UNIT
Youth & Schools Units FOR THE LOVE OF GOD
ACTIVITY

The 7th Earl of Shaftsbury

Description

A British social reformer who dedicated his life to campaigning for the rights of the poor in the Victorian era.

Religion and money can make for an unsavoury mix.

This lesson looks at a man who dedicated his life to campaigning for the rights of the poor: the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury. Anthony Ashley-Cooper was a key British social reformer who championed factory labour laws, children’s rights, education for the poor, mental health reform, and social welfare – during the Victorian era.

The 7th Earl of Shaftsbury Slides
13.56 MB / pptx
The 7th Earl of Shaftsbury Slides
3.57 MB / pdf

Introduce

Human Barometer Activity

Facilitate a Human Barometer Activity where students indicate their perspective on the following statements:

  • “Poverty is something we should be able to get rid of”
  • “A healthy society protects those who are poor”
  • “Caring for the poor should be a priority for the government”
Class Discussion

As a class discuss a piece of legislation that would be worth passing in regards to the poor in Australia. (You could consider any relevant news stories around education, welfare provisions, healthcare, working hours, minimum wage, penalty rates etc.). Discuss whether or not an elected politician should be influenced by their faith.

Observe & Respond

Display the child labour images and invite student observations and responses. Students compose a short report on the working conditions of children in mines, outlining the issues that need to be addressed. (The 7th Earl of Shaftsbury Slides)

Engage

Watch & Respond

Watch the documentary excerpt ‘A Heart for the Poor’ (4:06) and discuss the following questions:

  1. What was Lord Ashley’s response to the Huskar mining accident? What did he achieve?
  2. What do we learn about Shaftesbury from his campaigning and the 197 organisations he was involved with?
  3. Do you think what he says is logical based on his worldview?
Reflect & Compose

Display the Shaftsbury diary excerpts and discuss what these reveal about his faith and the impact of his life. (The 7th Earl of Shaftsbury Slides)

Students compose a short news article about the funeral procession of Lord Ashley, including quotes from two people who came out to view the coffin pass by.

Shaftesbury could have lived a very comfortable life, but he chose to devote himself to social justice. Students compose a short diary entry from the end of his life reflecting on the question, “Was it worth it?”

Bible Study

Students read Jeremiah 22:15-16 and answer the questions:

  1. What do these verses tell us about what priorities a follower of God should have?
  2. What is your reaction to the question, “Is that not what it means to know me?”

Students read 1 Timothy 6:17-19 and answer the questions:

  1. What command is given to those who are rich?
  2. Why do these verses say not to put your hope in wealth?
  3. What do you think Paul means when he talks about the “life that is truly life”?

Respond

Reflect, Respond & Discuss

Students create a list of current issues in Australia that a modern-day Lord Shaftesbury might work to reform.

After reading the article “Scott Morrison’s Christianity doesn’t spell the end of democracy”, students compose an email to the Australian Prime Minister asking them to act on one of the issues listed, referencing Lord Shaftesbury.

Display the Schluter quote and discuss whether the attitude the general public towards Christianity today. (The 7th Earl of Shaftsbury Slides)

Extension

Students read the Christian Today article about Shaftesbury and write down three new things they discovered.