Religious Studies key terms

A sequence of sacred words or syllables repeated aloud or silently, often to focus the mind and cultivate spiritual qualities.

A traditional Hindu text containing teachings about duties, social life and relationships.

A figure who tries to prevent awakening through temptation and fear; Mara can also represent the inner obstacles of desire, ignorance and doubt.

A person pushed to the edge of a community, whose needs, views or participation are neglected.

A legally recognised union between two people as partners, usually intended as a lifelong commitment; it may also have religious significance.

A solemn promise made during a marriage ceremony, expressing commitment to a spouse.

A person killed because of their religious beliefs.

The death of someone because of their faith or commitment to a religious cause.

Hebrew for ‘anointed one’: in traditional Jewish belief, a future human leader descended from King David who will bring the Messianic age.

The Catholic service of worship in which the Eucharist is celebrated.

The belief that a person is entirely physical, rather than having a separate spiritual soul that survives death.

The sacrament of marriage, joining a husband and wife in a lifelong union before God.

Unleavened bread eaten at Pesach, recalling the Israelites' hurried departure from Egypt.

Illusion or misleading appearance that prevents people from recognising ultimate reality.

A screen or partition separating men's and women's seating in an Orthodox synagogue.

Someone who acts between two parties. Moses acted between God and the Israelites by receiving and communicating God’s teaching.

Quiet reflection, for example on a Bible passage or Christian belief, as a way of focusing on God.

A fair or communal gathering, which may combine religious remembrance with social and cultural activities.

Mental activities, including intentions, which lead to actions and produce kamma (karma).

A condition affecting a person's psychological wellbeing, which may affect their thinking, emotions or behaviour.

Compassion towards someone, particularly when they could be treated harshly or punished.

The beneficial spiritual effects of good actions. In some Buddhist funeral practices, these are shared with or dedicated to the deceased.

The ‘anointed one’, understood as someone chosen by God to deliver his people. ‘Christ’ is the Greek equivalent of this title.

A hoped-for era of peace, justice and knowledge of God. Jews differ over whether it will be brought about by an individual Messiah or through humanity’s collective action.

The idea that Jesus kept his identity as Messiah from being openly publicised during his ministry, reflected in commands to remain silent about him or his miracles.

An interpretation that understands imagery as expressing a deeper meaning rather than describing something literally.

Loving-kindness: a friendly, caring attitude that wishes happiness for all beings without expecting anything in return.