Belief Systems

noun a strong belief in something without any evidence or proof

adjective describing a belief that is not based on evidence or proof

• The cult leader manipulated his followers into having blind faith in his teachings.
• She had blind faith that everything would work out in the end.
• I can't believe you're putting blind faith in that sketchy website.
• Putting blind faith in luck is not a reliable strategy for success.

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'creedbound' describes something that is bound by a creed or set of beliefs.

• The creedbound principles of the organization must be strictly followed by all members.
• You gotta be creedbound if you wanna be part of this club.
• If you're not creedbound, you're out of the loop.
• His actions were not creedbound, leading to his eventual downfall.

noun a belief in two equal gods, especially as the creators of the world

• Ditheism is a theological belief in the existence of two equally powerful gods.
• Some religions believe in ditheism, which means they worship two gods.
• I heard that cult practices ditheism, with their belief in two deities.
• In a way, ditheism can be seen as a representation of the dual nature of good and evil in the world.

noun a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true

• The scientist's research challenged the prevailing dogma in the field of medicine.
• Some people blindly follow the dogma of their political party without questioning it.
• I don't buy into that whole dogma about how you have to dress to be cool.
• She held onto her beliefs like they were dogma, unwilling to consider any other perspective.

noun a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is considered to be divine intervention

• The doctors described the patient's recovery as nothing short of a miracle.
• It's a miracle that we found parking right in front of the restaurant.
• I can't believe she aced that test, it's like a total miracle.
• The way she effortlessly juggles work, family, and hobbies is a miracle in itself.

noun the practices and rituals associated with supernatural or mystical powers

• The study of occultism involves exploring hidden knowledge and supernatural phenomena.
• Some people believe in the power of occultism to influence events in their lives.
• I heard she's really into that whole occultism thing, like tarot cards and crystals.
• The darkness of the forest seemed to hold a sense of occultism, as if ancient spirits lingered among the trees.

adjective relating to or characterized by superstition; showing a belief in superstitions

• Many people are superstitious and believe in omens and signs.
• My grandma is superstitious and won't walk under a ladder.
• I don't mess with that superstitious stuff, it creeps me out.
• Being superstitious is like carrying around a pocketful of fears.

adjective relating to or characterized by absolutism; authoritarian or dictatorial

• The philosopher's absolutistic views on morality led to intense debates among his peers.
• She can be quite absolutistic when it comes to following rules.
• Don't be so absolutistic about it, just go with the flow.
• His absolutistic approach to problem-solving left no room for creativity or innovation.