Religion and Life

Universe

All of time and space and its contents; includes planets, stars, galaxies, the contents of intergalactic space, the smallest subatomic particles, and all matter and energy

Fundamentalist Christians

Christians who believe that the statements in the Bible are literally true and that there are certain basic beliefs essential to the Christian faith

Liberals

Christians who believe the Bible's authors were guided by God, but not everything written is a literal account of what happened

Big Bang

A massive explosion of space which set in motion the creation of the universe

Responsibility

A duty to care for, or having control over, something or someone

Stewardship (khalifah)

The idea that believers have a duty to look after the environment on behalf of God

Environment

The natural world; the surroundings in which someone lives

Dominion

Dominance or power over something; having charge of something or ruling over it

Awe

A feeling of devout respect; mixed feelings of fear and wonder

Wonder

Marvelling at the complexity and beauty of something

Pollution

Making something dirty and contaminated, especially the environment

Natural resources

Materials found in nature (such as oil and trees) that can be used by people

Abuse

Misuse of the world and the environment

Sustainable development

Building and progress that reduce impact on the natural world for future generations

Non-renewable resources

Resources that will eventually run out because there is a limited supply (e.g. oil, coal, gas)

Deforestation

The cutting down of large amounts of forest, usually for business needs

Renewable energy

Energy from a source that does not run out, such as wind or sun

Recycling

Reusing old products to make new ones

Vegetarian

A person who does not eat meat or fish

Vegan

A person who does not eat animals or animal products and avoids products that harm animals

Evolution

The process by which living organisms developed and diversified from earlier life forms

Adaptation

A process of change where a species becomes better suited to its environment

Sanctity of life

The belief that all life is holy and given by God, and only God can take it away

Quality of life

A measure of well-being; the idea that life's value depends on how satisfying it is

Abortion

The removal of a foetus from the womb before birth, usually before 24 weeks

Ensoulment

The point at which Muslims believe the foetus is given a soul

Euthanasia

The painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable disease or irreversible coma

Active euthanasia

Ending life by deliberate action, such as a lethal injection

Passive euthanasia

Allowing a person to die by withdrawing or withholding treatment

Eternity

A state after death that never ends

Barzakh

An Arabic term meaning barrier or separation

Heaven (Jannah)

Eternal happiness and peace in the presence of God

Hell (Jahannam)

Eternal separation from God

Akhirah

Everlasting life after death