Religious Studies key terms

The community of Christian believers, rather than simply the building where Christians worship.

An increase in the number of Christians and Christian communities, alongside the development of their faith.

Establishing a new Christian congregation, often with support from an existing church.

Deliberately breaking a law, usually non-violently, to protest against injustice.

A person who is not a member of the armed forces.

A legally recognised partnership distinct from marriage.

Using force or pressure to make someone act against their own choice or beliefs.

A couple living together in a sexual relationship without being married to one another.

A young horse or related animal. The colt Jesus rides into Jerusalem is traditionally understood as a young donkey, linked with humble kingship.

A religious instruction or law about how people should live.

An observance that remembers a significant person or event; it may involve mourning rather than celebration.

A task entrusted to someone with the authority to carry it out; Jesus commissions his disciples to preach throughout the world.

A sense of dedication and obligation to someone or something.

The final act of farewell to the deceased at the graveside or crematorium.

A punishment requiring an offender to carry out unpaid work that benefits the community.

Concern for someone’s suffering together with a desire to help them.

Different responsibilities understood as supporting one another, such as one partner earning money while the other provides care at home.

Forcing someone to act or accept something against their will.

The fertilisation of an egg by a sperm, marking the beginning of a pregnancy.

Acknowledging one's sins rather than denying or excusing them.

The sacrament which seals and strengthens the gifts of the Holy Spirit, helping a baptised person live and witness to their faith.

The people gathered together for a religious service.

An inner sense of right and wrong that helps a person judge their actions.

A person who refuses to take part in fighting because doing so would go against their conscience.

Awareness of something, such as a sound, sight or thought.

Setting something apart as sacred for God. In the Eucharist, the bread and wine are consecrated through prayer.

Sexual activity to which each person freely agrees, with the freedom and capacity to make that choice.