The future of religion
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what the Secularisation Thesis is and how this relates to religion and Generation Z today.
Key learning points
- The census and other data can show that religion is on the decline in some societies.
- The census and other data can show that some forms of religion are not declining in societies.
- The Secularisation Thesis states that as societies modernise, religion will be less important and influential.
- There is some evidence that Generation Z may be more open to religion than previous generations.
Keywords
Generation - a group of people born and living around the same time, usually about 20-30 years apart
Secularisation Thesis - the idea put forward in social science that as a society becomes more modern it becomes less religious
Spiritual - a sense of connection to something greater than oneself such as a higher power, or nature
Common misconception
The census data for England and Wales shows that all religious groups are 'declining' in numbers.
The census data shows that Christianity has less numbers overall but other religious groups, e.g Islam, and particular groups within Christianity are increasing in numbers.
Teacher tip
Students can explore the census religion data for their local area to see if this follows the national trends as well as explore 'other' forms of spirituality which may appeal to Generation Z rather than organised religion in their area.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which is true about Paganism?
Q2.Paganism includes the belief in multiple gods and ...
Q3.What does broom-jumping symbolise in Pagan weddings?
Q4.What is Shamanism often used for?
Q5.Some census data suggests Shamanism is among the growing spiritual paths.
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Census data in many countries shows religion is on the ...
Q2.What does the Secularisation Thesis suggest?
Q3.Evidence shows that Generation Z is relatively more to religious or spiritual ideas.
Q4.According to recent census data, Christianity is losing members, but which religion is growing?
Q5.The rise of Islam contributes to overall religious in the UK.
To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: The future of religion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: The future of religion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Census: How has the landscape of belief changed in Britain? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.