Ian McCormack and near death experience
I can reflect on Ian McCormack’s conversion experience and use philosophical arguments to show how it could be used as support for the existence of God.
Ian McCormack and near death experience
I can reflect on Ian McCormack’s conversion experience and use philosophical arguments to show how it could be used as support for the existence of God.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- People may have religious experiences that confirm their current beliefs or convert them to a new religious outlook.
- Ian McCormack was an atheist who had a near death experience and became a Christian.
- Following his near death experience and conversion, he has dedicated his life to spreading Christianity.
- Richard Swinburne argues the role of credulity and testimony support the validity of religious experiences.
- Philosophers may argue that whether his experience can be proven is less significant than the impact it has had.
Keywords
Conversion - a complete transformation, often involving a change in worldview, such as adopting a new religious belief
Ian McCormack - a man who converted to Christianity after having a near death experience
Near death experience (NDE) - a transformative experience often involving visions, feelings of peace or encounters with a higher power, typically reported by those who have been close to death
Richard Swinburne - a philosopher who argues that religious experiences should be taken as evidence for the existence of God
Common misconception
Ian McCormack’s experience is unique and proves the truth of Christianity.
McCormack’s experience is similar to those in other religions, where people report encounters with divine beings or light, showing such experiences aren’t unique to Christianity.
To help you plan your year 8 religious education lesson on: Ian McCormack and near death experience, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 religious education lesson on: Ian McCormack and near death experience, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Knowing God: does religious experience prove God exists? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
The experience cannot be easily expressed or fully described in words.
The experience provides knowledge beyond ordinary understanding.
The experience is temporary but has a lasting impact.
The individual feels controlled by a higher power.