The School of Theology, Religion and Islamic Studies Presents

'Religion and Media'

This Year’s ‘Religion and Media’ Conference was held on the 5th and 6th of November at Carmarthen Campus and at the Bassaleg School in Newport.   The two Conference days were such a success that the Conference was repeated in Swansea at Bishop Gore School on the 18th of November 2009.

In total approximately 750 students participated in all the conferences. The ‘Media & religion’ Conferences were perfectly tailored for the 'A' Level and GCSE Religious Studies students.  The conference allowed the students to engage more deeply with one of the most important issues of our time: the Representation of Religion in the Media.

The Conferences covered themes related to the representation of religion in the British Broadsheets, Contemporary Advertising, Hollywood and Television.       

The main talks of the Conferences were ‘The Atheist Bus’, ‘Tom Cruise Religion’ and ‘Islam in the Media’.  These were presented by Dr Greg Barker, Stephen Gregg and Dr Amjad Hussain.

The students, lecturers, student ambassadors and teachers all enjoyed the intellectual stimulus and the integration of ideas.

The days were complimented with teacher’s luncheon as a part of the event where students were able to mix with fellow teachers and conference speakers.

The Conferences all ended with a book draw and a number of lucky students and teachers took prices back home. Another annual one day conference that was successful this year was the 'God on Trial' - the key Arguments.  This was held in Gowerton School that specifically invited TRS on the 20th October 2009 to host this event at their school for the entire 6th form.

This new event for 6th form students ignited debate across Wales. Hundreds of 6th form students across Wales have now witnessed ‘God on Trial’ the new presentation from University staff from the School.

‘God on Trial’ introduces students to an empty chair.  A judge announces that the trial of God’s existence is about to begin and that the students are the jury. Lynda Maddock acted as defence attorney and Dr Greg Barker, acted as the prosecuting attorney. Greg remarked ‘ It is simply amazing to see the students come alive and argue with the defence or the prosecution. As prosecuting attorney my arguments were sometimes rejected by the jury on emotional as well as intellectual grounds.

Staff say that this is a wonderful vehicle for bringing the Philosophy of Religion alive for students.The day ends with the jury giving their verdict.

Does God exist?

'You’ll have to come and witness the event in order to find out’ – says staff