Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

An argument that the order, complexity and apparent purpose of the natural world point to an intelligent designer, identified by believers as God. It is also called the teleological argument.

The process of moving away from offending and sustaining a life without crime.

Remaining spiritually free from possessiveness and selfish attachment while continuing to care for others and fulfil responsibilities.

Discouraging an attack by making an opponent fear the consequences, such as retaliation.

A heavenly being who may be more powerful, happier and longer-lived than a human, but remains subject to impermanence and rebirth.

A Buddhist discourse in which the Buddha challenges the Niganthas' account of suffering and explains the difference between fruitless and fruitful effort.

An object used to express or support religious devotion, such as a Buddha image, mantra bracelet or prayer wheel.

An activity expressing religious commitment and reverence, such as chanting in honour of the Buddha and his teachings.

The Buddha’s teaching about reality and the path towards freedom from suffering.

A Buddhist discourse whose title means ‘Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion’, teaching the Middle Way, Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths.

A collection of Buddhist verses containing teachings on ethical conduct and the path to wisdom.

Material or financial service, such as donating money, food or supplies.

Righteous warfare in Sikhism: force used for a just, selfless purpose, as a last resort and with restraint.

Moral and religious duty or righteous conduct; it guides how a Hindu should earn wealth and fulfil responsibilities towards others.

Righteous war in Hindu thought, involving restrictions on conduct such as protecting non-combatants.

A righteous war fought to uphold dharma, rather than for selfish gain, after peaceful methods have been exhausted.

The value of domestic tasks and caring responsibilities as work that serves people and supports family life, whether or not it is paid.

God making himself or his message known directly to a person or group.

The reduction or removal of weapons held by a country or group.

A follower of Jesus who seeks to learn from him and live according to his teaching.

Unfair treatment of a person or group because of characteristics such as religion, race, gender or social background.

Being forced to leave one's home, for example because fighting makes it unsafe to remain.

How money, possessions and other economic resources are shared between people or groups.

Fairness in how society shares resources, opportunities and burdens.

God or a deity acting in the world to bring about an event.

A way of describing God’s Light or presence within living beings, rather than a physical part of the body.

The eternal Son of God, identified with Jesus in John’s Gospel, who became human and reveals God to humanity.

Having the nature of God; Christians believe Jesus is divine as well as human.