Many students struggle with the idea of truth in myth. These two resources explore how Marvel/ DC 'superhero' movies act as modern day myths, dealing with purpose, injustice, hope, etc. Second resource links this to Christianity - explores how C.S. Lewis was convinced by J.R.R. Tolkien that Christianity was a 'true myth'.
Year 1 Edexcel New Testament. Considers the background of the Persian Empire, the Greek overthrow and the division of the Empire post - Alexander. Also deals with Maccabean revolt and invasion of Rome.
Is the experience that some people have of God analogous to the experience that each of us has of public objects? In what respects? Swinburne's Principle of Credulity, his Four Defeating Conditions, Martin's Negative Principle of Credulity and Swinburne's Cumulative argument all discussed.
First published by the Christian Medical Fellowship in 1995, and written by a consultant gynaecologist, this piece is a very thoughtful exploration of the different ethical issues raised by various forms of contraception. Not from a Catholic viewpoint, but it explains the papal views on the issues and provides a helpful medical background to the risks of some contraceptive pills, especially in the 1950s. Clear explanations of 'the subtleties of contraception' including the differing effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives on younger and older women. Links to further reading in the bibliography.
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.
Suitable for self - learning and progression into A level RS, a booklet with a two hour section on each of Philosophy of Religion, Religion (Christianity) and Ethics. All resources mentioned in the tasks are available for free, including the Ethics book. All the links work and each section directly relates to A level course of study (most suitable for Eduquas and Edexcel exam boards).
With thanks to Nikki McGee on Save RE who inspired the format and task 2.
Dr William Lane Craig (Kalam Cosmological Argument) and Dr Ray Bradley (Possible Worlds) debate the merits of eternal hell. Can God be good and send people there? Have people a free choice in the matter? Are the 'doors of hell locked from the inside?' This resource consists of extracts from the debate at Simon Fraser University.
This source article, from an business ethics website, helps candidates to apply Kantian and Virtue ethics thinking to rights and duties in the business context. Is it still cheating if it is the small guy who lets the big guy down?
A brief powerpoint and research activity focussed on the benefits and challenges that Roman occupation brought to the world of the first century. Activity is running a campaign to challenge the Judean People's Front! (or, should that be the People's Front of Judea?!)
'The Screwtape Letters' deal with the 'meddlesome' Boethius and his writings on divine foreknowledge. Does God know the outcome of a believer's prayers before they are asked? If so, what is the point of praying?
Dr William Lane Craig (Kalam Cosmological Argument) and Dr Ray Bradley (Possible Worlds) debate on the issue of hell. Can God be loving and just and send people to hell for ever? Do people have a choice in the matter, or are the 'doors of hell locked on the inside?' This resource contains extracts from a stimulating debate, held at Simon Fraser University.
Explains God’s omnibonevolence, with Scriptural support, and then the Euthypro challenge. Use of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac and the Amalekite genocide as specific examples of possible arbitrary and tyrannical divine commands. Humanist and religious response given.
Drawn from a Guardian article, this resource summarises Archbishop Welby's thinking on corporate responsibility and guilt, based on his years as an oil executive. Fascinating proposals for corporate 'humiliation' and very quotable.
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.
I designed these to help me assess my students mid - topic before I set them an essay. Intended to take about 40 mins each, the four tests (Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics, Natural Law 1 and Natural Law 2 (Finnis/Hoose) contain a mix of short and longer questions.
Various retrieval and recap quizzes, Eduqas A level Christianity. Suitable for other boards too:
Baptism
Trinity
Death and resurrection
Feminist views of God
Made with mini whiteboard plenaries in mind. Have worked well for me; enjoy!
Four retrieval quizzes, three suitable for mini whiteboards and one on Word, on:
Verification
Falsification
Language Games
Based on the Edexcel specification and the Religious Language anthology (university symposium between Flew, Hare and Mitchell) with an additional quiz on early and late Wittgenstein thrown in.
Worked well in my classes - enjoy!