If you’re planning to take A level Religious Studies, then you’ll
benefit from doing a little background reading to understand some of the issues
and questions you’ll be thinking about. So below is a short list of some books
that I think A level RS students should try reading, and that should be easy to
find in the library or on Amazon.
(Actually, if you were in my A level taster session last
week, then it’s your summer work, so you don’t have much say in the matter –
pick a book and dive in!)
Books
on Religion and Philosophy
Religion
and Philosophy in Fiction
Of these books, Sophie’s World might be the most obvious
choice for a future A level student: the story revolves around a teenage girl
(Sophie) and an unusual Philosophy course she studies, so it gives a good introduction
to key philosophers and their ideas: I think it’s even used as an introductory
text book in some US colleges. On the other hand, some people (myself included)
have found it quite hard to get into, as the plot is a little confusing at
times.
These books certainly aren’t the only books you could find
that deal with philosophical questions. For me, most great literature explores themes and issues that philosophers have also been interested in investigating - touching on these deeper issues is part of what makes them great.
Equally, good books on other subjects such as science, history or psychology
could raise philosophical questions, so if you’re doing some background reading
for another subject, you can still keep your philosophy hat on.
You’ll find a few more suggestions here
and here.
And, while we’re on the topic, next time you’re planning an evening that
involves DVDs and popcorn, why not try a philosophical
film?
Happy reading.
