Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

Peter’s rejection of claims that he was associated with Jesus, culminating in his statement that he did not know him.

A recognised branch of Christianity with its own organisation, beliefs and practices.

The teaching that experiences arise through causes and conditions rather than independently.

The Buddhist teaching that things arise dependent on causes and conditions rather than existing independently. Its Pali name is paticca-samuppada.

The revealed faith entrusted to the Church; recognised private revelations do not belong to it.

A philosophical argument that the order, complexity and apparent purpose of the natural world point to an intelligent designer, identified by Christians as God. Also called the teleological argument.

Freedom from excessive attachment to possessions and outcomes, without abandoning responsible action or care for others.

An Old Testament book accepted by Catholics as fully sacred Scripture but not included in the Hebrew Jewish canon or most Protestant biblical canons.

Respect and commitment expressed towards Buddhist teachings and ideals through religious practice.

An action undertaken to express religious commitment and deepen a person's relationship with God.

An object used to express religious devotion or support religious practice, such as a Buddha image or a string of mala beads.

An object used to express religious reverence and support practice, such as a Buddha image.

The Buddha’s teaching and the path of practice it sets out.

The discourse traditionally understood as the Buddha’s first sermon, whose title means ‘Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion’. It teaches the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

A collection of Buddhist verses attributed to the Buddha, giving guidance on the mind, conduct and the path towards liberation.

Material service: giving money or possessions to help others.

Religious and moral duty, including responsibilities towards other people and living beings.

Remembrance of Allah, which can involve repeating his names or words of praise.

A committed follower who supports a religious teacher; Isa’s disciples declared their belief in Allah and supported his mission.

Following Jesus as a learner and committed follower, putting his teaching and example into practice.

Of God or having the nature of God. Describing Jesus as fully divine means that he is fully God.

The belief that the Holy Spirit guided the human authors of the Bible in communicating God’s truth.

God’s action in the world or in human affairs.

God’s guidance of creation with wisdom and love towards its ultimate purpose.

God making himself and his purposes known to humanity.

The quality of being divine: having the nature of God.

The legal ending of a marriage.