Religious Studies key terms

Food offered to a deity and then shared as blessed food.

Dependent arising: experiences arise through causes and conditions rather than existing independently. Short for pratityasamutpada, also called paticcasamuppada.

Dependent arising: the teaching that things exist because of other things and conditions, rather than independently.

The Buddhist teaching that things arise in dependence on causes and conditions; also called dependent arising or dependent origination.

Penance or expiation undertaken to address wrongdoing, for example through charity, fasting or pilgrimage.

Communicating with God, for example by asking for help or expressing trust and dependence on him.

A gathering for prayer between a person’s death and their funeral, offering quiet support and preparing mourners for the farewell.

An ethical training commitment that a Buddhist undertakes to guide behaviour and avoid harmful actions.

The belief that Allah has already decided what will happen; also called al-Qadr.

A judgement about a person or group made without knowing them or considering them fairly.

A belief that God’s rule is already active in the world, shown through people’s responses to God and their loving actions.

An arrogant sense of superiority over others; also called ahankar.

A fundamental principle in Aquinas' Natural Law from which more specific moral rules are derived.

The ethical principle that an action is right if it produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

A punishment in which an offender is confined in a secure institution and deprived of liberty.

A person who provides pastoral care and, where appropriate, religious support to prisoners and others affected by imprisonment.

Spiritual and pastoral support offered to people in prison, including guidance in religious teaching and practice.

Changes to the prison system intended to improve prisoners' treatment and conditions and make the system more just, humane and effective.

A person who works to improve prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners.

Religious worship undertaken by an individual rather than as part of a congregation, using set prayers or personal words.

Individual or household devotion outside a public congregational service, such as personal prayer or Bible reflection.

The challenge of explaining how evil and suffering can exist if God is all-powerful and all-loving.

A religious procession in which people move together along a route as an expression of faith or worship.

The position that a pregnant woman should have the right to decide whether to continue her pregnancy.

Having children; reproduction.

A position which emphasises protecting unborn life and generally opposes abortion.

Having many different sexual partners or sexual relationships.