Intended for Edexcel new spec Topic 1.2 of Paper 3 - New Testament. Exploring the social, economic and geographical context of the events of the Gospels. As yet untested on an actual class - feedback welcome!

A brief powerpoint exploring the doctrine of divine simplicity - does God have parts? What implications does this idea have for discussion of such attributes as omniscience, omnipotence, eternality?

I have turned some of the work of Rev. Dr Thomas Williams' entry on Anselm in the SEP into a handout. Focusses on how Anselm develops his discussions of God's impassibility, timelessness and simplicity, from his several statements of the ontological argument in Proslogion 2 and 3. Actually not as complex as it sounds! Full article found at http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/anselm/

First published by the Christian Medical Fellowship in 1995, and written by a consultant gynaecologist, this piece is a very thoughtful exploration of the different ethical issues raised by various forms of contraception. Not from a Catholic viewpoint, but it explains the papal views on the issues and provides a helpful medical background to the risks of some contraceptive pills, especially in the 1950s. Clear explanations of 'the subtleties of contraception' including the differing effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives on younger and older women. Links to further reading in the bibliography.

Powerpoint introduction to the Goodness of God topic. Basis of God's goodness in his character and divine simplicity. Introduction to what 'good' means for God through the Euthyphro Dilemma, and examination of two difficult texts - Abraham's call to sacrifice Isaac, and the Amalekite genocide of 1 Samuel 15. Views of Professors William Lane Craig, William Darwall, Richard Dawkins and Dr Tim Keller summarised or linked to. Includes several Youtube clips and links to wider reading.

Powerpoint explaining key Christian views on resurrection, using biblical passages and images. The timeline of the first and second resurrections explained, plus the nature of the resurrection body and what the disembodied soul is like before resurrection (Tertullian's traducianism and Aquinas' creationism of the soul are summarised). Starter activity using a popular Christian song, with an evocative video - students to analyse lyrics and explain symbolism used. Links to other syllabus areas e.g. is eternal punishment fair? How can Heaven be perfect if there is something that the disembodied soul is waiting for in it?

Powerpoint covering life after death in Christian belief. Slides explain the nature of the resurrection body, the experience of heaven (and hell); the reason why Christians believe in resurrection, and more. Bible quotes and links to more advanced websites. Starter is a Christian song with a memorable video - students to analyse lyrics and explain the symbolism of the clothes worn etc.

Many students struggle with the idea of truth in myth. These two resources explore how Marvel/ DC 'superhero' movies act as modern day myths, dealing with purpose, injustice, hope, etc. Second resource links this to Christianity - explores how C.S. Lewis was convinced by J.R.R. Tolkien that Christianity was a 'true myth'.

Gives a brief intro to myth and then to Bultmann, focussing on his desire to strip away 'peripheral legends' and discover the 'Christ of faith' through demythologising the Gospel texts.

Extracts from Mill's 'Three Essays on Religion', focussing on his claim that Nature is excessively cruel. Does the amount of pain in the natural world indicate that the world is not good? Also examines Richard Dawkins' example of the Digger Wasp and his counterclaim that nature is not cruel, merely 'pitilessly indifferent'.

This video is mainly an excellent overview of Business Ethics, with a section on Catholic views at the end. Moving from the simple transactional ethics in an agrarian society, to the challenges of today's anonymous globalised markets, it concludes with a section on what future challenges to for business ethics might look like, and suggestions to make business practice more ethical. Very clear, excellent graphics and lots of useable case studies. 22mins. Worksheet contains headings to help with student notetaking.

Profoundly unsettling and difficult to describe, is the experience of the 'uncanny' evidence for the existence of God? This lesson introduces Otto's ideas, and presents C.S. Lewis' critique of them in the form of an animated retelling of his famous introduction to 'The Problem of Pain' (ghost in the room, tiger in the next room etc). Isaiah's vision of the Lord filling the temple analysed, and a discussion of how the Numinous links with Gothic Horror literature. Students to synthesise their thoughts in an essay plan.

A lesson prepared for my school's MOCKsted inspection, featuring introduction to the term 'conversion', excerpts from James' lectures on the subject, a video testimony of gangster-turned-preacher Nicky Cruz, plus the confession of the 'most dejected convert in all England': C.S. Lewis. Students consider whether James' idea that conversion is a 'normal adolescent phenomenon' is borne out by evidence.

Powerpoint providing examples of corporate religious experience. From the ethereal chords of Mozart's Requiem to the base guitar and full rock band of megachurch Hillsong Australia, how does music influence religious experience? Finishes with an investigation into charismatic phenomena (signs and wonders, esp healing and glossolalia) and also a research task into the Toronto Blessing.

Is the experience that some people have of God analogous to the experience that each of us has of public objects? In what respects? Swinburne's Principle of Credulity, his Four Defeating Conditions, Martin's Negative Principle of Credulity and Swinburne's Cumulative argument all discussed.

Prawns? Lycra? Gay sex?Aren't the Old Testament's prohibitions against shellfish, mixed fibres and homosexuality indicative of an arbitrary and outdated morality? This lesson on homosexuality examines Biblical texts, discusses the meaning of the 'moral' and 'ceremonial' laws, introduces a Foucaultian persective on sexuality as power, and gives three personal stories - Rev Vaughan Roberts, Mark Cannon, and Vicky Beeching (shortlised for Stonewall's Hero of the Year award, 2014). Students encouraged to analyse the differing perspectives within one faith tradition and to finish with an essay plan on the role conscience plays in sexual matters.

Exploration of deontological approaches to marriage and sex, with a particular focus on Immanuel Kant. Are extramarital and premarital sex irrational? Also features a youtube video, 'C.S. Lewis' famous essay 'We have no right to happiness', which proved very provocative with my students! A great discussion starter on the differences between deontological and teleological approaches in sexual ethics.

Dr William Lane Craig (Kalam Cosmological Argument) and Dr Ray Bradley (Possible Worlds) debate on the issue of hell. Can God be loving and just and send people to hell for ever? Do people have a choice in the matter, or are the 'doors of hell locked on the inside?' This resource contains extracts from a stimulating debate, held at Simon Fraser University.

Dr William Lane Craig (Kalam Cosmological Argument) and Dr Ray Bradley (Possible Worlds) debate the merits of eternal hell. Can God be good and send people there? Have people a free choice in the matter? Are the 'doors of hell locked from the inside?' This resource consists of extracts from the debate at Simon Fraser University.

This source article, from an business ethics website, helps candidates to apply Kantian and Virtue ethics thinking to rights and duties in the business context. Is it still cheating if it is the small guy who lets the big guy down?