BGCSE Religious Education flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Monotheism

Belief in one God. Examples include Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. It contrasts with polytheism and pantheism.

Atheism

The denial of the existence of God or gods. It is distinct from agnosticism, which holds that God's existence is unknown or unknowable.

Scripture

Sacred writings accepted as authoritative by a religious community. Examples: Bible, Qur'an, Torah, Vedas, Guru Granth Sahib.

Tradition

The transmission of beliefs and practices from generation to generation. It often shapes how scripture is interpreted.

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church, exercised by the Pope and bishops. It interprets scripture and tradition.

Omnipotence

The attribute of being all-powerful. In monotheism, God is believed to be omnipotent.

Imago Dei

Latin for 'image of God.' It refers to the belief that humans are created in God's likeness, giving them dignity and moral responsibility.

Problem of Evil

The challenge of reconciling belief in an all-powerful, all-good God with the existence of evil and suffering.

Conscience

The inner sense of right and wrong. In many religious traditions, it is seen as a gift from God that must be informed.

Golden Rule

The ethical principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated. It appears in many religions, e.g., Matthew 7:12.

Natural Law

Moral principles discoverable by human reason and grounded in human nature. Associated with Thomas Aquinas.

Sacrament

A religious ceremony believed to convey divine grace. In Christianity, baptism and Eucharist are generally recognized; Catholicism has seven.

Ritual

A prescribed set of symbolic actions with religious meaning. Rituals often mark transitions or reinforce beliefs.

Five Pillars

Core practices of Islam: Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. They summarize Muslim worship and devotion.

Eid al-Fitr

Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. It includes prayers, feasting, and gift-giving.

Diwali

Hindu festival of lights, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. It involves lamps, fireworks, and sweets.

Sacred Place

A location set apart for worship or pilgrimage. Examples: Jerusalem, Mecca, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya.

Rite of Passage

A ritual marking a transition in life, such as birth, initiation, marriage, or death. Examples: baptism, bar mitzvah, nikah.

Religious Socialization

The process by which individuals learn and internalize religious beliefs and practices, primarily through family and community.

Rastafari

A religious movement originating in Jamaica in the 1930s. It reveres Haile Selassie and emphasizes Ital diet and resistance to Babylon.

Ecumenism

Efforts to promote unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations. It can also extend to interfaith dialogue.

Trinity

Christian doctrine that God is one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a central mystery of faith.

Nirvana

In Buddhism, the goal of spiritual practice: the extinguishing of desire and suffering, and release from the cycle of rebirth.

Karma

The principle that actions have consequences that affect one's future, including in future lives. Found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Moksha

In Hinduism, liberation from the cycle of samsara (rebirth). It is the ultimate goal of spiritual life.

Guru Granth Sahib

The sacred scripture of Sikhism, revered as the eternal Guru. It contains hymns and teachings of Sikh Gurus and saints.

Tanakh

The Hebrew Bible, consisting of Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). It is central to Judaism.

Sunnah

The practices and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, recorded in hadith. It is a major source of Islamic law and guidance.

Stewardship

The belief that humans are entrusted with caring for creation. It grounds environmental ethics in many religions.

Situation Ethics

An ethical approach that emphasizes love and context over fixed rules. Associated with Joseph Fletcher.

Puja

Hindu worship involving offerings, chanting, and images (murti). It is performed in temples and homes.

Bar Mitzvah

A Jewish rite of passage for boys at age 13, marking their acceptance of religious responsibilities. Girls have Bat Mitzvah.