AQA GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

The non-ordained members of the Church.

Christ’s judgement of humanity at the end of time.

Using force only after peaceful ways of resolving a conflict have been tried and have failed.

Prayers and sacramental care offered to someone approaching death, including reconciliation, anointing of the sick and final Holy Communion.

Jesus’ final meal with his disciples before his death, at which he shared bread and wine. Christians connect this meal with their celebration of the Eucharist.

Pope Francis’s teaching document on care for our common home, connecting environmental protection with responsibility towards other people.

The stand from which scripture readings are proclaimed during worship.

The outward struggle to defend Islam against threats, including military defence under strict conditions.

A reading that treats a passage as describing events as they actually happened, rather than primarily expressing meaning through symbols.

A kind of writing, such as poetry, law, historical narrative or prophecy, whose features help readers understand its intended meaning.

The Church’s public worship, carried out through established prayers and actions.

CAFOD’s award recognising Catholic communities that live simply, sustainably with creation and in solidarity with people living in poverty.

The Greek term meaning ‘Word’, used of the eternal Son of God who became human in Jesus.

The prayer Jesus taught his disciples, recorded in Matthew 6:9–13 and also called the Our Father.

The teaching authority of the Catholic Church, exercised by the Pope and the bishops in communion with him.

Mary’s prayer of praise in Luke 1:46–55, celebrating God’s greatness, mercy and care for the lowly.

Food that God provided for Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness, understood as a sign of God’s care and generosity.

Relating to marriage; Catholic teaching holds that sexual intercourse belongs within marriage.

One of the four identifying qualities of the Church expressed in the Nicene Creed: one, holy, catholic and apostolic.

A legally recognised union between two people. Catholic teaching understands marriage as a lifelong, exclusive covenant between one man and one woman.

A solemn promise made during the wedding ceremony, expressing commitment to the marriage.

Bearing witness to religious faith even unto death; in Catholic Christianity, enduring death rather than abandoning faith in Christ.

The usual Roman Catholic name for the celebration of the Eucharist.

A musical arrangement of texts used in the Mass, allowing its prayers and responses to be sung.

An attitude that gives money and possessions greater importance than spiritual or moral values and relationships.

Unleavened bread eaten during Pesach, recalling the Israelites' hurried departure from Egypt.

A structure, marker or place that honours and preserves the memory of someone who has died.