My Motivation To Take A Religion Course
Religion is based on having faith and belief which cannot be empirically proven, I strongly believe theology can be a gateway to opening various fascinating dimensions. Such as cultural impact on religion and its effects on society, or how religion’s patrichy contradicts women’s equality leading to feminism. I want to deepen my interests which rooted from A levels, and be able to have a wider in sight to religion and the impact it can have on one. Religion allows me to view different philosopher’s opinion on the most controversy topic of “does God exist?”, whether it’s through epicurean paradox explaining the problem of evil or Augustine’s theodicy of why God allows suffering. Philosophy itself challenges my mind but also allows me to interpret my own beliefs and put forward a strong argument which I enjoy doing.
When I was reading Fletcher’s book on situation ethics I learnt how religion welcomes anyone leaving no outcasts out, and that’s also the beauty of situation ethics as it stems from love allowing religion to have such a positive impact on someone’s life. Also due to my relationship with my grandma, often our conversations would include religious contexts on the afterlife and how her whole prospective of life is based on religion. As it brings her a sense of comfort knowing death is just the beginning, it made me more aware of the significance religion has upon one’s life making me eager to learn more about its importance. My religious upbringing allowed me to explore my faith, by visiting mosques I was captivated by the community religion brings as I was able to witness a sense of belonging amongst different cultures and races.
My A level subjects have provided me with the skills needed to study Theology and Religion. Philosophy and Ethics has given me intellectual skills, by being able to critically discuss and synthesise philosophical concepts. Also equipped me with organisational skills e. g. working independently and being able to produce essays under timed conditions, English language and literature has intensified my analytical skills giving me confidence to communicate my arguments adequately. Media studies has given me the skills of team work, by producing an advert with a group but also allowed me to be creative by producing my own. Furthermore I had chosen to do English mentoring for enrichment with different year groups, where I was able to observe and support them academically by critically helping to structure their essays. From this I gained extra confidence in also structuring my own arguments, my waitressing job has also benefitted me by being well aware and organised in order to provide the best customer service.
As Aristotle once said “educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all” having belief in religion is therefore crucial as it comes from the heart, but the only way for the belief to flourish is through education therefore I believe this course will help me prosper and learn more about religion.
