Religious Education: Area of Study 1: The nature and purpose of religion

The nature and purpose of religion

In this area of study students are introduced to the nature and purpose of religion in general, exploring the role of religion in shaping and giving expression to spiritual experience. They identify the aspects common to religious traditions, explore the interrelation of these aspects generally and explain why these aspects are common to all religious traditions studied. They also explore how these aspects may vary between religious traditions.

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On completion of this unit the student should be able to discuss the nature and purpose of religion and explain the aspects of religion.

U1 AOS1: Key knowledge

• the nature and purpose of religion, past and present, considering:
  – the questions and life experiences which shape religion and religious identit
  – other needs to which religion responds
  – the extent to which religion can satisfy these needs
• the role of religion generally in shaping and giving expression to spiritual experiences through the aspects of religion
• the relationship of the aspects to each other
• the varying importance of the aspects across different religious traditions.

U1 AOS1: Key skills

• analyse the extent to which religion can satisfy particular needs of individuals and communities
• describe the role of religion in shaping and giving expression to spiritual experiences through the aspects of religion
• describe the relationship of the aspects to each other
• explain the varying importance of the aspects across different religious traditions
• interpret, synthesise and apply primary and secondary source material.