AQA GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

God’s existence beyond creation and the limits of human experience and understanding.

Existing beyond and above the created universe, rather than being part of it.

The event in which Jesus’ appearance changes on a mountain and his glory is revealed to Peter, James and John.

The Catholic belief that the bread and wine consecrated at Mass become Christ’s body and blood.

Food that is not permitted under Jewish dietary law; also called treif.

Christian belief that there is one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Charitable giving understood as a duty of justice and righteousness, rather than merely an optional act of generosity.

The worldwide community of Muslims, united by their faith.

The Catholic understanding that sex should express love and strengthen the bond between husband and wife.

The belief that every person will ultimately be saved and united with God.

The five roots or foundational beliefs of Shi’a Islam: Tawhid, Adalat, prophethood, resurrection and the Imamate.

An ethical approach that judges actions by their consequences, seeking the greatest overall happiness or wellbeing.

Holy Communion received by a person approaching death; its name means ‘food for the journey’.

The use of physical force intended to hurt, damage or kill.

Action against an injustice that uses physical force to injure people or damage property.

The belief that Jesus was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit and born of Mary, who was a virgin.

A good moral quality, such as mercy or humility, which shapes a person’s character and actions.

A calling from God to follow a particular way of life and use one’s gifts in service of God and others.

Money, possessions and other valuable resources owned by a person or institution.

A weapon capable of causing death and destruction on a very large scale; the main categories are nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

God’s eternal self-expression, identified in John’s Gospel as divine and as becoming human in Jesus.

Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, repeated by the priest during the Eucharistic Prayer over the bread and wine.

Honouring and praising God through actions such as prayer, singing and participation in religious services.

Ritual washing performed to prepare for prayer, expressing cleanliness and purification.

The anniversary of a person’s death, marked by remembrance, prayer and often a candle burning for 24 hours.

The Jewish Day of Atonement, marked by prayer, repentance and fasting.

Obligatory almsgiving by Muslims who possess sufficient qualifying wealth, given to support eligible recipients.

Charitable giving associated with Id-ul-Fitr, given before the festival prayer to help poor people share in the celebration.