TOK: Faith
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Alfie, the boy trapped between life and death
What should be done about Alfie Evans? The two-year-old is comatose and terminally ill. His hospital has decided that he should not be kept alive, but his parents refuse to give up hope.
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Ant under fire as he begs for forgiveness
Should we forgive Ant McPartlin? The presenter has pleaded guilty to drink driving. In an emotional statement, he apologised and promised to change his ways. But not everyone is sympathetic.
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Turkey, panettone, salmon: Christmas is back!
Do we need more feast days? Easter is now becoming a second Christmas, complete with the trimmings. And why not? We work harder than ever. Surely we need more time when the world switches off?
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Rising alarm over incidences of anti-Semitism
Is anti-Semitism on the rise again? Protesters in Britain have accused Jeremy Corbyn of letting anti-Semitism fester in his party. Some say the prejudice is growing across the Western world.
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Uber self-driving car kills US pedestrian
Would you use a self-driving car? The first fatality involving a pedestrian and an autonomous car has put Uber in the firing line. Some call the crash a “wake-up call” for the whole industry.
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Row brewing over global craze for beer yoga
Does doing the “Drunken Row Boat” betray a sacred tradition? Purists have condemned yoga teachers who incorporate beer into their classes. Beer fans say it makes yoga more accessible…
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Positive thinking accused of causing misery
Are we too optimistic? Most people think their lives will be better in five years time, but new data suggests otherwise. Some think our obsession with “positive thinking” is doing us harm.
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Faith, mass marketing and ‘God’s machine gun’
Is faith a public or private matter? For Billy Graham, it was certainly the former. He rose from humble origins to become the world’s most influential evangelist. Did he set a good example?
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‘World’s most powerful rocket’ set for lift-off
Are we about to witness a giant leap or a silly stunt? Today SpaceX will launch a huge rocket which could pave the way for future Mars missions. But some people do not believe the hype.
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Church and chutney: Christmas fit for a Queen
Should we be more like the Queen at Christmas? Despite her opulent palace and extravagant decorations, the Queen’s Christmas Day is modest and traditional with no place for expensive gifts.
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America’s secret UFO research unit revealed
Just how wacky is it to believe in UFOs? The US government has spent millions investigating sightings. Now previously secret footage reveals a dramatic encounter with possible aliens.
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The ancient city that could spark a modern war
Is history a force for good? Donald Trump has officially recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The decision breaks with 50 years of US foreign policy, and could have huge consequences.
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World cricket booms as England face Aussies
Is cricket the greatest sport in the world? England are taking on Australia in the first Ashes Test match. And as the pros do battle, the game flourishes in all corners of the globe.
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How religion is winning the fight with atheism
Is atheism in danger? In Britain and America more people than ever are shunning the church. But as religion booms in other regions, some think that atheism does not have a bright future.
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Police hunt terror links of New York attacker
Should we describe the attacker as a lone wolf? Eight people were killed when a truck ploughed down a cycle path in New York. It is the deadliest terrorist attack on the city since 9/11.