12. PART A
• Relationship between religion and the state
• Current and historical examples in relation to
ethical and moral issues
• Contribution of religion in resolving conflict
and controversy
13. PART B
• Other aspects of Human Experience relating to
the theme
15. Critically assess the view that secularisation is a major threat to
religious belief in the modern world. (30 marks)
• The changing nature of society; the debate surrounding the decline of religious influence and increasing secular influence
• the impact of militant secularism or ‘aggressive secularisation’ (Pope Benedict) / “out love opponents of faith.” (Pope Francis)
• role of religious belief in providing the foundational ethical and legal framework for the state – moral fabric of society
• Does Christianity limit religious freedom?
• role of secularisation in preserving the neutrality of the institutions of the state – is neutrality possible? Always come from a belief/
ideology
• Worlds collide- faith vs secular
• effect of secularisation, the role and voice of religion in political debate, religious consideration in the formulation of legislation and
government policy
• the importance of secularisation in protecting diversity in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society : pluralist society
• the issues and relationship between secularisation and religious belief in the provision of services to the public, e.g. education and
healthcare
• importance of the right to freedom of Religion and Conscience and its impact on the individual and organisations, e.g. Church based
adoption agencies
• influence of religious faith on politicians as policy makers and legislators
• The nature and extent of secularism and the role of religion in the affairs of the state in countries around the world, e.g. Turkey, France,
the United States of America and Iran
