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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
[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
[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
[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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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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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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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
[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
[noun]

the written message or teachings of a religious leader that is accepted by their followers

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

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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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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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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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a theory stating that all knowledge is derived from experience

Ex: Critics of empiricism argue that it may overlook the importance of a priori knowledge and the inherent structures of the mind that influence how we perceive and interpret experiences .
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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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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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the philosophical belief that the spiritual world does not exist and the only thing that exists is physical matter

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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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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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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
[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
[noun]

a person with very strong opinions on different matters such as religion or politics who tries to impose them on others

Ex: The political zealot was known for his extreme views and unwavering commitment to his party 's agenda .
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radical
[noun]

a person whose political inclination is social and political change

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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
[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
[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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a prayer asking for blessing and protection

Ex: Each night , the grandmother would offer a benediction over her sleeping grandchildren .
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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 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 take up, follow, or support a cause, belief, ideology, etc.

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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
[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
[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
[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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ACT Humanities
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