Mid Year Exam Revision: Religion, Society & Reformation (RAS 2026)

Monotheism

The belief in a single, all-powerful God.

Polytheism

The belief in multiple gods or deities.

Theology

The study of the nature of God and religious belief.

Pleistocene hominin

A member of the group of species that includes modern humans and their ancestors during the Pleistocene epoch.

Ancient Sumeria

An ancient civilization located in the southern part of Mesopotamia, known for its innovations in writing, architecture, and governance.

Role of Religion

The function that religion serves in society, including providing moral guidance, community cohesion, and a framework for understanding existence.

Interplay of religion and society

The reciprocal relationship between religious beliefs and societal norms, influencing each other over time.

Religion and Spirituality

Religion typically refers to organized systems of beliefs and practices, while spirituality is a more personal, individual experience of the sacred.

Symbolic Revolution

A significant change in the way humans use symbols, particularly in the context of communication and culture.

Development of the Church of England

The historical process through which the Church of England was established, particularly during the reign of Henry VIII.

Events that led to the Reformation

Key historical occurrences, such as Martin Luther's 95 Theses, that initiated the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.

Sola Fide

A doctrine of justification by faith alone, central to Protestant beliefs.

Sola Scriptura

The doctrine that scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.

Key Events in the Reformation

Important dates and occurrences during the Reformation, such as 1517 (Luther's 95 Theses) and 1534 (Act of Supremacy).

Sacred Stories

Narratives considered holy or venerated for their explanation of origins and/or key events or ideas to a religious tradition.

Example of Sacred Stories in Christianity

Noah's Ark: The Christian sacred story found in Genesis that details a global flood, showing how God preserved humanity and animals through Noah.

Example of Sacred Stories in Islam

Prophet Yusuf: The Islamic sacred story found in the Qur'an that tells of Joseph's journey from betrayal by his brothers to becoming a trusted leader in Egypt.

Texts

Oral or written collections/forms of literature that guide adherents on key beliefs and practices.

Example of Texts in Christianity

The Bible: Divided into the Old and New Testaments, it guides Christians through stories, commandments, and teachings of Jesus.

Example of Texts in Islam

The Qur'an: The literal word of Allah revealed to Muhammad through Jibril, guiding Muslims in beliefs, law, and daily practice.

Social Structures

How a community is organised to participate and function by allocating roles and responsibilities.

Example of Social Structures in Christianity

Roman Catholic Papacy: The global organisation based in the Vatican, headed by the Pope, that facilitates religiosity throughout Catholicism.

Example of Social Structures in Islam

The Ummah: The worldwide Muslim community that connects adherents through shared belief in Allah.

Spiritual Experience

An encounter that stirs a strong emotional response and impacts their understanding and/or connection with their ultimate reality and/or beliefs.

Example of Spiritual Experience in Christianity

Pentecost: The experience describing the Holy Spirit descending upon the disciples, empowering them to spread Jesus' teachings.

Example of Spiritual Experience in Islam

Laylat al-Qadr: The night the Qur'an was first revealed to Muhammad, marked by prayer and reflection.

Symbols

Representations of a belief or idea that hold a greater significance or insight to a religious tradition.

Example of Symbols in Christianity

The Cross: Symbolises Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, representing sacrifice and salvation.

Example of Symbols in Islam

The Crescent Moon: Marks the beginning of Islamic months, including Ramadan, symbolising time, guidance, and submission to Allah.

Rituals

Religious or solemn ceremonies/rites that hold a spiritual significance and often have symbolic meaning attached to it.

Example of Rituals in Christianity

Eucharist: A ritual where bread and wine symbolise Jesus' body and blood, commemorating the Last Supper.

Example of Rituals in Islam

Salah: Performed five times daily facing the Kaaba, maintaining discipline and worship of Allah.

Beliefs

Concepts or ideas upheld as truths by an adherent that shape their worldview and understanding of existential questions.

Example of Beliefs in Christianity

The Trinity: The belief that God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, shaping understanding of salvation and creation.

Example of Beliefs in Islam

Tawhid: The belief in the oneness of Allah, rejecting any division of God.

Ethics

Methods, principles, values and moral codes of behaviour that guide the decision-making of adherents.

Example of Ethics in Christianity

Ten Commandments: Given to Moses, guiding moral behaviour and obligations to God and others.

Example of Ethics in Islam

Sharia: Provides ethical guidance for daily life, derived from the Qur'an and Hadith.

Spaces, Places, Times, Artefacts

Areas, items or calendar events that are sacred to a religion and provide meaning.

Example of Spaces, Places, Times, Artefacts in Christianity

S: Prayer Room

P: Church

T: Christmas

A: Stained Glass Windows

Example of Spaces, Places, Times, Artefacts in Islam

S: Mihrab (prayer niche in mosque)P: Masjid (Mosque)T: RamadanA: Kaaba