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Unit 1: Redefining World Society and Culture

Lesson B: Division and Diffusion — World Belief Systems

Key Terms

Key Term Definition
belief system ideas and thoughts that guide political, social, and economic decisions in individuals and governments
cultural diffusion when one culture evolves, shares, and borrows from surrounding cultures
missionary person sent by a religious group to convince others to follow their religion; may provide educational or other services
monotheism belief in one god
polytheism the belief in many gods; this was a more common belief before the Middle Ages and the unification of the Christian Church
religion a system of beliefs and practices that include one or more gods
schism a division in a religious group, usually brought about by a difference in opinion

 

Directions: Practice using these key terms.

 

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