Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

A collection of Jewish oral teachings and legal discussions, which forms part of the Talmud.

A systematic code of Jewish law compiled by Maimonides in the twelfth century.

The Church’s task of continuing Jesus’ work by sharing the Gospel and expressing God’s love through worship, teaching and service.

A person sent to carry out a religious mission, such as sharing Christianity and serving others, locally or overseas.

A commandment given by God; the plural is mitzvot. Following the commandments guides Jewish religious and ethical life.

God’s commandments: actions Jewish people are required to perform or avoid.

Liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

A way of life within a religious community, dedicated to prayer, worship and service to God.

Belief that reality is ultimately one. In Advaita Hinduism, the individual self and Brahman are ultimately not separate.

Marriage to one spouse at a time.

Belief in one God.

The opening statement of the Guru Granth Sahib, summarising central Sikh beliefs about the nature of God.

A moral requirement understood to apply without exceptions, regardless of the circumstances.

The view that some moral rules apply without exceptions, regardless of circumstances.

The responsibility to answer for one’s freely chosen actions.

Suffering caused by human wrongdoing, such as violence, cruelty or dishonesty.

Pain or distress caused by harmful human actions, such as murder or war.

The agreement between God and the Jewish people associated with Moses at Mount Sinai, which includes their responsibility to follow God’s commandments.

Liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, and union with Waheguru.

A society whose members come from different ethnic backgrounds. Ethnicity can involve shared ancestry, culture, language and traditions.

A society in which people belonging to different religions live alongside one another.

The reduction or removal of weapons through agreement between several countries.

An image or representation of a deity used in Hindu worship.

A situation in which opposing nuclear powers could each destroy the other through retaliation, making an attack potentially disastrous for both.

The practice of both partners putting the other's needs before their own through love, service and cooperation.

A collection of reports about Islamic teachings and practices compiled by Imam Malik, including Abu Bakr’s instructions restricting conduct in war.

A truth about God which Catholics believe is revealed by God but cannot be fully understood through human reason alone.

A direct inward awareness of God or divine reality, rather than knowledge gained only through ordinary observation or reasoning.