Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

Worship emphasising the guidance and gifts of the Holy Spirit, which may include spontaneous praise and speaking in tongues.

Giving money, resources or support to help people in need.

Sexual self-restraint in accordance with a person's moral or religious commitments; in mainstream Muslim teaching, this includes avoiding sex outside marriage.

A ceremonial whisk waved above the Guru Granth Sahib to show respect for the Guru.

A weapon that uses toxic chemicals to injure or kill people.

Loving-kindness: care for others expressed through compassionate actions.

Consecrated oil used in anointing, including in Confirmation.

A Christian charity that works with local partners to tackle poverty and injustice and helps people of all religions and none.

A statement issued following the WWF-organised inter-religious meeting in Assisi in 1986, affirming that nature is God’s creation and that human authority over it includes responsibility for its protection.

A sense of belonging to the Christian faith, expressed through shared beliefs, worship and ways of living.

The Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus and the Incarnation.

The worldwide community of Christians, rather than simply a building used for worship.

An increase in the number of Christians or Christian communities; growth can also involve strengthening believers’ faith and participation.

The annual cycle of Christian seasons and festivals through which churches remember events in Jesus’ life and important Christian beliefs.

Deliberately refusing to obey an unjust law as a form of protest.

People who are not members of the armed forces or participating as fighters in a conflict.

An ordained religious leader, such as a priest, minister or vicar.

An aggregate experienced as something to cling to or identify with, rather than simply recognised as a changing aspect of experience.

Living together as a couple without being married.

Dedication to someone or something, involving a willingness to fulfil responsibilities over time.

The final farewell service at the graveside or crematorium.

Something that can be bought, sold or used as an economic resource.

An earlier population from which two or more later groups of organisms evolved.

The wellbeing of the whole community, rather than only the interests of particular individuals or groups.

Worship shared by a group of believers.

Shared spiritual unity and belonging. In the funeral rite, it includes the community’s unity with one another and its continuing bond with the deceased in Christ.

A shared sense of belonging that helps different groups live and work together.