Religion

Coptic Catholic Church An Eastern Catholic particular church of the Alexandrian tradition in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, preserving Coptic liturgy and traditions while united with the worldwi…

Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the principal Oriental Orthodox church in Egypt. It traces its origins to Saint Mark and is known for its ancient liturgy, distinctive t…

Counter-Reformation: Catholic Reform and Response to Protestantism Counter-Reformation The Counter-Reformation was the Catholic Church’s 16th–17th century program of doctrinal clarification, institutional reform, missionary expansion and spiritual renewal in response…

Counting the Cost (parables in Luke 14:25–33) Counting the cost Two short parables of Jesus, in Luke 14:25–33, that call listeners to realistic appraisal of the sacrifices required for discipleship and commitment.

Coven (group of witches) Coven A coven is an organized gathering of witches or practitioners of modern pagan traditions. This article explains origins, structure, practices, modern forms, and common misconceptio…

Covenant: agreements, symbols, and religious and legal meanings Covenant A covenant is a formal promise or agreement used in religious, legal, and social contexts; it may be expressed in words, documents, rituals, or physical objects and has played a ce…

Creation (concept): origins, meanings, and cultural expressions Creation An overview of 'creation' as a concept across religion, philosophy, science, technology and the arts, with examples, historical notes, and distinctions between different senses of…

Creationism Religious beliefs that attribute the origin of the universe and life to a divine act. Covers historical roots, main variants, modern movements, and social and educational controver…

Creator: meanings, roles, and cultural perspectives Creator A creator is anyone who brings something new into existence. This article examines human and divine creators, cultural and religious views, legal and ethical issues, and contempora…

Credo: the Christian statement of faith Credo Overview of the Credo—its meaning, liturgical placement in the Mass, principal creeds (Nicene, Apostles', Athanasian), musical settings, history and theological role.

Creed (Statement of Belief) Creed A creed is a concise declaration of religious or philosophical belief used to express, teach, and unify communal faith across traditions and historical contexts.

Criticism of Buddhism: perspectives, debates and responses Criticism of Buddhism Overview of criticism directed at Buddhist teachings, institutions, and practices, including philosophical, ethical, historical and modern debates, and how Buddhists and scholars h…

Criticism of Christianity: Overview, Arguments, and Responses Criticism of Christianity A neutral survey of major criticisms aimed at Christianity—doctrinal, moral, historical and institutional—examples of controversies, and how both critics and Christians have respon…

Crosier (ecclesiastical staff) Crosier A crozier is a ceremonial staff carried by bishops and other church leaders as a symbol of pastoral authority, shaped like a shepherd's crook and made in many styles and materials.

Cross burning: history, symbolism, and legal response Cross burning Cross burning is the deliberate ignition of a cross used historically as a tool of racial intimidation in the United States; it has distinct origins and specific legal and social r…

Cult (social and religious phenomenon) Cult A cult is a small or new religious or belief group often viewed as deviant or high-demand; the term has evolving meanings in history, law and scholarship and overlaps with the acad…

Daikaku-ji (Temple of Great Enlightenment) Daikaku-ji Daikaku-ji is a historic Buddhist temple in Kyoto, once the imperial villa of Emperor Saga. It is noted for its Heian-period Ōsawa Pond, imperial associations, and its role within…

Dakini (sky-goer): female spirit in Tibetan Buddhism and Hindu Tantra Dakini Dakini: a female figure in Tantric Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism known as a 'sky-goer' or 'sky dancer' who embodies wisdom, inspires practice, and appears in diverse iconography…

Dalet — the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (ד) Dalet Dalet (ד) is the fourth Hebrew letter, pronounced like English D, with numeric value four in gematria; its name means 'door' and it has historical links to a Proto-Sinaitic pictogr…

Damnation (theological concept) Damnation Damnation: the religious idea of divine condemnation, its meanings, historical development, denominational differences, and cultural influence across Christian traditions.

Daruma doll: Japanese roly‑poly talisman modeled on Bodhidharma Daruma doll Daruma dolls are traditional Japanese papier‑mâché roly‑poly figures modeled on Bodhidharma, used as talismans for goals, perseverance, and good fortune; they feature blank eyes an…

Day of Judgment (Christian tradition) Day of judgment The Day of Judgment, or Last Judgment, is the future event in Christian belief when God will judge all people. Traditions differ on timing, signs, and outcomes; it figures prominen…

Deacon (Christian ministry role) Deacon A deacon is a church officer in many Christian traditions whose duties emphasize service, liturgical assistance, pastoral care and administration. Roles and rules vary by denominat…

Dean (church and academic official) Dean An overview of the office of dean: its origins, different forms in churches and colleges, typical duties, appointment and authority, and how the role differs across institutions an…

Dedication: meanings, forms, history and uses Dedication An overview of dedication as consecration, an authorial or musical inscription, a personal trait, and a legal or ceremonial act — covering types, history, functions and distinction…

Defender of the Faith A royal title originating as a papal honor in 1521, later appropriated by the English crown; now a part of British monarchs' full style with historical, legal and symbolic signific…

Deism: belief in a rational, non‑intervening creator Deism Deism is the philosophical position that a supreme being created the universe but does not reveal itself through scripture or miracles; knowledge of God comes through nature and hu…

Deity: Concepts, Types, and Cultural Roles Deity A deity is a supernatural being regarded as divine or sacred. This article outlines definitions, attributes, historical development, major belief systems and cultural significance…

Demonic possession: concept, history, and cultural perspectives Demonic possession Demonic possession refers to beliefs that an external spirit or demon controls a person’s body or behavior; views vary across cultures and modern medicine offers alternative explan…

Demonology: the study of demons, spirits, and related beliefs Demonology Demonology examines ideas about demons and non-divine spirits across religions and cultures, their characteristics, historical development, and the ways scholars and practitioners…

Dervish: Sufi ascetics, practices, and historical orders Dervish Dervishes are Muslim Sufi ascetics who practise poverty, ritual remembrance, and spiritual disciplines within tariqas. This article outlines their traits, history, main practices a…

Destructive cult: definition, characteristics, history and controversies Destructive cult Overview of the term "destructive cult": definitions, common indicators, academic frameworks, notable cases, legal responses, criticisms of the term, and guidance for evidence-base…

Deuterocanonical books Books included in some Christian Old Testament canons but not in the Jewish Tanakh; their origin, contents, and differing acceptance by Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant traditions…

Deuteronomy Deuteronomy: the fifth book of the Pentateuch/Torah containing Moses' farewell speeches, restatements of law, covenant renewal, and core theological themes in Judaism and Christian…

Devil: concept, origins, and cultural roles Devil An overview of the figure known as the Devil: names, origins in religious texts, theological roles, cultural depictions, and differing interpretations across traditions.

Devil in Islam: Iblīs, Shayṭān and Islamic perspectives Devil (Islam) An overview of the Islamic concept of the devil — Iblīs and the shayāṭīn — covering identity, scriptural accounts, methods of temptation, protective practices, and theological dist…

Dhammapada — Verses attributed to the Buddha Dhammapada Short anthology of the Buddha's ethical and spiritual sayings from the Pali tradition, widely read and translated across Buddhist schools for moral instruction and meditation.

Dhamrai Jagannath Roth A historic wooden chariot-temple in Dhamrai, Bangladesh, the Dhamrai Jagannath Roth is a six-tiered, carved and painted rath taken out each year in the Roth Jatra festival, central…

Dharma (Dhamma): principle of duty, law, and right conduct Dharma Dharma (or dhamma) is a foundational concept in several Indian religions and spiritual traditions, referring broadly to duty, moral order, teachings, and the right way of living.

Dharma (Buddhism): Meaning, Teachings, and Role in Practice Dharma (Buddhism) Dharma in Buddhism refers to the teachings and truth discovered by the Buddha, the doctrinal corpus and practices that guide awakening, and its role within Buddhist life and instit…

Dhikr: The Islamic Practice of Remembrance Dhikr Dhikr (remembrance) is an Islamic devotional practice of recalling God through words, phrases, or silent contemplation. It appears in Quranic guidance, varied Sunni and Sufi forms,…

Didache (The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles) Didache An early Christian treatise, the Didache outlines moral teaching, liturgical practice (baptism and Eucharist), and local church order; likely composed in Greek in the late first or…

Digambara: The Sky-Clad Tradition of Jainism Digambar Digambara is one of the two principal Jain traditions, known for ascetic nudity, strict interpretation of nonviolence and distinct scriptures, practices, and iconography within Jai…

Diocese of Edmonton (Anglican Church of Canada) Diocese of Edmonton An overview of the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton: its territory in central Alberta, institutional structure, history since 1913, cathedral, bishop, ministries and role within the Ec…

Diocese of Exeter An overview of the Diocese of Exeter, the Church of England diocese covering the county of Devon: its structure, history, cathedral, clergy and role within the Province of Canterbu…

Diocese of Härnösand A Church of Sweden diocese founded in 1647, covering Jämtland and Västernorrland counties with its seat at Härnösand Cathedral and a history of territorial changes including the 19…

Diocese of Kalmar (Church of Sweden) Diocese of Kalmar Former diocese of the Church of Sweden (1603–1915) centered on Kalmar Cathedral; covered parts of Kalmar County and was later merged into Växjö Diocese.

Diocese of Luleå A Church of Sweden diocese founded in 1904, covering Norrbotten and northern Västerbotten, with Luleå Cathedral as its episcopal seat and a role serving remote communities and Sámi…