I am taking a World Religion class as an elective in my 1st year of college, I thought I had an understanding of word associated with the various religions

Karma: The root meaning of karma is action and activity. Therefore, with the Hindu religion karma is seem as action of any kind: not only of the physical body but also of the inner mind and psyche. Karma is seem as the moving forward of life. Hence, it is also understood to be the driving force of what many understand as evolution. Because karma is understood as action forward, it can be seen as the root source for the law of cause and effect. In other words, it is not only action and activity, but the result as well. It is the essence of cause and effect.

Reincarnation: This doctrine deals with the idea that a living creature can be given flesh again after it has once died. The portion that is usually considered reborn is known as the soul or the spirit. To many, the new life form develops a new personality based on the life experiences of the previous life (or lives). Within the Hindu faith, the soul is thought to be immortal. Therefore, it can never die. Therefore, when the body dies, the soul must find its way back into another body.

Yoga: Yoga involves a whole family of spiritual and physical practices that originated in India. Its goal is to join or "yoke" together the individual soul with the universal soul. Some understand this as a union of the individual with the divine. Yoga is also considered to be a philosophy that liberates the human soul from bondage. This liberation includes freedom from worldly suffering and the endless cycle of death and rebirth (reincarnation). Its goal is to attain complete mastery over the body, the mind, and the emotions through the trained ability to transcend desire.

Guru: This term refers to a spiritual guide or teacher, someone who is considered as having attained complete insight and enlightenment, that can help lead others to achieve the same goal.

Chakras: A chakra is thought to be an energy focal point in the body where the metaphysical and the physical connect or join. Generally, there are thought to be seven such loci. They exist in a line starting from the base of the spine and climax in the top of the head. The root chakra is called muladhara. It governs security and the basic need for survival. The second one is the swadhisthana chakra (in the groin area) that governs sexuality, creativity, and emotions. The third is at the solar plexus and is called manipura. It deals with food and how digestion relates to the body. The fourth one is anahata, the chakra of love and well-being. It is supposed to be located near the heart. The fifth one, at the throat is the vishuddha chakra that controls communication and growth. The sixth one is the "third eye" chakra in the forehead. It resides where body and soul connect in time and self-awareness. Finally, the seventh chakra is the master chakra that controls consiousness.

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There are numerous reasons why Christianity splintered into numerous sects or denominations, but the primary two reasons deal with doctrinal differences and strong personalities that refused to work together in peace and humility. Just because people claim to support the teachings of the Bible, does not mean that everyone agrees on what it means, right? As a result, especially if those in disagreement have a carnal attitude devoid of the spirit, fights and arguments will ensue as each one tries to demonstrate that his position is superior and others' positions are deficient, or worse, heretical. Typically, I have found that when someone cannot defend his beliefs logically and dispassionately, he becomes irritated and easily accuses others of doctrinal heresy.

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Organized religion has had numerous effects on society -- some good, some evil. I'll give you one evil example followed by one good example. Consider the effect that the organized and highly arrogant Catholic Church had on religious dissenters in the middle ages. It was called the Inquisition and was responsible for hundreds of thousands (millions?) of barbaric murders and executions. On the other hand, Judaism, as an organized religious voice, has contributed to basic foundational ethics and morals in practically every nation in the world. Single-handedly, it civilized a barbaric world with its Ten Commandments and its ethical views on the elevation of women in society.