Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

Everlasting and not subject to death.

The belief that a person’s soul continues to exist after the death of the body.

Making decisions fairly, without favouring someone because of personal feelings, prejudice or their position in society.

The Buddhist teaching that things arise, change and pass away rather than remaining fixed.

Not something that can simply be taken away or surrendered; human rights are grounded in a person’s humanity, although the lawful exercise of some freedoms can be restricted.

A right that belongs inherently to a person and cannot legitimately be taken away or dismissed by individuals or society.

The Christian belief that God the Son became human in Jesus Christ.

Belief in one supreme God while recognising other, subordinate deities.

The view that other religions have some validity, but that their truths are contained within one’s own religion.

Money received over a period, for example through wages, benefits or investments.

Three claims presented as incompatible: God is all-powerful, God is perfectly good, and evil and suffering exist.

God making himself or his message known through a sign, symbol or intermediary rather than an unveiled personal encounter.

The quality of a marriage bond that cannot be dissolved. Catholic teaching holds that a ratified and consummated marriage between baptised people cannot be dissolved by human power.

Teaching someone to accept beliefs without allowing genuine questioning or critical examination.

Unable to be fully expressed in words.

An unequal distribution of opportunities, resources or treatment between people or groups.

A chain of causes or explanations that continues backwards without a first member.

Prayer expressed in a person's own words rather than a fixed wording.

Worth that something has in itself, rather than only because it is useful or profitable to someone.

The Gospel Muslims believe Allah revealed to Isa (Jesus).

Unfair treatment, including denying people their rights or allowing wrongdoing to go unchallenged.

An Arabic expression meaning ‘if Allah wills’, used when speaking about future plans to acknowledge dependence on Allah.

Practices or policies within an organisation that systematically disadvantage people from particular racial groups.

The purpose or motive for which a person acts.

Prayer offered to God on behalf of another person or group.

Prayer asking God to help other people.

The dependence of beings and processes on one another and on the conditions that support them.