TOK: Faith
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Jewels of ancient Iraq bulldozed by fanatics
The IS frenzy of destruction has claimed three remarkable ancient cities in Iraq, considered to be treasures of global heritage. Why are tyrannies so hostile to art and history?
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Beloved neuroscientist faces death head-on
Oliver Sacks has spent his life understanding neurological disorders, and as he faces death he talks of having a deeper grasp of living. Can we all experience this level of clarity?
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Iraq battles to end IS nightmare
Iraq has launched a major operation to recapture the city of Tikrit from IS. The tide seems to be turning against the Islamists, but can Iraq ever be a fully functioning nation?
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Fears for future of Syria-bound schoolgirls
Three schoolgirls travel to Syria to join the so-called Islamic State. But are the women accomplices to a vicious terror group, or victims of its pernicious propaganda?
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Football world disowns racist Chelsea fans
A group of Chelsea fans who were caught on camera racially abusing a stranger on the Parisian metro have been tracked down by fellow supporters. Is sport the problem or part of the solution?
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Democracy on the line in Africa’s great power
Nigerians have been told to wait six weeks for their election due to terror threats. But can the military possibly achieve in six weeks what it has tried and failed to do for six years?
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Japan ‘heartbroken’ after hostage beheaded
The Japanese prime minister has vowed 'never to forgive’ the Islamic State militants who killed two hostages, leaving the country in shock. Who are these murderers? And what motivates them?
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Reformers rejoice for first female bishop
The Church of England has consecrated its first ever female bishop. It has been hailed as a landmark for progress and equality, but do religions fare better when they stick to tradition?
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Faith survey reveals a nation in doubt
A major study examining British attitudes to religion has found most people deeply uncertain in their own beliefs. Is doubt the enemy of faith — or its essential companion?
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Pope honours the poor in battered Philippines
Pope Francis addressed a crowd of millions in Manila. He talked about the nobility of suffering, but does this represent a patronising view of the true horror of poverty?
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Bishops slam materialism as UK targets wealth
George Osborne says Britain could become the world’s richest major economy within 15 years, but church leaders say our money obsession is ruining the country. Does wealth bring happiness?
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Millions buy Charlie Hebdo ‘survivors' issue’
A new edition of the magazine that was attacked last week has smashed sales records. The journalists’ defiance of terror is uplifting — but not everybody is comfortable with their work.
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After the killings millions march for unity
Yesterday in Paris world leaders linked arms and an army of marchers took to the streets to call for unity. After the horror, will stories of individual humanity and heroism give us hope?
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Terror attack threatens to tear France apart
France's response to the deadly attack on a satirical magazine has so far been admirable. But could grief warp into a right-wing backlash against the country’s moderate Muslims?
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France in mourning after magazine massacre
A brutal attack on a famous satirical magazine in Paris has left 12 people dead and five more in critical condition. Why did journalists risk their lives for the sake of irreverent jokes?