AQA GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

A colourful decorative pattern placed on the ground or doorstep, including at Diwali to welcome visitors and Lakshmi.

The colourful celebration on the day following Holika Dahan, when people throw coloured powder and water.

A payment made to secure someone’s release. In Mark 10:45, Jesus describes giving his life as ‘a ransom for many’, presenting his death as a sacrifice that brings freedom to others.

A voluntary hourly wage independently calculated to cover living costs, with a higher rate for London.

The belief that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, rather than the bread and wine being only reminders of him.

The soul entering a new body after the death of its previous body; also called reincarnation.

A strong expression of criticism or disapproval. Peter rebukes Jesus, and Jesus then rebukes Peter.

Restoring a relationship damaged by conflict or wrongdoing.

Angels who record human deeds, which are relevant to a person’s accountability before Allah on the Day of Judgement.

Deliverance from suffering and oppression. In Jewish messianic hope, it includes the transformation of the world towards peace and justice.

Helping an offender change their behaviour so that they do not commit further crimes.

Helping an offender change their behaviour so that they no longer commit crimes.

A Jewish tradition that adapts Jewish practice to changing circumstances while maintaining Jewish faith and identity.

Safety or shelter from difficulty or danger; in Buddhism, a source of guidance and support in overcoming suffering.

A person forced to leave their country to seek safety from dangers such as war or persecution.

Support that helps an offender change and return to a law-abiding life in society, such as education and training.

The Sikh code of conduct, setting out religious practices and standards of behaviour, including the commitments made at initiation.

Being born again in another body after death.

Poverty assessed in relation to the living standards of the society in which a person lives.

Showing a religious belief through actions, such as prayer, wearing religious clothing or symbols, teaching others or taking part in public worship.

The right to choose, change or reject a religion or belief, and to express it through worship, teaching, practice and observance.

Respecting another person’s freedom to hold and practise beliefs, even when disagreeing with those beliefs.

Marrying again after a previous marriage has ended; in this topic, particularly after divorce while the former spouse is still alive.

A natural resource that can be replenished, such as timber when trees are replanted and allowed to grow.

Making up for harm caused by an offence, for example by repairing damage.

Turning away from sin and turning back towards God.

A Catholic funeral Mass containing special prayers for the deceased and including the Eucharist.