AQA GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

The exercise of the Catholic Church’s teaching authority by the Pope.

The Bishop of Rome, successor of St Peter and head of the Catholic Church.

Lawful, proportionate measures to improve opportunities for disadvantaged or under-represented groups, such as targeted training or outreach.

Giving preferential treatment to members of a disadvantaged or under-represented group to reduce inequality.

Lacking the resources needed to meet basic needs and participate adequately in society.

Raising the heart and mind to God: communicating with God and being open to him.

The belief that God has decreed what will happen; in Islam, this is associated with al-Qadr, God’s divine decree.

The Catholic principle that the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable should receive particular priority in decisions and actions.

An opinion or attitude formed about a person or group without adequate knowledge, often based on negative stereotypes.

A position generally supporting a woman’s right to choose whether to have an abortion.

Relating to bringing new life into existence; Catholic teaching holds that marital sex should remain open to the possibility of children.

A position generally opposing abortion and supporting protection of unborn life.

The land of Canaan promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, which gives the land of Israel religious significance for many Jews.

A message communicated on behalf of God, often calling people to faithfulness; it may also concern future events.

A person who communicates God’s message to others.

The principle that military force must not cause evils greater than the evil it seeks to stop, and that the force used must not be excessive.

Lying flat, face down, to express total submission and self-giving to God.

A sacred poem or song from the Old Testament Book of Psalms, used in prayer and worship.

The temporary purification after death of those who are assured of heaven but are not yet fully purified.

The direction towards the Ka’bah in Makkah, which Muslims face during salah.

The Muslim holy book, believed to contain Allah’s words revealed to Muhammad through the angel Jibril.

A Jewish religious teacher and leader.

Treating people unfairly because of their race or ethnicity, for example by denying them employment or housing.

Judging people negatively or assuming their superiority or inferiority because of their race or ethnicity.

The process through which someone comes to adopt extremist beliefs, which may include supporting or carrying out violence.

One unit of salah, consisting of prescribed movements and recitations.

The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, when Muslims observe obligatory fasting and remember the revelation of the Qur’an.

A price paid to release someone. In Mark 10:45, Jesus describes giving his life as a ransom for many, connecting his death with freedom and salvation.