Lesson 1: The Foundation of Human Dignity

Display the quotes from Martin Luther King Jnr., Ayn Rand, Pope Francis and Friedrich Nietzsche. (Lesson 1 slides.) Students identify which quote they like the most and explain to the person next to them why they chose it.

Facilitate a ‘Tug for Truth’ activity, with the class responding to the statement “Christianity has played a central role in promoting human dignity across history.”

• Students discuss their initial opinion with a neighbour
• They then add post-it notes for evidence/support for the ‘Yes’ position and the ‘No’ position.
• They also add questions about the whole topic/statement (such as ‘what if’ questions)

• Clip: On the most important phrase ever coined (1:50)
• Clip: On the idea that changed the world (1:11)
• Clip: On the transvaluation of humanity (1:21)

The class watches the clips and students individually fill out a table summarising the core message of each.

1. What does the Biblical idea that we are all made in the image of God?
2. What are the implications for how we should treat people?

• Article: Christos Tsiolkas and the Christian revolution (13 min)
• Article: Our secular Western culture is Christianity in disguise (5 min)
• Article: In defence of the nativity play (5 min)

Students choose ONE of the following articles to read before answering the questions:

1. According to the article, how did Christianity contribute to our society’s belief in the dignity and value of all human beings?
2. What is one idea raised in the article that you would like to think about more?

• Clip: On race, class, gender and the gospel (2:10)

As a class watch the clip. Students write a sentence that summarises what Edwin Judge says, and a phrase or word that captures their reaction to his words.

Read Galatians 3.28 together. Students rewrite the verse in their own words using modern equivalents to the people groups being mentioned.

Discuss what it would mean for a Christian to apply this verse to their lives in today’s world.

Using the following verses students create a mind map of what the Bible teaches about the equality and dignity of all human beings.

• Genesis 1:26-28
• Psalm 8:3-8
• Galatians 3:26-28
• Isaiah 43:1-7

Using Canva students create an Instagram carousel which highlights key points from the above Bible verses.

Students return to the earlier ‘Tug for Truth’ activity, to add more post-it notes reflecting what they’ve discovered.

Then the class discusses how their opinions have changed or been expanded.

Students then reflect individually on their own beliefs around human dignity, and write a journal entry where they consider their own behaviour towards others, and how consistently they impart dignity to those they are in relationship with.

Students imagine they are leading a government department and are about to announce major funding for an initiative that demonstrates the value of human life. Students prepare a speech (or speech outline) for a press conference explaining the initiative and justifying the funding, drawing on themes from this lesson.