Philosophy of Religion: Questions about the existence of God: The Design, Cosmological and Ontological arguments. Religious experience. The problem of evil and suffering. Religious language. Works of scholars including Copleston and Russell. Influences of developments in religious belief, e.g. Science and religion, life after death. Religion and Ethics: Environmental issues and equality. A study of three ethical theories: Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics and Natural Moral Law. Application of ethical theories to issues of importance: war and peace, sexual ethics. Ethical language: Meta-ethics; the relationship between religion and morality. Deontology, Virtue ethics and the works of scholars such as Kant and Aristotle. Medical ethics: the beginning and end of life issues: status of the embryo, sanctity of life, stem cells, IVF, abortion; assisted dying, euthanasia, palliative care. Personhood and religious and secular contributions to the debate on these issues. New Testament: The social, historical and religious context of the New Testament. Texts and interpretation of the Person of Jesus. St. John’s prologue, titles of Jesus, miracles and signs. Interpreting the text and issues of relationship, purpose and authorship of John’s gospel. Ways of interpreting scripture. Texts and interpretation: the Kingdom of God, conflict, the death and resurrection of Jesus. Scientific and historical-critical challenges, ethical living and the works of scholars.