AQA GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

A title Jesus uses for himself, associated with humanity, service and suffering, and with the heavenly figure given authority in Daniel 7.

The spiritual dimension of a human person which, according to Catholic teaching, survives bodily death.

Prayer expressed in the worshipper's own words rather than a fixed wording or format.

A Catholic devotion in which worshippers reflect and pray at a sequence of images representing Jesus’s suffering and death.

The responsibility to care for and use resources entrusted to someone. Catholics understand wealth as a gift from God to be used responsibly, not as an unrestricted personal entitlement.

The meal eaten before dawn before a day’s fast begins.

Muhammad’s example, including his teachings and actions, which Muslims follow as a guide to life.

Using resources responsibly so that the environment can support people now and in future generations.

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society: a Catholic organisation whose volunteers provide practical help and friendship to people in need.

A design or image that represents a belief or idea beyond its literal appearance.

A Jewish place of worship, religious education and community gathering. The word means ‘assembly’ or ‘bringing together’.

The region associated with the Greek woman in Mark 7:24–30; Mark describes her as a Gentile of Syro-Phoenician origin.

A secure, worthy place in a Catholic church where consecrated hosts are reserved.

The collection of rabbinic teachings and discussions comprising the Mishnah and Gemara, which explains and interprets Jewish law.

Circling the Ka’aba seven times anticlockwise as an act of worship.

The belief that Allah is one and unique.

An attraction or pressure to do something wrong or turn away from God.

The Jewish scriptures, comprising the Torah, Nevi’im and Ketuvim.

The foundational commands revealed by God in Exodus 20, guiding Jewish relationships with God and with other people.

The ten religious duties followed in Shi’a Islam, including prayer, fasting, giving, pilgrimage and duties concerning moral behaviour.

The use or threat of violence to create fear and pressure a population or authorities into accepting political, religious or ideological demands, often by attacking civilians.

John Paul II’s teachings on how the human body expresses God’s purposes for love, sexuality and relationships.

‘Repairing the world’: taking action to improve society and care for the world and its inhabitants.

Respecting people’s right to hold different beliefs and live differently, without necessarily agreeing with them.

The first five books of the Tenakh, containing foundational Jewish teachings and commandments. The word can also refer more broadly to Jewish teaching.

The deliberate infliction of severe physical or mental suffering to obtain information, punish, intimidate or control someone.

The handing on of the apostolic faith through the Church’s teaching and life; in Catholic Christianity, it is understood alongside Scripture.