| 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 their
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. |
