Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

A supporter of the ruling Herodian dynasty. In Mark 3:6, the Herodians join the Pharisees in plotting against Jesus.

Muhammad al-Mahdi, the twelfth Imam, whom Twelver Shi’a Muslims believe remains concealed and will return to establish justice before the Day of Judgement.

Muhammad’s migration from Makkah to Yathrib, later called Madinah, in 622 CE. It marks the starting point of the Islamic calendar.

Being set apart for God and religious purposes.

Belonging to God and made holy through his presence and grace.

The third Person of the Trinity, understood by Christians as God present and active in their lives.

The week leading up to Easter, when Christians remember the final events of Jesus’ earthly life, including the Last Supper and crucifixion.

A passage read from the Guru Granth Sahib and received as the Guru’s command or guidance.

A passage read from the Guru Granth Sahib and received as the Guru’s command or guidance.

Pope Paul VI’s 1968 teaching document reaffirming Catholic opposition to artificial contraception and teaching responsible parenthood.

The inherent worth of every human person, which Catholics believe comes from being created in God's image.

A non-religious worldview that uses reason and concern for human welfare to guide moral decisions.

A person with a non-religious worldview who uses reason, empathy and concern for human welfare to make moral decisions.

Freedom from arrogance, including recognising one's limitations and being willing to learn from others.

A religious cloth traditionally associated with Lent, often displaying biblical images; modern examples also encourage reflection on poverty, justice and peace.

The wedding canopy representing the Jewish couple’s new home.

Words of praise or prayer addressed to God and set to music, usually arranged in verses.

Claiming to follow beliefs or moral standards while acting against them.

Worship or service of Allah, which can include everyday good actions as well as formal religious duties.

The jinn who arrogantly refused Allah’s command to prostrate before Adam; also called Satan or Shaytan.

A prophet whose willingness to sacrifice his son is remembered at Id-ul-Adha.

A fish symbol whose Greek name forms an acronym meaning ‘Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Saviour’.

A fish symbol whose Greek name supplies the initials of the confession ‘Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Saviour’.

A sacred image of Christ, a saint or a religious event, used to express Christian belief and support prayer and devotion.

A person who opposes the religious use of sacred images; historically, Christian iconoclasts sought to remove icons from church life.

Religious images and the symbols used within them to express beliefs.

A screen or stand bearing icons in an Orthodox church, positioned between the congregation and the altar area.