Arguments for God's Existence

Subject: Religious Education / Philosophy
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 16 - 18
Order Number: 14078

This material has been developed for students aged 16-19 studying Philosophy of Religion in AS Philosophy or Religious Studies. The Ontological, Teleological and Cosmological Arguments, along with Religious Experience and Miracles, are presented in a lively and accessible manner, structured for exam success. Key concepts are clearly illustrated, with activities and accompanying five PowerPoint shows (84 slides), which can be printed as extra handouts.

Each topic is presented as a booklet with clear objectives, along with a teacher copy giving guidance for answers. The materials are suitable for students new to the topic, and issues are broken down into manageable sections. Students are encouraged to study the details of each argument with criticisms, and consider the implications concerning God.

The materials make reference to Anselm, Descartes, Hume, Paley, Kant and Aquinas, along with more contemporary commentary from philosophers such as Swinburne, and Plantinga. Where relevant, students are encouraged to consider the relationship between religion and modern scientific developments.

Philosophy of Religion is often a topic that students find abstract and inaccessible, and the materials are designed to simplify basic concepts, as well as including some advanced points for more able learners, in a way that should be enjoyable for a range of learning styles. The PowerPoint presentations add visual support to reinforce learning.

Trials of this resource have proven an increase in achievement to above national benchmarks.