AQA GCSE Religious Studies key terms

Refusing to buy goods or participate in an activity in order to put pressure on those responsible for injustice.

A person who earns money to support a household.

The Jewish ceremony of male circumcision, traditionally performed when a baby is eight days old, marking the continuing Covenant with Abraham.

A title meaning ‘awakened one’ or ‘enlightened one’, given to Siddhartha Gautama after his Enlightenment.

The state of being a fully enlightened Buddha.

The potential within beings to become enlightened and attain Buddhahood.

A successor to Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community.

Choosing to abstain from sexual activity.

Living according to religious or moral standards for sexual behaviour; in traditional Christian teaching, this includes abstaining from sex before marriage.

A weapon that uses toxic chemicals to poison or injure people.

The Jewish people understood as having a special covenant relationship with God, bringing obligations to obey God and live responsibly.

A present-day Christian charity whose work includes supporting people and communities affected by war through local partner organisations.

Deliberately refusing to obey a law considered unjust, often openly and peacefully as a form of protest.

A person who is not a member of the armed forces.

Living together as a couple without being married.

Concern for another person’s suffering, together with a desire to relieve it.

A cause or supporting circumstance on which something depends for its arising or continuation.

A person who refuses to take part in fighting because doing so would violate their religious or moral beliefs.

Awareness of something being experienced.

Sexual activity agreed to by choice, where each person has the freedom and capacity to make that choice.

Freely given agreement to take part in an activity, including sexual activity.

A method used to prevent pregnancy.

Altered from an original divine form; in discussions of Muslim scripture, this can refer to changes to a text or distortions of its meaning.

Measures taken to prevent terrorism, protect people and bring those responsible to justice.

A solemn agreement or commitment; in Christian marriage, the couple make promises before God.

The agreement between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, mediated by Moses, through which the people undertook to obey God’s commandments.

Desire or thirst for experiences and things, which can lead to attachment and suffering.