Material Culture of Religion Glossary

A list of terms and definitions useful in describing religious spaces, temporal or spiritual with a glossary of key religious terminology, religious symbols etc. adapted from a variety of sources. Prepared by the Project on Religion and Urban Culture at The Polis Center, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. 1. The First Section includes definition of religious things: buildings, objects of material culture and other “stuff” (yes, that's the term used in the Material History of American Religion Project) that takes up space. Included especially are words that have seemed troublesome to researchers. 2. The Second Section includes definitions of terms heard in religious spaces, such as the titles of religious functionaries, the rituals performed, etc. Theology is not the focus: understanding overheard religious discourse is (it in no way is a substitute for years of religious studies classes...). This section must be supplemented with the usual essential reference books, including the Handbook of Denominations , Hoosier Faiths and the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. 3. The Third Section begins a pictorial depiction of key religious symbols. 4. The Fourth Section includes relevant (or irrelevant) commentary by the editor. 5. Noted Sources