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RELI 140 Final
Religion in America
36
Religious Studies
Undergraduate 1
05/06/2009

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Term
Limited Atonement
Definition
-Atonement is limited to those predestined to salvation
-Others cannot, by atonement for their sins alone, gain salvation
-A big belief in the reformed tradition, based on John Calvin’s ideas
-Important in places where the tradition took hold (Scotland, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland) and, thus, influenced those who came to the New World from those places as opposed to those coming from England (Anglicans)
Term
Vestry
Definition
-Elected trustees charged with controlling day-to-day affairs of Anglican parishes in colonies
-Done because there was too much space and not enough Priests to give them power everywhere
-Failure of parish system
Term
“The Forward”
Definition
-Daily Jewish newspaper founded by Abraham “The Big Boss” Cahan in 1897 in NYC
-Originally published in Yiddish
-Mouthpiece of the Jewish Left, advocated trade unionism and democratic socialism
-Also significant advocate for garment workers (Labor Zionism)
-Grew along with growth of poorer Jews coming to America (from Russia, Poland, and Ukraine)
Term
Ann Lee
Definition
-Founded the Shakers in 1758
-Originally in Manchester, England  moved to upstate NY in 1774
-Believed that Christ returned to Earth as a woman
-No procreation; separation of sexes as protection from original sin
-Important in the evangelical culture
Term
Four Noble Truths
Definition
-Central tenets of Buddhism
-Existence is suffering; suffering is caused by desire; to obtain peace and enlightenment (nirvana), transcend suffering by eliminating desire; achieve nirvana by following the eightfold path
-Big among early immigrants from China and other countries where the people look like Kit, but also big among educated Euro-Americans, who more sympathize with the tenets
Term
1924 Immigration Act
Definition
-Used a quota system based on race and ethnicity
-Slowed the growth of Catholic immigration considerably (subtle aim of the act)
-Aimed to curb immigration from Southern and Eastern European countries
-Unexpectedly allowed Catholics to settle into their lives as American Catholics (Social activism of Priests under New Deal, Economic Stability, Political Represenation)
-Also, eliminated immigration from East and South Asia
Term
Northern Hunting Tradition
Definition
-Animal Ceremonialism
-Annual Ceremony of Cosmic Rejuvenation
-Few stationary cult practices
-Emphasis on quest for spiritual
-Shaman and Shamanism
-Male Supreme Being
-Life after Death was beyond the horizon or in the sky
-Oglala Sioux in the Plains and Shoshoni out west in Rockies
-Were one of two types (Southern Agricultural Tradition) that demarcated native peoples’ religious orientation
Term
Shari’a
Definition
-The body of Islamic religious law
-Legal framework within which the lives of Muslims are regulated
-Big contradictions between Shari’a and US common law
-Leads to problems with which one Muslims are bound by
Term
The Late Great Planet Earth
Definition
-1970 book written by Hal Lindsey
-Treatment of premillenialist prophecy
-Talks about the rapture, Second Coming of Christ, the Antichrist ruling the Earth
-First book about the rapture to be picked up by a secular publisher
-Extremely popular (best nonfiction seller of the 1970’s)
-If this happens, I am fucked.
Term
Authoritarian Groups
(seeking nontraditional security)
Definition
-Groups with strong communities and, often, a dictatorial father figure
-Frequented by those who found that street counterculture did not them with security
-Unificationists and People’s Temple
-Important because they show how the political and social climate of the day encouraged such devotion
Term
Immigration Act of 1965
Definition
-Set limitation of 170,000 visas per year from Eastern Hemisphere (compared with 120,000 from Western Hemisphere)
-Many contended that it would not change the ethnic makeup of the US; however, 37% of all immigrants from 1960-1989 were Asian
-However, still only constitute 3% of the population, so, though it was a large increase in immigration, it really was only a drop in the bucket
Term
Convert Buddhism
Definition
-Euro-Americans
-Modernist beliefs (egalitarianism, feminism, individualism)
-Emphasis on meditation and the psychological aspects of practice
-Fusing of lay/monastic practice
-Important people who worshipped the Great Fat Man: Transcendentalists, Theosophists (Henry Steel Olcott, who was a Buddhist convert but who held that every religion has parts that lead to human perfection), Beat Generation (Kerouac and Ginsberg), Counterculture (Timothy Leary and Ram Dass)
-Every book seems to be about Zen and shit
Term
Softshell Crab
Definition
-Softshell crab was on the menu at the first Hebrew Union College graduation
-This is funny because, under Kosher laws, Jews are forbidden from eating shellfish
-However, the HUC was a Reform seminary, founded by Isaac Mayer Wise
-They advocated gender equality, relaxing of dietary laws and Sabbath observances, and other Barone-esque Jew stuff
-Thus, they could softshell crab
-This is the worst ID ever. It shows how relaxed Reform Jews in America were compared to their European counterparts, but the absolute inane nature of this ID makes me want to steal Vince’s Vespa and crash it.
Term
AME
Definition
-Founded in 1816 by lay preacher and former slave Richard Allen (he was their 1st priest)
-Evolved from Allen’s “Mount Bethel” church and joined other Methodist churches (black of course)
-Second Great Awakening accelerated trend of conversion to Methodist Church
-These institutions promoted radical identity and were central to the social, political, economic, and cultural life of the northern, free, urban, black communities. Abolitionists.
-Similar in worship to white Methodist Churches but focused on education and benevolence within black communities
Term
Brown v Board of Education
Definition
-1954 ruling that overturned Plessy v. Ferguson
-separate but equal was not constitutional
-far from the end of civil rights movement, rather there was a turn to mass action (sit-ins) over legal action (including those mentioned in Chapel Hill)
-this lead to Montgomery Bus Boycott and other actions from people like MLK Jr.
Term
JFK's 1960 election
Definition
-social activism and economic stability lead to more optimism and security for Catholics before the time of his election
-Catholics were finally accepted by the Protestant majority
-this is the point where they know what it means to be “American Catholics”
-Some people still worried that he would worry about what the Pope thought instead of the American people, but this proved to be incorrect
-Donald Thorman article (308) discusses assimilation into American life for Catholics
Term
ISKCON
Definition
-International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) – Hare Krishna
-followers chant Hare Krishna as a way of awakening love for God and they believe that it brings liberation and purification.
g) Chanting is also thought to bring understanding and knowledge and it cleanses the mind and heart of illusions.
h) ISKCON and Hinduism both initiated from teachings in the Vedas and the Bhagavad-gita. Hinduism regards Krishna as an incarnation of Vishnu (Preserver God and one of Hindu trinity of deities), ISKCON regards Krishna as highest Lord over all deities, even Vishnu.
Term
Burned Over District
Definition
-Used to describe western New York in the 1820’s during the Second Great Awakening
- Charles Grandison Finney and others conducted revivals
- The revivals were so intense and made more so by the economic and social impact of the Erie Canal that the region became a hotbed of evangelicalism, moral reform, and radical social and religious experimentation
Term
Reformation
Definition
-period of pronounced change within the Christian Church backlash against perceived wrongdoings/corruption within medieval Catholic Church
- Desire to return to simpler and more vital form of Christianity
- Campaign by educated clergy and laity, starting with Martin Luther in Germany
- 95 Theses posted at Wittenburg 1517 sparked Reformation
- Rejection of Medieval Catholicism
– Hierarchy: Apostolic Succession, Obedience
– Traditions of the Church
– Sacramental rites (baptism, the Eucharist)
- Reinforced by feudal system, close-knit communities allowed Reformation ideas to spread
– Reformation split into several smaller groups (Lutherans, Anabaptists, Calvinists, etc.)
Term
Moral Majority
Definition
• started in 1979- disbanded in 1989
• Appeal: between a half-million and four million people
• Goal: to register conservative voters and influence legislation at the local, state and national level
• Success: brought together variety of constituents
• Jerry Falwell- major leader of movement- went against Baptist principle of not mixing religion w/ politics
o “If God does not judge America soon, He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.”
 Basically thought America was going to Hell due to moral decay, and wanted to join together conservative Christians across nation
Term
William Jennings Bryan
Definition
-Famous for participating in the Scopes Trial in 1925 where a teacher in Tennessee was prosecuted for teaching evolution
-Lawyer who fought against evolution being taught in schools
-Thought that evolution undermined Bible and led to increased hatred and evil in the world
-Warned against intellectual pride and attempting to interpret God’s words
-Ruling of Scopes Trial favored the Fundamentalist Protestants. Later found that this decision lead to waning public opinion of the Fundamentalists
-Brought the concept of evolution to center stage in America. Tolerance/Acceptance now allows us to teach evolution now.
Term
Old-Fashioned Revival Hour
Definition
- Radio broadcasting show started by Charles Fuller in 1937.
-Part of the Resurgent Evangelicals movement
-Began the trend of evangelicals dominating the airwaves. By 1941 the Old-Fashioned Revival Hour was broadcasted nationwide, which gained their message access to millions of listeners.
- Foundation deemed as one of “the most effective, in terms of souls saved.
Term
Vatican II
Definition
-- 1962-1965- series of meetings with bishops from worldwide, called by Pope John XXIII. Defined by “spirit of aggiornamento,” which means “bringing up to date” or a spirit of change or openness . Drastically changed the Catholic Church in many different aspects:
-liturgical reform—masses looked different. Ex: priests faced congregation, spoke in vernacular (not Latin), etc. Attempt to encourage more active participation in worship
--showed that Catholic Church was capable of change and subject to discussion
Term
1881
Definition
So these were basically large-scale anti-Semitic riots that began in 1881 in the Russian Empire. The reason for these outbursts was the assassination of Tsar Alexander II, which was blamed on the Jews. Also rough economic conditions contributed to high tensions.
-these pogroms led to mass emigration of Russian Jews to the US (“Russian Wave” of US Jewish history)—most of whom were poorer than previous Jewish immigrants. Many moved to Lower East side of NY.
-The Jewish Left—movement in US that coincided with Russian Wave of immigrants. Labor Zionism (Socialist economics combined with Judaism and return to Palestine/Israel) and other Socialist and leftist ideas become prominent
Term
Christianity Today
Definition
Evangelical publication that was founded by Billy Graham in '56. Article in Allitt discusses Black Manifesto stuff in 1969.
Term
John Winthrop
Definition
Governor of Mass Bay Colony (Puritans). Gave "A Model of Christian Charity" speech (City upon a hill speech).
Term
MLK Jr.
Definition
Civil rights leader. In Allitt, gives "Love your enemies" sermon. Also preached non-violence, civil disobedience, etc
Term
Jacob Needleman
Definition
in Allitt, writes on appeal of Eastern religions in US in 1970. Big quote: "Men turn to religion and find, to their ultimate dismay, that religion turns to them..."

also: "the satisfaction of desire is not happiness"-- key idea in Eastern religions.
-pleasure is satisfying inner animals and not confusing the animals with the whole self
-main pt: Eastern religion about transformation of desire, not satisfaction of desires.
Term
Rosa
Definition
Italian Catholic immigrant (c. 1890) in Allitt. She contrasts her Italian Cath with Americans and their Cath.
She gives examples of the language barrier and new econ opportunity gettin in way of Cath faith here.
Shows lax nature of Catholicism in America compared to Italy
Term
Mordecai Kaplan
Definition
Founded Jewish Reconstructionism (after immigration, c. 1924-1965).
-function of religion=salvation, so if the Jewish community (worldwide) serves this purpose, then it's doin it's job.
-argues that Jews are a community, which is needed for salvation
-two communities exist now: US and Jewish-- says that too many choose US
-says it's possible to have both without competition
Term
Abraham Rice
Definition
America's first rabbi. Came to US (Baltimore) from Germany in early 1800s. Opponent of Reform Judaism, was neo-Orthodox (really traditional/strict).

“I dwell in complete darkness, without a teacher or companion . . .
The religious life in this land is on the lowest level.
Most people eat foul food and desecrate the Shabbos in public."
Term
Nathan Cole
Definition
Connecticut farmer in Allitt (mid 1700s). Hears preaching of George Whitefield, is "born again"-- rushed from field with wife to see him speak
-"..and a sweet sollome solemnity sat upon his brow"-- about Whitefield
-originally thought himself to be unelected to be saved, had a disease.
-then had a vision/saving moment and became devout, enthusiastic Christian
Term
Timothy Leary
Definition
Pychologist/writer who encouraged use of LSD. Famous quote: "Turn on, tune in, drop out."
Term
Clare Grillo
Definition
Cleveland schoolteacher from Italian family in Allitt (c. 1920). Grew up in Little Italy. She describes how a local Protestant settlement house (Alta House) won over her affections over the local Cath. Church because of its generosity and practical help for immigrants.
Term
Frederick Douglass
Definition
Ex-slave politician and abolitionist. In Allitt, contrast the Christianity of Southern slaveowners to the that of Christ himself. Obviously a huge diff.
-says this Christianity (slavery one) is hypocritical, etc
-"The slave auctioneer's bell and the church-going bell chime in with each other..."
Term
Billy Graham
Definition
Evangelical missionary/preacher. In Allitt, his excerpt from one of his bks compares the sins of America to out-of-control wild fires.
"Our world is on fire, and man without God will never be able to control the flames... we seem to be plunging madly toward Armageddon."
-threats like racism, Communism, misuse of science, immoral society, etc are these fires. God is the water I guess?
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