AQA GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

Not believing in the existence of God or gods. Atheism alone does not specify a complete system of ethics.

A person who does not believe in the existence of God or gods.

The restoration of the relationship between humanity and God through Jesus’ death, overcoming the separation caused by sin.

The recognised right or credibility to guide belief, decisions or behaviour.

A Christian rite involving water that marks entry into the Christian community and commitment to faith.

‘Son of the commandment’: the status reached by a Jewish boy at 13, when he becomes personally responsible for observing Jewish commandments; also the name of the ceremony marking this.

The state of waiting between death and resurrection.

‘Daughter of the commandment’: the status traditionally reached by a Jewish girl at 12, when she becomes personally responsible for observing Jewish commandments; celebrations may take place at 12 or 13, depending on the community.

One of Jesus’s declarations of blessing in Matthew 5:1–12, describing attitudes and circumstances associated with God’s kingdom.

A service of Eucharistic worship that includes a blessing with the Blessed Sacrament.

Goodness, kindness and generosity; Muslims understand God as the source of goodness.

The reading platform in a synagogue from which the Torah is read to the congregation.

An ordained leader whom Catholics understand to be a successor of the apostles, normally responsible for a diocese.

Speech or behaviour regarded as insulting God or claiming an authority belonging to God.

The Christian understanding of the Church as a community united with Christ, whose members have different roles but share responsibility for continuing his work.

The Jewish ceremony of male circumcision, normally performed on the eighth day after birth, as a sign of the covenant with God.

Repeated, deliberate behaviour that hurts, intimidates or humiliates someone, often involving an imbalance of power. It can be physical, verbal, social or online.

The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development: a Catholic charity that tackles poverty and injustice through overseas support and campaigning, fundraising and education in England and Wales.

The collection of books recognised by the Church as sacred scripture.

A person who leads the congregation in chanted or sung prayer, also called a chazzan.

An authoritative summary of Catholic beliefs and moral teaching. Paragraph 2309 sets out four conditions for legitimate defence by military force.

The application of Christian beliefs and Gospel teachings to social issues, including poverty, inequality, human dignity and justice.

A commitment to remain unmarried and abstain from sexual relationships.

A Roman army officer who commanded approximately one hundred soldiers.

Leavened foods made from particular grains, which observant Jews avoid and remove from their homes for Pesach.

Giving resources or practical help to people in need.

The responsible integration of sexuality into a person’s life. In Catholic teaching, it includes faithfulness within marriage and abstaining from sexual intercourse outside marriage.