AQA GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

The first five books of the Jewish scriptures, containing teachings and commandments central to Jewish life.

God’s existence above, beyond and independently of the created world; God is not limited by it.

Beyond and not limited by the created world or human understanding.

The event in which Jesus’ appearance changes and his divine glory is revealed to Peter, James and John.

The Catholic belief that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ when they are consecrated during Mass.

Lasting spiritual value with God, contrasted in Jesus’ teaching with earthly possessions.

Food that is forbidden under Jewish dietary laws; also called treif.

The three qualities of material nature: sattva, rajas and tamas.

The three divine forms associated with creation, preservation and destruction: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

The three Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, associated with creation, preservation and destruction.

The Christian belief that there is one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Living honestly and putting truth and religious teachings into practice throughout daily life.

The twelve disciples chosen by Jesus as his closest group of followers.

A branch of Shi’a Islam that recognises twelve divinely appointed Imams.

Giving to those in need as a religious duty rooted in justice and righteousness, rather than merely an optional act of generosity.

The deepest truth about existence, which religions may understand as God or in non-theistic ways.

The worldwide community of Muslims, united by their faith rather than by race or nationality.

A cause which does not itself depend on an earlier cause for its existence; believers identify this as God.

Unaltered from its original divine message.

A declaration adopted by the United Nations in 1948, setting out fundamental rights that should be protected for everyone.

The whole of space and time, including all matter and energy.

A law that treats people unfairly or denies them rights.

The environment, care, examples and guidance a person experiences while growing up.

The five foundational beliefs of Shi’a Islam, which include the Imamate.

An ethical approach that judges actions by their consequences, seeking the greatest overall wellbeing and the least suffering.

The spiritual abode or realms of Vishnu, where devotees worship and serve him eternally.

The festival celebrated in April which combines thanksgiving for the harvest with commemoration of Guru Gobind Singh’s founding of the Khalsa in 1699.