The priest used sacred oils to consecrate the baptismal font , setting it apart for the initiation of new members into the faith .
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sacred
sacred
[Adjective]

connected with God or a god, and considered holy or deeply respected in religious contexts

Ex: The sacred symbols adorning the shrine hold spiritual significance for believers .
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secular
secular
[Adjective]

not concerned or connected with religion

Ex: Secular organizations advocate for the separation of church and state in public affairs .
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pagan
pagan
[noun]

a person believing in a religion that worships many deities, especially one that existed before the major world religions

Ex: The community of pagans gathered to share traditions and rituals .
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