Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Exploring Christians - diveristy and complexity

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain why there is diversity within Christianity and give examples of how this is shown.

      Key learning points

      1. The 2021 census does not give a clear indication of diversity within Christianity but other sources can.
      2. Diversity in Christianity comes from differences in beliefs and practice.
      3. Diversity in Christianity comes from varying interpretations of sources of authority.
      4. The diversity in Christianity is complex and we can use social science data to explore this.

      Keywords

      • Source of authority - something or someone that people look to for guidance, rules, or truth

      • Diversity - when there are differences between things e.g. in beliefs or practices

      • Denomination - a branch of Christianity

      Common misconception

      That all Christians have the same beliefs and practices.

      There may be some core beliefs and practices that almost all Christians share but there is also a great diversity.

      Teacher tip

      Students can explore different denominations in more detail- what are the discinctive beliefs and practices for that denomination and where does this stem from?

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What religious identification decreased in the 2021 census compared to 2011?

      Jewish
      Muslim
      Correct answer: Christian

      Q2.
      The census shows the UK has people from many different .

      Correct Answer: religions, Religions

      Q3.
      What does the census not tell us about religion?

      How many religions exist.
      Correct answer: How often people attend worship.
      If someone has multiple religions.

      Q4.
      The online census may have increased religion responses.

      Correct Answer: other, Other

      Q5.
      What is a limitation of census religion data?

      It shows actual belief systems.
      Correct answer: It only reflects what people tick.
      It knows what people do.

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What category saw an increase in the 2021 census?

      Christianity
      Buddhism
      Correct answer: No religion

      Q2.
      The UK is described as a society in terms of religion.

      Correct Answer: multi-religious, Multi-religious

      Q3.
      This data demonstrates the nature of Christianity in the UK.

      Correct Answer: diverse, Diverse

      Q4.
      What practice involving bread and wine do many Christians share?

      Confirmation
      Baptism
      Correct answer: Eucharist or Lord’s Supper

      Q5.
      Why doesn’t the census give a clear picture of internal diversity in Christianity?

      It won’t allow names.
      Correct answer: It doesn’t ask denomination.
      It’s only about economics

      To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: Exploring Christians - diveristy and complexity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...