Faith and Proof Learning Objective: What is the difference between faith and proof?

By the end of the lesson... I can give a definition of the word proof. I can explain what I mean by God. I can explain what we mean by faith and give an example. I can define the terms atheist, agnostic and theist. I understand the difference between faith and proof.

Challenge: Prove to me that... In groups, you have three minutes to write a persuasive speech to prove to me that the following things exist: TreesLoveEvil

What do we mean by the word proof? Now that you have thought about how you would prove something exists, how would you define the word proof? On your post it note, write down your definition of the word proof. Can we come up with a class definition?

What is God? What do you think of when you hear the word ‘God’? You have 5 minutes to use the white boards and play dough to demonstrate your thoughts on this. On your whiteboard, write down all of the words you would use to describe God. With your play dough show what you think of when you visualise/picture God.

Can we prove that God exists? Look back to our class definition of proof. Can we prove that God exists? Why? Why not? Who might agree with you? Who might disagree with you?

Faith Most people who believe in God do not rely on scientific proof for their belief...Instead, they have faith. Different to knowledge. A leap into the unknown. It is not based on facts but it is not contrary to facts. A commitment to something that cannot be proven.

Faith in Action How is this an example of faith? Keyword: Faith A commitment to something that goes beyond proof and knowledge, especially used about God and religion. Should Abraham have acted only on faith? Can you think of any other examples of faith you have heard of? How strong do you think Abraham’s strength is?

What is the difference? So what is the difference between faith and proof? You have one minute with the person next to you to explain the difference between them. Remember: Faith is different from knowledge in the sense that it is not based on fact. BUT having faith in something is not unreasonable. Some of our greatest minds have had faith in God.

Atheist, Agnostic and Theist Atheist Agnostic Theist A person who does not know if there is a God or not. A person who believes that there is a God. A person who believes that there is no God.

What do you think? Are you someone who is happy to have faith in something or are you someone who always needs proof? Where do you stand on this line and why? N.B it doesn’t have to be faith in something religious e.g. Faith in someone like trusting someone/something even if you don’t have any particular proof. Faith Proof