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Religion today: Themes and issues
There is a widespread perception in the West that we live in...
There is a widespread perception in the West that we live in a secular age, an age in which religion is at best an optional extra, if not a false delusion completely out of place. However, religion still arouses passion and causes controversy; it controls and transforms lives. An informed understanding of the contemporary world thus requires an appreciation of the role of religion in shaping ideas, world-views and actions that have an impact on the social as well as on the personal life of the individual. This unit gives you a glimpse into this fascinating area.
By the end of this unit you should be able to:
- have an awareness of key themes and debates in the field of religious studies;
- have an understanding that religions have different, and sometimes contrasting, ways to present their beliefs and practices, and that the beliefs and practices of one religion are represented differently by others;
- have an awareness that different media are used to represent and present religions.
- Duration: 15 hours
- Published on: Thursday 23rd June 2011
- Level: Advanced
- Posted under: Religious Studies
Contents
Religion today: Themes and issues
Introduction

There is a widespread perception in the West that we live in a secular age, an age in which religion is at best an optional extra, if not a false delusion completely out of place. However, religion still arouses passion and causes controversy; it controls and transforms lives. An informed understanding of the contemporary world thus requires an appreciation of the role of religion in shaping ideas, world-views and actions that have an impact on the social as well as on the personal life of the individual. This unit gives you a glimpse into this fascinating area.
This material is from our archive and is an adapted extract from Religion today: Themes and issues (AD317) which is no longer taught by The Open University. If you want to study formally with us, you may wish to explore other courses we offer in this subject area [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .
Archive content
This is an extract from an Open University course which is no longer available to new students. If you found this interesting you could explore more free Religious Studies course units or view the range of currently available OU Religious Studies courses.
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