Glossary
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absolution |
act of absolving or remitting; formal redemption as pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance; condition of being formally forgiven by a priest in the sacrament of penance |
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adherent |
someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another |
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Ascension |
rising of the body of Jesus into heaven on the 40th day after his Resurrection |
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bestowal |
act of conferring an honor or presenting a gift; gift that is bestowed or conferred |
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catechism |
elementary book summarizing the principles of a Christian religion; written as questions and answers |
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confession |
act of a penitent disclosing his sinfulness before a priest in the sacrament of penance in the hope of absolution |
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custodian |
one having charge of buildings or grounds or animals |
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emanate |
proceed or issue forth, as from a source; give out (breath or an odor) |
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eschew |
avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of |
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Hebrew |
person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties |
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mitigate |
make less severe or harsh |
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ordained |
fixed or established especially by order or command |
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priesthood |
body of ordained religious practitioners |
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prophet |
someone who speaks by divine inspiration; someone who is an interpreter of the will of God |
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proselitization |
convert to another faith or religion |
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scripture |
any writing that is regarded as sacred by a religious group; the sacred writings of the Christian religions |
Comprehension
Exercise 1. Answer the following questions about religion in the USA
What is the historical background that made America a «land of many faiths»? How is that reflected in the geographical distribution of various religious groups?
Is there a state church in the US?
What document stipulates the relations between the government and religion?
What part of the population regularly attends religious services?
What are the prevailing religious groups?
What are the prevailing Christian denominations in the US?
Is religious education and collective acts of worship obligatory in US schools?
Self-Assessment
Exercise 1. Answer the following questions.
Is it true to say that America is a highly religious country?
What are the largest religions in the USA?
What are America`s top 10 religious bodies?
In what way was the separation of church and state ordained?
What is the role of the slogan “In God we trust” that appears on US currency?
How can you explain the fact that sessions of the US Congress regularly begin with a prayer by a minister and, at the same time, the church and the state are separated?
Can the money given to religious institutions be deducted from one’s income for tax purposes?
Is it easier for the students attending church-affiliated colleges to receive federal loans?