LGCSE Religious Studies (0186) key terms

Belief that at least one god exists. Theists may believe in a single personal God or in many gods, and they usually hold that the universe depends on this divine reality.

Belief that there is exactly one God, who is usually understood as creator and ruler of everything. Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism are commonly described as monotheistic.

Belief in many gods, often imagined as separate personalities with particular powers and roles, as in parts of ancient Greek, Roman and Hindu traditions.

The position that there is no God or gods. Atheists may argue that belief in the divine is unsupported by evidence, or that suffering and science make it unlikely.

The view that it is impossible to know whether God exists, or that the evidence is insufficient to decide. Agnostics therefore neither affirm nor deny God's existence.

Writings that a religious community treats as holy and authoritative because it believes they convey divine truth, such as the Bible, Qur'an, Torah or Guru Granth Sahib.

The belief that God or the divine makes itself and its will known to humans, either through sacred texts, prophets, nature, reason or direct religious experience.

The right or power to shape what people believe and how they behave. In religion it may come from scripture, tradition, leaders, reason or personal experience.

A person believed to be chosen by God to receive and pass on a divine message, such as Moses, Elijah, Jesus (in Islam) or Muhammad.

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally credited to Moses. It contains law and story and is the most sacred part of Jewish scripture.

The Sikh scripture, a collection of hymns and teachings by gurus and other saints. Sikhs treat it as their eternal Guru and source of authority.

Christian teaching that the one God exists as three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - who are distinct yet share one divine nature.

The Christian belief that God became a human being in Jesus of Nazareth, fully divine and fully human, so that God could share human life and suffering.

The process by which the broken relationship between God and humans is repaired. Christians understand this mainly through Jesus' death, which restores forgiveness and friendship with God.

A solemn, binding agreement. In the Bible, God makes covenants with Noah, Abraham and Moses, promising blessing and asking faithfulness in return.

The idea that every action has consequences that shape a person's present and future lives. Good actions bring good results; harmful actions bring suffering.

The cycle of birth, death and rebirth that Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs seek to escape. A person's karma determines the conditions of each new life.

A Pali word usually translated as suffering, unsatisfactoriness or unease. Buddhism teaches that dukkha is a basic feature of existence and can be overcome.

In Buddhism, the end of suffering and of the cycle of rebirth, reached by removing craving and ignorance. It is described as peace and liberation rather than as a place.

In many Christian churches, a rite believed to be a visible sign of God's grace, such as baptism and the Eucharist, through which believers receive spiritual benefit.

A Christian initiation rite using water, either by sprinkling, pouring or immersion. It symbolises cleansing from sin and entry into the church community.

The Christian service of bread and wine, commanded by Jesus at the Last Supper. Churches understand it as thanksgiving, remembrance, communion and, for many, Christ's real presence.

The Muslim declaration that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger. Saying it sincerely before witnesses is how a person becomes a Muslim.

The Muslim duty of ritual prayer, performed five times a day at set times while facing Makkah. It includes washing, standing, bowing and prostration.

The pilgrimage to Makkah that every adult Muslim who is able should make at least once. It takes place in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah and includes rites such as circling the Ka'ba.

The Jewish day of rest, running from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. It is marked by candles, blessings, synagogue worship and abstaining from work.

Hindu worship, usually offered at home or in a temple. It commonly involves images or statues, offerings, incense, chanting and prayer, and expresses devotion to a deity.

The belief that human life is holy, valuable and given by God, so that it should be respected and protected. It is used in debates about abortion and euthanasia.

The principle of non-violence and harmlessness towards all living beings. It is central to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism and influenced Gandhi's political campaigns.

Selfless service to others, performed without expectation of reward. In Sikhism it is a core duty, often expressed through serving food in the gurdwara or helping the community.

A moral approach associated with Joseph Fletcher that rejects fixed rules and judges each situation by whether the most loving (agape) action is chosen.

An ethical theory holding that the right action is the one producing the greatest overall good or happiness for the greatest number of people affected.

In Islam, struggle or effort in the way of God. It can mean inner struggle against selfish desires or, under strict conditions, armed defence of the community.

An Arabic term meaning permitted or lawful. It is used of food, drink and actions allowed by Islamic law, including meat slaughtered in the correct way.

The worldwide community of Muslims, understood as a single family bound by shared faith rather than by nationality, ethnicity or language.

The initiated Sikh community, traditionally founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Members take vows, wear the five Ks and commit to the Sikh way of life.

The free communal meal served in a gurdwara. Everyone sits together at the same level to eat, expressing equality and sewa, and anyone may share it.

Cooperation and conversation between people of different religions, aimed at understanding, respect and shared action on issues such as peace, poverty and the environment.