Why Religious Studies?

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infoWhy this? Religious Studies helps us understand how religious and non-religious worldviews shape individuals, communities, and everyday life. Establishing key vocabulary, recognising major traditions, and distinguishing between facts, beliefs, and opinions enables respectful, informed enquiry.

scheduleWhy now? As the opening unit of KS3, this establishes what Religious Studies involves and why it matters. Its concepts and habits of respectful discussion provide the foundation for studying particular worldviews, practices, and ethical questions throughout the course.

A religion is a tradition or worldview involving beliefs, practices, values, and communities concerned with the sacred and/or questions of ultimate meaning; religions may be theistic or non-theistic.
Religious Studies (RS) is important because it helps individuals become more tolerant, educated, aware, and respectful.
A fact is something that is true and can be supported by evidence; a belief is something accepted as true and can itself be true and evidence-based; and an opinion is a personal judgement.
The six main world religions are Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
The key religious symbols and their meanings are: the cross for Christianity, the crescent and star for Islam, the Star of David for Judaism, the Om for Hinduism, the Dharma wheel for Buddhism, and the Khanda for Sikhism.
Religion influences various areas of daily life, including food laws, clothing laws, holy texts, and music.
Some Christians interpret the creation account in Genesis 1 literally.
Other Christians interpret Genesis 1 non-literally and accept scientific accounts such as the Big Bang while still believing that God is the creator.
An atheist is someone who does not believe in any gods.
An agnostic is someone who thinks that the existence of gods is unknown or possibly unknowable.
A theist is someone who believes in one or more gods.

rocket_launchYou must be able to

Explain why RS is studied, including its importance for personal development and the development of tolerance and respect.
Outline what RS is and what it involves.
Name the six main world religions and correctly identify their symbols along with the meanings of each symbol.
Outline the six main world religions.
Evaluate ways in which religion influences daily life.

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