A Level Digest February 2023

A good book: The Science of Fate by Hannah Critchlow

This is a really good book if you are teaching ethics. This is because the book discusses reasons why it could be argued that we are determined. It focuses on genetic factors, drawing upon modern evidence in various areas to indicate that our decisions might not be as free as you think. Thus, it is incredibly useful to support arguments against most of the normative theories we discuss which suggest that we can freely decide to follow the theory that is being proposed. The additional benefits of the book is that it provides new and current research to support determinism as well as showcasing another female scholar that can be used when you are teaching the A level. It is also a very easy book to read that could be leant out to students as well.

Interesting research: Hussain and Justice

This book, which is based on extensive research by Dr Chris Hewer, is, as I write, currently featured on the research of the month page of RE:ONLINE. It is a really good piece of work and is a must for those of you who are teaching Islam not only at A level but also for the GCSE. The added bonus is that it is also completely free to read. I have read this myself and it has really improved my understanding in particular of Imam Husain and what occurred at Karbala as well as the Imamate in Shi’a Islam more generally. The link to the website which will take you to the free book is here: Hussain & Justice study text – Understanding Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations (chrishewer.org)

A good interview: With the psychiatrist Alexander Moreira-Almeida, in the Reluctant Theologian podcast

The Philosopher/Theologian Dr Ryan Mullins produces the Reluctant Theologian podcast. There are a wealth of relevant episodes on there that link to the A level which I would recommend (indeed, there are some excellent ones on time and how this links to God). A new one that has recently caught my eye was the one which relates to the mind, body and soul unit that I teach as part of my A level. This podcast is an interview with a psychiatrist about his views on the mind body problem including whether near death experiences and other spiritual claims can be used to support the view that the mind is separate from the body. It is a really good listen for those of you who are teaching this unit. The link to the podcast is here: Podcast | Ryan Mullins (rtmullins.com)

A good listen: Thinking Aloud

I was driving home the other night and happened to tune into this programme on Radio Four which was dedicated to the influence of religious ideas in work. So much of what was discussed is relevant to any unit on Business Ethics as well as those who want to consider the continuing influence of religion more generally in British society (indeed, it is something I am considering introducing at Key Stage Three when we look at the sociological approach to religion). I was fascinated to hear the findings of research which suggested that for some, the work place has replaced religion as the means to provide a meaning to life as well as a sense of community and identity. Also, I equally found it interesting to learn how religious concepts influence the way people discuss and understand their job. The link to the episode is here: BBC Radio 4 – Thinking Allowed, Religion of Work and Welfare

Rachael Jackson-Royal is head of department of RE and is the exams and higher education officer on the NATRE executive.