New
New
Year 11
AQA

Different religious views about freedom of religious expression

I can explain Christian teachings and responses to freedom of religious expression, censorship and extremism.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Different religious views about freedom of religious expression

I can explain Christian teachings and responses to freedom of religious expression, censorship and extremism.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. UK law protects religious freedom, and Christians view it as a vital human right.
  2. Christians are taught to share their faith openly and be a positive example.
  3. Church teachings say freedom must be used responsibly and with love.
  4. Christians oppose persecution and support organisations like Open Doors and Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 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...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a right everyone has regarding religion?
Correct answer: Choosing, changing, or rejecting religion
Following only the religion of their country
Being forced to believe in God
Q2.
Article of the UDHR protects religious freedom.
Correct Answer: 18, eighteen
Q3.
Religious expression can include:
Correct answer: Prayer, rituals, and speech
Beliefs only
Making laws
Q4.
How can censorship protect beliefs?
By banning all religions
Correct answer: By stopping hate speech and harmful content
By promoting only one religion
Q5.
Extremism can lead to or harm, limiting freedom.
Correct Answer: hate, Hate

Assessment exit quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
UK law protects freedom as a human right.
Correct Answer: religious, Religious
Q2.
How are Christians taught to share their faith?
Through government help
Correct answer: Openly and respectfully
Secretly
Q3.
Christian teachings say freedom should be used with and care.
Correct Answer: love, Love
Q4.
Which organisation helps persecuted Christians?
Greenpeace
Christian FIFA
Correct answer: Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Q5.
Despite protection, Christians may still face:
Awards for belief
Correct answer: Censorship or legal issues
Extra help from the authorities