Religions of the World Trivia Quiz

Answer: Paganism

Paganism is a frequently misunderstood religion. Pagan beliefs center around balance, unity, and harmony. Each individual is responsible for finding his/her own true nature in harmony with others and the world. Pagans strongly believe in a tolerant, diverse, and humane society.

Their beliefs are closely aligned with nature. Wicca, one of several societies grouped within paganism, is relatively modern, having been introduced by Gerald Gardner in 1954.

Answer: Zoroastrianism

The founder, Zoroaster, lived sometime between the 7th and 10th centuries BCE. The religion follows one god, Ahura Mazda, the "Wise Lord." This god fathered twin sons: Spenta Mainyu, the 'Benevolent Spirit', and Angra Mainyu, the 'Hostile Spirit'. Thus, Zoroastrianism is dualistic in nature.

As two equal powers struggle in the universe, two equal powers of good and evil struggle in the minds of people. The Zoroastrian holy book is called the Avesta and is composed of two parts. The first part contains the gathas, seventeen hymns believed to have been written by Zoroaster.

The second, more recent part is a commentary on the first part and includes instructions regarding rituals.

Answer: Sikhism

Although Sikhs believe in one God, Sikhism is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak and the nine Sikh gurus who followed him. The tenth guru, Gobind Singh, declared that after his death no other gurus would follow. Instead, he instructed his people to follow the scriptures, which he considered to be a "living guru." The Golden Temple is located in the city of Amritsar and is the center of Sikhism.

This is where the Sikh scriptures, known as Guru Granth Sahib, are continually chanted.

Answer: Jainism

The central virtue of the Jains is ahimsa, or non-violence, specifically non-injury to living things. Jains are strict vegetarians and are serious about not killing any living creatures, even insects. Jainism encourages physical austerity, or 'tapas'.

The Jains have no deities or creator in their religion. Man can only become truly liberated on the spiritual journey to moksha (liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth) through correct knowledge and ascetic disciplines.

Answer: Pachamama

The height of the Incan empire lasted from the mid-fifteenth century to mid-sixteenth century. At that time the Incas believed that Father Sun and the moon goddess regulated time and seasons while the emperor regulated the heavens and human affairs. After the Spanish conquest, Pachamama merged with the Virgin Mary and today the religion is mixed with indigenous and Catholic elements. Pachamama is not only female, as opposed to many religions where the chief deity is male, she is nurturing and accessible.

She is often depicted with outstretched arms, the sun and moon on her breasts. Other depictions associate her with darkness and light, implying that she is the source of all life and sustenance.

Answer: Shamanism

The shaman is often misunderstood to be a 'witch doctor' or 'medicine man.' Shamans are seers, acting as an intermediary between this world and the next. They are also guardians of the tribe's legends. In shamanism there are three worlds: upper world, middle world, and underworld which are held together by a tall structure such as a tree or mountain. Physical features of the land join together the three levels of existence.

For example, wells, springs, and caves act as channels from the underworld to this world. Mountains connect this world to the upper world.

In fact, tall objects such as telephone poles, trees, and tall buildings also connect this world to the upper world.

Answer: Harappan

Living by the Indus River, life for the Harrapan people was dominated by the river itself. Water was associated with washing and purity. Because the river was so vital to civilization, it was considered to be sacred. Through excavations, scientists have found female images with large breasts suggestive of fertility goddesses and possibly a matriarchal society.

The Vedas introduced the ideas of dharma (duty and morality) and karma (action and fate). This provided a foundation for modern Hinduism.

Answer: Judaism

There are thirteen basic tenets of Judaism. Belief in the existence of God and the coming of the messiah are two of those tenets. Shema is the prayer that Jews recite morning and evening. Jews observe Shabbat which is the practice of resting on the seventh day, or Sabbath.

It is observed from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. Jews regard Moses as the first and greatest prophet. It was Moses who returned to Egypt after his exile to free the Hebrews from slavery. This is recorded in Exodus, the second book of the Torah (the written law of the Jews). If you've ever heard of Hasidism or Kabbalah they are mystical forms of Judaism, originating in Poland during the 18th century.

Answer: Shi'a(Shi'ite)

The word Islam means 'submission.' Muslims believe that one should submit to Allah. The difference between Sunni and Shi'a has to do with leadership after the death of Muhammad, the last prophet sent by God. The Sunni believed that leadership should go to the most deserving. Shi'a believed that relatives of Muhammad should lead the followers.

There exist five pillars of Islam which are so integrated that life and worship are supported (as in pillars) by them. Muslims believe in Six Articles of Faith, fundamental to their beliefs, and Salat, the five daily prayers.

The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the collection of revelations given by Allah to Muhammad.

Answer: Yoruba

Ifá is a blend of African divination and Roman Catholicism. This mix of African and Catholic traditions has given rise to Voodoo. The Yoruba believe more in actions as opposed to beliefs. It is dominated by divination and its rituals. Yoruba/Voodoo focuses mainly on the relationships between the living and the dead.

The natural cycles of life and death are very important. The Yoruba believe in deities called Orishas. The goal is to thrive in this life to find balance and connection between human and Orisha. Yoruba/Voodoo is a fusion of various religious traditions that has adapted to whatever culture hosts it.