Sanctity - GCSE Religious Studies Definition

Sanctity refers to the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or set apart for religious purposes, often associated with a divine presence or moral purity. In GCSE Religious Studies, sanctity is a key concept, especially in discussions about the sanctity of life, which holds that life is inherently valuable and deserving of respect and protection because it is believed to be a gift from a higher power. This concept influences ethical debates on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and bioethics, highlighting the belief that life should be cherished and preserved. Understanding sanctity helps students appreciate the moral and spiritual dimensions that many religions attribute to human existence and the natural world.