š¤ Religion
Terms for describing religious identity and belief
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Use clear, respectful, and accurate language when referring to religion or religious identity. Avoid assumptions and unnecessary references.
When to include
Mention a personās religion only when it adds meaning.
Leave it out when it does not.
Use:
Specific, accurate terms when relevant: Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist
Neutral descriptions of belief or affiliation
Avoid:
Assuming a personās religion based on name, appearance, nationality, or culture
Defining people primarily by religion when it is not relevant
Language that stereotypes or generalizes beliefs or practices
Decision points
When is religion relevant?
Include it when it helps explain the story or context. Leave it out when it does not.
How specific should I be?
Be as specific as needed for clarity: Catholic, Sunni Muslim, Reform Jewish.
Word choice
Use terms people use for themselves when known.
Avoid vague or generalized descriptions: people of a certain faith.
Avoid using religious identity as shorthand for beliefs or behavior.
Be aware:
Religious beliefs and practices vary widely within traditions.
Not all people who identify with a religion share the same views or level of observance.
Religion is one aspect of a personās identity.
Avoid assuming that religious identity determines political views or personal behavior.
Examples:
Better: She is a practicing Muslim.
Avoid: She follows strict religious rules.
Better: He is Jewish.
Avoid: He is a Jew (when used imprecisely or as an adjective)
Related entries
See below: antisemitism, antisemitic; Jew, Jewish.
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antisemitism, antisemitic
Antisemitism is discrimination or prejudice against Jews. Antisemitic is the adjective.
Do not hyphenate or capitalize.
Use the terms when they are accurate and supported by facts. Avoid vague alternatives that obscure meaning.
Opposition to the policies of Israel or to U.S. support for Israel is not inherently antisemitism.
Holocaust
Capitalize Holocaust when referring to the systematic Nazi murder of more than 6 million Jews during World War II.
Lowercase holocaust in general uses referring to widespread destruction.
Jew, Jewish
Use Jew (capitalized) as a noun to describe a person who practices Judaism or has Jewish heritage.
Use Jewish as the adjective: Jewish community, Jewish traditions.
Avoid using Jew as an adjective or verb.
Use the term only when relevant, and avoid phrasing that reduces a person to a single aspect of identity.
Do not use the term in a derogatory or demeaning way.
Introduction | Stereotyping | Race | Gender | Disabilities
Immigration | Religion | Health Conditions | Older Adults