Secondary Catalogue

Where does the term ‘mosque’ come from? In which direction does the mihrab face? What does wudu involve? This programme investigates these questions and others by taking learners through a mosque to experience the rituals performed by Muslims. Viewers will learn how aspects of the mosque represent the core beliefs of Islam and why this is important for people of faith. Show Less

What is the difference between Theravada and Mahayana? Why are elephant motifs found in temples? What is a mantra? This programme investigates these questions and more by taking a look at Buddhist symbolism, rituals and practices. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of the core beliefs of Buddhism and the importance of temples in worship and devotion. Show Less

How do mandalas feature in the floor plan of a mandir? Who conducts a puja service? What does aarti involve? This programme answers these questions and others through an exploration of Hindu religious beliefs and rituals. Viewers will learn about the ways in which Hindus show their devotion towards deities and how mandirs are designed to accommodate these expressions of faith. Show Less

What is a guru? Why do Gurdwaras have four doors? What food is served during services? This programme explores these questions and more by tracing the history of Sikhism and looking at the rituals that serve as expressions of faith. Learners will be transported inside a Sikh service and understand how the Gurdwara serves as a place of worship. Show Less

Where is the ark in a synagogue? How many candles are in a menorah? When does Shabbat take place? This programme looks into these questions and more by investigating the sacred objects found in a synagogue and the services that are held within. Learners will come away with an understanding of Jewish rituals and practices and the important role that the synagogue plays. Show Less

How were churches built? What symbols can be found inside? What happens during Mass? This programme explores these questions and more through a historical and contemporary lens, from the history of church design to the ceremonies carried out in a church. Learners will gain insight into Catholic practices and rituals and the role of the physical structure of a church in facilitating worship. Show Less

With unprecedented access, ‘Walk With Me’ takes us deep inside the world-famous monastery of Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, and captures the life of a monastic community who have given up all their possessions for one common purpose – to practice the art of mindfulness. Filmed over three years, this visceral film is a meditation on a community determined to develop a deep sense of presence, not just for themselves but for all those they love. As the seasons come and go, the monastics’ inner journey is amplified by insights from Thich Nhat Hanh’s early journals, narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch. Show Less

Most religions have teachings, beliefs and principles relating to the Earth and its natural environment. This programme explores various aspects of those beliefs through the eyes of followers of Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Areas examined include caring for the natural environment and human relationships with nature, climate change and animal rights. Show Less

Perspectives on bioethics are morally and ethically complex. Even greater complexity comes into the question when the views of individuals and institutions are based on religious beliefs. With contributions from a number of religious leaders, this video examines various perspectives on contraception, IVF, abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research and animal testing through the eyes of the Islamic, Christian and Buddhist faiths. Show Less

What kind of god do you believe in? Can human beings get in touch with a higher power? In this programme we look at some core beliefs across the three religions of Buddhism, Islam and Christianity. Viewers are introduced to the Buddhist, Islamic and Christian conceptions of a supreme being in this thought-provoking programme. Show Less

Ever wondered what happens to you after you die? Do our actions affect what happens to us in the afterlife? This program presents comprehensive overviews of life after death from Buddhist, Muslim and Christian perspectives. Topics include teachings about following the path to Nirvana, Paradise and Heaven, and the concepts of final judgement and Hell. Show Less

The world’s major religions and philosophies have their origins in ancient civilisations – and while much has changed since then, countless millions of people through history have maintained a faith and belief in religious principles and teachings that have remained unchanged for millennia. This charming programme on the origins, sacred texts and beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam is an ideal introduction to the topic. Show Less

Between October 2000 and June 2002, a University of Lancaster study of the population of Kendal, a town near the Lakes District in the UK, revealed some fascinating trends in modern society's approach to, and practice of, religion and spirituality. Known as the Kendal Project, the study looked at the prevalence of regular congregational church attendance compared with the popularity of spirituality in the holistic domain. It showed that church attendance trending steadily downwards and uptake of spirituality in the holistic domain, increasing. This programme explores the scope and methodology of the Kendal Project, its findings and conclusions about modern society, religion and spirituality and examines implications and explanations of changing trends. We hear reflections from a range of people, including University of Lancaster academics involved in the Kendal project, a member of the clergy, and a modern day practising witch. It is an excellent learning resource at senior secondary and higher education levels for students of sociology, religion, values and ethics. Show Less

Designed for students who are tackling the subjects of evil and suffering in relation to the existence of God this film offers examples of what could be perceived as ‘suffering’ in the world today and explores the meaning of ‘suffering’ from a religious point of view. Comment from eminent ethicists and professional journalists discussing some of the more controversial incidents in recent years makes this resource the starting point for informed and stimulating debate. Show Less

What are the sacraments held within the Christian doctrine and why are they relevant to us today? This informative film seeks to define the term ‘sacrament’ and explores baptism, confirmation, The Eucharist, marriage, ordination, reconciliation, anointing and funerals from the perspective of several Christian denominations. Show Less

In this programme students take an in-depth look at Islam, the religion practiced by over one billion Muslims in countries worldwide. Students investigate the history of this religion by learning about Muhammad, the prophet whom Muslims believe received God's message and shared it with others. By visiting a mosque, or masjid, and learning about the five pillars and the daily Muslim prayer ritual of salah, students learn about the core beliefs of Islam. Students also gain understanding of Muslim traditions and beliefs by visiting a family as they celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Show Less

Religions around the world have practices and beliefs that help people understand the meaning of life and give people answers to the important questions that they have about life, death and the existence of God. In this programme, students learn that despite their many differences, world religions have elements in common like systems of basic beliefs, holy writings, sacred places and special holidays and celebrations. As a result of the vast religious diversity in the world, students gain an appreciation for the need to respect people of all faiths. Show Less

This programme provides a basis for developing respect and understanding for Judaism, a religion practiced by about 14 million Jews around the world. Aspects of the religion's history are presented, from the story of Abraham, a patriarch of the Jewish faith, to the establishment of the nation of Israel. Students explore the prayer rituals of Judaism through a visit to a synagogue and the account of a boy preparing for his Bar Mitzvah ceremony. A visit with a family preparing for Passover helps students gain insight into the holidays and celebrations of the Jewish religion. Students also learn about Jewish traditions and beliefs through discussions with rabbis from different branches of Judaism. Show Less