Since I have a spiritual teacher who I consider to be very wise, I have gone to his website and looked on the free library site, using the words, arguments, atheists and God Realisation in the search. This file is what I found particularly interesting / relevant to the current argument on the forum. I think there are passages here which you may use with KS4 and Post 16 - as well as possibly within the staffroom and for your own enlightenment.

this is an issue which may affect pupils in your school. Although it is a cultural not a religious practise it could be introduced as part of Human Rights, Citizenship, Coming of Age ceremonies or (as Islam takes a stand against it) within a unit on Islam. The Times reported in 2009 that there are 500 victims of FGM every year in the UK. According to the Foundation for Women's Health, Research and Development, 66,000 women in England and Wales have experienced FGM, with 7,000 girls at risk.

a great example of the importance of looking at translation when seeking to understand any scripture. several articles from the Web give different perspectives on the way that translating ekklesia as church (a word that is derived from Kuriakon) has distorted the meaning of the Bible and given power to the institution, not the people. Because many reject religion in response to the misuse of power, this is particularly important to explore in RE. File on William Tyndall added. He was put to death because his correct translation threatened those in power.

I came to New York in August to attend the birthday anniversary festival of my spiritual teacher. It was as joyful and inspiring as ever. But before I returned home I was asked if I might be able to stay a bit longer to care for a friend who is ill. I don't get much opportunity to come on internet so I have no idea whether this blog idea will be a &'one off&'; or whether I will be able to add to it regularly, but my friend has been away for a couple of days - so at least I have been able to start. I hope it is of use or interest to some of you.

NATRE sent out an email with these attachments concerning the English Baccalaureate and its effect on RE. In case you missed the email or need to refer to the documents without going into email, here are the attachments plus the covering email. Please share ideas regarding continuing the fight to get RE included in the EBACC Thanks

Someone sent me a PM asking if they could quote me in an article they're writing about RE. I sent an outline of my approach and will add bits from old posts relating to my experience of teaching RE. Sharing this here as colleagues may find some useful ideas. As always, my only aim is to give support and encouragement to all my lovely colleagues and stay working in the field that I love so much and care about so passionately. I'm always happy to come in school to support you. And I offer great slide-show based reflective Assemblies and role-play workshops.

examples of people who were members of gangs and who have transformed their lives through finding faith. John Pridmore is a great example of a British gangster who turned his life around through faith and The most recent one in the news is Mark Rowan who has just been appointed as a Vicar for a village in Devon. inspiration, courage, Christianity, faith,

This is a resource for all my great colleagues - to explore practical strategies that we can use to make our lives stronger and more peaceful. The idea behind this is that if we can become spiritually stronger and more peaceful that will impact on our students, classes, colleagues and schools - to say nothing of its effect on our families and our own happiness. So I am asking you all to send me your own favourite 'weapons for peace' which we all can share and benefit from. As always please give feedback and a rating.

Several ways of exploring this question in a dynamic and interactive way - which engages with pupil's own views as well as enabling them to explore a range of beliefs including atheism.\n\nThe main approaches featured are group discussion and presentation - and poetry.\n\nA great collection of diverse perspectives and responses to The God Question is included and I will continue to add to this. All suggestions of texts / images / music to include would be most welcome.

I'm sharing this to give others who want to write some ideas. I have tried to cover as much as I can here - in my original letter of 28th May - which is probably too much - but others may like to take some of the points to use in their letters. Still no answer about RE and the Bacc so I'll continue to share any correspondence resulting from this email the MPs 'campaign.' It may be of interest to post 16 / KS4 Citizenship and RE Thanks DurgaMata

In response to a thread asking for suggestions of films about Islam, I suggest the 1970's film Message and the Bolywood movie My Name is Khan (2010) Responding to comments about East is East I give some background about the original play which was taken as the basis for the film but mutilated in the process. I hope to watch West is West and will review that when I do. Suggestion s of other films which explore or give insight into Islam and particularly British Muslim experience would be welcome. I will add any suggestions that other teachers may make.

Something for your Gifted and Talented KS4 students to get their teeth into - poem by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin great material to reflect on, which links science and religion in a mystical way. 'An increase in consciousness is an increase in love&' If we reflect on ourselves as human beings we also reflect on ourselves as &';earthlings' with a genetic history and relationship with the entire universe.

Rabia is just one example of a great and much loved and respected Muslim saint who did not follow the traditional 'pattern of behaviour' recommended in Islam. For one thing, she never married. This is a passage about her from Wikki.

looked on internet tonight to find the address of my friend Professor John Hick, to send him an invitation to A Moment's Peace although I know he may not be able to travel that far. When I saw him last - about a year ago, his back was bad and restricting his travelling. Instead of finding the address I found this obituary. It will be useful, interesting and inspiring to look at with G and T KS4 and with KS5 pupils. I also include an outline of a conversation we had with him when I took our A'level students to ask him about Death and the Afterlife in Christianity.

It's great to see the Olympics bring so many people together, uniting and inspiring so many in Britain. To be a great sports hero requires many &'divine&'; qualities such as patience, determination, endurance, courage and enthusiasm - and brings so much joy. On TV tonight, discussion on the 'exclusive&' nature of sports - equestrian / sailing. But everyone is getting so much joy in watching. The discussion itself should lead to improvements which bring more people into the different sports. I&';d love to see more games (such as Indian Kabadi) from around the world into the Olympics, too.

You may find word comes up with a message that this contains 'unreadable content' and asks if you trust it. Just click &'yes.&'; There is nothing here except the links to the film I Am Kalam. I've added simpler and simpler versions but the question still comes up. All the files do open fine, This is great story about a poor kid and a prince who become friends. explores wealth and poverty, identity, inspiration, socio-economic differences, bullying, relationships, loneliness, disappointment, courage, destiny or fate v our capacity to choose and work for our future and more

One of the most respected and prolific of speakers and writers about religion and spirituality - Deepak Chopra is also quite a controversial figure because traditional science is not able to cope with his radical philosophy. He qualified as a convensional doctor but went on to explore other forms of healing. I include a biography from Wikki here which includes the controversy, and many good youtube links. There are lots more but this is all I have time to research at the moment. good material to use with GCSE or A'Level classes.

in haste will add more later

This is a conversation from a thread on the Unemployed teacher's forum in which I was inspired to share something of why I think RE is important. I would love to have some responses from other RE people to get a clearer and stronger picture which I think may help us to fight for our subject more effectively. Lat&'s three principles for good RE - engaging spiritual and rigorous offer a great framework, too.

Hi Guys, I'm giving a workshop on this topic at a Teachmeet next week and they asked for resources that could be shared by participants afterwards.\nI have tried to think the subject through onto a Power Point and this is the result. I think it will be helpful and as always would love some feedback. \nI would use Tyger Tyger shining bright and selected poems and texts from different cultural and religious sources. So please send me a pm with some of those you find insightful.\nThanks\nLove and Peace DurgaMata