Religious Studies

Assessment

Paper one Written examination (2 hours) on Philosophy of Religion The content for this paper explores some of the main contemporary philosophical issues and questions about religion, such as the belief in God or the conviction that life has both meaning and purpose. It will also engage with arguments and debates on religious and non-religious views of life, which focus on some key areas of controversy that shape the modern world, including the problems of evil and suffering. In addition, it will look at the nature and influence of religious experience, philosophical language, science and the works of scholars who have contributed to these debates. Paper Two Written examination (2 hours) on Religion and Ethics The content for this paper is focused on exploring both common ground and controversy in dealing with issues that arise in the areas of morality and religion in the context of the modern world. There will also be a study of some of the underlying ideas and concepts behind these issues, as well as questions about how ethical and religious ideas and solutions may be applied in practice in contemporary social, political and personal situations. The paper also covers issues such as equality, war and peace, and sexual ethics. Paper Three Written examination (2 hours) on Theology The content for this paper focuses on the interconnections of religious beliefs, values and teachings, and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world. As part of this study, specific sources of wisdom authority and sacred texts are studied and examined. This component allows the boys to explore the significant social and historical developments in theology, including the contemporary challenges of secularisation, migration, science and gender politics, as well as a more general discussion about the relationship between religion and society.