Studying Worldviews
The second volume in the Challenging Knowledge in RE series opens up the concept of worldviews, with practical and engaging ways to approach the subject and to help students reflect on their own worldview and those of others.
Using ideas developed by academics such as James W Sire and Ann Taves, exercises and questionnaires encourage students to consider: what is a worldview? What is your worldview? How do different people describe their worldviews?
Multidisciplinary RE introduces sociology and religious studies. Through the ‘lenses’ of those disciplines – using data and prominent theories from sociology and rich questions from religious studies – students can investigate religion, belief and practice in Britain.
Extensive resources, available in the book and online, provide information and exercises around helpful worldview metaphors, examples, interviews and case studies, plus data and published theories to support exploration of religious, supernatural and spiritual beliefs in the UK.
Select a topic to explore resources
- Diving in: studying worldview
- Exploring worldviews. What is a worldview? What is my worldview?
- What does the world look like to a...? Personal worldviews
- How does activism reveal worldviews?
- Investigator files: sociology
- Using sociology to study religion in Britain
- Identifying different Christian worldviews
- Investigator files: religious studies
- Applying a religious studies lens to religion and worldviews
External Links
- ExternalJames W Sire (2020) The Universe Next Door, 6th Edition, IVP
- ExternalAnn Taves (2020) 'From religious studies to worldview studies', Religion, 50:1, 137-147
- ExternalTrevor Cooling, Bob Bowie and Farid Panjwani (2020) Worldviews in Religious Education, Theos
- ExternalStephen Bullivant (2018) Europe's Young Adults and Religion, Benedict XVI Centre for Religion and Society
eResources
- Internal
Studying good and evil: knowledge and methods CKRE6 (1.1)A resource on studying good and evil in RE, exploring philosophical and theological approaches to ethical questions and moral dilemmas in religious education. - Internal Studying good and evil: knowledge and methods CKRE6 (1.1)A resource on studying good and evil in RE, exploring philosophical and theological approaches to ethical questions and moral dilemmas in religious education.
- Internal Studying good and evil: knowledge and methods CKRE6 (1.1)A resource on studying good and evil in RE, exploring philosophical and theological approaches to ethical questions and moral dilemmas in religious education.
External links
- ExternalJames W Sire (2015) Naming the elephant: worldview as concept, 2nd Edition (IVP)
- ExternalA 3-minute animation to say what 'worldview' means for young people
- ExternalOnline interview (40 minutes) with James W Sire on YouTube. This has the tone of Christian apologetics, and you may wish to frame how your RE students view it.
eResources
- Internal
Worldview questions: ways to get you thinking (2.2)Thought-provoking questions to deepen worldview exploration. - Internal
Worldview questionnaire summaries (2.4)Summaries of worldview questionnaire responses for RE comparison. - Internal
Questionnaire 3: Being human – what is our place in the world? (2.7)Human Identity & Ethics in RE resource. A structured tool for discussing religious and philosophical views on human purpose. - Internal
Home learning: worldviews questionnaire (2.8)Worldviews questionnaire for students' self-reflection.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- Internal
Studying Worldviews – PowerPointA PowerPoint on studying worldviews in RE, exploring how worldviews shape beliefs, morals, religious practices, and cultural norms, encourages aging reflection. - Internal
Worldview questions (2.1)Reflective questions to explore personal and others' worldviews. - Internal
Questionnaire 1: What is your worldview? (2.3)Worldviews & Beliefs in RE resource. A structured tool for helping students explore personal and religious worldviews. - Internal
Example worldviews (2.5)Resource offering insights into different worldviews for deeper understanding. - Internal
Questionnaire 2: What is real? How do you know? (2.6)Philosophy & Reality in RE resource. A structured tool for exploring religious and philosophical perspectives on truth.
eResources
Personal Worldviews
- Internal
Personal worldviews, extended (3.1) – full formatExtended Personal Worldviews RE resource. A structured tool for analyzing and comparing worldviews in RE. - Internal
Personal worldviews, extended (3.1) – printer friendlyPrinter-Friendly Personal Worldviews RE resource. A structured tool for analyzing personal and comparative worldviews in RE.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- Internal Personal worldviews, extended (3.1) – printer friendlyPrinter-Friendly Personal Worldviews RE resource. A structured tool for analyzing personal and comparative worldviews in RE.
External links
Dr Vandana Shiva
- ExternalAn economy of abundance: how to foster bottom-up development? (YouTube, from 3:36 to 14:54) Dr Shiva's short talk at the Pope's conference 'Economy of Francesco'
- ExternalVandana Shiva speaks at Religions for the Earth Multi-faith Climate Service (YouTube)
- ExternalReligions for the Earth: Vandana Shiva - In Harms Way (YouTube)
Riz Ahmed
- ExternalThe Riz Test website, including a link to video excerpts of Riz Ahmed's speech at the UK Parliament
- External'Representation stretches culture - it might even heal people' NME Magazine online (30 March 2020), interview with Riz Ahmed
Peter Tatchell
- External'Human Rights and Gay Cake', REtoday magazine, Spring 2019
- ExternalPeter Tatchell Foundation website
- ExternalExcerpt from 'My journey from Christianity to Humanism'
eResources
- Internal
How does activism reveal a worldview? Further resources (4.2)Additional resources on how activism reflects worldviews. - Internal How does activism reveal a worldview? Further resources (4.2)Additional resources on how activism reflects worldviews.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- Internal
How does activism reveal a worldview? 3 case studies (p14-15)Case studies on how activism reflects worldviews and personal values.
eResources
- Internal
Investigator files: sociology, extended (5.1) CKRE vol 2In-depth exploration of sociology ís insights into religion ís influence on social organisation and justice.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- Internal Investigator files: sociology, extended (5.1) CKRE vol 2In-depth exploration of sociology ís insights into religion ís influence on social organisation and justice.
External links
Additional research material:
- ExternalNancy Ammerman (ed.) (2007) Everyday religion: observing modern religious lives (New York: OUP)
eResources
- Internal
Sociological theories on religion in Britain (6.3B)A resource on sociological theories of religion in Britain, exploring secularisation, pluralism, and religion ís role in social change. - Internal
Religion in Britain: practice (6.4)A resource on religious practice in Britain, exploring worship, rituals, and secularisation ís impact on faith communities. - Internal
Religion in Britain: beliefs about God (6.5)A study of beliefs about God in Britain, exploring religious and non-religious perspectives, census data, and theological trends for RE discussions. - Internal
Religion in Britain: supernatural and spiritual beliefs (6.6C)An exploration of supernatural and spiritual beliefs in Britain, analysing faith perspectives, cultural identity, and secular spirituality. - Internal
Thinking things through (6.7)A resource designed to encourages age critical thinking and reflection on complex religious concepts, focusing on worldviews, ethics, and moral reasoning. - Internal
Reasons for the decline of religion in UK and Europe (6.8)An analysis of religion ís decline in the UK and Europe, exploring secularisation, cultural change, and societal shifts in faith and belief.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- Internal
Religion in England and Wales, infographics (6.1, pp 22-23)Infographics on religion in England and Wales, illustrating trends in faith, secularisation, and diversity for RE discussions. - InternalA sociologist on religion in Britain (6.2, p. 24)Sociological insights on religion in Britain, exploring contemporary trends and influences.
- Internal
Sociological theories on religion in Britain: introduction (6.3A, p. 25)An introduction to sociological theories of religion in Britain, providing a foundation for understanding key concepts and debates in the field. - Internal
How much do you believe in supernatural phenomena? (6.6A)Graph template for beliefs in supernatural phenomena for students. - Internal
Atheist and agnostic belief in supernatural phenomena (6.6B)Insights into atheist and agnostic beliefs regarding supernatural phenomena, fostering understanding in religious education.
eResources
- Internal
Categorising ChristiansExploration of the diversity within Christianity and its various denominations. - Internal Categorising ChristiansExploration of the diversity within Christianity and its various denominations.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- Internal
Describing different Christian worldviews sociologically (pp. 28-29)Sociological overview of Christian worldviews, examining cultural, social, and community influences on beliefs and practices.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- Internal Describing different Christian worldviews sociologically (pp. 28-29)Sociological overview of Christian worldviews, examining cultural, social, and community influences on beliefs and practices.
Select a topic to explore resources
Diving in: studying worldviewExploring worldviews. What is a worldview? What is my worldview?What does the world look like to a...? Personal worldviewsHow does activism reveal worldviews?Investigator files: sociologyUsing sociology to study religion in BritainIdentifying different Christian worldviewsInvestigator files: religious studiesApplying a religious studies lens to religion and worldviews
External Links
- ExternalJames W Sire (2020) The Universe Next Door, 6th Edition, IVP
- ExternalAnn Taves (2020) 'From religious studies to worldview studies', Religion, 50:1, 137-147
- ExternalTrevor Cooling, Bob Bowie and Farid Panjwani (2020) Worldviews in Religious Education, Theos
- ExternalStephen Bullivant (2018) Europe's Young Adults and Religion, Benedict XVI Centre for Religion and Society
eResources
- Internal Studying good and evil: knowledge and methods CKRE6 (1.1)A resource on studying good and evil in RE, exploring philosophical and theological approaches to ethical questions and moral dilemmas in religious education.
- Internal Studying good and evil: knowledge and methods CKRE6 (1.1)A resource on studying good and evil in RE, exploring philosophical and theological approaches to ethical questions and moral dilemmas in religious education.
- Internal Studying good and evil: knowledge and methods CKRE6 (1.1)A resource on studying good and evil in RE, exploring philosophical and theological approaches to ethical questions and moral dilemmas in religious education.
External links
- ExternalJames W Sire (2015) Naming the elephant: worldview as concept, 2nd Edition (IVP)
- ExternalA 3-minute animation to say what 'worldview' means for young people
- ExternalOnline interview (40 minutes) with James W Sire on YouTube. This has the tone of Christian apologetics, and you may wish to frame how your RE students view it.
eResources
- Internal Worldview questions: ways to get you thinking (2.2)Thought-provoking questions to deepen worldview exploration.
- Internal Worldview questionnaire summaries (2.4)Summaries of worldview questionnaire responses for RE comparison.
- Internal Questionnaire 3: Being human – what is our place in the world? (2.7)Human Identity & Ethics in RE resource. A structured tool for discussing religious and philosophical views on human purpose.
- Internal Home learning: worldviews questionnaire (2.8)Worldviews questionnaire for students' self-reflection.
Member Only Content
- Internal Studying Worldviews – PowerPointA PowerPoint on studying worldviews in RE, exploring how worldviews shape beliefs, morals, religious practices, and cultural norms, encourages aging reflection.
- Internal Worldview questions (2.1)Reflective questions to explore personal and others' worldviews.
- Internal Questionnaire 1: What is your worldview? (2.3)Worldviews & Beliefs in RE resource. A structured tool for helping students explore personal and religious worldviews.
- Internal Example worldviews (2.5)Resource offering insights into different worldviews for deeper understanding.
- Internal Questionnaire 2: What is real? How do you know? (2.6)Philosophy & Reality in RE resource. A structured tool for exploring religious and philosophical perspectives on truth.
eResources
Personal Worldviews
- Internal Personal worldviews, extended (3.1) – full formatExtended Personal Worldviews RE resource. A structured tool for analyzing and comparing worldviews in RE.
- Internal Personal worldviews, extended (3.1) – printer friendlyPrinter-Friendly Personal Worldviews RE resource. A structured tool for analyzing personal and comparative worldviews in RE.
Member Only Content
- Internal Personal worldviews, extended (3.1) – printer friendlyPrinter-Friendly Personal Worldviews RE resource. A structured tool for analyzing personal and comparative worldviews in RE.
External links
Dr Vandana Shiva
- ExternalAn economy of abundance: how to foster bottom-up development? (YouTube, from 3:36 to 14:54) Dr Shiva's short talk at the Pope's conference 'Economy of Francesco'
- ExternalVandana Shiva speaks at Religions for the Earth Multi-faith Climate Service (YouTube)
- ExternalReligions for the Earth: Vandana Shiva - In Harms Way (YouTube)
Riz Ahmed
- ExternalThe Riz Test website, including a link to video excerpts of Riz Ahmed's speech at the UK Parliament
- External'Representation stretches culture - it might even heal people' NME Magazine online (30 March 2020), interview with Riz Ahmed
Peter Tatchell
- External'Human Rights and Gay Cake', REtoday magazine, Spring 2019
- ExternalPeter Tatchell Foundation website
- ExternalExcerpt from 'My journey from Christianity to Humanism'
eResources
- Internal How does activism reveal a worldview? Further resources (4.2)Additional resources on how activism reflects worldviews.
- Internal How does activism reveal a worldview? Further resources (4.2)Additional resources on how activism reflects worldviews.
Member Only Content
- Internal How does activism reveal a worldview? 3 case studies (p14-15)Case studies on how activism reflects worldviews and personal values.
eResources
- Internal Investigator files: sociology, extended (5.1) CKRE vol 2In-depth exploration of sociology ís insights into religion ís influence on social organisation and justice.
Member Only Content
- Internal Investigator files: sociology, extended (5.1) CKRE vol 2In-depth exploration of sociology ís insights into religion ís influence on social organisation and justice.
External links
Additional research material:
- ExternalNancy Ammerman (ed.) (2007) Everyday religion: observing modern religious lives (New York: OUP)
eResources
- Internal Sociological theories on religion in Britain (6.3B)A resource on sociological theories of religion in Britain, exploring secularisation, pluralism, and religion ís role in social change.
- Internal Religion in Britain: practice (6.4)A resource on religious practice in Britain, exploring worship, rituals, and secularisation ís impact on faith communities.
- Internal Religion in Britain: beliefs about God (6.5)A study of beliefs about God in Britain, exploring religious and non-religious perspectives, census data, and theological trends for RE discussions.
- Internal Religion in Britain: supernatural and spiritual beliefs (6.6C)An exploration of supernatural and spiritual beliefs in Britain, analysing faith perspectives, cultural identity, and secular spirituality.
- Internal Thinking things through (6.7)A resource designed to encourages age critical thinking and reflection on complex religious concepts, focusing on worldviews, ethics, and moral reasoning.
- Internal Reasons for the decline of religion in UK and Europe (6.8)An analysis of religion ís decline in the UK and Europe, exploring secularisation, cultural change, and societal shifts in faith and belief.
Member Only Content
- Internal Religion in England and Wales, infographics (6.1, pp 22-23)Infographics on religion in England and Wales, illustrating trends in faith, secularisation, and diversity for RE discussions.
- InternalA sociologist on religion in Britain (6.2, p. 24)Sociological insights on religion in Britain, exploring contemporary trends and influences.
- Internal Sociological theories on religion in Britain: introduction (6.3A, p. 25)An introduction to sociological theories of religion in Britain, providing a foundation for understanding key concepts and debates in the field.
- Internal How much do you believe in supernatural phenomena? (6.6A)Graph template for beliefs in supernatural phenomena for students.
- Internal Atheist and agnostic belief in supernatural phenomena (6.6B)Insights into atheist and agnostic beliefs regarding supernatural phenomena, fostering understanding in religious education.
eResources
- Internal Categorising ChristiansExploration of the diversity within Christianity and its various denominations.
- Internal Categorising ChristiansExploration of the diversity within Christianity and its various denominations.
Member Only Content
- Internal Describing different Christian worldviews sociologically (pp. 28-29)Sociological overview of Christian worldviews, examining cultural, social, and community influences on beliefs and practices.
Member Only Content
- Internal Describing different Christian worldviews sociologically (pp. 28-29)Sociological overview of Christian worldviews, examining cultural, social, and community influences on beliefs and practices.
