Science and Religion, A Christian Perspective

Before looking at the detailed issues it is important to correct some misunderstandings. Many pupils will already have their own preconceptions. The media often gives a stereotypical view of scientists and Christians and an over-simplified and often distorted view of the relationship between science and Christianity. The first lesson should be concerned to set the debate between science and Christianity in its correct historical context. Continue reading “Science and Religion, A Christian Perspective”

Science and Religion – A Hindu Perspective

Many attempts have been made to explore the relationship between what science and religion have to say about aspects of reality. Some Hindus want to see the Hindu scriptures anticipating developments in science. Some even look for parallels between the way these two ways of seeing the world talk about specific concepts such as time and energy. Other Hindu thinkers would say that religious and scientific views are in fact at loggerheads; if one is right, the other is wrong. Continue reading “Science and Religion – A Hindu Perspective”

Science and Religion, A Jewish Perspective

This topic aims to present the ancient Jewish texts (Tenakh and Talmud) as being guides to life for Jews which engage in questions about God’s plans and life’s purpose. Scientific enquiry has a part in this and does not necessarily clash with it. Where they seem to clash Jewish writing has often been proactive in dealing with questions. Jewish thought can accommodate the creation/evolution, Big Bang/age of universe debate in different ways. There are different understandings of miracles in ancient and modern rabbinical interpretation. Continue reading “Science and Religion, A Jewish Perspective”

Science and Religion, A Buddhist Perspective

Buddhists have developed a very sophisticated analysis of the mind and mental processes, valuing introspective or ‘contemplative’ methods for understanding the mind, as well as using meditation to enhance positive states of mind. It is interesting to compare Buddhist psychology with its Western scientific equivalent. In Buddhism, mind and body are seen as influencing each other. The mind is described as a stream of mental events, with no separate controlling centre – ‘no-self’. Recent research by neuroscientists has imaged what happens in the brain while people are meditating. Continue reading “Science and Religion, A Buddhist Perspective”

Sacred Texts of Judaism, Christianity and Islam

Sacred texts are fundamental to Judaism, Christianity and Islam; it is through the study of these that people can better understand the three traditions and explore their similarities and differences. This four-week course, guided by leading academics and British Library curators, will be an introduction to the origins and development of the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Bible, and the Qur’an, and offers the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with unique examples from the Library’s unparalleled collection of first-millennium manuscripts. Continue reading “Sacred Texts of Judaism, Christianity and Islam”

Symposium: Religion and Young People Today – Diverse Beliefs in Turbulent Times

bbi The Broken Bay Institute in partnership with The Sociological Association of Australia’s (TASA) Sociology of Religion Thematic Group will conduct the 2016 Symposium on the topic of Religion and Young People Today – Diverse Beliefs in Turbulent Times Continue reading “Symposium: Religion and Young People Today – Diverse Beliefs in Turbulent Times”

Intercultural Understanding Masterclass

aef The Asia Education Foundation in partnership with the Together for Humanity Foundation are proud to present the Intercultural Understanding Masterclass a one-day professional learning program for all primary and secondary teachers and school leaders who want to lead change in their school community. This program has an element of interfaith education. Continue reading “Intercultural Understanding Masterclass”

What is Islamophobia?

The following essay is reprinted from the introduction to a new Islamophobia Guidebook in the making.

In this document you’ll find a variety of resources – some are opportunities to reflect, others are more prescriptive. We recommend you browse the full document so you get a sense of what’s available – contextual framing from Karen Armstrong, guidance for Muslims by Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, an overview of Islamophobia from Barbara Kaufmann, and links to resources by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and others – many geared toward educators. Finally, you’ll find a reflective article by Cambridge Muslim College dean Abdal Hakim Murad and a list of resources for your further study.

Continue reading “What is Islamophobia?”