Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

The Sikh belief that all existence has one divine source, providing a foundation for recognising connections between people rather than treating them as wholly separate.

The belief that God is one divine being, not several gods; belief in the Trinity does not divide God into three beings.

The Sikh belief that all people belong to one human family and have equal worth because the same God created them and is present in everyone.

A person's access to chances to develop and succeed, such as education, employment and participation in society.

The unjust use of power to control, harm or deny rights to other people.

The body of teachings and interpretations explaining how the Written Torah should be understood and applied, transmitted orally before being written down in rabbinic literature.

A practice followed because Christ commanded it; this term often emphasises obedience and remembrance rather than the rite itself conveying grace.

The formal process by which a Church authorises a person to serve as a minister, priest or other ordained religious leader.

The fallen condition into which human beings are born, rather than a personal wrongdoing committed by a baby.

An approach to Judaism that upholds the authority of the Torah and traditional Jewish law.

Reliance on Amida Buddha's compassionate activity and vows rather than on one's own spiritual abilities alone.

Practical work through which a church reaches beyond its congregation to help and serve others.

An action regarded as sinful or wrong, producing negative karmic consequences.

The belief that war or violence is wrong and that conflicts should be resolved peacefully.

A large white cloth placed over a coffin which recalls the deceased person’s Baptism.

Care that relieves pain and other symptoms and supports wellbeing during serious illness, rather than aiming to cure the illness.

The Five Precepts: commitments to refrain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech and intoxicants that cause heedlessness.

People sitting together in rows to share langar, expressing equality regardless of social status or background.

The ‘five beloved ones’; in the community disciplinary process, five Sikhs chosen by the congregation to consider a confessed breach and propose an appropriate disciplinary response.

The five beloved ones: the first five Sikhs initiated into the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, drawn from different caste and regional backgrounds.

Wisdom or insight into the nature of reality, involving right understanding and right intention.

A story used to teach a religious or moral message.

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:31–46 in which people are separated at judgement according to whether they have cared for those in need.

The Supreme Self or Supersoul. In ISKCON's Vaishnava understanding, Krishna is present as Paramatma in the heart of every living being, distinct from the individual soul.

The Supreme Self or Supersoul, described in Bhagavad Gita 13.23 as the divine witness and supporter within the body.

A perfection cultivated particularly in Mahayana Buddhism. The Six Perfections, or paramitas, are generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation and wisdom.

Claims about events beyond ordinary scientific explanation, such as encounters with ghosts or communication with spirits.