What are lessons like in this subject?
Religion, Ethics and Philosophy (REP) is an exciting and challenging subject that provides an outstanding education in thinking and communicating. You will learn to evaluate and argue with precision, skills your future university and employer is looking for.
This course gives students an opportunity to ask and consider the ‘big questions’ in life such as, “is there a God?”; “how should we behave and what do the words ‘right’, ‘wrong’, ‘good’, ‘bad’ actually mean?” and “how should Christians practice their faith today”? It also encourages students to reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes.
We use detailed study packs which we have in class and independent activities. This allows us to spend time discussing, challenging and evaluating ideas, concepts and theories
from all aspects of the course. This enables us to develop essential essay writing skills. The course is enhanced by talks by speakers from universities and religious and non-religious organisations.
What will I study?
Religion. Christianity – religious figures, sacred texts, religious concepts, social and historical developments in religious thought, e.g. who was Jesus? What is God’s nature? Is Christianity relevant today? Christian attitudes to inequality. Religious practices.
Ethics. Religious and secular theories about morality, e.g. utilitarianism, situation ethics and ethical egoism, and their application to issues, e.g. polyamorous relationships, capital punishment, immigration and animal testing. The debate about free will and determinism.
Philosophy. Arguments for the existence of God and challenges to them from atheism, science and psychology. The problem of evil and religious responses. Religious experiences and the debate around religious language.
What our
students
I enjoy studying Religion because it helps me understand different worldviews and connect what we learn to real world issues and ethical challenges. The subject encourages me to think in new ways and gives me the chance to hear and reflect on different perspectives and ideas about religion.
Josie Richardson, Horizon Community College
Religious Studies
Please note: Subject videos have been filmed from colleges across our Trust.
