Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

The Catholic commitment to give particular priority to poor and vulnerable people, following God’s special concern for them and Christ’s closeness to them.

Sexual intercourse before marriage.

A statement used as a starting point in an argument, from which a conclusion is drawn.

An ordained Christian minister authorised to celebrate the sacraments in traditions such as Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Anglicanism.

The belief that all Christians share in a priestly calling and can approach God, rather than access to God belonging exclusively to ordained ministers.

The principle that a person has a moral obligation to follow their conscience, alongside the responsibility to form it properly.

Prayer offered individually rather than as part of communal worship; it may use set words or personal words.

A claimed revelation given to particular people. An authentic private revelation helps people live by Christ’s Revelation without adding to or correcting it.

A lack or corruption of goodness. Augustine understood evil as a privation rather than a substance created by God.

The challenge of explaining how evil and suffering can exist if God is all-powerful and all-loving.

The challenge of explaining how evil and suffering can exist if God is all-powerful and perfectly loving.

The creation of new life through having children.

The purpose of sexual intimacy concerned with creating new human life; Catholic teaching requires openness to this possibility.

The purpose of sexual intercourse connected with the possibility of conceiving children.

The land of Canaan promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, forming the basis of Jewish religious attachment to the land of Israel.

A person chosen by Allah to communicate divine guidance to humanity.

Keeping a response within limits appropriate to the attack, rather than using excessive force.

God’s guidance and care for creation. Some Christians believe this can operate through natural events rather than only through events outside normal natural processes.

A sacred poem or song from the biblical Book of Psalms, used to express praise, thanksgiving, sorrow or trust in God.

God’s revelation for the whole Church, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Catholics believe it is complete, although its significance continues to be understood more fully.

Prayer and praise offered to God together with other worshippers.

An act of worship involving offerings to a deity.

A Buddha's realm in which conditions are favourable for learning the Dharma and progressing towards enlightenment.

A Mahayana Buddhist tradition centred on trust in Amitabha and aspiration for rebirth in his Pure Land.

In Catholic teaching, purification after death before entering heaven.

The four aims of human life in Hinduism: dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

A small container used to carry consecrated hosts, particularly when taking Holy Communion to people who are sick.