Religious Studies key terms

Unfair treatment of a person or group, or an unfair arrangement within society.

Fairness across society, including protecting human rights and challenging unfair disadvantage.

Movement of individuals or families up or down the social or economic ladder.

The Quaker religious movement, whose worship in Britain centres on shared silence and contributions offered by anyone who feels moved to speak.

A Catholic organisation that tackles poverty and disadvantage through practical assistance, friendship, prayer and mutual support, helping people regardless of their beliefs or background.

‘Scripture alone’: the Protestant principle that the Bible is the highest authority for Christian faith and teaching.

A royal title linking Jesus with King David’s family line and expectations of the Messiah.

A title expressing Jesus’ unique relationship with God and, for Christians, his divine identity and authority.

A title Jesus uses for himself. It can express his humanity and recall the powerful figure in Daniel 7:13. In Mark 2:10, Jesus connects it with authority on earth to forgive sins.

The spiritual aspect of a person, which many Jews believe continues to exist after physical death.

The process of developing morally and spiritually through freely chosen responses to life's challenges, associated with Irenaeus and John Hick.

The spiritual inner space in which the divine can be encountered. This belief allows worship wherever a person is, rather than only in a sacred building.

Speaking in languages or utterances understood by worshippers as a gift of the Holy Spirit; also called glossolalia.

A direct or particular disclosure of God to a person or group, rather than revelation available through nature to everyone.

Prejudice or discrimination favouring one species over another simply because of species membership.

Growth in religious understanding and the qualities needed to live according to one’s faith.

The belief that all living beings have spiritual worth, regardless of differences such as wealth, social position or species.

The belief that Christ is present spiritually in the Eucharist without the bread and wine literally becoming his body and blood.

An understanding of life beyond death in which renewed life is spiritual rather than the restoration of a physical body.

An eternal realm beyond material existence, understood in some Hindu traditions as an abode of God and liberated souls.

A dependable environment in which relationships and care provide security.

A series of fourteen images used to guide prayer and reflection on Jesus’ journey to his crucifixion and burial.

The value, position and recognition given to women within a religious community, including their opportunities to participate and lead.

World Jewish Relief’s Specialist Training and Employment Programme, which helps refugees from all backgrounds move into work in the UK.

A fixed, oversimplified generalisation about the characteristics or behaviour of a group.

A medical procedure intended to permanently prevent a person from reproducing.

The responsibility to care for the world on God's behalf.