A Level Digest July 2023

A good book: This is Philosophy of Mind, An Introduction by Pete Mandik

As part of the RS A level that I teach, there is a unit on the mind, body and soul. I have always struggled to find accessible books which help me to really understand this unit and further extend my subject knowledge. However, recently this book was recommended to me and I have found it to be very helpful. It covers Substance Dualism which is on my specification (OCR) and also mind brain identity theory which I know some cover as an example of Monism. However, other theories are also explained which some teachers might find as a good alternative to Substance Dualism. For example, there is a chapter on behaviourism (which is helpful when understanding Ryle’s criticism) and another on Property Dualism.

Engaging with research: Is Religious Experience Realistic? David Brown

In this research summary which is found for free on RE:ONLINE, David Brown discusses whether or not Religious Experience is an unusual form of experience or if it shares features with ordinary experience. He argues that if it is similar to an ordinary experience this means that it has to be understood and treated differently to how many approach it in philosophy. It is a very interesting and thought provoking read that will be particularly useful if you are teaching this topic at A level. The link to the webpage on RE:ONLINE where you can find a summary of the article as well as the link to the actual piece is here: Is religious experience realistic? – RE:ONLINE (reonline.org.uk)

A good online course: Women in world religions

If you have never come across the free on line talks by Gresham college, you will be in for a treat with this one. It is an excellent resource which has so many relevant discussions that are linked to RS at A level. The talks I want to draw your attention to in this digest is Women in World Religions. This is a new series of talks this year and there are three in this series. The first is entitled Women leaders in Early Christianity by Professor Morweena Ludlow. The second is Reclaiming Women in the Hebrew Bible by Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris. The final one is Women, Islam and Prophecy and it is by Dr Shuruq Naguib. Do have a listen to all of these as I think they are useful for any A level as well as topics covered lower down in the school. You can find all three talks through this link: Women in World Religions | Gresham College

A good listen: Evangelical or political Christianity?

This was a very good episode on the BBC World Service. It explores Christianity in the US and whether it plays a role in politics especially in the Republican Party. In particular, there is a focus on various understandings of evangelical Christianity and how this links to conservative ideas. It is a really fascinating listen and really helped informed the work we have done on religion in the modern world. The link to the episode (available for about another 9 months) is: Heart and Soul – Evangelical or political Christianity? – BBC Sounds

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