Religious Studies key terms

The sacrament of ordination through which a man becomes a deacon, priest or bishop and receives grace for his ministry.

The person of the Trinity who guides and helps Christians to live according to God’s will.

A war believed by its supporters to be sanctioned or commanded by God, for example to defend a faith or secure religious territory.

The period from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday when Christians remember Jesus’ final days, death and resurrection.

Attraction to people of the same sex.

A Hebrew expression meaning ‘Save!’ or ‘Save now!’ which became an exclamation of praise.

A person who pursues religious and moral duties through ordinary family life and work rather than withdrawing from society.

God’s will or divine order, according to which a gurmukh seeks to live.

The worth of a person, which means they deserve respect and care.

Human weakness and vulnerability, which can cause people to fail to act according to their beliefs or intentions.

A non-religious outlook that values human dignity and uses reason and concern for human welfare to guide moral decisions.

A person whose non-religious approach emphasises human reason, evidence and responsibility rather than divine authority.

A person who leads a non-religious ceremony reflecting Humanist beliefs and the lives of the people involved.

A volunteer-led network of Humanists UK members and supporters promoting evidence-based environmental action, greener lifestyles and environmentally friendly policies.

Emergency assistance intended to save lives, reduce suffering and protect people's dignity during a crisis.

The duty to make moral choices and take ownership of how one acts.

A basic freedom or protection to which every person is entitled simply because they are human.

The basic freedoms and protections to which every person is entitled simply because they are human.

The feelings, attractions and ways in which people express themselves as sexual beings.

Freedom from arrogance and the belief that one is more important than others.

An act of worship or service to Allah; worship can include everyday actions as well as formal religious duties.

The Devil in Islamic belief, a jinn who disobeys Allah and tempts humans away from obedience.

The prophet Abraham, honoured in Islam for his belief in one God and obedience to Allah; father of Isaac and Ishma’il.

The waiting period a Muslim woman observes after divorce or widowhood before marrying again.

Worship of an image, object or anything other than God.

The Muslim Festival of Sacrifice, remembering Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

The Muslim festival of breaking the fast, marking the end of Ramadan.