Glossary of religious terms

Abba

An Aramaic term meaning “father.” In Christian scripture it is associated with an intimate form of address to God; translations may use “Father” or “Papa.”

Abortifacient

A substance or medicine understood to end a pregnancy. Medical, legal and religious discussions may use different definitions of when pregnancy begins and what counts as an abortifacient. See the overview of abortion and the discussion of emergency contraception.

Abortion views

A broad description for positions that fall between strongly opposed and strongly supportive approaches to abortion policy. People may hold moral reservations while also favoring legal access or limits.

Abrahamic religions

A comparative label commonly applied to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, which each connect their traditions to Abraham. The label is useful in some contexts but can obscure important differences and the diversity of other communities that also trace spiritual histories to Abraham.

Absolution

In religious usage, release from guilt or sin through a rite, declaration or act of forgiveness. In Roman Catholic practice, absolution is associated with the sacrament of reconciliation.

Absolutism

• In ethics, the view that some moral truths or duties are universal rather than dependent on circumstances; see absolute truth.
• In political history, a system in which a monarch claims extensive or unrestricted authority.

Acolyte

A person who assists with practical duties during a religious service. The role and its formal status vary among Christian traditions and other communities.

Activism

Organized effort to promote social, political or religious change. Religious activism may include public advocacy, service, education or reform.

Activist judge

A contested political label for a judge whose decisions are seen by critics as extending constitutional principles or judicial authority. Because the term is evaluative, descriptions of a particular ruling are usually more precise.

AD / CE

AD means anno Domini, “in the year of the Lord.” CE means “Common Era” and is a religiously neutral alternative used for the same numbered years. This site often uses CE and BCE.

Adhan

The Muslim call to prayer, traditionally recited to announce a prayer time. It is commonly associated with a mosque and its minaret, though practice varies by setting.

Ad hominem

An argument that attacks a person’s character, motives or identity instead of addressing the substance of their claim.

Adoptionism

A historical Christian view that Jesus was a human being who was chosen or adopted by God for a special role. The view was later rejected as heretical by influential church authorities.

Advent

A Christian season of preparation and expectation before Christmas. Its length and customs vary among churches; candles and weekly services are common in many communities. See Christmas date and history.

African Independent Churches

A broad term for Christian churches founded and led in Africa. These communities range from forms resembling established denominations to churches that combine Christian teaching with local cultural traditions.

Agape

A Greek term often translated as self-giving or devoted love. In Christian ethics it commonly describes love directed toward other people without being limited to family or romantic attachment.

Agency

The capacity of a person or other moral subject to make choices and act. In law, agency can also mean acting on behalf of another person; in ethics and religion, it often concerns responsibility and freedom.

Agnostic

A person who withholds belief about whether a deity exists, often because they consider the question unresolved or beyond current human knowledge. See agnosticism and the comparison of atheism, agnosticism and humanism.

Agunah

In Jewish law and practice, a woman whose marital status prevents her from freely remarrying, commonly because a divorce document has not been granted or her husband’s status is uncertain. Communities and legal authorities have developed different responses to this situation.

Ahimsa

A principle of avoiding harm to living beings. It is especially associated with Jainism, Hindu traditions and Buddhism, although its interpretation and practical application differ.

Alawite

A religious community historically connected with Shia Islam and based mainly in Syria and neighboring areas. Descriptions of its theology and identity vary, and the community should not be treated as uniform.

Alexandrian school

A formative center of early Christian theology and biblical interpretation in Alexandria. Writers associated with it are often linked with allegorical approaches and engagement with Greek philosophy.

Alim / ulama

Alim is a term for an Islamic scholar; ulama is its common plural form. Usage and scholarly roles differ across Muslim communities.

Aliyah

A Hebrew term meaning “ascent,” commonly used for Jewish immigration to Israel. It can also refer to being called to read from the Torah in a synagogue service.

Allah

The Arabic word for God. Arabic-speaking Christians, Muslims and others use the word in religious speech; its meaning should be understood within the speaker’s language and theological context.

Al-Hijra

A term associated with the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina. The event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Al-sajdah

Prostration in Muslim prayer, in which designated parts of the body touch the ground. The practice expresses submission and worship.

Allegory

A story, image or passage understood as communicating meanings beyond its surface narrative. Religious readers may interpret texts allegorically alongside literal, historical or other approaches.

All Saints’ Day

A Christian observance honoring saints, including those who are not individually named. Western churches commonly observe it on 1 November, while Eastern traditions use different calendars and dates.

All Souls’ Day

A Christian day of remembrance for the dead, observed especially in Roman Catholic communities on 2 November. Customs may include prayer, visiting graves and charitable acts.

Altar

A structure or table used as a focus for worship, offerings or ritual. Its meaning and design vary widely among Jewish, Christian, Neopagan and other traditions.

Amen

A word of Hebrew origin used to affirm or conclude a prayer, blessing or statement of faith. It is commonly translated as “truly,” “certainly” or “so be it,” depending on context.

Amillennialism

A Christian interpretation of end-time teachings that does not expect a future earthly thousand-year reign in the literal sense. It generally reads the millennium in Revelation symbolically or as already present. See millennial views.

Amish

A group within the Anabaptist tradition known for close-knit communities, distinctive forms of worship and varying degrees of separation from wider society. Amish practices differ among settlements and should not be reduced to a single lifestyle.

Amitabha / Amituofo

Amitabha is a Buddha associated with infinite light and life in Mahayana Buddhism. Amituofo is a Chinese form of the name, used in some Chinese Buddhist communities in greetings, devotion and recitation.