Overview
This unit explores how the modern pursuit of freedom (often equated with personal autonomy, self-expression, and limitless choice) is shaping our relationship with consumerism and impacting our mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
In a culture that encourages us to escape discomfort through consumption and curated identities, students will explore how faith provides a deeper, more fulfilling vision of freedom – one that challenges the individualistic messages of the modern world and invites us into a life of purpose, identity, and communion with others.
Learning Activities
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Students will be able to explain the difference between freedom and autonomy
- Students will identify the potential ‘traps’ which often accompany the modern expression of personal freedom
- Students will explore the tension between Christian values and societal beliefs around individualism and consumerism
- Students will be able to reflect on and evaluate how ‘free’ they are and what they could change in their lives.
SUCCESS CRITERIA:
- Students can clearly explain the difference between autonomy and true freedom from both a modern and Christian perspective
- Students can identify a range of ways in which the expression of freedom can be damaging and dangerous for them personally
- Students can explain what the Bible teaches about a healthy expression of freedom
- Students can reflect meaningfully on their own freedom, developing steps they can take to live with greater purpose and integrity
Lesson Outlines
Formative Assessment
Small Group Discussion / Staff Devotions
Q&A with Max Jeganathan
"How do you think beliefs about personal autonomy influence faith formation?"
Assessment Task
Extended Response – In this task, students will explore the meaning of freedom from both a modern and Christian perspective, drawing on their learning, Scripture, and personal reflection to respond to the question: ‘What does it mean to be truly free?’.
Creative Writing – Students write a fictional letter, blog post, or short script from Paul to a modern audience warning about modern forms of ‘enslavement’ outlining what it would look like to be truly free.
Personal Action Plan – Students complete further research on their chosen question/issue, presenting their evaluation of the evidence or arguments that they discover. They can produce a formal or informal report, which may be written, recorded or presented in class.
Curriculum Integration
We’ll add more here over time, feel free to let us know which classes these lessons have been helpful for.