Religious Studies

Belief and Morality

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The first chapter will look at why evil and suffering are problems for religious believers. Chapter two considers how people claim to know God through general and special revelations. Next, the third chapter examines the concept of life after death, showing how religious teachings lead people to believe that there is an afterlife. Chapter four will investigate why people do or do not believe in God. It will explain the terms theism, atheism and agnosticism. The scientific and religious versions of creation are outlined in chapters five and six. After this, sources of religious authority such as holy books, leaders, conscience, reason and tradition are explored in chapter seven. Different beliefs about God will be looked at next. Finally, in chapter nine, the terms relative and absolute morality are explained and applied to abortion and divorce.

Basic Buddhist Beliefs and Values

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:37 +0100

This title will teach you about Basic Buddhist Beliefs and Values'. Since Buddhism is a difficult religion to get your head round, it provides you with an introduction to Buddhism in the first chapter. It will then look at the life of the Buddha, and how he realised that life was full of suffering. This is important as it explains how the Buddha came to develop his views on the world around him, and how he finally understood the way things are. The title also examines Buddhist teachings such as the dhamma, the meaning of the three refuges and the three marks of existence - dukkha, anicca, and anatta. We will look at how Buddhists live their lives and their concepts of karma, death and rebirth. Finally, we will discuss Buddhist beliefs about Nirvana, Enlightenment and The Wheel of Life.

Buddhist Attitudes Towards Life, Suffering and Death

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:37 +0100

This title, Buddhist Attitudes Towards Life, Suffering and Death', looks at Buddhist attitudes towards moral issues and matters of life and death. The first chapter focuses on attitudes towards equality, such as those between men and women, as well as racism, wealth and poverty. The chapter also describes the concept of metta', which is a Buddhist belief that everything and everyone should be treated with loving kindness. The second chapter explains what Buddhists believe about creation and the sacredness of life. It also looks at Buddhist views towards the environment and animals. The third chapter, Buddhist Attitudes towards Matters of Life and Death', explains Buddhist views towards modern issues such as abortion, genetic engineering, euthanasia, suicide and capital punishment.

Buddhist Festivals, Celebration and Rites of Passage

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:37 +0100

This title looks at Buddhist Festivals, Celebrations and Rites of Passage. It will discuss the main festivals in Buddhism. The first chapter focuses on Wesak', which is a festival that celebrates the life of the Buddha, and the rain retreat festival of Vassa'. The second chapter covers the different New Year festivals in Buddhism and the important Uposatha Day'. The third chapter explains what the birth and ordination ceremonies are in the different Buddhist traditions. Ordination ceremonies are very important in Buddhism, as this is when a young monk enters into the monkhood for a short time. The fourth chapter describes the different Buddhist ceremonies of marriage and looks at the Buddha's teachings on metta', which is loving kindness'. The final chapter discusses what Buddhists believe about death and how they mark the death of a loved one.

Buddhist Worship and Holy Books

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:37 +0100

This title is about Buddhist Worship and Holy Books'. It looks at the different ways in which Buddhists worship and how their type of worship differs from other religions. Meditation is a very important part of Buddhism, as is pilgrimage, which is a journey to a religious place. The title explains how the places involved in the Buddha's life are the most important places of pilgrimage for Buddhists. We will look at the most important places of worship in Buddhism, such as shrines, monasteries, stupas and pagodas. The third chapter discusses how important the holy books are in a Buddhist's life. The final chapter will look at the Pali Canon', Sanskrit Canon' and other Holy books. It will focus on why the Pali Canon', which is also known as the Tripitaka', is significant for both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists.

Living the Buddhist Life and Different Schools of Buddhism

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:37 +0100

This title will initially look at Buddhist attitudes towards the family, and will make it clear why Buddhists believe that metta' is so important in family relationships. It explains the levels of responsibility that are expected in a family. The second chapter focuses on the role that the Buddha's teachings have on the way a Buddhist lives, and will discuss important rituals in a Buddhist's life. The Monastic Sangha', will look at the Buddhist community of monks and nuns, explaining some of the rules that they have to abide by and what life in the monastery is like. The fourth chapter is about the school of Theravada Buddhism, which is the oldest school in Buddhism. We will then look at the other main school, Mahayana Buddhism. These chapters will also analyse how and why these two schools are different.

Basic Christian Beliefs and Values

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:37 +0100

At the heart of Christianity is the belief that God sent his Son to live on earth in order to show humans what He is like, and ultimately to die as a sacrifice. This would bring about forgiveness and reconciliation between God and humans, since sin was stopping humans from having a good relationship with God. This title covers Christian beliefs about the nature of God, where good and evil come from, what sin is and why salvation is necessary, and what Christians believe happens after death. It will also deal with how Christians should live their lives now considering the costs of discipleship, the role of the Church and beliefs in the sanctity of life. Finally, some Christian symbols and sacraments will be discussed. The Apostles' Creed will be referred to throughout the chapters rather than on its own.

Christian Attitudes Towards Life, Suffering and Death

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:37 +0100

This title deals with the way Christians' values and beliefs impact upon their daily lives. Firstly, it will explore Christian views on the afterlife, and focus on opinions surrounding controversial issues such as abortion. The chapter Work and Leisure' will examine what Christians believe to be acceptable employment and their views about working on a Sunday. The Media' investigates the portrayal of religion in television, film and newspaper, while Drugs and Substance Abuse,' delves in to the Christian views on intoxicants. Issues surrounding the environment are investigated, and we look at why Christians believe it is their duty to protect our world. Conflict, Crime and Punishment' follows, and looks at war, just war theory and why we punish, while Prejudice and Discrimination' investigates racism and gender inequality. Finally, we explore what Christians think about Wealth and Poverty.

Christian Beliefs About Marriage and the Family

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:37 +0100

Christian marriage is founded on the instruction in Genesis that 'a man leaves his parents and is united with his wife'. However, in a changing age when living together before marriage appears to be the norm, and divorce is growing ever more common, some Christian attitudes towards marriage, sex and the family may be changing. This title will seek to look at different Christian attitudes towards sex and relationships, including the role of contraception and the purposes of marriage. We will consider how Christians view divorce; in particular how Catholics may annul a marriage, and how other Christians believe forgiveness is all important. Finally, we will consider Christianity's view on the family - why the family is believed to be important, and how Christians try to support families.

Christian Festivals

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:37 +0100

All religions celebrate important events from their history and the lives of key people. They provide opportunities for followers to reflect on their personal spiritual journey. Christianity is no exception. In the same way that people mark key events occurring in their own lives, following a calendar from January to December, so the Church follows a Liturgical Calendar which begins with the season of Advent. This is the time that Christians prepare for the coming of Jesus, looking forward to the celebration of his birth. This title will study the major Christian festivals, from Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, to Lent, Easter and Pentecost. It will also consider the significance of these festivals, and will describe how they are celebrated by Christians.

Christian Worship

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:37 +0100

What do you think of when you hear the words Christian worship? Old people standing in a cold church building singing boring hymns, people clapping and waving their arms while they sing jolly choruses, or bells and incense as people chant words that are hard to understand? In this title we are going to look at what worship really is, and what it means to Christians. We are going to investigate worship in different denominations, types of worship, special sorts of service and important hymns, prayers and services, as well as private and family worship. We will also look at places of worship in different Christian denominations and the people who lead the worship. Finally, another aspect of Christianity is pilgrimage, where people visit a special place in order to worship.

Different Denominations of Christianity

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

Christianity is divided into many different groups called Denominations, such as Roman Catholic, Church of England, Methodist, Baptist and Orthodox. This might seem to be rather confusing. It's often quite hard to understand what the differences are and, perhaps and more importantly, why they occur. Christianity has been going for a long time, so it isn't surprising that differences have arisen. What we have to remember is that, basically, all Christians believe the same things. The main differences between these Denominations are to do with practices, which means what people do. In this title we will be looking at some of the different Denominations, the similarities and differences between them, and the roles of some of the people within these Denominations.

Rites of Passage

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

We all have key events in our lives that mark a transition from one stage of life to the next. For example, you might remember your first day at school, or, more clearly, when you first moved to secondary. When you were born there may have been some sort of party; in the UK there is a tradition of the father going to the pub to celebrate known as 'wetting the baby's head'. Religions have formal rituals and ceremonies to mark these transitional stages, called Rites of Passage. This title will explore some of the most significant of these Rites of Passage. Several are also celebrated as Sacraments by Christian churches. The main Rites featured in this title are baptism, confirmation, marriage, ordination and funerals.

The Bible

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

The Bible is the Holy Book for Christians. In this title we will be looking at what the Bible actually is and what it means to Christians. We shall also look at the different ways in which Christians interpret the Bible. People understand the Bible in different ways, and this can cause problems within the church and between different denominations. For some Christians the Bible is used as a guidebook for life. By reading what Jesus taught, or what Paul said in his letters to the early Christians, they choose their way of living. Another important aspect of the Bible is its use in worship. Bible readings form an important part of worship in churches, and many people read the Bible daily to help them in their lives.

The Life of Jesus and The Gospels

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

Jesus was the founder of Christianity. He was a Jewish teacher who was born in the part of the world that we now call Israel, and lived for about 33 years. During that time he travelled around a small area teaching, preaching and healing people. He came into conflict with the Jewish authorities because of the things that he said and did, and because some people believed that he was the Messiah. But who was Jesus? What did he do? What did he say? Why were the Jewish authorities against him? What were the important events in his life? In this title we will be looking at the life of Jesus as it is told in the first four books of the New Testament, called the Gospels.

Issues in Modern Society

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title explores important issues in contemporary society. It will begin by investigating types of crime and the punishments faced by offenders. The arguments for and against capital punishment are discussed. Reasons for drug abuse will be investigated, along with the consequences of taking drugs. Chapter Four will look at the influence of media and technology in the modern world and show its importance to religion. The chapter on Planet Earth investigates the destruction of the natural environment by humans, and its effect on animal life. We then discuss religious beliefs about racism and sexism, moving on to those about relationships and marriage. The title considers the problem of poverty and how individuals can help people in need. The final chapter will investigate war and peace, explaining the concept of just and holy wars, and why some people are pacifists.

Matters of Life and Death

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title will explore issues of life and death. It will look at the arguments for and against abortion, and consider the religious and moral issues surrounding the procedure. The second chapter will focus on death and terminal illness. It examines the issues surrounding care for the elderly and sick. The concept of euthanasia will be investigated. Following this, the title will explore the different types of fertility treatment available for infertile couples. It will outline the social, political and moral issues which surround some of the remedies. Genetic engineering and cloning will be also be explored; we will look at the arguments for and against these experiments. Finally, the controversy surrounding blood transfusions and organ transplants is detailed and religious views on these matters discussed.

Nature and Expression

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title explores the features of a faith community. It will explain the variety of communities that worshippers can join, and the benefits they give. It will also examine the assortment of ways people can show their love of God. The first chapter looks at the nature of spirituality and explores the range of religious experiences people might have with God. Following this, expression through ritual objects and artefacts will be outlined. The next chapter explains the difference between scientific, historical, moral and spiritual truths. The final chapter explores the work of voluntary agencies. It will examine how and why religious people become involved in these charities.

The Contemporary Use and Abuse of Animals

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title will consider the use and abuse of animals in modern society. Chapter one will examine why some people think that humans are more important than animals. Intelligence and place in the food chain will be discussed. The chapter will also explore why some people think that animals are of equal value to humans. Chapters two to seven will look at issues associated with the fair treatment of animals. Using animals for companionship, experiments, animal farming, hunting, genetic engineering, cloning and entertainment will be analyzed and explored in detail. The impact that humans have on their environment and the long term effects this has caused will be considered in chapter eight. Chapters nine and ten will discuss the Islamic and Christian views on the treatment of animals.

Gods and Goddesses

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title will look at some of the deities of Hinduism. Deities are Gods and Goddesses believed to represent aspects of the Supreme Being Brahman. The first chapter will look at the Trimurti, which are the three most revered Gods in Hinduism: Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. We will discuss the elephant headed God Ganesha, explaining how he obtained his elephant head. Next we examine the God Rama and his wife, the Goddess Sita, explaining the famous story about them which is found in the Ramayana, and the two festivals which remember the deities. Information about the Goddess Lakshmi will then be given and the story of Churning the Milky Ocean will be told. The final chapter will explore the God Krishna, detailing why he is renowned for playing music and how he is still revered by a particular group, ISKCON.

Hindu Festivals

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title will look at some of the important festivals in Hinduism: Divali, Holi and Navaratri. Divali is a New Year festival which symbolises a fresh start and new beginnings. Divali means cluster of lights', and the festival is celebrated with masses of lights. Holi is a spring festival which is celebrated with mischief. People may choose to have water fights or spray people with paint to mark the occasion. Navaratri is a ten-day festival which is honoured by dancing. During the festival, goddesses such as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped. In the main the festival is dedicated to the mother goddess Durga, as she contains the vigour of all the goddesses.

Justice and Equality

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title looks at the Hindu beliefs on justice and equality. Firstly, it will explore the Hindu view on racism by looking at the caste system in India. We will consider how the treatment of the Untouchables was on a par with racism and should not be tolerated. The next chapter will investigate gender issues in Hindu culture, and will show how the treatment of Hindu women has improved considerably in the past fifty years. Following this, the title will describe the Hindu teachings on wealth and poverty, looking at the work of Hindu Aid and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The final chapter is about war and peace, and investigates why some Hindus think war is acceptable and others do not. It will look at quotes from the Rig Veda to back up both sides of the argument.

Matters of Life and Death

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title will investigate Hindu views on life after death. It will explain the concepts of samsara, karma and moksha. Following this, the title looks at abortion and considers why there are varied views within Hinduism on this topic. Euthanasia and suicide are the next topics to be covered. The respect towards elders in Hinduism will be explained and linked to these ideas. This title also explores the Hindu view on medical sciences and details their ideas on fertility treatment, organ donation, embryo research and genetic engineering.

Personal Life

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title will look at some of the rules in Hinduism which affect believers' day to day lives. It will begin by investigating the caste system and delving into the history of the structure. We will consider the unfair treatment of the untouchables', and the reasons such behaviour has been outlawed. The next chapter will explain the link between diet and Hinduism, exploring why Hindus will not eat cows and their reasons for deeming them holy. The four Ashramas, or life stages, will be described in the next chapter, along with the duty or dharma involved in each of them and why they are important to Hindus. The final chapter will detail the importance of pilgrimage in Hinduism. It will look at the significance of the River Ganges to Hindus, and the actions of Hindus who make a pilgrimage there.

Rites of Passage

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title will look at Hindu rites of passage and the Hindu family. It will begin by looking at the sacred thread ceremony, which is a ritual that takes place to celebrate a child reaching adulthood. The next rite that will be explored is marriage. A Hindu marriage joins together not only two people but two families. The marriage is likely to be guided by the parents of the bride and groom. Following this the title will investigate divorce, and the specific divorce rites within Hinduism will be explained. Then the title will focus on the rituals surrounding death, and outline the Shraddha ceremony following cremation. Finally, the family life of Hindus and the roles of people in the extended family will be examined.

Scripture and Belief

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title will begin by looking at the Vedas, which is the Hindu holy book. The Vedas are split into four separate sections, which in turn are separated into four parts. Each section will be explored and the importance of each will be explained. The next scriptures which will be looked at are the Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita. The Ramayana is the popular story about Rama and Sita which is told at Divali. The Bhagavad Gita is the sixth book of the Mahabharata, which is the world's longest poem. We will then investigate the Hindu beliefs regarding creation and explore stories from the Vedas and the Upanishads. The final chapter will examine the Hindu beliefs on evil and suffering. It will consider attitudes on Karma and Moksha, and how these are interlinked with other beliefs and ideas.

Worship

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title will begin by looking at the Hindu place of worship, called the mandir. It will outline the features likely to be found inside and outside the structure. The title will then go on to mention the rituals and routines that occur during worship at the mandir, and explain both the religious and non-religious activities which take place. The next chapter will detail the activities involved in puja, which is Hindu worship. The terms prashad, arti and murti will be explained in this chapter to aid the understanding of puja. The final section investigates the different types of meditation and yoga in Hindu worship, and considers their purpose.

Basic Islamic Beliefs and Values

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Islam is the second largest religion in the world, and has followers in many different countries. In this title, we will look at the main beliefs of Islam, especially concerning God, or Allah. We will also consider some of the most important ideas about the religion. Muhammed (peace be upon him) was the founder of Islam, so we will look at his life and how Islam came into existence. We will consider the basic values of Islam as shown in the Five Pillars and explore some of the most important Islamic teachings. It is important to remember that the name of the religion is Islam, but the people who follow the religion are called Muslims.

Different Schools of Islam

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

When Muhammed (peace be upon him) died in 632 CE he had a large following. Islam had spread throughout much of Arabia and the Middle East. However, he had not appointed anyone to follow him as leader. This led to disagreements between two groups of his followers as to how the leader should be chosen. The first group wanted a man called Ali, who was the son-in-law of Muhammed (peace be upon him), to be the leader but the other group wanted Abu Bakr. He had been the first convert to Islam and had been a close friend of Muhammed. Those who wanted Ali as the leader became known as Shi'a and those who wanted Abu Bakr became the Sunni. In this title we will look at these two main groups, as well as some other groups within Islam today.

Islamic Attitudes towards Justice, Suffering, Life and Death

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

In this title we will be looking at Muslim attitudes towards such things as equality, other religions, gender, conflict, the sanctity of life and other matters of life and death like abortion. The word Islam means submission and peace. This means that Muslims submit themselves to Allah and show obedience to him by following the Five Pillars of Islam. These are Shahadah, the belief in one god; Salah, prayer five times a day; Sawm, fasting during the month of Ramadan; Zakah, giving a percentage of the value of property to charity and Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims should also try to live lives of peace, living in harmony with all people. All of this means that their attitudes towards the world around them and towards other people are developed in accordance with these duties.

Islamic Festivals, Celebrations and Rites of Passage

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Celebrations and Festivals are part of every religion. They mark special occasions, remembrances, people and events. Celebrations and festivals bring followers of religion together, and remind them of special events which are significant to their religion. Rites of Passage are ceremonies that mark events in a person's life. They usually take place at birth, when a couple get married and when someone dies. Other Rites of Passage mark the transition from childhood to adulthood and the entrance of a person to certain roles within the religion. In Islam, many of the festivals and celebrations recall events and experiences in the life of Muhammed (peace be upon him), the founder of Islam. In this title we will be looking at some of the most important festivals and celebrations, as well as rites of passage, marking the stages in a Muslim's life.

Islamic Worship and Holy Books

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

In Islam, the name given to God is Allah. In the first of the Five Pillars of Islam is the statement There is no god but Allah and Muhammed (peace be upon him) is his prophet.' Islam means submission and obedience, and Muslims are expected to live their lives in submission to Allah. This shows that for them Allah is the Supreme Being who has no equal, and they show this belief by worshipping him in every aspect of their lives. People worship in different ways. In this title we will be looking at the ways in which Muslims worship, especially through prayer, and the Mosque, the Muslim place of worship. We will discuss the Qur'an, the Muslim Holy Book, and other special writings, as well as considering what role worship and Holy Books play in Muslim life.

Living the Islamic Life

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The word Islam means submission and obedience, so Islam is much more than simply a religion. For Muslims, it is a complete way of life. The Holy Book of Islam is the Qur'an, and it is seen as a sort of guide book for life. It was revealed to Muhammed (peace be upon him) by Allah, and as a result is considered to be the words of Allah given to humans so that they may become closer to him. In the Qur'an, Muslims will find teaching about marriage and family life, work, and other day to day experiences. Muhammed (peace be upon him) is seen as the perfect example for living. In this title we will look at some of these issues, as well as the idea of pilgrimage in Islam and the role of leaders in the Islamic community.

Beliefs and Values

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title will investigate some of the beliefs and values of Judaism. Initially, it explores the Jewish beliefs in God and the importance of the Shema in Jewish worship. It then looks at how Jews believe the world was created. Following this the word Covenant' is investigated, and the covenant between Abraham and God is outlined. The concept of a Messiah is touched upon. We will also look at other Jewish prophets - Moses and Noah - whom God made covenants with. The final chapter looks at the beliefs and values of different sections within the Jewish faith.

Holy Books

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The Tanakh is the name of the Jewish bible. The Tanakh is spilt up into three sections: Torah or Law, Nevi'im or Prophets and Ketuvim or Writings. The Tanakh is a Hebrew acronym formed from the initial letters of these three sections. The word Tanakh uses the T, N and K from the three sections it contains. This title aims to give you knowledge of the sections of the Jewish holy book. The Torah contains the first five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, which will be explored in this title. We will also discuss the content of Nevi'im, which tells the history behind Judaism's most renowned prophets including Joshua, Isaiah and Jeremiah. Finally Ketuvim, which are writings such as Psalms and the Song of Songs, is investigated.

Jewish Attitudes

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title deals with the way Jewish values and beliefs impact upon the daily lives of Jewish people. Firstly, it will explore Jewish attitudes to life and death, and consider their views on the afterlife, abortion and euthanasia. We will examine Jewish beliefs about medical ethics, as well as the Jewish viewpoint on prejudice and discrimination. The fourth chapter looks at the impact of the Holocaust on the Jewish community. Chapter five, War and Peace, examines Jewish attitudes to conflict, considering when Jews would consider war to be justified. Next, the title discusses wealth and poverty, looking at Jewish beliefs on helping the poor, and the work of a Jewish organisation which aims to relieve suffering. Finally, we explore Jewish ideas on evil and suffering, and why Jews think God exists despite the bad things that happen in the world.

Jewish Festivals

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title investigates the important festivals and celebrations which Jews remember each year. It explores the myths, legends and stories which surround each festival to make it unique, and the traditions which Jews follow to mark the occasion. Some of the festivals are linked and in close succession, such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These two festivals ask Jews to repent of their sins and start afresh the following year. Sukkot is a harvest festival which involves building a temporary shelter to live in. Passover remembers a story where all the Jewish firstborn were passed over' and saved from death. Purim also remembers a time when Jews were saved from death, this time by Esther. Finally, Hanukkah is known as the festival of lights, and remembers the story of the Maccabees and the miracles which occurred to them.

Rites of Passage

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title looks at the ceremonies associated with Judaism. These rituals reflect vital stages in the life of a Jew and are celebrated by the whole community. The ceremonies are known as rites of passage in the Jewish faith. The first ceremony to be explored will be the Bar Mitzvah, which a Jew celebrates when they reach adulthood. The second chapter will look at Jewish weddings and the customs surrounding this joyous occasion. The third chapter contains information about what happens when a Jewish couple divorce. Information on Judaism in a typical Jewish home will follow and the dietary laws will be explored. Finally, the Jewish traditions on death and mourning will be investigated, as there are specific rules a Jew is expected to follow at this sad time.

Worship

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title considers some of the customs and traditions of Judaism, and why they are practised. It starts by exploring the synagogue and explains some of its significant parts such as the Ark, Bimah and the Everlasting Light. Following this, the second chapter looks at the roles of the Rabbi, Cantor, Sofer and the Shochet, all of whom play an imperative role in the Jewish community. The third chapter focuses on ritual objects that Jews use in worship such as tallit, tefillin and the kippah. In the next chapter we go on to look at the importance of Jewish prayer in the home and the synagogue. In chapter five, Shabbat is investigated and its significance explained. Lastly, Jewish pilgrimage to the Wailing Wall and Yad Vashem is examined.

Identity

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title will look at the concept of identity in the modern world. It will explore what it means to be a local, regional, national and global citizen. Examples of each classification will be given. The title will then consider the social and moral obligations of being a local and global citizen. It will also provide details of how you can become a responsible citizen. The formation of identity in a faith community will be the focus of Chapter Three. Initiation ceremonies, religious leaders, customs and traditions will be considered.

Religious Views on Work and Leisure

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Chapter One looks at how the economy raises money through taxation. It will explore the potential reasons for unemployment, the problems it brings and the support for those out of work. Careers that are deemed moral and immoral by religious believers will be outlined. The work of Mother Teresa, who regarded work as a vocation, will be investigated. Chapter two will look at the importance of volunteering, including a case study of the work of a religious voluntary organisation. The next chapter explores the benefits of belonging to a team and the importance of exercise, healthy living and relaxation. In contrast, Chapter Four considers the ethical issues surrounding leisure activities, such as the pay of superstars, gambling and prejudice in sport. In addition, it will look at how religious beliefs can conflict with sporting events in a secular world. The final chapter looks at the similarities between sport and religion, including pilgrimage, songs and symbols. Religious organisations within leisure, such as Christians in Sport, will also be investigated.

Censorship and Freedom of Speech

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The first chapter in this title will consider how and why religions use media censorship to protect their beliefs. It will discuss whether religious censorship in the media is fair to those who are not religious. The impact of censorship on free speech will also be considered in this chapter. The second chapter will explore the positive aspects of using religion in the media, such as education and representation. However, it will also consider the significance of offensive or biased material. In addition, the chapter will look at the increase in reporting on sex and violence and the impact this might have on the individual.

Relationships between Religion and the Media

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The relationship between different religions and the media will be explored in this title. The first chapter will investigate what the term 'mass media' refers to. Its impact on the modern world and the advantages and disadvantages of its use will be outlined. The following six chapters will examine how the media has portrayed Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Well consider whether the representation was fair to believers of these religious groups. These chapters will provide examples from films, documentaries and soap operas, on the themes of life, death, community cohesion, marriage and the family. Chapter Eight will look at the portrayal of several important religious figures in the media. The final two chapters will explore the religious and philosophical messages in books and films. The response of some people towards the representations will be investigated and their significance explained.

Basic Sikh Beliefs and Values

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Sikhism is a religion that began in India at the end of the fifteenth century, in the year 1499. It was founded by a man called Guru Nanak. Across the world there are over 20 million followers of the Sikh religion. Male Sikhs wear turbans on their heads, which are seen as a sign of power and keeps their long, uncut hair tidy. Sikhs also believe that something called the Khalsa is very important. The Khalsa is known as the brotherhood' of Sikhs and was set up by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, to defend against people who wanted to put an end to the Sikh religion. Around this time, the Five Ks were introduced to Sikhs. One of the most important things to know about Sikhism is that they believe in One God.

Living the Sikh Life and Matters of Life, Suffering and Death

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Sikhs strongly believe they must live their lives in the best possible way and help and support others when they can. The Sikh word seva, meaning selfless service', encourages Sikhs to look after and help others in society. This title will look at why many Sikhs have an extended family and why Sikhs believe that marriage should involve not just the bride and groom, but also the families of the couple. We will look at a Sikh's belief in arranged marriages and also at the important stages of a wedding ceremony. We will then examine the lifestyle of a Sikh and the Sikh belief in honest work, before discussing Sikh views on equality, justice, war and peace. The title also looks at Sikh beliefs on the sanctity of life, before lastly discussing Sikh views towards matters of life and death.

Sikh Festivals, Celebrations and Rites of Passage

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Festivals are extremely important to Sikhs. As Sikhism was formed in India in the 15th century and the major religion of the time was Hinduism, a few major Sikh festivals fall on the same date as important Hindu festivals. For instance, Divali is a Hindu festival but it is also celebrated by Sikhs, because an important event in their history happened at this time. We will be looking at the festivals of Divali, Baisakhi and those that celebrate the lives of the ten Gurus, called Gurpurbs. Different stages of life are also extremely important in Sikh life. In particular these include birth and naming ceremonies, and the initiation of a person into the Khalsa, which is called the amrit ceremony. We will also explore the Sikh view of marriage between two people, as well as death and funeral rites.

Sikh Worship and Holy Books

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Sikhs believe there is one God and that it is impossible to put God completely into words or pictures. Therefore, the way they worship God is by singing prayers and reciting or repeating prayers from their holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. They also have different names for God which they repeat to themselves during worship. Sikhs can worship in public in their holy place of worship, known as the gurdwara. Sikhs may also worship in private, which may be in their own home. In both forms of worship it is essential that they use the Guru Granth Sahib or the gutka for worship. We will first be learning about the different forms of worship, then focusing on the gurdwara and its role in worship, looking at holy places in the Sikh religion and then at the Guru Granth Sahib.