Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies key terms

A sacred symbol of Shiva used as a focus for worship.

An interpretation that understands language as a direct description rather than as imagery or symbolism.

Worship that follows an established order of service, usually including set prayers, readings and responses.

Greed: excessive desire for wealth, possessions or personal gain.

The prayer taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:9–13, expressing praise, trust in God, requests for daily needs and forgiveness, and a desire for protection from evil.

The 26 Church of England bishops who sit in the House of Lords.

The path leading to the cessation of suffering, expressed through the Noble Eightfold Path.

The teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church, exercised by the Pope and bishops.

A mandatory gift from the groom to the bride agreed as part of an Islamic marriage contract; it belongs to the bride.

A string of prayer beads used to count repetitions during practices such as japa.

Angels: beings who obey Allah and carry out his commands.

A Hindu temple.

A self-willed person who follows their own ego rather than the Guru’s guidance.

A sacred sound, word or phrase used in worship or meditation.

An ancient Hindu text concerning religious duties, social conduct and law, also called the Laws of Manu.

A figure in Buddhist teachings associated with temptation and obstacles to enlightenment; Mara can also represent the harmful forces that bind the mind.

A legally recognised union between two people. Christians traditionally understand it as a sacred, faithful and lifelong commitment.

A person who dies for their faith or principles.

Death suffered because of commitment to religious faith or principles.

Hebrew for ‘anointed one’: in traditional Jewish belief, a future human leader descended from King David who will bring the Messianic age.

Unleavened bread eaten during Pesach, recalling the Israelites’ hurried departure from Egypt.

Worldly illusion and attachment which can distract a person from awareness of God.

A screen or partition separating men's and women's seating in an Orthodox synagogue.

A practice of training attention and awareness to develop qualities such as concentration, loving-kindness and insight.

A fair or communal gathering, which may combine religious remembrance with social and cultural activities.

Compassion and willingness to forgive those who sincerely repent.

Positive spiritual benefit generated through good actions, such as generosity. Buddhists may dedicate this benefit to someone who has died.