Glossary: O-Q

Opus Dei

A very conservative Roman Catholic lay organization organized in 1928, whose members have a strong dedication to the Vatican.

Osiris

The Egyptian male counterpart to Isis.

Pagan

Pre-Christian animistic or polytheistic practice.

Passover

This is the most important feast of the Jewish calendar, celebrated at the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox.

Pharisees

A Jewish religious party composed of the synagogue rabbis and their followers. They formed one of about two dozen Jewish religious groups during the 1st century CE.

Qabalah

A Jewish mystical tradition. See: Cabbalah.