Faith and Focus Podcast

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore the fascinating world of Business Ethics for OCR A Level Religious Studies. Can businesses really act morally—or is profit always the bottom line? We apply key ethical theories to real-world dilemmas in the corporate world, including: Utilitarianism: weighing consequences and profit Kantian Ethics: treating people as ends, not means Natural Law: the r...

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we break down the four main normative ethical theories every Religious Studies student should know: Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Kantian Ethics, and Utilitarianism. We explore each theory’s key principles, strengths and weaknesses. Featuring key scholars like Aquinas, Fletcher, Kant, Bentham, and Mill, this episode gives you the tools to compare, evaluate, and...

In this episode, we explore three powerful areas of religious belief that challenge and inspire faith: miracles, religious experience, and belief in life after death. We break down: Definitions and key scholars on miracles (Hume, Swinburne, Holland) The nature and types of religious experiences, with challenges from Freud and Persinger Beliefs about life after death, including soul, resurrection,...

In this deep-dive episode of Faith and Focus, we explore three major philosophical challenges to belief in God, essential for OCR A Level Religious Studies. We start with the Problem of Evil, unpacking the Inconsistent Triad, Augustinian and Irenaean theodicies, and their modern criticisms. Then, we turn to Religious Experience—from mystical encounters to corporate experiences—and assess whether t...

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we begin our deep dive into OCR A Level Religious Studies: Philosophy of Religion. Episode 2 explores the foundational ideas of Plato and Aristotle, before moving into the three classical arguments for the existence of God: the cosmological, teleological, and ontological arguments. You’ll learn: Why understanding Plato’s Forms and Aristotle’s Four Causes is esse...

In this introductory episode, we break down everything you need to know to get started with confidence. We’ll guide you through the structure of the course, the key exam components—including Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics, and Developments in Christian Thought—and explain how each paper is assessed. Whether you're aiming for top grades or just trying to stay afloat, this episode sets...

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore Theme F: Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice, an essential part of the AQA GCSE Religious Studies course. We cover key concepts such as human rights, social justice, prejudice and discrimination, and how religious beliefs influence attitudes towards gender equality, racial equality, and wealth and poverty. Christian teachings are brought to life...

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we tackle Theme E: Religion, Crime and Punishment, a key part of the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification. We explore why crime happens, the aims of punishment, and how religious beliefs influence views on justice. Topics include retribution, deterrence, and reformation, along with views on prison, corporal punishment, and the death penalty. We dive into Chr...

In this powerful episode of Faith and Focus, we explore Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict from the AQA GCSE Religious Studies syllabus. We break down key concepts such as the just war theory, holy war, pacifism, and the causes of conflict—including greed, self-defence, and retaliation. We examine Christian teachings about peace and forgiveness, and how believers respond to issues of violence a...

focusing on the concept of revelation—how believers claim to experience and understand God. We explore the two main types of revelation: general revelation, through nature and reason, and special revelation, through sacred texts and religious experiences. You’ll hear key examples such as the role of scripture, the impact of visions, and famous moments like Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus...

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore Theme B of the AQA GCSE Religious Studies course: Religion and Life. From the origins of the universe to debates about animal rights and abortion, this theme tackles some of the biggest moral and philosophical questions of our time. We’ll break down key religious beliefs—focusing on Christian perspectives—and how they apply to issues such as the envir...

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore Theme A: Relationships and Families — a key area of the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification. We unpack religious teachings and ethical views on topics such as marriage, divorce, contraception, sex before marriage, and different types of families. With insights from Christian and other religious perspectives, this episode helps you understand how...

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we delve into the key practices of Buddhism, essential for the AQA GCSE Religious Studies course. Join me as we explore: The importance of worship, meditation, and puja in Buddhist life The role of Buddhist temples, shrines, and monastic communities Different types of meditation, including samatha and vipassana Ceremonies and rituals such as funerals, festivals,...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore the core beliefs and teachings of Buddhism, a key component of the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification. Join me as I break down: The life of the Buddha and the significance of his enlightenment The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path Key concepts like dukkha, anicca, anatta, karma, rebirth, and nirvana Differences between Th...

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore a key AQA GCSE Religious Studies topic: The Role of the Church in the Local and Worldwide Community. Join [Your Name] as we break down: How churches support local communities through food banks and street pastors The Church’s global mission through evangelism, mission work, and Church growth The worldwide Church’s role in reconciliation, supporting th...

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we dive into the AQA GCSE Religious Studies topic of Christian pilgrimage, focusing on two key destinations: Lourdes in France and Iona in Scotland. We explore: What pilgrimage means in Christianity and why it matters The historical and spiritual significance of Lourdes and Iona The practices and experiences of pilgrims at each site How pilgrimage expresses fait...

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we take a closer look at the sacraments — sacred rituals that are central to Christian worship and belief. Covering the seven traditional sacraments, with a particular focus on baptism and the Eucharist (as required by the AQA GCSE Religious Studies course), we explore their meaning, purpose, and significance across different Christian denominations. Learn how t...

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore the different forms and purposes of worship in Christianity, a key topic for the AQA GCSE Religious Studies course. From liturgical to non-liturgical and informal worship, we unpack how Christians connect with God through prayer, music, Bible readings, and sacraments. We also look at the significance of private worship and how different denominations...

In this episode of the Faith and Focus Podcast, we explore some of the most important beliefs in Christianity—Jesus’ incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension—plus the key concepts of sin and salvation. Perfect for AQA GCSE Religious Studies students, we break down what each event means, why it matters to Christians today, and how it links to the bigger picture of human redemption. You’ll al...

In this episode, we cover the nature of God, what Christians believe about creation, and how these ideas impact believers' lives.  We also look at quotes you can use to support your answers, revision techniques, and a model answer.   Check out my Shared folder on Dropbox for extra bits and bobs to help you crack your revision: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3kzaxncp798e8l6ww8124/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7Fk...

In this very first episode of Faith and Focus, we’re setting the stage for what’s to come. Whether you're a student revising for your AQA GCSE Religious Studies exam or just interested in exploring big questions about belief, ethics, and the meaning of life – this podcast is for you. I’ll walk you through what the course covers, how the episodes will help you revise, and what to expect from each i...