Language across traditions
Glossary of religious and spiritual terms
Explore words used in religion, spirituality and non-theistic worldviews. Because communities sometimes give the same term different meanings, each definition should be read in its stated context.
A–Z index
Choose a starting letter
Each letter opens its corresponding glossary page. X, Y and Z are grouped together.
Use words carefully
Guides to meaning and usage
These companion pages examine ambiguous language and help readers interpret terminology in essays and reports.
How to read an entry
- Check which community or tradition is using the term.
- Distinguish an insider definition from a broader academic or public usage.
- Notice whether capitalization changes the meaning.
- Follow related terms before drawing comparisons.
Focused collections
Specialist glossaries
Additional pages cover terminology used in sensitive or highly specialized discussions.
Abuse-claim terminology
A historical guide to terms associated with claims about ritual abuse.
Open the terminology guide →Sexuality terminology
Definitions for words used when discussing human sexuality.
Browse sexuality terms →Gender terminology
Archived terminology concerning transgender experiences and gender identity.
Finding an unfamiliar word
When the term is not listed
Search the broader article collection because a term may be explained within an essay rather than in the A–Z glossary. Try alternate spellings, singular and plural forms, or the name used by the community itself.
You can also use the contact page or email info@religioustolerance.en-html.org to suggest a term. Include the word, the tradition or context in which you encountered it, and the glossary page you checked.
Related reading
Continue exploring
Source note
Reference works
The glossary is an educational website informed by comparative reference works. Publication dates below identify the editions consulted; they are not claims that every entry reflects current community usage.
- The Battle for God (2000), a study of fundamentalist movements in Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
- Religion: A Cross-Cultural Dictionary (1998), a comparative reference work.
- World Wide Encyclopedia of Christianity, an online reference used for historical terminology.
Reader guide
Glossary questions
Does every religion use these words in the same way?
No. Meanings can differ by tradition, denomination, geography, historical period and whether the speaker is describing their own community.
Why do some entries offer more than one definition?
Multiple definitions preserve meaningful differences in usage. They should not be read as interchangeable unless the entry says so.
Is the glossary a statement of belief?
No. It is an educational reference intended to explain terminology without asking readers to adopt a religious or non-theistic position.
How should I cite a glossary definition?
Identify the entry, the relevant letter page and the date you accessed it. If an entry distinguishes several traditions, specify which definition you used.
Where can I learn about terms with conflicting meanings?
Read the guide to religious terms with multiple meanings for examples and interpretation advice.
Can I suggest a correction or missing term?
Yes. Use the contact page and provide the term, context and supporting source where possible.