AQA GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

God’s closeness to creation and activity within the world.

The soul's continued existence after the death of the body, distinct from bodily resurrection.

The Christian belief that God became human in Jesus.

Protection from error in definitive Church teaching on faith and morals under particular conditions; it does not mean that Church leaders are sinless or that everything they say is without error.

Protected from error; in Twelver Shi’a belief, this describes the Imams’ authoritative guidance and interpretation of religion.

Entry into a religious community and its life; Baptism initiates a person into the Christian Church.

The Catholic belief that the Holy Spirit guided the biblical writers, who expressed God's message through their own human words.

Prayer asking God to help other people.

Discussion and cooperation between people from different religions to increase understanding and address shared concerns.

Wrong in itself, rather than becoming acceptable because of a good intention or a hoped-for beneficial outcome.

The structures at Mina towards which pilgrims throw pebbles, symbolising rejection of Satan and temptation.

Paradise or heaven in Islam: a place of peace, happiness and reward from God.

The angel who communicated God’s revelations, including the Qur’an, to Muhammad.

Striving or struggling against evil, personally or collectively, in obedience to Allah.

God’s final assessment of human lives, associated in Christian belief with the fulfilment of God’s Kingdom.

The Friday congregational prayer, held around midday and accompanied by a sermon.

Fairness: respecting people’s rights, giving them what they are due and challenging unjust treatment.

The belief that war can be morally justified in certain circumstances, provided its cause and conduct meet strict conditions.

A set of moral conditions used to judge whether military force is justified and how fighting must be conducted.

The sacred building in Makkah associated with Ibrahim and dedicated to the worship of Allah; pilgrims circle it during Hajj.

A Jewish prayer praising God, with a form recited by mourners.

The Jewish dietary laws governing which foods may be eaten and how they must be prepared.

The section of the Tenakh known as the Writings, including Psalms, Proverbs and Job.

An obligatory payment meaning ‘a fifth’; in Shi’a Islam, Muslims give 20% of their savings in addition to Zakah, supporting religious causes and the poor.

A sermon, including the religious teaching delivered before the Friday congregational prayer.

A blessing recited over wine or grape juice that sanctifies Shabbat or a festival.

God’s rule or reign, expressed through God’s saving activity and through people accepting and living according to God’s will.