Throughout history, religion has been a major influence in people's lives. In Medieval Britain, people were fined if they did not attend church and when Henry VIII came to the throne he dissolved the monastories because they had become too powerful. He had also challenged the Roman Catholic church because he needed their approval to divorce his wives. The troubles in Northern Ireland in more recent times is largely between Catholics and Protestants and impinged on people's personal freedom. Over 3,500 people have died and over 35,000 have been injured as a result of the robberies, bombings, assassinations and terror tactics. Religion can be a strong influence; it affects our personal conduct and social activity. As individuals can we identify what is cultural, political or spiritual? The sites listed in the group activities below, will help students outline the reasons why some people believe that religion is politically significant. There are three seminar activities for students to undertake for group presentations in order to see how politics and religion often go hand in hand.It may be useful to view the power point presentation before tackling the seminar activities.
The political importance of religion
Link to seminar activity.
The political ideas of the Christian Right
Link to seminar activity.
Fundamentalism and the use of violence
Link to seminar activity.
Religion and Society
Social and Moral Responsibility