Different religious views about freedom of religious expression
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain Christian teachings and responses to freedom of religious expression, censorship and extremism.
Key learning points
- UK law protects religious freedom, and Christians view it as a vital human right.
- Christians are taught to share their faith openly and be a positive example.
- Church teachings say freedom must be used responsibly and with love.
- Christians oppose persecution and support organisations like Open Doors and Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
- Censorship is supported when it prevents the spread of extremism, but not when it silences beliefs.
Keywords
Freedom - religious expression - the right to freely practise religion without discrimination or punishment; e.g. being able to freely attend your place of worship or being allowed space / time to pray in the workplace
Persecution - facing hostility and ill-treatment; e.g. some religious people face punishment and death for practising their faith
Common misconception
Religious freedom means Christians never face challenges or restrictions today.
Religious freedom is protected by law, but Christians can still face censorship, legal cases, or public pressure.
Teacher tip
Use short, factual case summaries to prompt student discussion. It helps students see that this topic is not just historical or global, it’s relevant here and now.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which of these is a right everyone has regarding religion?
Q2.Article of the UDHR protects religious freedom.
Q3.Religious expression can include:
Q4.How can censorship protect beliefs?
Q5.Extremism can lead to or harm, limiting freedom.
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.UK law protects freedom as a human right.
Q2.How are Christians taught to share their faith?
Q3.Christian teachings say freedom should be used with and care.
Q4.Which organisation helps persecuted Christians?
Q5.Despite protection, Christians may still face:
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about freedom of religious expression, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about freedom of religious expression, 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 4 religious education lessons from the Religion, human rights and social justice unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.