Religious Studies key terms

A Muslim garment covering the body and face, usually with a mesh panel over the eyes.

A person who leads the congregation's sung or chanted prayers, also called a hazzan.

The legally authorised execution of an offender as punishment for a crime; also called the death penalty.

The total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a person, activity or organisation.

A social group within a system that traditionally ranks people by birth. Sikh teachings reject discrimination based on this ranking.

A system of inherited social groups in which people’s birth can determine their perceived rank and lead to discrimination.

The Catholic Church’s teaching about how society should respect human dignity and improve life for everyone, especially people in greatest need.

Something that brings about an event or the existence of something else.

A person who helps to prepare and leads a ceremony, such as a humanist wedding.

Abstaining from sexual relationships, often because of a religious commitment.

The suppression or restriction of information, ideas or expression.

An official survey of the population, collecting information about people and households. The religion question in the England and Wales census is voluntary.

An officer in the Roman army. In Mark’s crucifixion account, a centurion recognises Jesus as God’s Son and later confirms his death to Pilate.

Bread traditionally eaten at Shabbat and festival meals; two loaves are used at the Shabbat table.

Leavened food made from certain grains, removed from the home and not eaten during Pesach.

Singing or rhythmically repeating words, sacred texts or sounds as a religious practice.

An expressive form of Christian worship emphasising the activity and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Giving money, goods, time or practical help to support people in need; the word can also mean an organisation established to help others.

Following religious or moral standards in sexual behaviour; before marriage, this commonly means abstaining from sex.

A ceremonial whisk waved over the Guru Granth Sahib as a sign of respect.

A weapon that uses toxic chemicals to poison or injure people, including through breathing them in or contact with the skin or eyes.

A Jewish burial society that prepares the deceased for burial with dignity and helps families follow Jewish burial customs.

A Jewish burial society whose members prepare the dead for burial with care and respect.

A ceremony in which business account books are blessed at Diwali, marking preparation for a new accounting year and reflection on one’s relationship with God.

The Jewish people understood as having a special covenant relationship with God, bringing responsibilities to live according to his will.

The Greek equivalent of Messiah, meaning ‘anointed one’.

A Christian charity that works with local partners to respond to crises, tackle poverty and injustice, and campaign for lasting change.