AQA GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

A hoped-for future era of peace, justice and knowledge of God; Jews differ over whether an individual Messiah will bring it about.

An image of a feast shared by all under the Messiah, expressing God’s generous provision. Some Christians interpret the feeding of the five thousand as a sign of this feast.

The theme in Mark’s Gospel of Jesus ordering silence about his identity or miracles, often understood as preventing misunderstanding of his mission.

An explanation of one thing through comparison with another, such as describing salvation as release from slavery.

A parchment scroll containing passages from the Torah, including the Shema, placed inside a case attached to a doorpost.

An angel associated with mercy, rain and the provision of sustenance for creation.

The quorum needed for certain communal Jewish prayers, traditionally ten Jewish adult males; many progressive communities count women equally.

An extraordinary event understood as an act of God rather than the result of ordinary human power.

The written collection of teachings of the oral law, explaining how Jewish commandments are applied.

The Church’s task of continuing Jesus’s work by sharing the gospel and serving others through words and actions.

A commandment in Jewish law; the plural is mitzvot.

A person trained to perform Jewish ritual circumcision.

Belief in only one God.

A holder used to display a consecrated host for Eucharistic adoration.

An artwork made by arranging small pieces of material, such as glass or stone, into an image.

The invitation after the consecration at Mass to which the congregation responds by proclaiming Christ’s saving death and resurrection.

A person who experiences a particularly deep awareness of God, sometimes through visions or revelations.

A religious narrative that expresses deep truths about God, humanity or the world through its story and imagery.

Planning or avoiding pregnancy by observing the woman's fertile cycle and choosing when to have sex, without artificial contraception.

The belief that God's purposes are expressed in human nature and can guide moral decisions through reason.

The ever-burning light, usually above the synagogue’s ark, symbolising God’s enduring relationship with humanity.

The section of the Tenakh known as the Prophets, containing historical accounts and prophetic teachings.

A statement of Christian faith which expresses belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Laylat al-Qadr: the night commemorating the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad through the angel Jibril.

The minimum amount of qualifying wealth a Muslim must possess before Zakah becomes payable.

The intention behind an action, which Muslims believe God considers alongside the action itself.

Opposing injustice through action that does not use violence, such as peaceful protest or refusal to cooperate.