Even Further Back

— C —

• Covenant A binding agreement between parties — in theology, between God and humanity; in law, between humans. Enforceability varies.

— F —

• Faith Trust, religion, or belief beyond proof.
• Fundamentalism A rigid return to foundational texts or principles against the encroachment of change — found in every major religion and most ideologies.

— G —

• God Creator, metaphor, authority, or comfort — the most contested word in history.

— J —

• Jihad At its core, struggle. Striving and exerting oneself toward something worthy. Translation subject to misuse and manipulation.

— M —

• Miracle Divine intervention or improbable event — depends on belief.

— O —

• Original Sin The theological and secular concept that humanity inherits the guilt of Adam and Eve's desire for knowledge — also called disobedience.

— P —

• Prayer Communication with the divine. Or wishful thinking.

— R —

• Religion Faith with structure. Power with scripture.

— S —

• Sacred Holy, protected, or beyond criticism. Including things we just say are.
• Salvation Rescue from sin, suffering, or circumstance. Seemingly free. Many pay a fee. Results vary.
• Secular Of this world, not the next. Centuries of separating church and state — actually, church from power.
• Sin Religious, social, or cultural transgression. Guilt optional.
• Soul Theological basis, poetic metaphor, or quantum reality?

— T —

• Theocracy Government by divine authority. Or those who say it is. Sometimes sudden.