Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

The first book of the Bible, containing accounts of creation and humanity’s early relationship with God.

A person who is not Jewish. In Galatians 2:1–10, Paul describes his mission to bring the Christian gospel to Gentiles.

A Belgian Roman Catholic priest and physicist whose work on the expanding universe and the primeval atom helped lay the foundations of the Big Bang theory.

A Jewish bill of divorce that ends a marriage in Jewish law.

A flight of steps leading down to a river, used for activities such as ritual bathing; some ghats are used for cremation.

The long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature, driven by increased greenhouse gases from human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Explaining something by appealing to God simply because a natural explanation is currently unknown.

God’s intentions and purposes, which Christians seek to follow rather than simply expecting God to fulfil their wishes.

Commitment to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha as guides and supports on the Buddhist path.

Jesus’ teaching to treat other people as you would wish to be treated yourself.

A Tibetan Buddhist monastery or temple combining spaces for devotion, meditation and learning.

An action expressing goodness, such as honesty, compassion or selfless service, rather than selfish desire.

The ‘good news’ about Jesus Christ, including the Christian belief that his death and resurrection make salvation possible.

God’s freely given help and blessing, rather than something a person can purchase or demand.

A person who cares for and reads the Guru Granth Sahib and may lead worship; the role is open to women and men.

Jesus’ instruction to his followers to spread his teachings and bring others to faith.

The personal spiritual struggle to resist wrongdoing and live according to Allah’s guidance.

An excessive desire for wealth, resources or power, especially at others’ expense.

The householder stage of life, associated with marriage, family responsibilities and supporting others.

A quality or mode of material nature that influences human dispositions and actions. The three gunas are sattva, rajas and tamas.

The Guru's word or utterance; sacred teachings through which Sikhs receive spiritual guidance.

A Sikh place of worship that also provides opportunities for learning and community activities.

A person who is orientated towards the Guru and follows the Guru's guidance.

The script used to write Punjabi and much of the Sikh scripture.

An anniversary commemorating a Guru’s birth, accession to Guruship or death, through remembrance, worship and celebration.

A teacher or spiritual guide who helps others develop religious understanding and practice.

The Sikh holy scripture, recognised by Sikhs as their living Guru and a source of spiritual and moral guidance.