Glossary of Religious, Secular, and Spiritual Identities

This glossary provides basic information to complement Humanist Celebrant Orlando workshops & presentations for educational purposes.

We encourage you to learn more about these terms, traditions, and perspectives. The brief glimpse given here provides some context but does not give a full picture of any identity.

This is a continuing work in progress updated regularly – if you see any items that need to be added, or further researched/corrected, please contact us.

What is InterWorldview and RSSI?

Ecumenical was a term intended to welcome and include different Christian perspectives.

The term “Interfaith” can be thought of as “Ecumencial+”, as it invites non-Christian faith identities into dialogues and collaborations. However, it still excludes non-religious identities.  As the non-faith community continues to grow, we need to move towards “interfaith+” and find verbiage that includes everyone. InterWorldview is one option; RSSI (Religious, Secular, and Spiritual Identity) is another.

Worldviews and perspectives around religion are complex systems and include our interpretation of reality, essence, and connectivity to others and to the universe. They contain cultural norms; values; ethical philosophy; politics; gender roles; theories of epistemology; existential postulates; theistic, non-theistic, or spiritual perspectives; and more. 

People of diverse perspectives surround us every day – and while faith is only one element, for many faith or non-faith is the very core of their worldview and serves as the foundation for other components.

It is important to recognize the human experience and challenges of being in a perspective minority and engage in a solution-oriented discussion about creating inclusive spaces for all.

Humanist Celebrant Orlando creates positive conversation that builds bridges across differences. What challenges do people of minority perspectives face? What does minority perspective even mean?  How can we create a better environment for everyone and set an example of inclusiveness that others will model and benefit from outside of the university? How does learning about the potential challenges of those around us improve our personal and professional relationships?

Presentations and training, https://humanistcelebrantorlando.com/presentations/

Inclusion Education Programs should include RSSI

 Frustrations of those who share a common faith / non-faith perspective can include

• Individuals may have different interpretations of teachings and dogma.
• Individuals may not share the same level of commitment to the perspective.
• Generally assumed aspects of the perspective may not apply to everyone who uses that faith perspective label.
• Others make assumptions that everyone does (or ought to) share the same beliefs, expectations, biases, unspoken norms, etc.
• There may be individuals who are among the majority within a group, yet still feel like – and experience the challenges of – a minority regarding faith perspective.  They may experience marginalization and discrimination for not sharing what the others consider to be the “true” practice of that perspective.

Labels are Fuzzy.

Connotative and denotative values of words vary because of many factors, including individual interpretation.  This is especially so when one describes the essence of their worldview or faith perspective, trying to capture this very personal and integral part of identity in one word or phrase. The label can cause assumptions and expectations that cause stress, misunderstanding, miscommunication, and other challenges that divide us.

A person’s outside (visible) identity may not be their inside (invisible) identity.

• Individuals may demonstrate action-based, vocal, physical, or symbolic representation to communicate an affiliation with a faith perspective they do not share.  For example, wearing a Christian cross necklace that belonged to a loved one who passed away, attending church with family to be part of the community and family traditions, or pausing before a meal for a gratitude reflection that is secular but perceived by others as a “prayer”:
• Individuals may identify culturally or in ritual practice with one perspective, while their genuinely held belief (potentially unknown to others) is something different.
• Individuals may adhere to a family faith and their church, spiritual, or non-faith community because of a deep personal connection to that community, but they may not share the actual faith.  For example, an Atheist Catholic may be actively practicing Catholicism and may either be open or concealing regarding their non-faith.
• Individuals may be situationally changing perspectives. For example, someone whose work, familial, social, and other groups have different majority perspectives may need to adjust faith expressions to remain in those groups. In some instances, it can be necessary to fit in to succeed.  There are families who will disown members who admit straying from the accepted faith and businesses that will find ways to terminate employees who do not fit the culture – which may include a company (or supervisor) faith expectation.
• Individuals may “play along” with group practices that are against their beliefs to fit in. This can be a source of great stress and can be a degrading compromise of personal integrity.  In other cases, it can even be a mortal sin to pray to, worship, or acknowledge the existence of someone else’s conception of God.  If asked in a group to make a gesture, assent, or deferment to a faith perspective, some must either pretend to share the majority perspective (forced disingenuousness) or decide in that moment to let co-workers or others know that they hold minority beliefs (forced public “outing”).

Public pressure is created when we are asked, pressured, encouraged, or expected, (whether overt or perceived), to give any physical or vocal sign of alignment with a faith perspective, such as using “under god” in the pledge, standing for prayers, or being asked to say “amen” to prayers. 

Just because you see or hear someone indicate a faith perspective does not mean you know their genuinely held belief.  Faith perspective is an invisible diversity.

Thank you for reflecting on the challenges individuals face and exploring ways to create inclusive, respectful spaces in all of your spheres of influence.

Glossary

Many identity terms can be used to describe both faith and non-faith perspectives; many individuals may use more than one of these identities; and individuals may have different interpretations of what “being” of that label means in their lives or requires of them ethically, morally, and practically.

Identities marked with [*] could be used by an individual self-describing as a person of non-faith. 

As you look through these, think about how individuals in these perspectives might fall on the following scale.  Does the perspective have an inherent requirement to be in one half or the other, or in a specific quadrant?  Could people of this perspective fall in various parts of this scale?  Where do you fall on this scale?

Please note that these are very brief summaries intended for educational purposes. Each identity deserves research and deeper understanding; these brief descriptions are not representative of all elements of these perspectives, may not be how everyone sees or understands that perspective, nor do the elements of a tradition represent all people who identify with that label. Please do your own research to learn more about these perspectives and keep in mind that they may mean different things to different people.

Please report any errors to us so that they can be corrected: CONTACT

Advent Christian. One of several Adventist churches that evolved from the teachings in the late 1840s of William Miller. Doctrinal emphasis is placed on the anticipated Second Coming of Christ and on the Last Judgment, after which the wicked will be destroyed and the chosen will be resurrected to live in a restored paradise on Earth.

African Methodist Episcopal. An offshoot of the Methodist Church also known as the A.M.E. Church. The denomination was formally organized in 1816 when a group of African Americans withdrew from the St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia due to discriminatory seating restrictions. A.M.E. global membership is one of the largest Methodist denominations in the world.

[*] Agnostic. A person who holds that the existence of the ultimate cause, as God, and the essential nature of things are unknown and unknowable, or that human knowledge is limited to experience; OR,  A person who denies or doubts the possibility of ultimate knowledge in some area of study; OR, A person who holds neither of two opposing positions on a topic: Socrates was an agnostic on the subject of immortality.

Theistic/Atheistic agnosticism differentiation: An Agnostic Theist believes there is a god, but that they cannot have absolute knowledge of its existence; an Agnostic Atheist believes there is no god, but that they cannot have absolute knowledge of its nonexistence.

[*] Agnostic Christian.  An individual who follows or adheres to Christianity while also holding the belief that the existence of God is either unknowable in principle or currently unknown in fact.

Amish. Also called Amish Mennonite, member of a Christian group in North America, the Old Order Amish Mennonite Church. Humility, family, community, and separation from the world are the mainstays of the Amish.

Anabaptism. A fringe, or radical, movement of the Protestant Reformation and spiritual ancestor of modern Baptists, Mennonites, and Quakers. The movement’s most distinctive tenet was adult baptism.

Anglicanism. One of the major branches of the 16th-century Protestant Reformation and a form of Christianity that behaved as a “middle path” between the extremes of Catholicism and Lutheran in the 1500s. It prizes traditional worship and structure but operates autonomously and flexibly in different locales.

Anishinaabe. Anishinaabe is the autonym for a group of culturally related Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the United States traditionally living in the Northeast Woodlands and Subarctic. Anishinaabe morality involves good relations with other humans and “other-than-human” agents; respect for all living things is a core value.

[*] Antitheist. One who is against believing in god/s; OR, Active opposition to belief in god or organized religion, OR, The view that belief in god/s is detrimental to well-being.

Apostolic. Latin Apostolicus, plural Apostolici; member of any of the various Christian sects that sought to reestablish the life and discipline of the primitive church by a literal observance of the precepts of continence and poverty.

Assembly of God. Pentecostal denomination of the Protestant church generally considered the largest such denomination in the United States. In addition to extensive foreign missions, the denomination conducts a diversified program of home missions among foreign-language groups in America’s urban centers, on Indian reservations, in prisons, and among the deaf and the blind.

[*] Atheist. A person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being(s) and/or supernatural entities and concepts; OR, Rejects belief in deities, OR, Absence of belief in deities or supernatural entities, forces, or beings.

[*] Atheist+. A movement instigated in 2012 by Jen McCreight (blogger) to unite different non-faith perspectives and establish a shared identity; OR, A term used by some to describe that their worldview includes more than just not believing in God; it is also an ethical and compassionate stance.

[*] Atheist Christian. Cultural or participatory adherence to Christianity without belief in the existence of a supreme being and the supernatural claims of Christianity at large. May openly or secretly identify as an Atheist Christian.  

[*] Atheist Muslim. An individual who follows or practices Islam but denies or disbelieves in the existence of a supreme being. May openly or secretly identify as an Atheist Muslim.  

Bábism. Religion that developed in Iran around Mīrzā ʿAlī Moḥammad’s claim to be a bāb (Arabic: “gateway”), or divine intermediary, in 1844.

Bahá’í. Religion founded in Iran in the mid-19th century by Mīrzā Ḥosayn ʿAlī Nūrī, who is known as Bahāʾ Allāh (Arabic: “Glory of God”). The cornerstone of Bahāʾī belief is the conviction that Bahāʾ Allāh and his forerunner, who was known as the Bāb (Persian: “Gateway”), were manifestations of God, who in his essence is unknowable.

Baptist. Protestant Christians who share the basic beliefs of most Protestants but insist that only believers should be baptized and that it should be done by immersion rather than by the sprinkling or pouring of water.

Bible Missionary. Founded in 1955, it is an evangelical, holiness Christian denomination headquartered in the United States. The church is part of the holiness movement and has roots in the teachings of John Wesley. The church is Wesleyan in doctrine and Arminian in theology.

[*] Bright. A naturalistic worldview free from supernatural forces or entities, with ethics based on Humanism.  An international movement with a goal of civic engagement and justice (not anti-theistic).

Buddhism. Encircles the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (commonly known as the Buddha). In general, Buddhists believe earthly life, a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth called reincarnation, is the cause of human suffering. When we finally escape this cycle to achieve a state of being called “nirvana,” we become, like the Buddha, enlightened. Two major branches are Theravada and Mahayana.

Carmelite. Carmelite, member of one of the four great mendicant orders (those orders whose corporate as well as personal poverty made it necessary for them to beg for alms) of the Middle Ages. This order was founded under the Catholic Church.

Calvary Bible. Calvary Bible Church preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ and encourages believers to live life according to the Bible, with an emphasis on evangelism and missions work both locally and abroad. Calvary is a non-denominational church; affiliated with the IFCA (Independent Fundamental Churches of America).

Catholicism. The world’s largest religion, based on the teachings of Jesus. Roman Catholicism represents the continuation of the historical organized church as it developed in Western Europe and is headed by the Pope. Distinctive beliefs include the doctrines of Transubstantiation and Purgatory, and distinctive practices include veneration of saints and use of the rosary.

Celtic Christianity. Refers broadly to certain features of Christianity that were common across the Celtic-speaking world during the Early Middle Ages. A few of the commonly shared beliefs among Celtic Christians are a worship of God as Trinity, respect for the saints, adherence to the Nicene Creed, rejection of Roman Catholicism, and a conviction for hospitality and loving others. Modern Celtic Christianity integrates some of these ancient practices into current Christian practice.

Celtic Neopaganism. A large group of contemporary religious movements claiming derivation from the various historical pagan beliefs of pre-modern Europe. They all have central beliefs in polytheism, animism, and afterlife.

Chapel of Faith. Focus of belief is Christ’s love, which is greater than our differences and belief in the infallibility and literal interpretation of the Bible.

Charismatic. Believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, they stress the ecstatic experience of the Holy Spirit as manifested by speaking in tongues and faith healing. It is a form of Christian Fundamentalism.

Christadelphians. Christian group founded about 1848 by John Thomas. The Bible is the only authoritative rule of faith, and membership in the group requires a profession of faith and baptism by immersion. Orthodox views of the Trinity are rejected, and the theology is strongly millennialist.

Christianity. A religion with many denominations that share a belief in one God. Christians believe Jesus was God’s son who was sent to earth to save mankind from death and sin. He was killed by authorities of the Roman Empire but came back to life and ascended to heaven. Christians believe all who profess their faith in the Resurrection of Jesus will be received into a heaven after death, negating death (“everlasting life”).

Christian Calvary. Evangelical Christian sect believing in the inerrancy of the bible and the Trinity.

Christian Hindu.  An individual who follows or adheres to the teachings of Jesus Christ while practicing the behaviors, rituals, ethics, and rules that govern Hindu society. Hinduism is not a singular, homogenous religion. In fact, Hinduism includes a diversity of ideas on spirituality and traditions, but has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book.  Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.

Christian Reform. A branch of Christianity stemming from the Protestant Reformation in 16th Century Europe. They believe in the Trinity, in one God as three persons, and believe in Jesus’s sacrificial death for salvation.

Christian Science. Religious denomination founded in the United States in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910), author of the book that contains the definitive statement of its teaching, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (1875). It is widely known for its highly controversial practice of spiritual healing.

Christian Unificationist. Member of the Unification Church founded in South Korea in 1954 by religious leader Sun Myung Moon. The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity was established to unify Christianity around a broad and inclusive vision that humanity must create God-centered families, and it is through this ideal that God can manifest.  The Divine Principle is the main theological textbook of the Unification Church. Its teachings are based on the Bible, but include new interpretations not found in mainstream Christian tradition.

Church of the Brethren. The central emphasis of the Church of the Brethren is not a creed, but a commitment to follow Christ in simple obedience, to be faithful disciples in the modern world. The Brethren believe in God as Creator and loving Sustainer.

Church of the First Born. Commonly misunderstood to be a division of Mormonism or Catholicism, this is a nondenominational church which follows Scripture and the Trinity, believing in Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. They believe in Baptism, the second coming of Christ, and Divine Healing.

Church of the Nazarene. A church with governance that is like that of the Methodists, but local congregations have more autonomy. In worship there is emphasis on simplicity and revivalistic evangelism. In doctrine the church stands in the tradition of Arminian Methodism, emphasizing God’s grace, and regards its unique mission to be the promotion of entire sanctification, which enables a person to live a sinless life, as a work of grace subsequent to conversion.

Church of Universal and Triumphant. The church believes in the I AM, or God Presence, which members believe is the higher, unchanging aspect of every individual. Church members may call upon the I AM presence through the repetition of invocational prayers called decrees. Because of the messages Elizabeth Clare Prophet reputedly received from the Masters, she synthesized insights from all the major religious traditions in the church’s teachings. The faith’s basic goal is to purify the self in preparation for the ascension into the divine realms. The major process of purification is the daily decreeing and the accompanying visualization of a surrounding violet flame that consumes all evil.

[*] Confucianism. An ethical and philosophical structure brought forth from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Focuses on: humanism, justice, humaneness, knowledge, etiquette, loyalty, filial respect, and integrity.

[*] Cosmicist. Established by American fiction writer H.P. Lovecraft as a literary philosophy.  Individuals believe there is no recognizable divine presence and that humans are insignificant in the cosmos. The insignificance and disempowerment of humanity is the core, similar to nihilism, but its focus is on the inconsequentiality of human action rather than the rejection of a higher purpose.

Covenant. A binding promise of far-reaching importance in the relations between individuals, groups, and nations. It has social, legal, religious, and other aspects.

Creationism. The religious belief that the universe and life originated from specific acts of divine creation as opposed to scientific conclusion.

[*] Critical Thinker. Used by anyone to describe a personal commitment and ability to analyze and assess information, connect ideas, and be rational. Individuals demonstrate internal epistemological integrity: self-motivated, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective. Used by some non-theists to describe a process of evaluating evidence to arrive at non-theism. Further used by some non-theists to potentially imply that theists cannot think rationally.

Cru. Known as Campus Crusade for Christ around the world, it is an interdenominational Christian organization that promotes evangelism and discipleship in more than 190 countries.

[*] Cultural Christian. A person who holds Christian beliefs as a matter of ancestry and/or culture and teachings as key parts of their identity. May identify as a secular individual.

[*] Deist. Can be theistic or non-theistic (mono or poly, either). Believe that god can only be revealed through observation of nature and through the use of reason. Skeptical of supernatural manifestations or intervention.

[*] Disbeliever. A person who has no belief in or refuses to believe or accept phenomena or concepts without supporting evidence (and sometimes with supporting evidence). A person who does not hold any religious belief or does not share the belief system of those around them.

Disciples of Christ. For modern Disciples the one essential is the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and obedience to him in baptism. Hierarchical doctrine was traditionally rejected by Disciples as human-made and divisive, and subsequently, freedom of belief and scriptural interpretation allows many Disciples to question or even deny beliefs common in doctrinal churches.

[*] Divine Humanism. The concept that the individual, rather than divine or supernatural forces, shapes the universe. In essence, each living creature in the world is able to exert his or her will to manifest changes in the universe.

[*] Doubter. A person who actively questions belief systems, dogma, religions, supernatural entities or phenomena, etc.

Druidism. Originating from ancient Greece and/or Rome, they followed the Pythagorean doctrine: that human souls are immortal and after a certain number of years they begin a new life in a new body.

Druze (Juhhāl and ‘Uqqāl). Relatively small Middle Eastern religious sect characterized by an eclectic system of doctrines and by a cohesion and loyalty among its members (at times politically significant) that have enabled them to maintain through almost a thousand years of turbulent history their close-knit identity and distinctive faith.

Dīn-I Iláhī. A syncretic religion propounded by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1582 AD, intended to merge the best elements of the religions of his empire, and thereby reconcile the differences that divided his subjects. Essentially an ethical system, prohibiting such sins as lust, sensuality, slander, and pride and enjoining the virtues of piety, prudence, abstinence, and kindness. The soul was encouraged to purify itself through yearning for God (a tenet of Ṣūfism, Islāmic mysticism), celibacy was condoned (as in Catholicism), and the slaughter of animals was forbidden (as in Jainism).

Eastern Orthodox Church. Also known as the Orthodox Catholic Church, one of the three major doctrinal and jurisdictional groups of Christianity. It is characterized by its continuity with the apostolic church, its liturgy, and its territorial churches. Its adherents live mainly in the Balkans, the Middle East, and former Soviet countries.

Eckankar. Religious movement founded in San Diego, CA in 1965 that emphasizes personal spiritual experiences to reunite the individual with God. Eckankar teaches that there is one supreme God, who is neither male or female. Belief that the universe was created by a series of sound waves emanating from the transcendent Divine and it became imprisoned; humans are sparks of God trapped in a cycle of reincarnation who nonetheless can return to God by listening to the Divine Sound and repeating the Divine Names (mantras).

Egyptian Neopaganism. The contemporary revival of Ancient Egyptian religion and related expressions of religion in classical and late antiquity, emerged during the 1970s.

[*] Empiricism. The belief that physical evidence and logic point to religious belief.  Differs from skeptical empiricism, which bases beliefs on the evidence but is skeptical about God and miracles, and stands apart from fideism, which holds beliefs without evidence, by faith alone.

[*] Esotericist. One who holds secret doctrines of unusual interest, participates in a secret society or closed, small group, or practices limiting knowledge to an elite few or specially initiated. May be theistic, non-theistic, or having nothing to do with religion at all (secular).

[*] Ethical Culturalism. Similar to Ethical Humanism; stresses ethical behavior independent of religious beliefs. An individual who focuses on ethical behavior within a culture and standards of civilization.

[*] Evangelical Atheist.  One who does not believe in the existence of gods or supernatural entities or forces and who has a strong commitment to sharing the Atheist message publicly with the intent to convert others to Atheism, OR, One who believes that Atheism is the one true path to integrity and pure values, and who believes that others should share that vision, OR, An outspoken Gnostic Atheist.

Evangelical / Born Again (Traditionalist, Centrist, and Modernist) Christian. Any of the classical Protestant churches or their offshoots, but especially in the late 20th century, churches that stress the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, personal conversion experiences, Scripture as the sole basis for faith, and active evangelism (the winning of personal commitments to Christ).

Federated Church. Committed to social justice and to sound theology, each local congregation is given its own responsible autonomy. A part of the United Church of Christ.

Folk Catholicism.  Any of the various ethnic expressions of Catholicism as practiced in Catholic communities, typically in developing nations. Practices vary from place to place and sometimes contradict the official teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Some forms of Folk Catholic practices are based on incorporating non-Catholic beliefs and have come to be identified as separate religions. One such example is the spiritual expression of Haitian Voodoo.

[*] Freethinker. A person who forms opinions on the basis of reason, independent of authority or tradition, especially a person whose religious opinions differ from established belief.

[*] Gentile. A person who is not Jewish. One who is of a non-Jewish faith, including those of non-faith.

[*] Giaour. A person who is not a Muslim, especially a Christian.  Also refers to infidels, non-believers.

[*] Global. An individual or organization that promotes knowledge of people, places, and perspectives beyond one’s own community and country. Seeks to understand the links between our own lives and those of people throughout the world.

[*] Gnostic Agnostic. One who holds in absolute certainty that absolute certainty is unattainable.

[*] Gnosticism. Any of various related philosophical and religious movements prominent in the Greco-Roman world in the early Christian era, particularly the 2nd century. Absolute knowledge – a Gnostic Theist believes absolutely that they have true knowledge of the existence of God; a Gnostic Atheist believes absolutely that they have true knowledge of the nonexistence of God.

Grace Reformed. A mission branch of the Reformed Church of Christ (or Christ Reformed Church). They refer to themselves as Presbyterian in governance, and their history is tied to the Presbyterian Church. They believe the Bible is the ultimate authority, in the necessity of Creeds, Confessions of Faith, and in the Heidelberg Catechism.

Greek Orthodox. Name commonly given to the Eastern Orthodoxy or the Orthodox Catholic Church

Haitian Voodoo. A spiritual expression blended of African animism, spiritism, and indigenous religion, and sometimes elements of shamanism, black magic, and witchcraft. Haitian voodoo has been heavily influenced by African slaves from France and by Christianity, especially Roman Catholicism.

[*] Happy Human. An icon that was adopted as an international symbol of secular humanism in 1965. Various forms of it are now used across the world by humanist organizations of all sizes.

Hare Krishna. Established in America in 1965, the Hare Krishna worship the Hindu god Krishna as the one Supreme God. Their goal is “Krishna consciousness” and their central practice is chanting the Hare Krishna mantra for which they are named.

Hasidic Judaism (Chassidic, Chasidic, or Hassidic). Jewish religious group that arose as a spiritual revival movement in Western Ukraine during the 18th century and spread rapidly throughout Eastern Europe. Present-day Hasidism is noted for its religious conservatism, social seclusion, and unique emphasis on traditions of Eastern European Jews, so much so that various special styles of dress and the use of the Yiddish language, are associated almost exclusively with Hasidism.

[*] Heathen. A person who worships Germanic or Norse gods and goddesses, OR, A person who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim.

[*] Hedonist. A person who pursues pleasure as the primary goal in life.

[*] Heretic. One who openly challenges religious doctrine. One who holds, and is outspoken about, controversial opinions.

[*] Heterodox. Unorthodox; not agreeing with accepted beliefs, especially church doctrine.

[*] Hinduism (Shaivism, Shaktism, Smartism, Vaishnavism, Bhakti). Major world religion originating on the Indian subcontinent and comprising several and varied systems of philosophy, belief, and ritual.  Shaivism is the organized worship of the Indian god Shiva. Shaktism, worship of the Hindu supreme goddess, Shakti (Sanskrit: “Power,” or “Energy”). Smartism – Orthodox Hindu sect composed of members of the “twice-born,” or initiated upper classes (Brahman, Kshatriya, and Vaishya), whose primarily Brahman followers are characterized by their allegiance to all the gods of the Hindu pantheon and by their adherence to rules of ritual and of conduct laid down in the ancient sutra texts. Vaishnavism, also called Vishnuism, is one of the major forms of modern Hinduism, characterized by devotion to the god Vishnu and his incarnations (avatars), the most popular of which are Rama and Krishna. The Bhakti movement is a theistic devotional trend that originated in seventh-century India. Bhakti in Hinduism is “emotional devotionalism” directed to one supreme deity, usually Vishnu or Shiva, by whose grace salvation may be attained by all regardless of sex, caste, or class. It is practiced by most Hindus today.

Holy Roller. A member of an evangelical Christian group that expresses religious fervor by frenzied excitement or trances.

House of Prayer. An evangelical charismatic Pentecostal Christian mission organization based in Kansas City, Missouri, and the nearby suburb of Grandview that focuses on prayer, worship, and evangelism.

[*] Humanism. A philosophical and ethical worldview that emphasizes the importance of human beings as a whole and as individuals and stresses the autonomy of human reason in contradistinction to the authority of the Church. The term may be used to identify secular and non-theistic religious perspectives such as Humanistic Judaism/Christianity/Buddhism. Belief in the advancement of humanity by its own efforts and the denial of any power or moral value superior to that of humanity.

[*] Humanist. A person for whom Humanism is their worldview identity. An Atheist expressing their non-faith using the term Humanist. A person who adheres to the principles and values of Humanism.

[*] Humanistic Judaism. A non-theistic movement in contemporary Judaism.  A human-centered philosophy of critical thinking with a deep connection to Jewish culture.

[*] Hylotheist. The belief that matter is God; there is no God other than matter and the universe.  God is the sum of all actions and materials.

[*] Ignostic or Igtheist. Theological non-cognitivism: the concept of god is meaningless.  Differs from Agnosticism in the postulate that there is no concept of god; we cannot conceive of what we’re stating belief or non-belief in, and therefore stating existence, non-existence, or even an ambivalent stance is irrelevant.

[*] Inclusionist. Related to Universalism. Christian Inclusionists believe that all humans will be restored from sinners to righteous and will go to heaven. Interfaith belief in the salvation of all souls. One who believes that all humans have value.

Indigenous Traditional Religions (African, American, Arctic, Asian, Eastern, European Ethnic). Belief in a god or gods who created people and the surrounding environment during a particular creation period at the beginning of time. Aboriginal people are very religious and spiritual, but rather than praying to a single god they cannot see, each group generally believes in a number of different deities, whose image is often depicted in some tangible, recognizable form. This form may be that of a particular landscape feature, an image in a rock art shelter, or in a plant or animal form.

[*] Infidel. One who adheres to a religion other than their own (culture, family). One who denies the religion of their culture. One who is not religious.

Islam (Sunni, Shia, Sufism). Adheres to the idea that the believer (called a Muslim, from the active particle of islām) accepts surrender to the will of Allah (in Arabic, Allāh: God). Allah is viewed as the sole God—creator, sustainer, and restorer of the world. The will of Allah, to which human beings must submit, is made known through the sacred scriptures, the Qurʾān (often spelled Koran in English), which Allah revealed to his messenger, Muhammad.

• The Sunnis recognize the first four caliphs as the Prophet Muhammad’s rightful successors.
• The Shīʿites believe that Muslim leadership belonged to Muhammad’s son-in-law, ʿAlī, and his descendants alone.
• Sufism – Mystical Islamic belief and practice in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God.

Jainism (Digambara and Shvetambara). A religion of India that teaches a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through a disciplined mode of life founded upon the tradition of ahimsa, nonviolence to all living creatures.

• Digambara – Male ascetics shun all property and wear no clothes. In accordance with their practice of nonviolence, the monks also use a peacock-feather duster to clear their path of insects to avoid trampling them. They drink water from a gourd, and they beg for their food and eat only once a day. Women are not allowed into the sect.
• Shvetambara – The monks and nuns of the sect wear simple white garments.

Jehovah’s Witness. Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity. They believe death is a state of non-existence with no consciousness.  They are restorationist (believe in Primitive Christian teachings) and millenarian (belief in cataclysmic arrival of a utopian period). They imitate Jesus Christ and regularly spend time helping people learn about the Bible and God’s Kingdom. Because they witness, or talk, about Jehovah God and his Kingdom, they are called Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Jesus Follower. A person who follows or adheres to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The term is commonly used as an alternative to the term Christian because it is less likely to be associated with Christian stereotypes.

Judaism (Conservative, Humanistic, Haymanot, Karaite, Liberal, Orthodox, Progressive, Traditional, etc.). A religion developed among the ancient Hebrews and characterized by belief in one transcendent God who has revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions. The Tanak is Judaism’s scripture.

[*] Latitudinarian. One who believes that strict conformity to doctrine is not important or necessary

Latter Day Saints/Mormon. Characterized by a unique understanding of the Godhead. After death, souls receive instruction before being reunited with their bodies. Emphasis on family life, belief in continuing revelation, desire for order, respect for authority, and missionary work. Mormons also obey strict prohibitions on alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea and promote education and a vigorous work ethic.

Lutheranism. Based on the teachings of Martin Luther, a German monk and professor who has been called the “Father of the Reformation.” In 1517, he protested the Roman Catholic Church and its sale of indulgences. Luther stressed the doctrine of justification by faith alone and the authority of scripture alone.

Mandaeans. An ethno-religious community, practicing Mandaeism, which is Gnostic and monotheistic (also called Nasoreans or Ar. Ṣābeʾin) belonging to one of the less represented religions of the Near East. A major characteristic of the Mandaeans is the frequent ritual use of (running) water (for baptisms and ritual purifications); they may have been the first to practice baptism.

Manichaeism. A dualistic religious system with Christian, Gnostic, and pagan elements, founded in Persia in the 3rd century by Manes (circa 216– circa 276). The system was based on a supposed primeval conflict between light and darkness.

[*] Materialist. A person primarily concerned with material things (material hedonist; or, someone who focuses on the material over the spiritual or supernatural), OR, One who believes that matter Is the fundamental substance in nature and that all phenomena, including consciousness, are material manifestations, OR, One who believes that all reality is based on physics (natural things) and rejects Aristotelian Physis (“Phoosis”) which combines nature and art (techne) and requires the four causes (aitia): matter, motion, form, and finality.

Mazdeism. See Zoroastrianism

Mennonite. A member of a Protestant church that arose out of the Anabaptists, a radical reform movement of the 16th-century Reformation. It was named for Menno Simons, a Dutch priest who consolidated and institutionalized the work initiated by moderate Anabaptist leaders. Mennonites are found in many countries of the world but are concentrated most heavily in the United States and Canada.

Mithraism. The worship of Mithra, the Iranian god of the sun, justice, contract, and war in pre-Zoroastrian Iran. Known as Mithras in the Roman Empire during the 2nd and 3rd centuries a.d., this deity was honored as the patron of loyalty to the emperor.

Mission Covenant Church of Sweden. The Mission Covenant Church of Sweden was born in the spiritual revival in the 19th century. The first congregation was founded in 1855, the denomination in 1878. These events marked a protest against the state church system in which the bishops and priests were appointed by the state and the law obliged all Swedes to baptism, membership and communion in the Church of Sweden.

[*] Missionary. A person sent on a religious or spiritual mission, especially one sent to promote Christianity in a foreign country, OR, A person traveling to a foreign country to perform volunteer service for the betterment of a community.

Monotheistic. Belief in only one G/god.

Mormonism. See Latter Day Saints/Mormons.

Muslim (Sunni, Shia, other). A person within the Islamic faith.

Mysticism. Belief that union with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute, or the spiritual apprehension of knowledge inaccessible to the intellect, may be attained through contemplation and self-surrender.

Native American Church. Indigenous religion that uses the peyote sacramentally to induce religious, shamanic, or spiritual experiences. With origins in Oklahoma, it is now the most widespread Native American religion in the United States.

Native American Religion (Waashat, Drum, Earth Lodge, Bole-Maru, Feather, Mexicayotl, etc.). Waashat – preached a strictly regimented life style that directed members through one life, beyond death, and into the next existence. Drum Dance – Drum Dance was not part of traditional pre-contact Native culture in the Great Lakes but was introduced from Plains tribes during the nineteenth century. Peace, good moral conduct, obedience to law, responsibility, and assisting others were intrinsic values to be learned and upheld by the members.

[*] Naturalist. One whose epistemology is based on observation of the natural world.  Assertion that natural laws govern human behavior.

Nazarene. Church of the Nazarene, a Christian Protestant denomination originating in the American holiness movement.

[*] Neopaganism. A large group of contemporary religious movements claiming to be derived from the various historical pagan beliefs of pre-modern Europe. They all have central beliefs in polytheism, animism, and afterlife.

[*] New Age.  Unlike most formal religions, it has no holy text, central organization, membership, formal clergy, geographic center, dogma, creed, etc. They often use mutually exclusive definitions for some of their terms. The New Age is in fact a free-flowing spiritual movement; a network of believers and practitioners who share somewhat similar beliefs and practices, which they add on to whichever formal religion that they follow.

New Testament Christian. A Pentecostal, Evangelical, Trinitarian, Fundamentalist denomination headquartered in Graham, Washington. It was founded in 1969 by former Pentecostal Church of God minister Rodger Wilson Davis. NTCC conversion strategy targets military bases, specifically overseas.

[*] Non-believer. One who does not believe in something; especially regarding religion and faith.

Non-denominational. A person or organization that is not restricted to any specific religious denomination.

[*] Nones. One who does not claim an affiliation with any religious or spiritual belief system; OR, One who does not hold religious beliefs, OR, Secular individual, OR, A person who does not adhere to a religion or religious doctrine.

[*] Non-religious. The absence of, indifference to, or rejection of religion. Individuals identifying as non-religious can be secular and/or adhere to some forms of theistic culture or tradition. 

[*] Non-Theist A person who finds the practice of labeling belief systems as distractions from genuine religious living; Theistic terminology and doctrine are not helpful. Non-material transcendent realities have little in common with the word god, OR, A person who is not religious.

[*] OASIS. A growing model of non-faith-based communities founded by Helen Austen in Kansas City, Missouri in 2014. Oasis meets every Sunday to provide a discussion that promotes critical thinking, freedom of inquiry and the celebration of human experience from a secular perspective.

[*] Objectivist. One who adheres to the philosophy of Ayn Rand, centered on the moral virtue of achieving happiness through reason, independence, rational self-interest, individual rights, and laissez-faire capitalism.

Occult. There is no single, overreaching definition of the Western Occult Tradition. Rather, it is composed of a wide variety of different paths and practices such as Hermeticism, Kabbalah, astrology and numerology. Many occultists follow practices involving aspects of multiple paths, which makes generalizing about the occult extremely difficult. In addition, not all followers of these paths label themselves occultists, and outsiders should be sensitive to such differences in definition. Examples may include Hermeticism and Kabbalah.

• Hermeticism – An ancient spiritual, philosophical, and magical tradition. It is a path of spiritual growth. Hermeticism takes its name from the God Hermês Trismegistos (Greek, “Thrice-Greatest Hermes”), a Græco-Egyptian form of the great Egyptian God of Wisdom and Magic, Thôth.
• Kabbalah – The ancient Jewish tradition of mystical interpretation of the Bible, first transmitted orally and using esoteric methods (including ciphers). It reached the height of its influence in the later Middle Ages and remains significant in Hasidism.

[*] Pagan. Observance of any religion that is not one of the widely accepted religions (Christianity, Judaism, Muslim), OR, One who is not religious.

[*] Panatheism. The assertion that no god or gods exist and that nothing can be correctly termed holy or be considered sacred, OR, The belief in “all atheism”; the position that all people are atheists to one or more god entities. For example, everyone who does not believe in Zues is an atheist in regards to Zeus.

Pantheist. Belief that nature is identical to God. The sum of all nature and elements and actions of the natural world are God, where God is not anthropomorphized or conscious.

[*] Pastafarian. One who is a member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. The FSM Movement promotes a light-hearted view of religion and opposes the teaching of intelligent design and creationism in public schools. Often portrayed or perceived as a parody religion or as a satire of creationism. 

[*] Pearlist. One who relies on Physical Evidence and Reasoned Logic In the Search for Truth (P.E.A.R.L.I.S.T.)

Pentecostalism / Full Gospel (Apostolic Church, Assemblies of God, Foursquare Gospel). A renewal movement within Protestant Christianity that places special emphasis on a direct personal experience of God through the baptism with the Holy Spirit. For Christians, this event commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Jesus Christ. Belief that baptism with the Holy Spirit enables a Christian to live a Spirit-filled and empowered life. This empowerment includes the use of spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues and divine healing—two other defining characteristics of Pentecostalism.

Pilgrim Holiness. Religious denomination associated with the holiness movement that split from the Methodist Episcopal Church by Martin Wells Knapp in 1897. Originated as a combination of Methodist and Quaker beliefs.

Plymouth Brethren. A community of Christians whose first congregation was established in Plymouth, Devon, England, in 1831. Biblical prophecy and the Second Coming of Christ are emphasized.

[*] Polyatheist. A person who does not believe in any gods OR,  A term communicating disbelief in all supernatural entities and phenomena, OR, A person who believes in only one God and rejects all other gods.

[*] Polynontheist. A person who believes that terminology and doctrine distract from genuine connection in all religions, OR, A person who believes in no theistic traditions, dogmas, or entities.

Polytheism. belief in and worship of multiple gods. Typically, these gods are distinguished by particular functions, and may take on human characteristics. This was particularly true in ancient Greece and Rome. In other polytheistic cultures such as ancient Egypt, gods take on the form and characteristics of objects found in nature, including trees, sacred herbs, cattle, animals and animal–human hybrids.

[*] Positivist. Epistemological philosophy of science and mathematics, postulating that knowledge is derived through empirical evidence and positive facts: sensory data, logic and math.  Rejection of intuitive knowledge. Human and social laws are based on the laws of the physical world.

[*] Pragmatist. One who views all things in terms of their practical uses, including knowledge, language, thoughts, beliefs, logic, etc.

Presbyterianism. A branch of Reformed Protestantism. They emphasize the importance of education, lifelong learning, and the continuous study of the church doctrine.

Primitive Baptists. Conservative Baptists also known as Hard Shell Baptists or Old School Baptists, adhere to a degree of Calvinist beliefs that formed from the controversy among Baptists in the early 19th century over the appropriateness of mission boards, tract societies, and temperance societies. The adjective “Primitive” in the name conveys the sense of “original.”

Protestant Christianity. Protestantism arose in the 16th century during the Reformation. It does not acknowledge the authority of the Pope, rejects many traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church, emphasizes reading the Bible and holds to the doctrine of salvation by faith alone. Protestantism encompasses numerous denominations.

[*] Pyrrhonist. One who believes that absolute certainty of knowledge is impossible.  (“Nothing can be known, not even this.”).  According to Pyrrho of Elis, based on the premise that nothing can be known, the only appropriate way of life is suspending judgment and achievement of ataraxia (freedom from worry).

Quaker. A member of the Religious Society of Friends, a Christian movement founded by George Fox circa 1650 and devoted to peaceful principles. Central to the Quakers’ belief is the doctrine of the “Inner Light,” or sense of Christ’s direct working in the soul. This has led them to reject both formal ministry and all set forms of worship.

Rastafarian. A religious and political movement that began in Jamaica in the 1930s and was adopted by many groups around the globe. It combines Protestant Christianity, mysticism, and a pan-African political consciousness. Rastafarians may have distinctive codes of behavior and dress such as rejection of Western medicine and adherence to a diet that excludes pork, shellfish, and milk.

[*] Rationalist. One who uses reason to predicate arguments; one who seeks knowledge through empirical evidence. One who has a rational worldview.

Reformed Church of Christ. See Grace Reformed

Religious Humanism.  The integration of humanist ethical philosophy with congregational but non-theistic rituals and community activity which center on human needs, interests, and abilities.  Self-described religious humanists differ from secular humanists mainly in that they regard the humanist life stance as their religion and organize using a congregational model.

Russian Orthodox. Taking its structure from Roman Catholicism but rituals from the Eastern Church, they adhere to the beliefs of the Apostle’s and Nicene Creeds, honoring the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Salvation Army. A protestant denomination of the Christian Church. It is a “holiness movement” that bases its message on the Christian Bible. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in God’s name.

Sanctified. Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church is an association of churches established primarily on the principle that salvation is accomplished by two separate works of the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The first work of grace is repentance toward God or asking for forgiveness of the sins that we have committed. The second work is the baptism of the Holy Ghost, or sanctification, which is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, eradicating the nature of sin.

[*] Satanist. Atheistic Satanists do not believe Satan actually exists, but rather that Satan is a symbol of rebellion. Theistic Satanists believe that Satan is a living being. One who focuses on self-reliance, critical thinking, and who believes that conformity and ignorance are anti-values.  Belief that Christian views of good and evil are flawed.

[*] Scientist. One who uses systematic approaches to knowledge acquisition or who practices the scientific method (observe, measure, experiment, hypothesize, test, modify). Some non-theists use this term to self-describe as adhering to physical evidence rather than faith or belief.

[*] Scientology. Believes Man to be basically good, not evil. It is Man’s experiences that have led him to commit evil deeds, not his nature. The purpose of Scientology is to enable Man to improve his lot through understanding.

[*] Secular. Of or pertaining to worldly things or to things that are not regarded as religious, spiritual, or sacred; temporal: secular interests, OR, Not pertaining to or connected with religion (opposed to sacred): secular music, OR (of education, a school, etc.) Concerned with nonreligious subjects, OR, (of members of the clergy) Not belonging to a religious order; not bound by monastic vows (opposed to regular), OR, A person or organization promoting the separation of church and state.

[*] Secular American. Term used by secular individuals who affirm their patriotism to America, in response to the common discriminatory beliefs and actions resulting from the idea that America is faith-based (under a god) rather than inclusive.

[*] Secular Buddhist. A follower of the religion and dharma that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices based on original teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) as well as a sincerely held belief in non-theism. May be openly or secretly secular Buddhist.

[*] Secular Christian. A Christian in ritual or cultural practice whose sincerely held belief is non-theism.  May be openly or secretly secular Christian. OR, A Christian who does not align with some or all of the doctrine, culture, expectations, biases, or other elements of Christianity.

[*] Secular Humanist. The positive, ethics-based, life-affirming, human-responsibility-centered worldview of Humanism, specifically identified as being without a belief in supernatural entities.  Differentiated from religious Humanism, or the term Humanism, which can be Religious, Secular, or Apatheist.

[*] Secular Jew An individual that practices the religion, philosophy, and culture of Judaism and whose sincerely held belief is non-theism. May be an openly or secretly secular Jew, OR,  A Jew who does not align with some or all the doctrine, culture, expectations, biases, or other elements of Judaism.

[*] Secular Ministry. Individuals who provide faith-free ministry services such as performing of life ceremonies, providing ministerial counsel, life guidance, volunteer service / dedicated life of service to others.

[*]   Secular Zoroastrian. One who ascribes to the ritual or cultural practices of Mazdayasna also known as Zoroastrianism and has a sincerely held belief in non-theism. May be openly or secretly Secular Zoroastrian. 

[*] Secularist One who believes in the separation of church and state, OR, One who is secular or believes in secularism as a preferred worldview for all.

Seventh Day Adventists. A Protestant sect that preaches the imminent return of Christ to Earth (originally expecting the Second Coming in 1844) and observes Saturday as the Sabbath.

Shabakism. A minority religion in the Middle East whose practices and beliefs are similar to orthodox Islam and Christianity.

Shaker. The Shakers’ mission is to live a perfect Christian life as portrayed in the Gospels and in the early Christian communities. The Shakers base their religion and their lives on celibacy, communal living, and the confession of sin. They attempt to attain spiritual and temporal simplicity, pacifism and perfection in all aspects of their lives.

Shinto. A Japanese religion dating from the early 8th century and incorporating the worship of ancestors and nature spirits and a belief in sacred power (kami) in both animate and inanimate things. It was the state religion of Japan until 1945.

Sikhism. Preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind, and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

[*] Skeptic. A person who questions the validity or authenticity of something purporting to be factual, OR, A person who maintains a doubting attitude, as toward values, plans, statements, or the character of others, OR, A person who doubts the truth of a religion, especially Christianity, or of important elements of it.

[*] Solipsist. One who believes that only one’s own self exists; one’s own existence is the only thing that is real or can be known.

[*] Somatist. One who believes in the material world only; no supernatural entities or phenomena are acknowledged, OR, One who seeks physical causes for seemingly non-physical phenomena.

Southern Baptist. A member of a large convention of Baptist churches established in the US in 1845, typically having a fundamentalist and evangelistic approach to Christianity.

[*] Spiritualist, Spiritual [Atheist/Christian/etc.]. One who connects with or believes in connecting with the greater whole of all of nature.  Interconnection with people, animals, nature, material things.  Nurturing thoughts, words, and actions in harmony with all things, including the practice of holistic ethics, and health and happiness personally as well as for those around them.  One who feels the connectivity with all things is not captured in terminology describing physical/material world.  The spiritual connection is not necessarily “mystical”, religious, or supernatural; it can simply refer to an emotion or sense of something greater than the mere physical or material reality. Spiritualist can also be someone who practices communication with the spiritual world (ghosts, angels, non-physical entities, etc.)

Sufism. Sufism is less an Islamic sect than a mystical way of approaching the Islamic faith. Mystical experience of the divine is central to Sufism. Sufis are distinguished from other Muslims by their fervent seeking of dhawq, a “tasting” that leads to an illumination beyond standard forms of learning. 

[*] Sunday Assembly. The Sunday Assembly, an Atheist Church, was founded in London in 2013 and has become an international phenomenon with congregations in almost every country. Any church congregation that incorporates the traditions of church (singing, regular gatherings, community, volunteerism and community engagement, ethical education, child development, pot lucks, friendships, leadership of a minister/preacher/chaplain, etc.) without any references to deities. Some congregations are non-theist specific and discuss tenants of non-theism; others simply use the above activities to form a community without reference to a god.

[*] Taoism. A Chinese philosophy based on the writings of Lao-tzu (fl. 6th century BC), advocating humility and religious piety. A way of thinking about life. It is at least 2,500 years old and it comes from China. Taoism can be called a religion or a philosophy.

Theravada Buddhist. Theravada (pronounced “terra-VAH-dah”), the “Doctrine of the Elders,” is the school of Buddhism that draws its scriptural inspiration from the Tipitaka, or Pali canon, which scholars generally agree contains the earliest surviving record of the Buddha’s teachings.

The Way Ministry. A worldwide, nondenominational Biblical research, teaching, and fellowship ministry headquartered in rural Ohio. Provides classes and other programs covering bible studies in several languages.

[*] Tibetan Buddhism. A tolerant religion that places emphasis on practical methods for cultivating spiritual awareness and on the importance of finding the truth for oneself. It treasures loving-kindness, compassion, equanimity, clarity of mind, and wisdom. Its hope is to alleviate suffering and to create healing and transformation so that all beings may experience the highest peace (nirvana).

[*] Truth Seeker. Based on the first national and highly influential freethought publication (published in the 19th century), and based on the editor’s devotion to “science, morals, free thought, free discussions, liberalism, sexual equality, labor reform, free education, and elevation and emancipating the human race.” One who seeks truth, questions assumptions, and pursues certain knowledge.

[*] Unaffiliated.  Someone who is not officially connected to or signed up with an organization, group, or religion, OR, Someone who does not associate with a religion or with religion in general.

[*] Unbeliever. One who does not have or adhere to religious belief or faith. “unbeliever” may be used by those who used to believer.

[*] Unitarian Church. Unitarian Churches are renowned for acceptance of all, including those of non-faith.  Some congregations are exclusively secular in sermons and activities; others are lean more toward interfaith (with a preference for or promotion of belief in some supernatural entity, or with references to god, gods, or the supernatural in their sermons and discussions).

[*] Unitarian Universalism. Liberal religion stressing religion as a matter of individual experience, therefore, only the individual can decide what to believe and that all people will be saved. 

Universalism. Theological concept that some religious principles have universal application or applicability. A community that calls itself universalist may emphasize the universal principles of most religions and accept other religions in an inclusive manner, believing in a universal reconciliation between humanity and the divine.

[*] Universist. One who advocates reason and experiential evidence over faith.  A naturalistic worldview that may include consideration of yin/yang (opposing forces) and other means of describing experience of the natural world.

United Holiness. A congregation established to reflect the love of God to the world through His Spirit and minister that love one to another and the people of the world.

Unity Church. A Christian movement that emphasizes affirmative prayer and education as a path to spirituality.

Wesleyan.  A Protestant, evangelical, holiness denomination. Members believe it is their special mission to emphasize the message of “full salvation from all sin.” They teach that a victorious Christian life is possible for all believers through the experience of both forgiveness of sins and the filling of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Wiccan. A nature-based religion which can be atheistic, theistic, or polytheistic. The religious cult of modern witchcraft, especially an initiatory tradition founded in England in the mid-20th century, OR, A large group of contemporary religious movements claiming to be derived from the various historical pagan beliefs of pre-modern Europe. The largest group in the United States is Wicca. They all have central beliefs in polytheism, animism, and afterlife.

Witness Holiness. Characterized by their emphasis on a post-conversion encounter with God through an experience called the “baptism of the Holy Spirit.” Believe that faith in Jesus included sanctification from sin and transition into a life of holiness.

Yazdânism. A newly coined word (derived from Kurdish yazdān “worthy of worship”, a cognate of Avestan Yazata) introduced by Mehrdad Izady in 1992 to denote a group of native Kurdish monotheistic religions: Yazidi, Yâresân, and Chinarism/Ishikism (Ishik Alevism).

[*] Zen Buddhist. Emphasizes Buddhism is not a theory, an idea, or a piece of knowledge. It is not a belief, dogma, or religion; but rather, it is a practical experience. Zen Buddhists believe we cannot intellectually grasp Zen because human intelligence and wisdom are too limited. The heart of Zen Buddhism is meditation.

Zoroastrianism (Mazdayasna, Parsi/ Irani). Natively known as Mazdayasna, it is an ancient Iranian religion and a religious philosophy that arose in the Persian Empire that believes there is one God called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and He created the world; they believe the elements are pure and that fire represents God’s light or wisdom, and they pray several times a day. Major features of Zoroastrianism, such as messianism, judgment after death, heaven and hell, and free will have influenced other religious systems, including Second Temple Judaism, Gnosticism, Christianity, and Islam.  Following the Iranian Revolution and the arrival of the Islamic theocracy in Iran, Zoroastrianism/Mazdayasna is having a strong revival amongst many Iranians who want to express discontent towards the dictatorial theocratic regime.