Religious Studies key terms

Meeting demands on natural resources without reducing the ability of people, animals and plants to live well, now and in the future.

Giving similar interests the same moral weight, regardless of whose interests they are. This does not necessarily require identical treatment.

The equal worth of every person, meaning that everyone deserves respect rather than being regarded as inferior because of their gender.

The belief that all people have equal worth and deserve equal respect, despite their differences.

Beliefs about the final things, including death, judgement and humanity’s ultimate destiny.

A church with an official relationship with the state. The Church of England is the established Church in England.

Life with God in the age to come, promised by Jesus to those who follow him faithfully.

Principles concerning how people should behave and what makes actions right or wrong.

The Christian celebration recalling Jesus’ Last Supper, using bread and wine; also called Holy Communion.

Deliberately ending a person’s life to relieve suffering; sometimes called mercy killing.

A Christian movement emphasising the authority of the Bible, personal faith in Jesus and sharing the Gospel.

Sharing the Christian message of salvation through Jesus Christ, inviting others to believe in him and become his followers.

Something considered profoundly morally wrong, especially deliberate cruelty or serious harm.

The change in inherited characteristics of populations over many generations, which can lead to the development of different species.

Interest charges that impose an unfair burden on borrowers and can make their debts very difficult to repay.

Permission not to carry out a religious duty in specified circumstances.

Latin for 'out of nothing': the Catholic teaching that God did not need pre-existing materials to create the universe.

The departure of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership; also the name of the Torah book containing this account.

The casting out of an evil or unclean spirit believed to possess a person.

Taking unfair advantage of someone for another person's benefit.

A family including relatives beyond parents and children, such as grandparents, aunts and uncles. Members may live together or separately.

Believing in and supporting ideas very far from what most people consider correct or reasonable.

Worth that something has because of its usefulness or the benefits it provides.

An account given by someone who personally saw an event.

Intensive farming that keeps large numbers of animals, often indoors with limited space and freedom.

Treating people rightly and without bias or unjust treatment.

Payment that fairly rewards a person’s work, taking account of their needs and the circumstances of their employment.