On Tuesday 2 June, 33 Year 11 Studies of Religion students and three staff (Mr Mark Case, Mr Luke Giles and Mr David Walls) visited Auburn Gallipoli Mosque and the Sydney Jewish Museum. For many students, this was the first time they had visited a mosque; our Muslim guide – a psychology student at UNSW – also answered questions from students on a wide range of subjects related to Islam, providing a Muslim perspective on issues ranging from the nature of God and Muslim worship, to ethics and politics.

The visit certainly enriched students’ knowledge and understanding of Islam, which is one of the religions explored as part of the Studies of Religion course. In the afternoon we visited the Sydney Jewish Museum in Darlinghurst. The students were given a tour of the museum, focusing on ancient Jewish history, law and the early development of Judaism through to the history of Judaism in Australia, followed by a seminar on Jewish approaches to their sacred texts. In addition to providing an insight in to the Jewish faith, the visit deepened students’ understanding of the background and context to the development of Christianity.

The opportunity to discuss religious issues with members of both the Muslim and Jewish communities enabled students to gain a greater appreciation of the shared features of the beliefs and worldviews of these traditions, as well as enhancing their awareness of the significant and subtle differences between them.

Mr Mark Case
Head of Manton House