Religious Instruction

The Religious Knowledge program in Middle School offers an introduction to the religions of the world. Students study these faith traditions to gain an understanding of both the specific religions themselves and the dynamics of religion in general.

Students are encouraged to cultivate an appreciation for their own religious heritage, as well as for the religious diversity represented in the Canadian mosaic today.

In the first year of a two-year cycle, we study Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. In the second year we study Hinduism, the life of Jesus, First Nations Spirituality and Judaism.

Teaching methods include lectures, discussion, on-line research and guest speakers. In addition, there is a field trip to one of the following places of worship: an Islamic mosque, a Hindu temple, a Buddhist temple, a Christian church or a Jewish synagogue.

Hinduism

  1. The Beginnings of Hinduism
  2. Holy Books
  3. What Hindus Believe
  4. Caste and Dharma
  5. The Goal of Hindus
  6. One God in Many Forms
  7. The Journey of Life
  8. The Hindu Way of Life
  9. Festivals
  10. Pilgrimages
  11. Worship
  12. Women in Hinduism

The Life of Jesus

  1. Who is Jesus?
  2. What Christians, Jews and Romans wrote concerning Jesus.
  3. The World of Jesus.
  4. Early stories.
  5. His ministry begins.
  6. Early ministry.
  7. Parables
  8. Forgiveness
  9. Man of Mysteries
  10. Last Days on Earth: Palm Sunday & The Last Supper
  11. Last Days on Earth: The Crucifixion
  12. The Resurrection and Appearances

First Nations' Spirituality

  1. Medicine Wheel : Equality
  2. Medicine Wheel : Environment
  3. Medicine Wheel : Human Potential
  4. Interconnectedness

Judaism

  1. Origins
  2. Holy Books
  3. What Jews Believe
  4. Orthodox & Reform
  5. The Life Cycle: From birth to Bar Mitzvah
  6. The Sabbath
  7. Jewish Family Life
  8. The Synagogue
  9. Rabbis
  10. The Life Cycle: Marriage & Death
  11. Festivals
  12. Through Troubled Times
 

Father Stephen Crowther
905-737-1114, ext. 234
scrowther@hts.on.ca