"The Examined Life" is the working title of the Sacred Heart of Mary Girls' School A-Level RS Blog. Students are taking it in turn to blog about one aspect of their AS/A2 course, either linked to philosophy or ethics.
The statistics prove it, the UK is a very different place to 10 years ago. The 2011 census results have started to be released since late last year and now it becoming available in various different formats:
The number who claimed to be Christian in 2001 was 72% (37.3 million), in 2011 it was 59% (33.2 million).
Christianity is the only religious group who have decreased in number, but actually increased in Newham, Haringey, Brent, Boston and Lambeth.
Over 240,000 people highlighted an 'other religion' on their census form - including 176,632 Jedi Knights. (Source)
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Obviously the trends in the UK are similar in many European countries, but in many other parts of the world, religion continues to grow.
Secularisation is a key feature of UK society, that much is hard to deny. The questions will rest upon how the religious respond? Will this lead to conflict? Will secularisation continue at the same rate? Will the increase in growth from other religions affect the UK data for the 2021 census?
Changes in Upminster, UK:
Read more, including interactive representations: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2012/dec/11/census-2011-religion-race-education and http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/interactive/2012/dec/11/census-england-wales-maps-religion
Having heard students use the phrase #YOLO, I noticed a Catholic blog writing about the phrase. It raised the questions:
What kinds of things would this life philosophy encourage?
What kinds of choices are made by those who really do plan on living only once?
Does it mean we should live in a wasteful, reckless way? If we live as if everyday could be our last, that would determine a lot of our lifestyle choices. Indeed, why bother turning up for school this morning?
The author of the blog post suggests that actually, for those who have no belief in the Resurrection, no Christian faith, life becomes restless and individuals try to find meaning in meaningless things. He says:
"A man who doesn’t believe that he has anything to look forward to or that he’ll ever have to pay his debts – either because he doesn’t believe in an afterlife or because he isn’t mindful of it – is a fool at best and a danger to himself and others at worst."
He then goes on to quote St Augustine who before becoming a committed Christian lived a 'wasteful' life, gives a contrast of the YOLO philosophy to the life of a Christian:
"Belatedly I loved thee, O Beauty so ancient and so new, belatedly I loved thee. For see, thou wast within and I was without, and I sought thee out there. Unlovely, I rushed heedlessly among the lovely things thou hast made. Thou wast with me, but I was not with thee. These things kept me far from thee; even though they were not at all unless they were in thee. Thou didst call and cry aloud, and didst force open my deafness. Thou didst gleam and shine, and didst chase away my blindness. Thou didst breathe fragrant odors and I drew in my breath; and now I pant for thee. I tasted, and now I hunger and thirst. Thou didst touch me, and I burned for thy peace." – St. Augustine, Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 27
The blogger does conclude, that despite his seeming rejection of the YOLO philosophy, there can be a Christian version. One that links to the ideas of St Francis, who encouraged total commitment to God: ”Hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves so that He Who gives Himself totally to you may receive you totally.”
This, it is suggested, that maybe Christians need to just 'add' a bit to YOLO.
Busted Halo is one of the internet's largest and most popular youth ministry sites. It contains a wealth of information and reflection for young people, and those who work with young people. Addtionally, it embraces new media and produces many videos, podcasts etc. Here we share their Stations of the Cross:
The Stations of the Cross is a devotion following the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. Prayers accompanying it allow time to reflect on the mystery of his death. Originally the Stations of the Cross was an actual physical journey in and around Jerusalem. Later the series was symbolized in outdoor shrines, and today many parishes display artistic representations in their sanctuaries. The Stations of the Cross may be done at any time, but is commonly a part of Lenten spiritual practice, specifically on Good Friday.
This year, Busted Halo® has created a series of virtual stations designed for personal devotion. These stations relate to Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of God and the reason his vision of this Kingdom led to his death. Find a quiet place to watch these stations, and as you do the devotions be open to how God is speaking to you through the Stations of the Cross.
"A series of highly personal short films, broadcast daily, reflecting on a broad range of religious and ethical issues, and aspects of our spiritual lives. These 90-second films challenge some traditional views, providing a platform for both scepticism and devout religious beliefs."
Use the search function to find a whole variety of different topics covered. A whole vareity of different issues are covered including medical ethics, euthanasia, abortion, IVF etc.
You may need to register (its free) to see some clips. Please post any videos you think are particually interesting in the comments section of this post explaining why you think it is useful to GCSE/AS/A2 study:
GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITY WITH CAFOD: RECRUITING NOW, STARTING SEPTEMBER 2012 (for 18-30 year olds)
CAFOD’s Gap Year Programme “Step Into The Gap” (SITG) is a gap year opportunity with a real difference. Successful applicants take part in a gap year which spans across UK and overseas placements, working with young people on aspects of faith, social justice, global issues and stewardship.
Previous countries we have worked in include; Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and Liberia. UK placement can be in either Youth Ministry’s (Just Youth, Salford, or YMT – Newcastle), or within schools chaplaincies in St. Mary’s Blackpool. The programme runs from September – July. Training and support are provided throughout the programme.
This fully funded programme is a great opportunity for those aged between 18-30 to explore their faith in an exciting new way, and to build lifelong connections across the globe. We are currently recruiting for opportunities starting in September 2012. Applications to the programme close April 30th 2012.
