Junior Cycle RE Revision Notes

*Religion*

A system of beliefs and practices often centered around questions of existence, purpose, and morality. It provides meaning and a sense of identity to its followers. Examples include Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.

*Faith*

A personal trust or confidence in a higher power, deity, or set of beliefs. Faith involves both intellectual assent and emotional commitment, as seen in acts of worship and prayer.

*Worship*

Acts of devotion and reverence, often involving rituals, prayers, or ceremonies that honor a deity or sacred principle. Examples include attending Mass, offering prayers in a mosque, or meditating in Buddhism.

*Religion in the community*

Local faith communities like parishes, mosques, synagogues, and temples offer spiritual and practical support, such as food drives, charity events, and youth programs.

*Examples of religious community support*

St. Vincent de Paul, local interfaith councils.

*Interfaith collaboration*

Projects such as "Faith in Action" or Habitat for Humanity.

*Global organizations*

Caritas, Islamic Relief, and the United Nations' interfaith initiatives address poverty, hunger, and social justice issues.

*Issues of concern*

Addressing poverty, climate change, and equality through religious teachings.

*Religious responses to stewardship*

Christianity: Stewardship (Genesis 1:26-28); Islam: Khalifah (guardianship of Earth); Buddhism: Compassion for all beings (karuna).

*Dialogue for peace*

Interfaith initiatives foster understanding and unity to resolve conflicts, e.g., the World Council of Churches and Pax Christi.

*Stewardship and morality*

Stewardship encourages care for creation and accountability for actions. Examples include reducing waste and promoting clean energy.

*Monotheism*

Belief in one God, central to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Example: The Shema in Judaism.

*Polytheism*

Belief in multiple gods, seen in Hinduism and ancient Greek religion.

*Atheism*

Rejection of belief in deities.

*Agnosticism*

Uncertainty about the existence of deities.

*Sacred texts*

Christianity: The Bible; Islam: The Qur'an; Judaism: The Torah; Hinduism: The Vedas.

*Archaeological evidence*

Discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls provide historical context for religious texts.

*Art and architecture*

Reflect religious devotion and cultural values, such as Gothic cathedrals and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.

*Roles of local faith communities*

Providing worship services, religious education, and charitable outreach.

*Religious festivals*

Examples: Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, and Passover.

*Religious leadership*

Leaders like priests, imams, rabbis, and gurus offer guidance, oversee rituals, and teach religious principles.

*Secular rituals and celebrations*

Examples: Secular weddings, national holidays like Independence Day, and graduation ceremonies.

*Purpose of secular rituals*

Marking milestones, fostering community unity, and celebrating cultural identity.

*Morality*

Principles that guide judgments of right and wrong.

*Sources of morality*

Religious: Sacred texts and traditions; Cultural: Societal norms and laws; Personal: Conscience and upbringing.

*Consequentialism*

Evaluates actions based on outcomes (e.g., utilitarianism).

*Deontology*

Focuses on rules and duties, like the Ten Commandments.

*Virtue Ethics*

Emphasizes character traits, such as courage and compassion.

*Christian moral teaching*

"Love your neighbor as yourself."

*Buddhist moral teaching*

The Eightfold Path encourages ethical living.

*Religious symbols*

Christianity: The cross; Islam: Crescent moon and star; Judaism: Star of David.

*Religious rituals*

Examples: Baptism, fasting during Ramadan, and lighting the menorah during Hanukkah.

*Religious art*

Examples: Michelangelo's "Pietà" and Islamic geometric designs.

*Religious music*

Examples: Gregorian chants in Christianity, qawwali in Sufism.

*Pilgrimages*

Examples: The Hajj to Mecca, visiting Lourdes in Christianity, and bathing in the Ganges in Hinduism.

*Types of prayer*

Thanksgiving, petition, intercession, praise, and meditation.

*Role of prayer*

Strengthens faith, provides comfort, and deepens spiritual connection.

*Living beliefs*

Practicing forgiveness, helping those in need, and advocating for justice.

*Challenges of living beliefs*

Balancing personal ambitions with religious obligations and principles.

*Religious responses to climate change*

Christianity: Stewardship; Islam: Balance (mizan); Hinduism: Ahimsa (non-violence) extended to the environment.

*Cultural themes in literature*

Examples: "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "To Kill a Mockingbird."

*Cultural themes in film*

Examples: "Schindler's List" and "The Mission."

*Religious art examples*

Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and Hindu temple carvings.

*Interfaith dialogue*

Promotes mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation. Examples include interfaith conferences and shared community projects.

*Organizations for justice*

Trócaire: Poverty alleviation; Islamic Relief: Humanitarian aid; Pax Christi: Peace and reconciliation.

*Compassion*

Empathy combined with action to relieve suffering.

*Buddhist teaching on compassion*

Karuna (compassion) is a central tenet.

*Christian teaching on compassion*

The Parable of the Good Samaritan emphasizes helping others.

*Islamic teaching on compassion*

Compassion is a key attribute of Allah, as seen in the names "Ar-Rahman" and "Ar-Rahim."

*Actions showing compassion*

Volunteering, donating to charities, and standing up for the marginalized.

*Stewardship*

Religious teachings emphasize care for the Earth as a sacred duty.

*Examples of stewardship*

Initiatives to reduce waste, support clean energy, and protect biodiversity.

*Wellbeing*

Focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual health.

*Practices promoting wellbeing*

Mindfulness, prayer, exercise, and maintaining healthy relationships.