In an effort to be somewhat methodical in this Inventing Fantasy Religions Series, I have decided to start with a list of resources and terminology, which I’ll keep updated as the series progresses and I learn more along the way.
I’m really not at all happy with the circular definitions of divinity and deity, so expect me to do some correction there along the way!
Resources
Mythopoet’s Manual – Dating from the mid-1990s, this document was intended to help RPG players fill out the religion section of their character sheets, but it’s got great world and culture building references as well.
Definitions
COSMOLOGY: The study of the structure and changes in the present universe.
COSMOGONY: The study of the origin of the universe.
DEITY: The rank or essential nature of a god; divinity.
DIVINE: Of, relating to, or coming directly from God or a god; being God or a god; directed to God or a god.
DIVINITY: The quality of being divine; divine nature; deity; godhood; a divine being; God; a being having divine attributes, ranking below God but above humans: minor divinities.
GOD: The creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being; or a superhuman being or spirit worshiped as having power over nature or human fortunes; a deity.Religion: A social-cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that generally relates humanity to supernatural, transcendental, and spiritual elements.
METAPHYSICS : The study of what cannot be reached through objective studies of material reality.
MORTAL: Unable to continue living forever; having to die.
MYTH: A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.
MYTHOLOGY: A collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition.
MYTHOPEDIA: The creation of myth, or giving rise to myths.
SPIRITUALITY: The quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.