The course is taught in two module rotations within one semester. The first module focuses on World Religions. The second module focuses on the New Testament book of Acts.
Through these rotations, students will:
- Engage in a variety of learning activities such as role-plays and projects,
- Explore new learning through questioning and discussions,
- Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts with supporting evidence,
Students will engage in these concepts in a classroom atmosphere free from religious prejudice and which respects the spiritual lives of all.
World Religions
Overview
Middle School students are genuinely interested in deepening an understanding of themselves and the world. Reflecting on ultimate questions of life, human values, and moral principles, and nurturing a social conscience, helps students in the development of a personal worldview or spiritual identity. A study of major religions of the world seeks to guide them in their quest.
In the World Religions course, students examine the origins, main beliefs, and practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students will understand the religious perspectives of the followers of these religions, leading to a deeper appreciation of their own beliefs and an increased respect for the beliefs of others.
Some sample questions the students will explore during this course:
- How do different religions understand the nature of God?
- What do followers of different religions believe?
- How do spiritual practices deepen the faith of followers of religion?
New Testament book of Acts
Overview
This module examines how the followers of Jesus seek to understand Jesus’ identity, message, and purpose after his Ascension. It will consider how they sought to live out their faith in the world. Students will reflect on human values that feature prominently in the New Testament: forgiveness, love, identity, and ethics.
Some sample questions the students will explore during this course:
- How did Jesus’ teachings contrast with the norms of the day?
- How did Jesus’ followers understand the applications of his teachings to their life?
- How did the followers investigate questions of ethics and justice from an understanding of Jesus’ love and forgiveness?