|
Pupils are asked in advance to bring in examples of stories which
tell of an event in someone's life which is acceptable in our society
but not in theirs. They might find examples in newspapers, magazines
or books. It is also a good idea for the teacher to have available
some newspaper cuttings. An example of what is needed would be belonging
to a particular religion. This is acceptable in our society but
not under a communist regime e.g. the situation in Burma and former
communist regimes.
Pupils should discuss the following questions in groups and then
feed back into a class discussion. These can be printed
out for pupils if required.
1. How do you think people feel who are told that they cannot practise
their religion?
2. Why do you think some people, (a) Stood up to the authorities
and carried on practising their religion? (b) Carried on practising
thei religion in secret?
3. What can happen to those caught practising their religion in
countries where it is not allowed?
4. Is it ever right to discourage or ban the practice of religion?
Give reasons for your answer.
Allow time for pupils to write answers in their exercise books
following the class discussion.
Now ask pupils if Christianity has always been accepted. Pupils
will need to draw on their knowledge and understanding of previous
work, and recognise that it was not acceptable immediately after
Jesus' death. They should also make links to the life of the early
church and how it was necessary to meet other followers in secret.
They should also show an understanding of the punishments delivered
by the Romans if they were caught. The teacher can show short extracts
of the videos Ben Hur or Sparticus to illustrate this point.
The teacher would then read a story about the lives of early Christians.
The example given here
could be used, or another of the teachers choice. Pupils then
complete the last paragraph of the story, and complete the rest
of the questions.
|