I have turned some of the work of Rev. Dr Thomas Williams' entry on Anselm in the SEP into a handout. Focusses on how Anselm develops his discussions of God's impassibility, timelessness and simplicity, from his several statements of the ontological argument in Proslogion 2 and 3. Actually not as complex as it sounds!
Full article found at http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/anselm/
Using a contemporary Christian song and accompanying video, students will recap some of the Christian ideas of immortality. Video is excellent. This resource is evocative and particularly suited to visual or auditory learners. Bible references included.
What is the Big Bang theory, and does it have implications for religious believers? This lesson explores no - NOMA (Stephen Jay Gould); yes- God is irrelevant - Prof. Stephen Hawking; and examines responses from Profs John Lennox and Alistair McGrath. Differences between young Earth creationists and progressive creationists summarized. Contains several stimulating Youtube clips, and an infographic summarising different views on dinosaurs.
An introduction to both the evidential (Good Morning Vietnam) and logical (Epicurus, inconsistent triad) problems of evil. Students watch the interview between Gay Byrne and Stephen Fry on RTE (now has over 6 million hits on youtube) and try recreate it (God is capricious, mean and stupid to allow bone cancer in children). Students also consider whether or not atheists have a 'problem of evil', by examining the views of Richard Dawkins.
A lesson prepared for my school's MOCKsted inspection, featuring introduction to the term 'conversion', excerpts from James' lectures on the subject, a video testimony of gangster-turned-preacher Nicky Cruz, plus the confession of the 'most dejected convert in all England': C.S. Lewis. Students consider whether James' idea that conversion is a 'normal adolescent phenomenon' is borne out by evidence.
Powerpoint covering life after death in Christian belief. Slides explain the nature of the resurrection body, the experience of heaven (and hell); the reason why Christians believe in resurrection, and more. Bible quotes and links to more advanced websites. Starter is a Christian song with a memorable video - students to analyse lyrics and explain the symbolism of the clothes worn etc.
Powerpoint explaining key Christian views on resurrection, using biblical passages and images. The timeline of the first and second resurrections explained, plus the nature of the resurrection body and what the disembodied soul is like before resurrection (Tertullian's traducianism and Aquinas' creationism of the soul are summarised). Starter activity using a popular Christian song, with an evocative video - students to analyse lyrics and explain symbolism used. Links to other syllabus areas e.g. is eternal punishment fair? How can Heaven be perfect if there is something that the disembodied soul is waiting for in it?