Religious EducationSpring to SummerYear 7

VHA December 2019

Lesson Structure1. Is there a God

2. Islam

3. Hinduism

4. Buddhism

5. Mini Assessment

6. Sikhism

7. Christianity

8. Judaism

9. Humanism

10. Religious Festivals.

11. Revision

12. Assessment

Note to teacher: there is enough content here for 1 lesson per fortnight through spring and Summer.

Is there a God

Do Now Task:

What question were these people asked?

Learning ObjectivesFrom your learning today you will be able to state whether someone is an atheist, theist, agnostic

By extending your thinking you will be able define the key terms and to explain why some people think there is a God and why others would disagree.

If you really challenge yourself you will be able to justify your answer to the question ‘is there a God?’

Copy these key words and definitionsDoes not believe in God

Believes in God

Does not know whether there is a God or not

Theist

Atheist

Agnostic

Let’s put our new

learning into practice…

A

B C D

Your Challenge:For speech bubbles A-C, explain why a person might have said this.

Example:

An atheist might say this because they have seen suffering in the world and this makes them think that there is no God.

Group TaskMove into Groups of 4 and Each group will be assigned a picture

1

2

3

Looking at your image:

- How do you think the image you have might make someone become a theist (believe in God)?

- How do you think the image you have might make someone else become an atheist (not believe in God) or an agnostic (unsure whether there is a God)?

- Why?Try to use the

key words:atheist,

agnostic, theist.

This image might make someone believe in God because… it is an amazing sight and a theistmight believe that only God could create something so beautiful.

This image might lead someone away from believing in God because… it is dangerous and if someone is struck by lightening they might die. This is why someone might be an atheistbecause they might say that if there is a God he would not allow this to happen.

Example:

Group TaskNow swap your work with another group!

Then add to their response with your ideas…. And add develop their ideas or add your own.

Use the key words!

Atheist, Agnostic, Theist.

Example

This image might make someone believe in God because… it is an amazing sight and some people might believe that only God could create something so beautiful. Also, a lightening strike is a very powerful thing so a theist might say only God could cause it.

This image might lead someone away from believing in God because… it is dangerous and if someone is struck by lightening they might die. This is why someone might be an atheist because they might think that God should stop this.A person might be agnostic because they think it so beautiful it might be created by God but unsure because it can do bad things which they do not think God would allow.

1 2

3

SummaryNow you can state whether someone is an atheist, theist, agnostic

You can define the key terms and to explain why some people think there is a God and why others would disagree.

You can justify your answer to the question ‘is there a God?’

Homework

Think of at least 3 BIG questions you would like to ask God.

Due next lesson to share with the class

Islam

Do Now: 10 MinsAnswer this question in your books

What is Islam?

Need help?Think about what the word Muslim means to you?What are the key things that you identify with Islam/being a Muslim?What have you seen or heard?

Lesson ObjectivesGrade 1-3All will be able to describe what Islam is.Grade 4-5Most will be able to explain the 5 pillars of Islam.Grade 6Some will be able to evaluate and assess the principles of Islam and decide if any of these would help them to improve their own livesGrade 7 Evaluate the world you live in today would it be improved if the principles of Zakah and Sawmwere applied to across the board

IslamWhat do you think Islam is?Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion teaching that there is only one God, and that Muhammad is the messenger of God. It is the world's second-largest religion with over 1.8 billion followers or 24% of the world's population, most commonly known as Muslims. The founder is The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and the religion began in Saudi Arabia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv2I9ROwwEshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8768sLIi6g

Discuss - What do you think about the Islamic way of life?

Your Own 5 PillarsTaking what you know about the 5 pillars of Islam. Create your own 5 pillars – what do you think you

could do?

What do you have faith in? Do you think you could take time daily to pray or simply contemplate/meditate? Could you give more to charity? Would you ever fast? What place could you travel to that would really challenge you – maybe climb a mountain or compete in a marathon?

Extension: Evaluate the world you live in today would it be improved if the principles of Zakat and Saun were applied to across the board (charity/Fasting)

Have you increased your knowledge?Grade 1-3Can you describe what Islam is.Grade 4-5Can you explain the 5 pillars of Islam.Grade 6Evaluating the 5 pillars of Islam did you create your own 5 pillars to live by.Grade 7 Evaluate the world you live in today would it be improved if the principles of Zakah and Sawmwere applied to across the board

Homework shareLets share the results of last lessons homework.

What are your questions for God?

Homework - Research Hinduism

What do Hindus believe? Who do they worship? Where does the religion originate?

What do you think about the religion?

Do you think any of the principles would apply in your life?

Due Next lesson

Helpful staring point:

They follow these principles…

1. Truth is Eternal2. Brahman is truth and reality3. The Vedas are the ultimate authority4. Everyone should strive to achieve Dharma5. Individual souls are immortal6. The goal of the individual soul is Moksha

What do they mean?

Hinduism

Do nowGet your homework out and stick it in your books

Local, regional, caste, and community-driven practices influence the interpretation and practice of beliefs throughout the Hindu world.

Hindus believe in a Supreme Being and adhere to certain concepts such as Truth, dharma, and karma. And belief in the authority of the Vedas (sacred scriptures).

Homework recap….. Share and discuss information relating to Hinduism

10 Mins

Lesson ObjectivesTo be able to describe what Hinduism is

To know the basic principles of the Hindu faith

To understand how Hindus worship and who they worship.

Lets fill in the gapsHinduism is the world's third most popular religion, with around 750 million followers. The religion of Hinduism originated in Northern India, near the river Indus, about 4000 years ago and is the world's oldest existing religion.

Any information missing in you homework please add to your books

FactsWhere does the name Hindu come from?

The word "Hindu" comes from the name of the river Indus, which flows 1800 miles from Tibet through Kashmir and Pakistan to the sea.

What is the symbol of Hinduism?

Aum is the main symbol of Hinduism. It is the sound heard in deepest meditation and is said to be the name most suited for God

What do Hindus believe?• For many Hindus, religion is a

matter of practice rather than of beliefs. It's more what you do, than what you believe. Hindus believe in a universal soul or God called Brahman. Brahman takes on many forms that some Hindus worship as gods or goddesses in their own right.

• Hindus believe that there is a part of Brahman in everyone and this is called the Atman.

What is KarmaHindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and its next incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived.

Karma is the cause of our particular destiny.

Hindus therefore aim to live in a way that will cause each of their lives to be better than the life before.

Task:

What does Incarnation/ Reincarnation mean?

Can you write down 2 examples of what might be considered Karma.

DharmaClass Task

Think about your life and what might be included as Dharma for you?

Write them down in a list

Then we will share as a class

How do Hindus achieve Moksha? (to become one with Brahma)1 Moksha - the release of the soul (Atman) from the cycle of rebirth.

The individual soul (Atman) unites with Brahman the universal soul. There are different ways to Moksha. spiritual - involves acquiring spiritual knowledge through yoga and meditation, devotion to god, working selflessly for the good of society.

How a person is reincarnated is determined by karma.

2 Dharma - the code for leading one's life.Respect for elders is considered important and many consider marriage as a son's religious duty.

3 Artha - the pursuit of material gain by lawful means.

4 Karma- through pure acts, knowledge and devotion, you can reincarnate to a higher level.

Reincarnation?If you could be reincarnated…. What would you come back as?

Hindu GodsHindus actually only believe in one God – Brahman. The gods of the Hindu faith represent different forms of Brahman. These gods are sent to help people find the universal God (Brahman).

What is the Hindu place of Worship?We will now watch a video of Hindu worshippers at their temple.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/worship-in-a-hindu-shrine/3619.html

Water, fruit, flowers and incense are offered to the gods.

Worship at homeSome people choose to worship individually and quietly at home where they have their own shrines.The majority of Hindu homes have a shrine where offerings are made and prayers are said.A shrine can be anything: a room, a small altar or simply a picture.

Key Words:Murti = images of Godbell = the bell is rung to let God know they have come to worshipPrashad = blessed food offered to the GodsDiva lamp = the light is a symbol of God’s presence

How much of this did you capture in your homework?!

Go through your homework and tick all the bits you included in purple.

Extension/DifferentiationCreate a poster of one of the Hindu gods – resource on next two slides.

VishnuVishnu is the preserver god, which means he protects the universe from being destroyed and keeps it going, according to this religion, and he has come to earth in nine forms (called avatars) so far, with one yet to come. His most famous forms are Rama and Krishna. Vishnu's wife is Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of fortune.

Known as the preserver, Vishnu is one of three supreme Hindu deities, along with Brahma and Shiva. Vishnu's role is to protect humans and to restore order to the world. His presence is found in every object and force in creation, and some Hindus recognize him as the divine being from which all things come.

Equal to Brahma or Shiva, he has superhuman strength (Class 100+), stamina, and resistance to harm plus considerable power to manipulate energies on cosmic scales.

ShivaShiva is one of the three main gods in Hinduism. Shiva is causeless auspiciousness. An embodiment of ultimate space of enlightenment. He assumed human form to guide humans in the past and thus is known as Adhiguru (first guru). His space of enlightenment. is what all spiritual seekers aspire for.

He is one of the supreme beings within Shaivism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism. Shiva is known as "The Destroyer" within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. ... Shiva is also known as Adiyogi Shiva, regarded as the patron god of yoga, meditation and arts.

Shiva's role is to destroy the universe in order to re-create it. Hindus believe his powers of destruction and recreation are used even now to destroy the illusions and imperfections of this world, paving the way for beneficial change

SummaryI can describe what Hinduism is

I know the basic principles of the Hindu faith

I understand how Hindus worship and who they worship.

Buddhism

Lesson ObjectivesGrade 1-3All will be able to describe what Buddhism is.Grade 4-5Most will be able to explain the 8 Fold Path and how it relates to ArhatGrade 6Some will be able to evaluate their own lives and apply the 8 fold Path to itGrade 7 Evaluate the world you live in today would it be improved if the principles of Buddhism were applied to across the board

Buddhism What do you think Buddhism is? Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion with over 520 million followers, or over 7% of the global population, known as Buddhists. It encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on original teachings attributed to the Buddha and resulting interpreted philosophies.

Who is The Buddha: https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/clips/z7jyr82

Buddhist life: https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/clips/zp8n34j

What do you think to the Buddhist way of life?"

The Nobel 8 fold PathThe Eightfold Path consists of eight practices: right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right samadhi ('meditative absorption or union'). The Noble Eightfold Path is one of the principal teachings of Theravada Buddhism, taught to lead to Arhatship.

https://youtu.be/RLS81XFzaWw

Key word: Arhat, (Sanskrit: “one who is worthy”), Pali arahant, in Buddhism, a perfected person, one who has gained insight into the true nature of existence and has achieved nirvana (spiritual enlightenment

Task:

Complete your 8 Fold Path sheets.

Define the 8 paths and complete your own 8 fold path and then complete the questions

20 mins

Meditation Activity

Sit comfortably.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNh2yB0w8gU

5 Minutes

EvaluateWe have discovered the key themes of Buddhism and what part the 8 fold path plays.We have even tried to meditate.

Question: Do you think any of these principles would enhance the world right now? If so explain which ones, and how. If not explain why?Follow the following structure: Describe (Buddhism is), Evidence (Facts), Explanation (This is because), Develop (As a result)

10 minutes

Have you increased your knowledge?Grade 1-3Can you describe what Buddhism is?Grade 4-5Can you explain the 8 Fold Path and how it relates to Arhat?Grade 6Did you evaluate their own lives and apply the 8 fold Path to it?Grade 7 Did evaluate the world you live in today and identify if it would be improved with the principles of Buddhism applied?

Homework – Research Sikhism What do Sikhs believe? What practices do they follow?Who is Guru Nanak?What is their holy scripture called?What are the 5 Ks?What do you think about the religion? Do you think any of the principles would apply in your life?

Due next lesson

Quick Mini AssessmentRE Quiz Time.

Sikhism

Lesson 3 Do nowGet your homework out.

Homework recap….. Share and discuss information relating to Sikhism

10 Mins

Lesson ObjectivesTo be able to describe what Sikhism is

To know the basic principles of the Sikh faith

I understand how Sikhism compares to my faith

How much did you find out?

Stick your homework into your book

While we watch the video add any information you might have missed.

https://youtu.be/qXhV3dMxSzE

What do you know about Guru Nanak?Again looking at your homework … add any information you might have missed.

https://youtu.be/twkJ1pc5BvU

The 5 K’s

Finally watch this video and add any missing information on the 5 k’s

https://youtu.be/QYW10gv3jm0

Sikhs don’t practice Martial Arts……..Or do they?

https://youtu.be/DwMp4Lymyc8

https://youtu.be/97UBLhsdsQc

Which of the skills you’ve seen impress you the most? Do you think you might like to take up Martial Arts Training?

Gatka is the name of an Indian martial art associated with the Sikhs of the Punjab region, and with the Tanoli and Gujjar communities residing in mountainous regions of northern Pakistan who practice an early variant of the martial art. It is a style of stick fighting, with wooden sticks intended to simulate swords

Class Task – Think about your lifeWrite 3 things you have in common with Sikhs

Write 3 things you have that are different to Sikhs

SummaryI am able to describe what Sikhism is

I know the basic principles of the Sikh faith

I understand how Sikhism compares to my faith

Christianity

Lesson ObjectivesTo explore the Christian Faith and its laws

To know what part Jesus plays in the Christian faith and how he relates to the bible.

To understand what the holy trinity is how the main features of a church

Founder

Symbol

Place of worship

Holy book

Where did it begin

Festivals

Do now – Match the words and pictures

Key features of a churchOpposite is a diagram of a typical Church.

Lets define what each of the parts are used for:

Altar:

Sanctuary:

Chancel:

Pulpit:

Lectern:

Nave:

Quick Question: Why do you think the church is structured in this layout?

The Holy TrinityChristians believe that god comes in 3 parts.

The Father, Son and the Holy spirit.

When Christians they cross themselves make the sign of the cross in part this is what they are doing recognising.

https://youtu.be/autaIzGDcy8

https://youtu.be/0HMryr1ZlxQ

10 Commandments

These are a list of rules that all Christians must abide by.

What do you think they mean?

https://youtu.be/SjHPzuINEts

https://youtu.be/aX28nAB4S7A

Task: Create your own set of commandments fit for 2019 onwards.

JesusChristians believe that Jesus was the son of god sent down to earth and that he died for our sins.

Question:

What is a Sin?

https://youtu.be/O9GSs5B-0yQ

While we watch the video write down all the things that Jesus did!Do you find his story inspiring?

About the bibleThe bible is the Christian holy book but it is more than just a book

It is split into two books

The Old Testament The New Testament

The Bible has 40 authors and was written over the course of 2000 years

About creation of World, Life of Early man, Why God chose Israel, The Israelite suffering and deliverance from Egypt

Tells about life of Jesus, His preaching, His death and resurrection ,Salvation to mankind, God’s commandments for Christians.

https://youtu.be/9X6-Nid5cpk

SummaryI have explore the Christian Faith and its laws

I know what part Jesus plays in the Christian faith and how he relates to the bible.

I understand what the holy trinity is how the main features of a church

HomeworkWhat other denominations (types) of Christianity do you know about.

Spend 30 mins at home researching and bring a mindmap to next lesson to share.

Clue: one of them is Catholicism

Christian denominations

Time to share our homeworkWhat did you find out?

Hands up before speaking!

Are they all pretty much the same?How do they differ?

How many did you get?

How many of these types did you manage to find out about?

Do you have any that aren’t on this slide?

One Faith?Christianity is divided between Eastern and Western theology. In these two divisions there are six branches: Catholicism, Protestantism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Oriental Orthodoxy, and Assyrians. Restorationism is sometimes considered the seventh branch.

Though there are many different types of Christian they all have 3 things in common. An acknowledgment that Jesus is the son of god, Acceptance of the Holy Trinity* and that there is only 1 God.

Each Faith choses to interpret the bible in a different way and express their faith in different ways.

*Except Jehovahs Witness

Snapshot – SalvationistsThe Salvation ArmyFounded in 1865 by William and Catherine BoothThe Salvation Army is a ProtestantChristian church and an international charitable organisation. The organisation reports a worldwide membership of over 1.7 million, consisting of soldiers, officers and adherents collectively known as Salvationists

UniformedNo AlcoholGods army against evilEmphasis on action – providing relief to poor and those in crisis

Snap Shot - CatholicsChurches are more elaborately decoratedEmphasis on Mary the mother of godThe Pope and The Vatican are in chargeLatin services and ScripturePope can forgive sinCan earn salvation

Snap Shot - Protestants

Churches tend to be plainerDecision can be made by the congregationForgiveness of sins is by godCannot earn salvationEnglish language for scripture and services

Protestant V CatholicOne of the differences between Protestants and Catholics is the way they view bread and wine during religious services. Catholics believe that the bread and wine actually turns into the body and blood of Christ. Protestants believe it stays bread and wine and only represents Christ

Snap Shot - EvangelistsThese people tend to be more informal in appearance but can be quite conservative in their interpretation of the bible and behaviour.

Their worship is quite dynamic and modern with bands and songs rather than an organ and Hymns.

They focus on outreach and spreading the word of God.

Snap Shot - Jehovahs Witness•They don't believe in military service, national anthems or voting.

•They don't celebrate holidays.•They don't accept blood transfusions.•They shun those who go astray.•They limit contact with non-Jehovah's Witnesses.

Beliefs. Jehovah's Witnesses, regardless of their divergence from more mainstream doctrines, are a Christian faith. They believe in God, the creator, and that Jesus Christ is His son. However, they do not believe in the Trinity, the doctrine that God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit are all aspects of one God

DiscussWhy has Christianity split into so many different interpretations?

Do we see other religions splitting in this way?

Why do we think this happens.

Judaism

Do now - Match the words and picturesFounder

Symbol

Place of worship

Holy book

Where did it begin

Festivals Occasions

Do now - Match the words and picturesFounder

Symbol

Place of worship

Holy book

Where did it begin

Festivals Occasions

Lesson ObjectivesTo explore the Jewish faith and it key traditions

To know the ancient history of the Jewish people.

And to understand what life is like today for the modern Jew.

Judaism 101

Watch

and make notes….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWsKZ2Xto4Y

Do

Answer these questions:Where did Judaism begin?What book(s) is Judaism based upon?Judaism is said to be the root of two other faiths what are they?What does Monotheistic mean?What are the key aspects of the Jewish faith that interest you?Is there anything you disagree with? Why?

The Synagogue – where Jews worshipMatch up the terms below to their numbers on the diagram?Congregation seatingChair of Elijah10 commandmentsHoly ArkSteps to platformNer TamidSiddurMenorahBimahTorah Scrolls

https://youtu.be/9ddPrQqqaz8

The Torah, Talmud and HalachaJewish people live their lives largely based upon the rules and instruction found within

these 3 books.

The first is the Torah.

The meaning of “Torah” is often restricted to signify the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), also called the Law (or the Pentateuch, in Christianity). These are the books traditionally ascribed to Moses, the recipient of the original revelation from God on Mount Sinai

https://youtu.be/3QZ792rjcVE

Question: What similarities do you see in the Jewish Torah and the bible?What is this evidence of?

Being Jewish https://youtu.be/mKDbf7VOhH8 https://youtu.be/Y425glLA6AE

Class TaskCreate a mind map of all the

key points you have heard and seen so far

Using colour and illustration where necessary.

This should be a display worthy piece of work!

20 mins

Lesson ObjectivesI have explored the Jewish faith and it key traditions

I know the history of the Jewish people

I understand what life is like today for the modern Jew and can compare it to my own making key observations.

Humanist

Do nowWhat do you think the word Humanist means?

Have a brainstorm and write down your thoughts….

Lesson ObjectivesTo explore what Humanism means and to know what Humanists believe

To understand how this belief structure affects the way they lead their lives.

To be able to develop a structured argument both for and against Humanism.

What is humanism.Humanism is very different to all of the faiths that we have explored so far.

One key difference is that there is no god!

https://youtu.be/DZN8Ne1nmr4

Key Points to noteNon SuperstitiousDeath is finalMake the most of this lifeThere is only 1 lifeHuman FocusMorality based on reasonWorld is preciousUnderstanding through scienceRational view of the world“Live well and be good” Tim Minchin

What's the meaning of life?The Humanist answer to this question is a little different from our religious people.

https://youtu.be/Tvz0mmF6NW4

Watch

• No obvious purpose• Life is a natural phenomenon - with no design behind and a clear beginning and end• We create our own meaning• The universe is not created for us – we are part of our families and communities.• There are many different meaning to our lives• We are all unique and a product of our parents, environment and connections• There is no defined recipe for living• Live life well

Humanists cant get married, can they?

Marriage doesn’t have to be religious at all and in fact you can get married at a local register office in a legally binding ceremony.

In fact the documentation signed at the register office is the same documentation that you must have signed after any religious ceremony in order that the marriage be legally recognised!

But you can have a humanist wedding ceremony….

Is Humanism a religion?

The whole point for Humanists is that there is no god for them.

They live in the here and now and believe there is only one life here on earth and that there is no afterlife.

Qu: What word could humanists also be described as? Atheist

Class TaskMove into groups of 4

Write a short presentation/speechSubject: Is Humanism the answer?

2 people should state the case for why Humanism is right and

2 people should be against humanism and state the case for religion

Think about this structure

Point/ Evidence / Explain/ Link back

Now lets see what you’ve got……

Summary I have explored what Humanism means and know what Humanists believe

I understand how this belief structure affects the way they lead their lives.

I can develop a structured argument both for and against Humanism.

HomeworkResearch a religious festival!

Bring all the details to next lesson

Religious Festivals

Do now

How many religious festivals can you think of?and

What religions do they represent?

ShareLets write our results on the whiteboard and see how many festivals we

know about.

What are the most popular festivals in this class?

https://youtu.be/MK2o-mhBfuc https://youtu.be/qeguiNi3Uac https://youtu.be/K-MrY9FAtdY

https://youtu.be/W94SdiWhtr8

Religious FestivalsLets have a show of hands

How many of you enjoy a good party?

How many of you like to dance and sing?

How many of you like to eat party food till you want to explode?

Religious FestivalsOur festivals are a great excuse of us to do all the things we love to do

But they always have a more serious sideThey always have a message

In groups of 4 spend the next 20 mins creating a poster with as much information about your chosen festival as you can.

What do people do? Why do they do it? What is the message?

Presentation TimeIn your groups stand at the front and tell us all about your chosen festival

Revision Lesson

Assessment Lesson