SRSP 11-16 Topic 1 Unit 2b – How does Christianity make sense of the world?

 

This unit seeks to help students explore the relationship between science and Christian faith. It asks whether faith can be explained away by using science. Students look at the issue of miracles and ask whether they are possible.

This is an introduction to topic 1b and picks up on some of the issues discussed in units 1a and 1b. The unit looks at the origin of the universe and whether Christianity is still a reliable system for asking and answering questions about the meaning of life and the needs and values of a modern society.

This unit should be thought of as a starting point for many other units including Topics 3, 4 and 5.

This unit consists of 3 lessons and is suitable for students aged from 11 to 14 years

 

Key Questions

  • Is there a scientific explanation for religious faith? If there is, does it discredit the faith?
  • How far is it rational [or reasonable] to believe the seemingly impossible?
  • Is it possible to be both a scientist and a Christian?
  • How far do scientific discoveries strengthen or weaken personal faith?

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Unit Resources

Unit Overview (Word)

 

Lesson 1

Lesson Plan: How far is it possible to believe the impossible? (Word)

Student Resource Sheet 1: Is it possible to believe the impossible? (Word)

Student Resource Sheet 2a: Is it possible to believe the impossible? The Exodus [less able] (Word)

Student Resource Sheet 2b: Is it possible to believe the impossible? The Exodus [more able] (Word)

Student Worksheet 1: Quotations (Word)

Student Worksheet 2: Is it possible to believe the impossible? (Word)

 

Lesson 2

Lesson Plan: Can you be both a Christian and a scientist? (Word)

Student Resource Sheet 1a: Researching a Christian who is a scientist (Word)

Student Resource Sheet 1b: Francis Collins (Word)

Student Worksheet: Research Notes (Word)

PowerPoint Presentation: Can you be a scientist and a Christian? (PPT)

 

An Interview with Michael Poole

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An Interview with Arthur Peacock

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Lesson 3

Lesson Plan: How far do scientific discoveries strengthen faith? (Word)

Student Resource Sheet: Statement Cards (Word)

Student Worksheet 1: How far do scientific discoveries strengthen faith? (Word)

Student Worksheet 2: Making connections (Word)

© 2011 LASAR (Learning about Science and Religion)