Faith and Focus Podcast

In this episode of the Faith and Focus Podcast, we explore one of the most famous and controversial arguments in the history of philosophy: the Ontological Argument. Starting with St Anselm, we unpack the idea that God is “that than which nothing greater can be conceived.” If God is the greatest possible being, Anselm argues, then God must exist not only in the mind but in reality — because existing in reality is greater than existing only as an idea. But does this actually work? We examine key developments and challenges to the argument, including: • Gaunilo’s Perfect Island objection • Descartes’ version of the Ontological Argument • Kant’s famous critique that existence is not a predicate • Modern discussions about necessity and possibility Along the way, we break down complex philosophical ideas in a clear and accessible way, with direct links to the OCR A Level Religious Studies Philosophy of Religion specification. If you’re revising the Ontological Argument, this episode will help you understand the key thinkers, the logic behind the argument, and the major strengths and weaknesses you need for essays and exams. So whether you’re studying philosophy, revising for A Level Religious Studies, or just curious about whether God can be proven through pure thought — this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Faith & Focus Podcast, we explore the philosophy of Aristotle and why his ideas are central to the OCR A Level Religious Studies Philosophy of Religion course. We unpack Aristotle’s theory of the Four Causes, his idea of teleology (purpose in nature), and the concept of the Prime Mover — a being that causes motion in the universe without itself being moved. Along the way, we explore how Aristotle’s thinking about form and matter, hylomorphism, and final causes shapes later philosophical arguments about God. You’ll also see how Aristotle influenced key thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas, whose Cosmological Arguments depend heavily on Aristotelian ideas about causation and motion. We then turn to evaluation, exploring challenges from philosophers like David Hume and Bertrand Russell, and asking whether Aristotle’s teleological worldview still holds up in light of modern science.

In this episode, we unpack Plato’s Theory of Forms, the Form of the Good, the Analogy of the Cave, and dualism — all key foundations for OCR A Level Philosophy of Religion. Moving beyond simple description, this episode explores why Plato’s metaphysics underpins later arguments about God, how thinkers like Augustine and Iris Murdoch develop his ideas, and how critics such as Aristotle and Hume challenge them. 

Why are we still debating whether God exists? In this episode, we explore what OCR A Level Philosophy of Religion is really about. Moving beyond content, we unpack how the course develops disciplined reasoning, critical engagement with scholars like Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hume and Kant, and the ability to construct strong 40-mark essays. This episode introduces the structure of OCR Religious Studies and sets the foundation for a new season focused on thinking carefully, not just memorising arguments.

What happens when your life doesn’t line up with the school calendar? In this episode, we reflect on progress, pressure, and the illusion of linear growth. If you’re feeling behind, overwhelmed, or tired of measuring yourself against a timetable, this is a gentle reminder that real growth isn’t always visible — and it doesn’t always run to schedule.

It’s been a while — and that’s okay. In A Quiet Restart, I share why Faith and Focus paused, what that space made possible, and why starting again doesn’t need drama or perfection. If you’re feeling behind, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, this episode is for you.

In this special update episode, host Laura Giles outlines the exciting new structure of the Faith and Focus Podcast! Whether you're studying for AQA GCSE or OCR A Level Religious Studies, this episode walks you through the brand-new content schedule, interleaving strategy, downloadable revision resources, and upcoming expert interviews. What to expect going forward: Mondays: AQA GCSE RS – Beliefs, Practices & Themes Wednesdays: OCR A Level RS – Philosophy, Ethics & DCT Fridays: Revision Boosters + Interview Specials Free PDF quote banks, model answers & summary sheets Interviews linked directly to the spec with theologians & students Perfect for students, teachers, and anyone passionate about RS—this episode sets the tone for a year of focused, empowering, exam-ready learning. Follow @faithandfocuspodcast on Instagram for updates and free resources. Dropbox Shared Folder for resources: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/niiy92yz26yd5rj7reojb/AJ_ntWTKP8-k5L8bQvEMZTA?rlkey=3nzqg3qkkuux5g9z5tinle1hb&st=vg9jz35h&dl=0  Link to my Tutor Hunt Profile: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/  Link to my LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faith-and-focus-podcast/?viewAsMember=true 

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore Liberation Theology—a radical movement that applies the message of the Gospel to the realities of poverty, oppression, and injustice—through the lens of Marxist thought. We cover: The core ideas of Liberation Theology, including the preferential option for the poor and the focus on orthopraxis (right action over right belief) How Liberation Theologians use Marx’s analysis of alienation and exploitation to understand structural sin The critique of capitalism, institutions, and inequality as sources of oppression The role of the Church in social transformation, and the idea that Christians must act in solidarity with the poor Tensions between Liberation Theology and official Church teaching, especially under Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI We also examine whether using Marxist ideas to interpret Christianity strengthens or undermines the Christian message. 🎧 Ideal for anyone studying the Developments in Christian Thought unit or exploring how theology meets social justice and political activism in the modern world.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore the growing influence of secularism in modern society and its challenge to traditional religious authority, particularly Christianity. We cover: The definition and rise of secularism, including secularisation theory and its social, cultural, and political dimensions Whether religion still has a role in public life – including education, law, and morality The views of key thinkers like Charles Taylor and José Casanova on how religion persists in a so-called secular age The debate over whether secularism is neutral or if it promotes its own worldview Christian responses to secularism, including Benedict XVI’s warnings about the “dictatorship of relativism” We also ask whether secularism has led to the marginalisation of religion—or whether it has created a space for genuine religious freedom. 🎧 Perfect for anyone revising the Developments in Christian Thought unit or grappling with the place of faith in a pluralistic, post-religious society.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we delve into the transformative field of Gender and Theology, asking how feminist thinkers have challenged and reimagined traditional Christian understandings of God, salvation, and scripture. We explore: How feminist theology critiques male-dominated images of God The work of Mary Daly, who argues that “if God is male, then the male is God,” and critiques Christianity’s “Unholy Trinity” of rape, genocide, and war The theology of Rosemary Radford Ruether, who reinterprets Jesus as the incarnation of female wisdom (Sophia) and calls for a more inclusive vision of salvation The use of the Bible in feminist critique, including the work of Phyllis Trible (Texts of Terror) The tension between orthodoxy (right belief) and orthopraxis (right action) in feminist theological practice 🎧 This episode is essential listening for anyone revising the Developments in Christian Thought unit or wanting to understand how theology is being reshaped through the lens of gender.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we examine the complex relationship between Christianity, gender roles, and society. How have traditional Christian teachings shaped the role of women? And how are these roles being challenged and reinterpreted today? We explore: The influence of patriarchal structures in Church and society The impact of secular feminism on Christian views of family and gender Debates around the family as a social construct and the idea of the nuclear family Theologies that challenge traditional gender roles, including liberal theology and Christian egalitarianism Key thinkers such as Mary Daly and Rosemary Radford Ruether are discussed, along with the ongoing conversation about women’s ordination and leadership in the Church. 🎧 Whether you're preparing for your exam or just curious about how religion interacts with modern gender debates, this episode breaks it all down with clarity, quotes, and critical analysis.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore the impact of religious pluralism on society, and how Christianity navigates life in a multifaith, multicultural world. We tackle big questions like: How should Christians engage with people of other faiths? What is the role of interfaith dialogue in promoting social cohesion? Can a Christian maintain their beliefs while supporting freedom of religion and tolerance? We cover: The aims and types of interfaith dialogue, including interreligious cooperation and theological exchange The Catholic Church’s teachings on interfaith relations The challenge of secularism, migration, and globalisation for Christian identity You’ll also learn how the Church balances its mission to evangelise with the need to respect other traditions in a pluralist context. 🎧 This episode is perfect for revising the Developments in Christian Thought unit and for reflecting on how theology responds to our increasingly diverse world.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we dive deep into the challenging and thought-provoking topic of Religious Pluralism and Theology. We explore how Christian thought responds to the existence of multiple world religions, and what this means for salvation, truth, and mission. We unpack the key positions: Exclusivism – Salvation through Christ alone (e.g., Karl Barth) Inclusivism – Christ as the means of salvation, but not limited to explicit belief (e.g., Karl Rahner’s anonymous Christians) Pluralism – Many paths to God (e.g., John Hick and theological relativism) We’ll discuss: The role of interfaith dialogue (the Catholic Church’s Redemptoris Missio) The implications of pluralism for Christian doctrine and evangelism Key philosophical and theological critiques of each position With clear explanations, key scholars, and exam-ready insights, this episode equips you to handle one of the most complex topics in the Developments in Christian Thought unit. 🎧 Perfect for revision or reflection, this episode brings clarity to the conversation around Christianity in a multifaith world.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore Christian Moral Action, focusing on the life, theology, and ethical teachings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer—a theologian who famously opposed the Nazi regime. We unpack Bonhoeffer’s ideas on costly grace, discipleship, the role of the Church, and civil disobedience, asking: What does it truly mean to live as a Christian in times of moral crisis? We examine: The difference between cheap grace and costly grace Bonhoeffer’s belief in obedience to God above the state His involvement in the Confessing Church and resistance to Hitler The relevance of Bonhoeffer’s ethics today This episode breaks down complex ideas with key quotes, scholarly insight, and clear connections to OCR exam themes, helping you prepare with clarity and confidence. 🎧 Whether you’re revising for your A Level or just curious about how theology inspires activism, this episode is for you.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

How do Christians know what is right or wrong? In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore Christian Moral Principles, a key topic in the OCR A Level Religious Studies course. We break down the role of the Bible, Church authority, reason, and conscience in Christian ethical decision-making. Should Christians rely on Scripture alone (sola scriptura), or do tradition and reason also have a place in forming moral judgments? We examine key debates, including heteronomous vs autonomous ethics, and assess how different denominations understand moral guidance. With insights from scholars like Richard B. Hays, Joseph Fletcher, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this episode offers essential AO1 knowledge and AO2 evaluation to support your revision and essays.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

Who was Jesus—just a moral teacher, a political liberator, or truly the Son of God? In this episode of Faith and Focus, we explore the OCR A Level topic The Person of Jesus Christ, examining three key perspectives: Jesus as teacher of wisdom, Jesus as liberator, and Jesus as the Son of God. We unpack Gospel evidence, theological interpretations, and scholarly views, from N.T. Wright and C.S. Lewis to Gustavo Gutiérrez and E.P. Sanders. We consider how Jesus’ parables, miracles, and crucifixion inform each identity and what this means for Christian belief today. Perfect for students preparing for exams, this episode includes key quotes, critical debates, and insight into how Jesus is portrayed both in Scripture and modern theology.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

In this episode, we explore how Christians claim to know God—and the debate between natural theology and revealed theology. We break down key arguments from thinkers like Aquinas, Calvin, and Barth, examining whether human reason, observation of the world, or Scripture and faith are the most reliable paths to divine knowledge. Can we know God through conscience and creation, or is revelation the only secure route? You’ll get a clear overview of the topic, key scholars and quotes, and evaluative insights that prepare you for AO1 and AO2 success in the exam. 🎧 Tune in to sharpen your understanding of one of the deepest theological debates in the course—and bring your knowledge of God into focus.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

What happens when we die? In this episode, we dive into one of the most profound and contested areas of Christian theology: Death and the Afterlife. We explore key beliefs about resurrection, judgement, heaven, hell, and purgatory, alongside debates about whether these ideas should be taken literally or symbolically. Are we judged immediately at death or at the end of time? Will heaven be a spiritual state or a physical reality? Drawing on Scripture, traditional teachings, and scholarly perspectives—from Aquinas to Hick—we critically examine how these beliefs shape Christian ethics, identity, and hope for the future. Whether you're revising for OCR A Level Religious Studies or reflecting on big questions of life and death, this episode offers clear explanations, key quotes, and evaluative insights to guide your thinking. 🎧 Press play and journey into the heart of Christian eschatology.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

In this episode, we explore one of the foundational thinkers in Christian theology—St Augustine of Hippo—and his influential views on human nature, sin, and grace. We unpack Augustine’s understanding of the Fall, original sin, and the divided will, asking: Are humans fundamentally good, or flawed beyond repair? Through key texts like Confessions and City of God, we consider how Augustine’s views shaped Western Christian thought, influenced debates on freedom and responsibility, and still spark controversy today. Whether you’re revising for the OCR A Level or just curious about Christian doctrines on sin and salvation, this episode will guide you through the essential knowledge, key scholars, and exam insights you need. 🎧 Tune in to explore why Augustine still matters—and what his theology means for how we see ourselves.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/

In this episode, we begin our journey into one of the most thought-provoking components of the OCR A Level Religious Studies course: Developments in Christian Thought. We explore what this paper is all about—how Christian theology has evolved in response to key philosophical, ethical, and cultural questions. From human nature to gender, and from the person of Jesus to liberation theology, this unit dives deep into what it means to live out Christian beliefs in the modern world. Whether you’re just starting this unit or need a structured refresher, we’ll break down the key themes, explain what examiners are looking for, and set the stage for deeper study. Perfect for students, teachers, and curious minds alike. 🎧 Hit play to get focused, stay curious, and deepen your understanding of Christian thought through the ages.   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/AMppPtppNT1ZM7T7FkRZbFA?rlkey=t85cl7ggn1r2q77rk5bxtkw9m&st=vcmk39vy&dl=0  Check out my profile on Tutor Hunt for 1:1 tutoring help online: https://www.tutorhunt.com/users/8409221529960/