Religious Studies key terms

A Jewish obligation to pursue justice through giving and supporting people in need; also spelt tzedakah. It is a duty, rather than simply optional generosity.

The Jewish belief that human beings are created in the image of God, giving every person dignity and worth.

Fringes attached to the corners of a Jewish prayer shawl or garment, reminding the wearer to obey God’s commandments.

The deepest truth about existence, which religions may understand as God or in non-theistic ways.

The worldwide Muslim community.

A cause which does not itself depend on an earlier cause for its existence; believers identify this as God.

Unaltered from its original divine message.

The purpose of sex as an expression of love that strengthens the unity of a couple.

A declaration adopted by the United Nations in 1948, setting out fundamental rights that should be protected for everyone.

The whole of space and time, including all matter and energy.

A law that treats people unfairly or denies them rights.

An action that increases suffering or obstructs progress towards enlightenment, rather than expressing wisdom and compassion.

The discriminatory practice of treating certain communities as ritually polluting and excluding them from social or religious participation.

The sacred thread initiation ceremony, traditionally associated with entry into religious learning and responsibility.

The environment, care, examples and guidance a person experiences while growing up.

The ‘foundations of religion’: the five roots of belief in Shi'a Islam.

An ethical approach that judges actions by their consequences, seeking the greatest overall benefit and least overall harm.

The spiritual abode or realms of Vishnu, where devotees worship and serve him eternally.

The festival celebrated in April which combines thanksgiving for the harvest with commemoration of Guru Gobind Singh’s founding of the Khalsa in 1699.

A Hindu whose principal focus of devotion is Vishnu or one of his avatars, such as Krishna.

A Hindu tradition that worships Vishnu and his avatars, especially Rama and Krishna, as supreme.

Sharing what one has with others, including people in need.

One of the four traditional social classes in Hindu society, associated with different roles and responsibilities.

Duties associated with a person’s varna (social class) and ashrama (stage of life).

Duties associated with a person's traditional social category, or varna, and stage of life, or ashrama.

The approximately three-month Theravada Rains Retreat, during which monastics stay in one place for focused practice.

A person who avoids animal products, including meat, milk and eggs.