Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies key terms

The ability to choose how to act, including whether to obey or disobey God's commandments.

A ceremony or customary action that marks a person's death and honours the deceased.

Literally ‘Garden of Eden’; also used in Jewish teaching for paradise or a state of closeness to God after death.

Eight special traditional rules for Buddhist nuns that place their order under the authority of the monks’ order.

A state or place of punishment or purification after death in Jewish teaching, sometimes translated as ‘hell’.

Rabbinic discussion and commentary on the Mishnah; together with the Mishnah, it forms the Talmud.

Acts of loving kindness involving practical care and personal effort, rather than financial giving alone.

Unfair treatment of someone because of their gender.

The principle that people should have equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities regardless of gender.

An unfair judgement about someone based on their gender, such as assuming that women are less capable leaders.

The expectations a society or community has about the behaviour and responsibilities of women and men.

God making himself known through things available to everyone, such as nature and conscience.

The first book of the Torah, containing accounts of the creation of the universe and human beings.

A Jewish religious divorce document that ends a marriage under Jewish law.

Steps leading down to a river, used for activities such as bathing; some ghats are used for cremation.

Recognising responsibilities towards people and the environment beyond national borders.

Behaviour that is morally right, such as acting fairly, showing compassion and helping others.

A shelter where cows are cared for and protected, including cows that no longer produce milk.

God’s blessing or help, through which liberation becomes possible; also called kirpa.

A person who reads and cares for the Guru Granth Sahib; a granthi is not an ordained priest.

The inner struggle to become a better Muslim by resisting temptation, improving character and doing good.

Selfish craving for more, including attachment to material possessions and pleasures.

The householder stage of the traditional Hindu stages of life, involving marriage, family responsibilities and support for others.

The householder stage of Hindu life, traditionally involving marriage, raising children and fulfilling family responsibilities as part of spiritual practice.

A quality of material nature that influences thought and behaviour. The three gunas are sattva, rajas and tamas.

The Sikh place of worship, where the congregation gathers around the Guru Granth Sahib.

A person who is God-centred and follows the Guru’s guidance rather than being ruled by self-interest.