This week, Mr Wilson's Religious Studies lesson was taken by Dr Anthony Lewis who taught the class about Humanism.
Dr Lewis was raised as a Catholic but at a young age had an epiphany. He came to the realisation, while attending a funeral as an altar boy, that the sadness of the congregation indicated that they didn't truly believe in Heaven and thought they would be happy and relieved to know that their loved one was going on to the afterlife. After studying Science at university, Anthony spent time travelling Asia and the Middle East, working and living in Muslim, Christian and Hindu countries to get a greater understanding of religion. 
Dr Lewis told the Year 8 pupils that Humanism focuses on The Golden Rule (to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself) and that if you take away the doctrine from religious texts then Humanism is what remains. The basis of this way of thinking is to focus on the life you are living, which is certain, and not to focus on an uncertain afterlife. While Humanism is not a religion, it is based on philosophy and focuses on science and reason to understand the world around us through evidence and observation.
It was a fantastic chance for the pupils to see that the world does not force individuals into religion or religious categories, and Dr Lewis spoke about freedom of choice when it comes to religion or philosophy. The boys asked plenty of intuitive questions such as are Humanists all atheists?
The Year 8 Religious Studies pupils were then shown the video below. Thanks go to Dr Anthony Lewis for taking the time to speak to our pupils and encourage the Shiplake 7, which includes being open-minded and reflective.
To find out more about Humanism, click here.