JCE Religious and Moral Education flashcards
JCE Religious and Moral Education · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Monotheism
- Belief in a single, all-powerful God. Central to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Contrasts with polytheism and pantheism.
- Polytheism
- Belief in or worship of multiple gods. Found in ancient Greek, Roman, and Norse religions, and in some forms of Hinduism.
- Four Noble Truths
- Buddhist core teaching: suffering exists, it has a cause (craving), it can cease, and the Eightfold Path leads to its cessation.
- Five Pillars of Islam
- Core duties: shahada (faith), salah (prayer), zakat (charity), sawm (fasting), hajj (pilgrimage). Foundation of Muslim practice.
- Karma
- Concept that actions have consequences affecting future circumstances, including rebirth. Key in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
- Covenant
- A binding agreement between God and humanity. In Judaism, the covenant with Abraham and Moses is central; Christianity and Islam have related concepts.
- Utilitarianism
- Ethical theory that the right action maximizes overall happiness or well-being. Associated with Bentham and Mill.
- Categorical Imperative
- Kant's principle: act only according to maxims that could become universal laws. Emphasizes duty over consequences.
- Virtue Ethics
- Approach focusing on character traits (virtues) and the golden mean. Associated with Aristotle and Aquinas.
- Natural Law
- Moral theory that universal principles are derived from human reason and purpose. Developed by Aquinas; basis for many religious ethics.
- Situation Ethics
- Ethical approach (Fletcher) that judges actions by love (agape) in context, not fixed rules. Rejects absolute moral laws.
- Conscience
- Inner sense of right and wrong. In religious traditions, often seen as God-given; in secular ethics, shaped by reason and society.
- Stewardship
- Responsibility to care for creation and resources. Common in religious teachings as a duty to God and future generations.
- Zakat
- Obligatory almsgiving in Islam, typically 2.5% of savings. One of the Five Pillars, purifying wealth and aiding the poor.
- Tzedakah
- Jewish obligation to give charity and pursue justice. Often translated as righteousness, not merely voluntary charity.
- Seva
- Selfless service in Sikhism and Hinduism. Performed without expectation of reward, often through community service and langar.
- Common Good
- Social condition where all members can flourish. A key principle in Catholic social teaching and many ethical systems.
- Subsidiarity
- Principle that decisions should be made at the most local level possible. Central to Catholic social teaching and federal systems.
- Parable
- A short story with a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus used parables like the Good Samaritan to teach ethical principles.
- Allegory
- A narrative with a symbolic meaning beyond the literal. Often used to convey religious or moral truths, e.g., Pilgrim's Progress.
- Iconography
- Religious images and symbols used in worship or art. Prominent in Orthodox Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
- Aniconism
- Avoidance of religious images or idols. Practiced in Islam and Judaism to prevent idolatry.
- Sacred Music
- Music used in religious rituals or devotion. Examples: Gregorian chant, Qur'anic recitation, kirtan, Buddhist chanting.
- Mandala
- Circular geometric design symbolizing the cosmos. Used in Hinduism and Buddhism for meditation and ritual.
- Secularization
- Decline in the social and cultural influence of religion. Often linked to modernization, pluralism, and separation of church and state.
- Religious Pluralism
- Coexistence of multiple religions in society. Encourages tolerance and interfaith dialogue rather than conflict.
- Fundamentalism
- Strict adherence to core religious beliefs, often in reaction to modernity. Can lead to intolerance or extremism.
- Theocracy
- Form of government where religious leaders rule in the name of God or a deity. Laws are based on religious texts.
- Interfaith Dialogue
- Cooperative communication between different religious groups. Aims to promote understanding, respect, and joint action on shared concerns.
- Primary Source
- Original document or artifact from the period studied, such as scripture, letters, or archaeological finds. Used for direct evidence.
- Critical Analysis
- Examining a text or issue by evaluating evidence, context, bias, and logical consistency to form a reasoned judgment.
- Empathy
- Capacity to understand and share the feelings of another. Essential for interfaith dialogue and ethical reflection.