1. Can you make three connections between these pictures?
Starter
Think
Pair
Share

5. Attributes of God

6. Attributes of God

7. Is Religious Language meaningful?
Learning Objectives
To know what religious language is concerned with
To explain the problem of religious language
To evaluate the problems with the use of religious language

8. By the end of this lesson I will be able to...
ALL students will be able to identify what religious language is about and the problem is when using language to define God.
Grade D-C
MOST students will be able to explain what the problem is and begin to evaluate this.
Grade B
SOME students will be able to show sound knowledge and understanding of the problem and will be able to evaluate using religious terms and evidence.
Grade A – A*

9. What is God in language?
To consolidate
On your own
Match the key terms and definitions
Write up a definition of ‘God’
When Christians refer to God they are talking about a Being who is . . .
Think about what types of language you have just used to describe God.
3 Can you think of any problems with this language?

10. What is religious language?
On your own
Create a list of what you think religious language includes
Descriptions of the nature and aspects of God, such as ‘omnipotence’
Descriptions of religious belief, such as the ‘Last Judgment’
Technical terms, such as ‘sin’, ‘blessing’ and ‘grace’
Ordinary words that have special religious meaning such as ‘good’ and ‘love’
Complete page 2 Using the extract from John Hick

11. What are the problems of religious language
Can you think of any problems with religious language?

12. What are the problems with religious language?

13. ‘God is timeless’ is difficult for humans to understand as . . .
1. The words used are contradictory to our logic.
2. Some of the words are abstract, metaphysical or puzzling. They are difficult to understand.
3. Human language is inadequate to describe God.
4. God can not be described.
5. There is a risk that we anthropomorphise God.
6. Words might have different meanings in religious and non-religious contexts.
7. Religious stories can be interpreted literally and non-literally, this could lead to problems if people believe different interpretations.
8. Some words used in religions have different meanings with different religious systems and when used in other contexts.
‘God is timeless’ is difficult for humans to understand as . . .
Phrases such as ‘God’s hand guided me’
The term karma is used with slightly different meanings in both Buddhism and Hinduism
An example could be the concept of the Virgin Birth or an omnipotent God and truly free humans
God’s love and human love
Using everyday language to talk about God can lead to misunderstanding
The Biblical stories of Creation and The Fall in the book of Genesis
Any attempt to describe God will fail or be so partial that we are saying nothing meaningful.

14. Starter
What is religious language?

15. Starter
C A T L I k

16. Activities
Read the John Hick extract and complete tasks 2, 3 and 4

17. When and where is religious language used and what problems does it face?
On your own Read your information on religious language A– Read Jordan page 21 B – Read Alhuwalia pages C– Read John Hick pages Work together to answer the summary questions on religious language

18. Group work feedback
In your groups complete your own set of questions on religious language and the problems it faces

19. What is the problem with religious language?
When discussing what God is, we need to define God. However, because God is meant to be transcendent – beyond us – it is really difficult to put God into human words that fully defines God’s character and captures his power.
Class Discussion – What is the biggest problem facing religious language

20. Pyramid activity on the problems with religious language
Which is the most serious problem with religious language?
Most serious
Suggestions
Cognitive
Non cognitive
Anthromorphises
Emotions/feelings
Interpretation
Transcendent God
Least serious

21. Extended writing Choose one of the problems
Use it to write an AO1 paragraph –
Success Criteria
Key terms
Explanation

22. Complete task 4 – plan in the booklet and write up as an essay in your notes
Explain the problem of religious language Read Seren’s answer up to paragraph 5 Think about Why is each highlighted issue a problem for religious language? What is meant by problem problemin this context? Who might it be a for?

23. Is it ever possible to talk meaningfully about God?
Yes No