AQA GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

The forgiveness of sins pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of reconciliation.

A short expression of praise or faith voiced or sung by worshippers.

Being answerable for one’s beliefs, intentions and actions; Muslims believe people will answer to God at judgement.

Actively resisting injustice and seeking change without violence, through methods such as peaceful protest, negotiation and cooperation.

God’s justice, particularly emphasised as one of the five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam.

Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.

Existence after physical death; Jewish beliefs about its nature vary.

Unconditional, self-giving love for others, expressed through seeking their good.

Latin for ‘Lamb of God’: a prayer before Holy Communion asking Christ, who takes away the world’s sins, for mercy and peace.

The Islamic belief in life after death.

The Arabic word for God, used by Muslims for the one God whom they worship.

A story in which particular characters, objects or events represent something beyond their literal meaning.

An expression meaning ‘praise the Lord’, used as an acclamation before the Gospel reading at Mass.

Belief in resurrection and the return to God after death; one of the five roots of Shi’a Islam.

The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, used to express that Christ is the beginning and end and is eternal.

The belief in the supremacy of God’s will, associated with predestination.

The sacred table at which the Eucharist is celebrated, expressing both Christ’s sacrifice and the meal of the Last Supper.

The central Jewish prayer, traditionally recited standing. Its weekday blessings contain praise of God, requests and thanksgiving.

A spiritual being created by God from light, who obeys God and carries out his commands.

A Church declaration, following investigation, that a valid marriage never existed.

The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would conceive Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Applying oil or perfume to someone, often as an act with religious significance.

A sacrament offering God’s grace, spiritual strength and peace to someone seriously ill or weakened by old age.

Representing God in human form or with human characteristics.

Someone sent out with a mission. Jesus sent the Twelve to preach and exercise authority over evil spirits.

The handing on of the apostles’ authority through an unbroken succession of bishops. Catholics understand the Pope as the successor of St Peter.

The ark or enclosed space in a synagogue where Torah scrolls are kept.