Resource: Evil & Suffering | A Short History of Evil
A Short History of Evil
Link to Resource
A short history of evil is a 4-minute mini-documentary. Some big questions, illustrated by perspectives and snippets from the history of religion, are posed. What is evil? Where does it come from? How can it be reduced? How do some religions personify evil? What connection is there between evil and judgement? If God is good and full of power, why is the world so full of evil? Will evil win in the end, or does good triumph?
The resource is aimed specifically at GCSE, is fast-paced and provocative. It enables students understand aspects of the topic, and also leads them to consider their own response to the issue in the light of their learning in RE.
Classroom suggestions:
a) ‘Do the Harry Potter books glamorise evil?’
Based on the seriousness with which Christianity and Islam regard evil, should it be the subject of children’s fiction? Do the Harry Potter books encourage children into occult practices? Research the references to evil in the Harry Potter books. You should present your arguments for or against by referring to Christian and Muslim views about evil, and their respective beliefs in heaven and hell.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/a-short-history-of-evil/3157.html
