Religious Studies Department
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We study different belief and worship ‘systems’, concentrating on the three monotheistic faiths Christianity, Judaism and Islam but also covering Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. We examine the rational basis for belief in God and then the self-revelation believed to be made by God in these religions.
Ethical and theological issues of the modern world are also examined, e.g. Has science disproved religion? What sacrifices should we be prepared to make for others? Should the death penalty ever be used? Should we forgive injuries? Why pray? Should we always obey the law of the land? Etc.
Common entrance at 13+ requires a knowledge and understanding of 10 Old Testament and 10 New Testament episodes and a World Religion (we currently study Judaism). Ethical issues arising from or connected with these themes have also to be discussed and debated.
We make visits to local churches, synagogues, mosques and temples. We research on the internet and make use of DVD resources.
We hope to leave a boy at 13 with some understanding of man’s religious sense and the means to assess for himself the truths or otherwise of religion in general and different religions in particular.