Religious Studies

Course summary

Students will examine a number of key philosophic and ethical issues that have challenged mankind both historically and currently. They will observe the conclusions of the secular world and gain an understanding of how Jewish scholars have responded to these issues. In Year 12, they will study different philosophies concerning the nature of G-d, life after death, the source of religious authority and the nature of religious experience. They will also consider the ethical issues of justice, honesty and the nature of morality. Modern issues such as medical ethics, capital punishment and animal rights will be examined in light of these ethical approaches. In Year 13, they will go on to examine the relationship between science, religion and religious responses to the continuing secularisation of society. They will compare different understandings on the nature of belief and how this is manifest today in the Jewish world, the nature of miracles and the use of language in religious expression. In Judaism & Ethics, students will study the ethical responses of different groups within Judaism as well as issues of identity, relationships, community and moral responsibility.