Religious Studies Paper 1 Flashcards

1
Q

Creation

A

Jews believe God created the universe out of nothing in six days and rested on the seventh (Genesis 1).

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2
Q

Deliberate Creation

A

The act of creation is deliberate and ordered - everything God created was ‘very good’ (Genesis 1:31).

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3
Q

Image of God

A

Humans are created ‘in the image of God’ (B’tzelem Elohim - Genesis 1:27) - gives life dignity and purpose.

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4
Q

Crown of Creation

A

Humanity is seen as the crown of creation, with the responsibility to steward and care for the world.

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5
Q

Tikkun Olam

A

Tikkun Olam - ‘repairing the world’: a key Jewish concept rooted in the duty to care for creation and others.

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6
Q

Bal Tashchit

A

Bal Tashchit - ‘do not destroy’ (Deuteronomy 20:19): prohibits wastefulness and promotes environmental care.

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7
Q

Dual Nature of Humanity

A

Humans are seen as a unity of body and soul - both created by God.

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8
Q

Soul (Neshama)

A

The soul (neshama) is considered a spark of divine presence: ‘The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.’ (Job 33:4)

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9
Q

Body

A

Physical place for soul.

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10
Q

Yetzer Hatov

A

Good inclination: conscience, kindness, justice.

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11
Q

Yetzer Hara

A

Selfish impulse: necessary but must be controlled.

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12
Q

Wrongdoing

A

Wrongdoing results from misuse of free will, especially when Yetzer Hara dominates.

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13
Q

Sin (Chet)

A

Sin (chet) literally means ‘to miss the mark’ - implies people can learn and improve.

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14
Q

Personal Choices

A

Sin is not inherited but results from personal choices.

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15
Q

Teshuvah

A

Judaism teaches a process of repentance: Teshuvah (returning to God).

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16
Q

10 Days of Teshuvah

A

On Yom Kippur, Jews seek forgiveness from God and others.

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17
Q

Free Will

A

Humans have the freedom to choose between good and evil.

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18
Q

God’s Knowledge

A

God is omniscient and knows future outcomes, but doesn’t interfere with free will.

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19
Q

Moral Responsibility

A

Humans are held accountable for their actions.

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20
Q

Obligation in Commandments

A

Pirkei Avot 5:21 - ‘At 13, you are obligated in commandments and gain responsibility so you are responsible.’

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21
Q

Attributes of God

A

God is One - central Jewish belief (Shema: Deuteronomy 6:4).

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22
Q

Omnipotent

A

Jeremiah 32:17: ‘Nothing is too hard for You.’

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23
Q

Omniscient

A

God knows all human thoughts and actions.

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24
Q

Omnibenevolent

A

God is good and just: Psalm 145:17: ‘The Lord is righteous in all His ways.’

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25
Creator
Made everything in the universe.
26
Adonai
The Lord; used in prayer.
27
Elohim
Emphasizes God's power.
28
Hashem
The Name; used respectfully when not praying.
29
Torah
Central text, considered divine revelation (Exodus 20: giving of the Ten Commandments).
30
Tradition
Oral and written teachings affirm God's role in Jewish history and law.
31
Community & Upbringing
Jewish festivals, prayers, and synagogue life reinforce belief.
32
Covenantal history
Belief in God's guidance through Abraham, Moses, and the Exodus.
33
Moral evil
Caused by human choices (e.g. violence, injustice).
34
Natural evil
Natural disasters and diseases.
35
Theological Dilemma
If God is all-good, all-powerful, and all-knowing, why does suffering exist?
36
Suffering as a test
Like Job, who remained faithful through trials.
37
Free will defence
God allows choice, even if it leads to evil.
38
Tikkun Olam
Jews are called to respond to suffering through action.
39
Olam Ha-Ba
The world to come; a spiritual afterlife.
40
Gan Eden
Paradise for the righteous.
41
Gehinnom
A temporary place of purification (not eternal damnation).
42
Resurrection of the Dead (Techiyat haMetim)
Mentioned in traditional Jewish prayers (e.g. Amidah) and affirmed in Orthodox Judaism.
43
Purpose of Jewish Life
Life is a divine gift and opportunity to serve God by obeying mitzvot (commandments).
44
Covenant
Jews live in a covenantal relationship with God, started with Abraham and reaffirmed at Sinai.
45
Sanctity Of Life
Life is sacred because it is created by God.
46
Pikuach Nefesh
The duty to preserve life overrides almost all other commandments.
47
Abortion
Generally not permitted unless the mother's life is at risk.
48
Euthanasia
Active euthanasia is generally forbidden; passive withdrawal of treatment may be acceptable if the person is dying and suffering.
49
Sexual Ethics
Sex is a gift from God within marriage; it strengthens love and is a mitzvah (commandment).
50
Homosexual
Orthodox view: generally prohibit same-sex relationships based on Leviticus 18:22.
51
Reform and Liberal Jews
May accept homosexual relationships, focusing on love and justice.
52
Marriage
A mitzvah - commandment to 'be fruitful and multiply' (Genesis 1:28).
53
Importance of Marriage
Considered the ideal environment for companionship, love, and raising children.
54
Avoiding Assimilation
Marriage within the Jewish faith helps preserve Jewish identity and tradition.
55
Interfaith marriages
Discouraged by Orthodox Jews.
56
Divorce
Permitted but discouraged - seen as a last resort.
57
Get
A religious divorce document issued by a Beit Din (rabbinical court).
58
Remarriage
Permitted after a valid get is received.
59
Nuclear Family
A basic family unit: parents and their children living together.
60
Extended Family
Includes grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc., living together or closely connected.
61
Same-Sex Families
More visible in modern times; views differ among Progressive and Orthodox Jews.
62
Single-Parent Families
One parent raising children due to divorce, separation, or bereavement.
63
Reconstituted Families
Families where one or both parents have children from a previous relationship.
64
Family Importance
The Jewish family is the centre of religious life.
65
Responsibilities Within the Family
Children must honour parents (Exodus 20:12); parents must educate their children in Torah and ethics.
66
Childlessness
Children are considered a blessing from God; infertility treatments may be permitted.
67
Celibacy
Generally discouraged in Judaism; marriage is the expected norm.
68
Adoption & Fostering
Highly valued as a form of chesed (loving-kindness).
69
Causes of Conflict
Can include politics, history, religion, resources, or culture.
70
Judaism and Peace
Emphasises the value of peace but acknowledges the need for self-defence.
71
Milchemet mitzvah
Obligatory war, such as self-defense.
72
Milchemet reshut
Optional war that requires approval by Sanhedrin.
73
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs)
Controversial weapons that contradict Purity of Arms and cause indiscriminate suffering.
74
Just War Theory
Supported if war is a last resort, proportionate, and avoids harming civilians.
75
Importance of Peace
A key value in Judaism; many prayers end with peace (shalom).
76
Oseh Shalom
God is referred to as the Maker of Peace.
77
Modern Jewish Peace Work
Organizations like Peace Now and interfaith initiatives work toward reconciliation.
78
Restorative Justice
Judaism supports restorative justice, especially in post-conflict contexts.
79
Forgiveness
Essential but must follow Teshuvah (repentance).
80
Yom Kippur
A day when Jews ask for forgiveness from both God and others.
81
Kavod HaBriyot
The core Jewish value of human dignity.
82
No Harm
Biblical verse stating, 'You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him.'
83
B'tzelem Elohim
Judaism teaches that every person is made in the image of God.
84
Sin (chet)
An offense against God or Torah law, such as gossip or dishonesty.
85
Crime
An offense against societal law, such as theft or assault.
86
Jewish Teachings on Crime
Emphasize justice, restitution, and repentance.
87
Fight Back
Biblical verse stating, 'Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye...' often understood figuratively today.
88
Jewish Action Against Crime
Charities like Jewish Care and synagogue programs help reduce crime by tackling its causes.
89
Purposes of Punishment
Protection, deterrence, retribution, and reformation.
90
Jewish Attitudes towards Punishment
Punishment should be just, fair, and proportionate, with an emphasis on rehabilitation.
91
Community Role in Justice
Jewish courts historically applied both legal and ethical judgments.
92
Capital Punishment - Jews
The Torah includes capital punishment for severe crimes.
93
Sanhedrin
A Jewish court that executes once in 70 years is called a murderous court.
94
Capital Punishment
Some Jewish communities accept it in principle but rarely support it in practice.
95
Life Imprisonment
Preferred over capital punishment in most Jewish communities.
96
Human Rights
Rooted in the Torah's teaching on human worth, including freedom of religion, expression, and justice.
97
Tzedek
A concept of justice that supports human rights campaigns.
98
Chesed
A concept of loving-kindness that supports human rights campaigns.
99
Gender Equality
Reform and Liberal Judaism support full gender equality in synagogue life.
100
Disability Rights
People with disabilities must be treated with dignity and fairness.
101
Racism
All humans are descended from Adam, so there is no racial hierarchy in Jewish thought.
102
Tikkun Olam
Includes working for racial justice.
103
Noachide Laws
Basic moral laws believed to apply to all humanity.
104
Charity (Tzedakah)
A core Jewish value: giving to charity is a commandment, not just generosity.
105
Mitzvah
Helping the poor is a religious duty, not optional.
106
Pe'ah
The concept of leaving the corners of the field for the poor, inspiring ethical business and farming practices.
107
Wealth
Not condemned, but it brings responsibility.
108
Interfaith Relationships
Orthodox Judaism may be more cautious in interfaith relationships than Liberal or Reform.
109
Support for Human Rights
Many Jewish communities support human rights campaigns and international law.
110
Judaism and Other Religions
Judaism generally respects other religions while acknowledging righteousness in other paths.
111
Historical Experience of Discrimination
Strengthens Jewish resolve to oppose racism.
112
Righteous of All Nations
Have a share in the World to Come.
113
Jewish Action
Organizations like Jewish Care, MAZON, and World Jewish Relief support vulnerable communities.