AQA GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

Peter’s rejection of the claim that he knew or belonged with Jesus, repeated three times after Jesus’s arrest.

A request made to God in prayer.

A member of a Jewish religious group concerned with observing and interpreting the religious law.

Devotion to God, expressed through religious belief and practice.

The Jewish obligation to save human life, which takes priority over most other religious commandments.

A person who makes a religious journey to a holy place.

A journey made for religious or spiritual reasons, often to a place of religious significance.

Contamination of the environment with harmful substances.

Being married to more than one spouse at the same time.

A form of polygamy in which a man has more than one wife at the same time.

The Roman governor of Judea who questioned Jesus and authorised his execution.

Devotional practices through which believers express their faith, individually or together, such as the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross.

Measures intended to help a disadvantaged or underrepresented group overcome barriers and access opportunities.

Giving special help or preferential treatment to a group that has been disadvantaged or unfairly treated, to improve its opportunities and representation.

A lack of resources needed to meet basic needs or achieve an acceptable standard of living.

Material nature: the basis of the changing physical world, including the body and mind.

Food offered to a deity and then received by worshippers as blessed food.

Communication with God, including praise, thanksgiving, confession and requests for help.

A gathering for prayer between a person’s death and their funeral, offering quiet support and preparing mourners for the farewell.

An ethical training commitment that a Buddhist undertakes to guide behaviour and avoid harmful actions.

The belief that Allah has already decided what will happen; also called al-Qadr.

A judgement about a person or group made without knowing them or considering them fairly.

A belief that God’s rule is already active in the world, shown through people’s responses to God and their loving actions.

An arrogant sense of superiority over others; also called ahankar.

The ethical principle that actions should promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

A punishment in which an offender is confined in a secure institution and deprived of liberty.

Religious worship undertaken by an individual rather than as part of a congregation, using set prayers or personal words.