AQA GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

Judgement based on thinking through reasons and evidence rather than simply accepting a claim.

Irenaeus’s understanding that Christ restores humanity by succeeding where Adam failed, reversing disobedience through obedience.

The restoration of a broken relationship. Christians believe Jesus’ death makes reconciliation between humanity and God possible.

Deliverance from sin and its power through Jesus Christ, restoring humanity's relationship with God.

A person forced to leave their country to seek safety from persecution or conflict.

Another name for the Kingdom of God, emphasising God’s rule rather than a geographical territory.

Turning away from wrongdoing and towards God, involving a change of attitude and behaviour.

A Mass celebrated for someone who has died, praying for their rest with God and for the comfort of mourners.

Consecrated Eucharistic bread kept after Mass, including for Holy Communion for people unable to attend.

A duty to act appropriately towards others, including respecting and protecting their rights.

Rising from death to life. Christians believe that God raised Jesus after his crucifixion.

The communication of knowledge or guidance from God to human beings.

Anger directed at something morally wrong, with the aim of correcting injustice rather than seeking personal revenge.

Belief that Allah chooses prophets to communicate his guidance to humanity.

An image of Jesus alive and glorified after his resurrection, emphasising his victory over sin and death.

A religious action or ceremony performed in an established way to express beliefs and mark significant occasions.

A condition understood under religious purity rules to restrict participation in religious life or contact with others; it does not necessarily mean that a person has done something morally wrong.

A state of being considered unsuitable for participation in certain religious activities under religious purity rules. It is not the same as being morally bad.

The Jewish New Year, associated with creation, God's judgement and the beginning of a period of repentance.

The Jewish weekly day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

An effective sign of God’s grace. Catholics understand marriage between baptised spouses as a sacrament which reflects Christ’s love for the Church.

The belief that the created world can reveal God’s presence and love through material things and human experiences.

A representation of Jesus’s heart that expresses his total, self-sacrificing love for humanity.

The making present of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice on the cross in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Giving that involves a real personal cost, rather than only giving what can easily be spared.

Voluntary charity, which can include giving money, time or practical help.

The obligatory ritual prayer of Islam, involving set times, movements and recitations.

Being saved from sin and its consequences through God.