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Year 9 - Religious education

Linda Woodhead's exploration of the 'nones' - atheism

Census: How has the landscape of belief changed in Britain?

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will interpret census data to explore religion and belief in the UK. They will examine the growing diversity within Christianity and the rise of cultural Christians. They will use work by the sociologist, Linda Woodhead, to analyse the rise of 'no religion' in the UK.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain what nones are and why this group has increased, using Linda Woodhead's research.

Key Notes

  • People with no religion are known by different terms including 'nones' but nones are not all atheist.
  • Linda Woodhead is a Professor of Religion and has completed research on the rise of atheism in the UK.
  • Research suggests the rise is due to factors including upbringing, freedom of belief and the diversity of society.
  • Woodhead suggets that nones are the 'new norm' which has contributed to its rise.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • athiesm: a belief that there is no God or higher power/ a lack of belief in 'God'
  • nones: people who self-report that they do not affiliate with any religious group
  • Linda Woodhead: academic who studies the place of religion in modern British society

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Nones are atheist.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

People with no religion are known by different terms including 'nones' but nones are not all atheist. Linda Woodhead is a Professor of Religion and has completed research on the rise of atheism in the UK.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'athiesm'

a belief that there is no God or higher power/ a lack of belief in 'God'.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Nones are atheist. Correction: Data shows that there are nones that are theists.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 9 Religious education guide library.