Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

The quality of being all-powerful.

All-powerful; able to bring creation into existence.

The quality of being all-knowing.

The belief that all people belong to one human family and have equal worth because the same God created everyone.

Jewish teachings and interpretations traditionally understood to have been passed down orally alongside the Written Torah, and later recorded in rabbinic literature.

The passing on of stories and teachings by speaking and listening before, or alongside, their preservation in writing.

A practice commanded by Jesus. Some Protestant churches use this term for baptism and the Lord’s Supper, emphasising obedience and the expression of faith.

The formal process through which someone is authorised for ordained ministry, such as becoming a priest.

Giving an organ for transplantation to someone who needs it.

The fallen condition inherited by humanity, from which Catholics believe Baptism frees a person.

Reliance on Amitabha's compassion and vows rather than on one's own spiritual effort alone; known as tariki in Japanese.

Practical work that reaches beyond a congregation to help and serve others.

Opposition to war and violence, together with a commitment to peaceful and non-violent action.

A large white cloth placed over the coffin at a Catholic funeral, recalling the deceased person’s Baptism.

The Five Precepts: voluntary ethical training commitments to refrain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech and intoxicants that cause heedlessness.

People sitting together in rows to share langar, expressing equality regardless of background or status.

The ‘five beloved ones’: five initiated Sikhs who administer Amrit Sanskar.

The ‘Five Beloved Ones’: the first five Sikhs initiated into the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh.

Wisdom or insight into the true nature of reality; the wisdom grouping includes right understanding and right intention.

A short story using familiar situations to communicate a religious or spiritual meaning.

The Six Perfections developed especially in Mahayana Buddhist practice: generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation and wisdom.

The final passing of an enlightened being: complete liberation, with no further rebirth. Parinirvana is the Sanskrit form of the term.

A local area served by a parish church and its priest, particularly in the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches.

God’s judgement of an individual at the moment of death.

The large candle lit at Easter which symbolises the risen Christ.

The saving mystery of Jesus’ passion, death, resurrection and glorification, through which Catholics believe God accomplished his plan to redeem humanity.

The suffering of Jesus leading up to and including his death, particularly his betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion.