What's Happening In RE

Moral Decision Making: In Term 1 Year 10 learned how to use five simple steps to inform their conscience when faced with a moral dilemma. Students were able to choose from a range of real world scenarios involving a moral decision that many young people face today. The first step is to define the dilemma, laying out honestly all the temptations it poses. Often our desires for power, fame or pleasure and the influence of friends or the media can cloud our better judgement. For this reason seeking advice from people we trust such as parents or a person with integrity is a great starting point. In Year 10 we refer to the Youcat, as a voice of reason to guide our moral decisions.

Having pondered the advice, it is important to weigh up the positive and negative consequences of different options with respect to the moral dilemma. At the heart of living a good life is our relationship with God. Therefore prayer is fundamental to moral decision making because true goodness comes from God who is the author of everything. If God is at the centre of our moral decision making, His grace will not fail to enlighten and strengthen us to make heroic choices even when the consequences seem unfavourable.  Finally, reflecting on our choices and actions and whether they are a mark of good character is an ongoing process for anybody striving to lead a moral life. 

The following are excerpts of responses from students across several of our classes. Other than formatting, the work presented here is unedited to give you an honest representation of what Year 10 has been learning.

David Chaston | Religious Education Coordinator