AQA GCSE Religious Studies: Buddhism, Christianity & Key Themes

Who was the Buddha?

Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism who reached enlightenment

What is enlightenment?

Understanding the true nature of reality and escaping suffering

What are the Four Noble Truths?

Life involves suffering, suffering is caused by desire, suffering can end, follow the Eightfold Path

What is dukkha?

Suffering or dissatisfaction in life

What causes suffering?

Craving and attachment (tanha)

What is nirvana?

The end of suffering and cycle of rebirth

What is the Eightfold Path?

Right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration

What are the Three Marks of Existence?

Dukkha, anicca, anatta

What is anicca?

Impermanence — everything changes

What is anatta?

No permanent self or soul

What is karma?

Actions have consequences affecting future rebirth

What is samsara?

Cycle of birth, death and rebirth

What is rebirth?

Being born again after death

What are the Five Moral Precepts?

No killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, intoxicants

What is meditation?

Practice to develop mindfulness and wisdom

What is samatha meditation?

Calming meditation

What is vipassana meditation?

Insight meditation

What is metta?

Loving‑kindness

What is compassion?

Desire to reduce suffering

What is wisdom?

Understanding reality

What is the Trinity?

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Who is Jesus?

Son of God and saviour

What is incarnation?

God becoming human in Jesus

What is crucifixion?

Jesus dying on the cross

What is resurrection?

Jesus rising from the dead

What is ascension?

Jesus returning to heaven

What is salvation?

Being saved from sin

What is sin?

Act against God's will

What is original sin?

Sin inherited from Adam and Eve

What is atonement?

Restoring relationship with God

What is grace?

God's love and forgiveness

What is heaven?

Eternal life with God

What is hell?

Separation from God

What is judgement?

God deciding fate after death

What is omnipotent?

All powerful

What is omnibenevolent?

All loving

What is omniscient?

All knowing

What is the Bible?

Christian holy book

What are the Ten Commandments?

Rules given to Moses

What is the Golden Rule?

Treat others how you want to be treated

What is adultery?

Sex outside marriage

What is the Christian view on marriage?

Sacred lifelong commitment

What is the Buddhist view on marriage?

Not religious but important commitment

What is the Christian view on divorce?

Allowed but discouraged

What is the Buddhist view on divorce?

Acceptable if suffering reduced

What is the Christian view on contraception?

Usually allowed

What is the Buddhist view on contraception?

Generally acceptable

What is the Christian view on sex before marriage?

Wrong

What is the Buddhist view on sex before marriage?

Avoid harmful behaviour

What is the purpose of marriage?

Love and family

What is abortion?

Ending pregnancy

What is the Christian view on abortion?

Usually wrong

What is the Buddhist view on abortion?

Generally wrong but depends on intention

What is euthanasia?

Ending life to reduce suffering

What is the Christian view on euthanasia?

Wrong

What is the Buddhist view on euthanasia?

Usually wrong due to karma

What is sanctity of life?

Life is sacred

What is quality of life?

Life should be meaningful

What is the Christian creation belief?

God created world

What is the Buddhist creation belief?

No creator God

What is crime?

Breaking law

What is Christian forgiveness?

Important

What is Buddhist forgiveness?

Important

What is the purpose of punishment?

Justice

What does deterrence mean?

Prevent crime

What does reformation mean?

Change behaviour

What does retribution mean?

Punishment deserved

What is the Christian view on capital punishment?

Mostly against

What is the Buddhist view on capital punishment?

Against

Why oppose the death penalty?

Sanctity of life

What is peace?

Absence of conflict

What is Christian pacifism?

Some Christians oppose war

What is Buddhist pacifism?

Strongly pacifist

What is just war?

War morally acceptable

What are the conditions for just war?

Last resort, just cause, authority

What is holy war?

War for religion

What is the Christian view on holy war?

Generally rejected

What is the Buddhist view on violence?

Avoid violence

What does forgiveness mean?

Letting go anger

What does reconciliation mean?

Restoring peace

What are human rights?

Basic rights

What is the Christian view on equality?

All equal before God

What is the Buddhist view on equality?

All deserve compassion

What is discrimination?

Treating unfairly

What is prejudice?

Judging unfairly

What is racism?

Discrimination by race

What is Christian charity?

Helping poor

What is Buddhist charity?

Compassionate giving

What is poverty?

Lack of resources

What is wealth?

Having resources

What is the teaching of Jesus about loving your neighbour?

Jesus teaching

What is the commandment about killing?

Ten Commandments

What is the teaching about peacemakers?

Blessed are the peacemakers

What does Buddha teach about hatred?

Hatred does not cease by hatred

What does Buddha say about life?

All life is suffering

What does Jesus teach about forgiveness?

Forgive 70 times 7

What does Jesus teach about turning the other cheek?

Turn the other cheek

What does Buddhism teach about compassion?

Compassion for all beings

What is the precept about stealing?

Do not steal

What is the principle of right mindfulness?

Right mindfulness