Religious Studies key terms

Not believing in the existence of God or gods.

A person who does not believe that God or gods exist.

The eternal inner self in Hindu belief, distinct from the material body and mind.

The saving work of Jesus that repairs the damage caused by human sin and reconciles humanity with God.

Clinging to people, possessions or experiences as though they could provide permanent security or satisfaction.

A dependence on possessions that makes someone unwilling to give them up, even when they obstruct commitment to God.

A sacred sound, also written as om, associated with the origin of the universe and used in meditation.

The recognised power of a source to guide beliefs, decisions and behaviour.

A person's ability and right to make decisions about their own life and body.

A divine descent or incarnation: a deity taking living form in the world, often to restore dharma. Also called an avatar.

Spiritual ignorance: misunderstanding the true nature of the self and ultimate reality.

A feeling of deep respect and amazement at something perceived as magnificent or powerful.

‘Do not destroy’: a Jewish principle prohibiting needless destruction and waste.

The Sikh celebration of Guru Hargobind’s release from imprisonment with 52 other prisoners, observed at Divali; its name means ‘prisoner release day’.

The sacrament involving water through which a person becomes a member of the Church, receives the Holy Spirit and is cleansed of sin.

In Tibetan Buddhism, an intermediate state between death and the next rebirth.

‘Son of the commandments’: the status of a Jewish boy who becomes responsible for observing Jewish religious law at 13, also used for the ceremony celebrating this.

The state between a person’s death and resurrection on the Day of Judgement.

Literally ‘daughter of worth’: a coming-of-age celebration used in some Orthodox communities to recognise a girl’s religious maturity, usually at 12.

‘Daughter of the commandments’: the status of a Jewish girl who becomes responsible for observing Jewish religious law, traditionally at 12, also used for the ceremony celebrating this.

Producing the results of accepting God’s message, such as faithful living and sharing the message with others.

A Jewish religious court, involved in matters such as religious divorce.

Baptism of someone who personally professes Christian faith, usually involving full immersion in water.

Baptism of someone who can personally profess Christian faith and choose to be baptised, usually involving full immersion in water.

Goodness, generosity and loving kindness; Muslims believe Allah provides life, care and guidance.

Being loving and good; a quality Christians attribute to God.

All-loving or perfectly good. Believers may interpret healing and rescue miracles as evidence of God’s care.