AQA GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

Being all-powerful; Muslims believe that God has power over all creation.

All-powerful; possessing unlimited power.

The passing on of stories and teachings by speech before, or alongside, their being written down.

The sacramental act through which a person becomes a deacon, priest or bishop.

The fallen condition inherited by humanity, associated with Adam and Eve’s disobedience, in which human nature is wounded and inclined towards sin.

The belief that war and violence are wrong; absolute pacifism rejects their use in all circumstances.

Care that relieves pain and other distressing symptoms and supports a person’s comfort and dignity, especially when an illness cannot be cured.

A short story or comparison used to communicate a religious or moral teaching.

Food containing neither meat nor dairy, which can be eaten with either provided it meets other kosher requirements; also spelt pareve.

A local Catholic community, normally cared for by a priest.

God’s judgement of an individual immediately after death, resulting in heaven, either directly or after purification, or hell.

The Easter candle symbolising the risen Christ, placed beside the coffin at a Catholic funeral.

Jesus Christ’s saving suffering, death, resurrection and ascension.

A statement by Jesus foretelling his suffering, death and resurrection. ‘Passion’ here means suffering, not strong enthusiasm.

The Jewish festival remembering the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt.

A society in which men hold most positions of authority and women generally have less power and status.

Freedom from violence and hostility, together with relationships based on respect and cooperation.

Long-term work to establish lasting peace by rebuilding trust, institutions and fair conditions after or before conflict.

Active work to prevent or end violence and create peaceful relationships.

An action expressing repentance for wrongdoing and a desire to turn back towards God.

The event described in Acts 2 in which the disciples receive the Holy Spirit, empowering their mission.

Hostility or mistreatment directed at people because of their beliefs or identity.

The Jewish festival of Passover, remembering God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

Deep devotion to God, expressed through sincere faith and religious conduct.

The duty to save human life, which takes priority over most other Jewish commandments when life is at risk.

A journey made for a religious purpose, often to a sacred place.

The Church on earth understood as a community travelling towards its final perfection with God, rather than already possessing that perfection.