Case study: personal conviction vs the law
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how a Christian’s personal conviction may lead them to break the law, using Dietrich Bonhoeffer as an example
Key learning points
- Personal conviction is a deeply held belief that leads someone to act according to their principles
- Christians are generally taught to obey the law
- Conscience is central to personal conviction, with different denominations emphasising its role in moral decision-making
- Personal conviction may override the law when the law is unjust, as Jesus’ teachings prioritise justice and mercy
- Bonhoeffer’s resistance to the Nazis illustrates how Christian faith can lead to opposing immoral laws
Keywords
Conscience - The faculty said to enable us to make moral decisions, and to judge our own and others' actions
Conviction - A deeply held moral or religious belief that guides a person’s actions, even when it conflicts with the law or social expectations
Dietrich Bonhoeffer - A German Lutheran pastor and theologian who opposed the Nazi regime
Common misconception
Christians should always obey the law
While Christians are generally taught to respect the law, many also believe they must put God’s will first. Some believe that when laws are unjust or cause harm, faith may require civil disobedience
Teacher tip
Use a short clip from the film Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace or a documentary segment showing his resistance to Hitler
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The Bible teaches that all humans have because they are made in the image of God.
Q2.The creation story that says humans are made in God’s image is found in .
Q3.What is social justice?
Q4.Why do Christians believe all people have equal value?
Q5.What does the Bible teach Christians to do about injustice?
Q6.Christians take social justice seriously.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Bonhoeffer’s actions were guided by his personal , even when it meant breaking the law.
Q2.Bonhoeffer believed that true requires action and personal sacrifice.
Q3.Christians should always obey the law.
Q4.What influenced Bonhoeffer to act against the Nazis?
Q5.Catholics follow their conscience. The Catechism calls it the ‘secret core and sanctuary’. How is it formed?
Q6.What is the role of conscience in personal conviction?
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Case study: personal conviction vs the law, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Case study: personal conviction vs the law, 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.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Issues of Human Rights unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.