A palpable buzz of excitement filled the lecture theatre at the University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education on Wednesday 8 March. Upper VI students Martha and Amelie took up front row seats as the youngest enrolled students for the evening. 

Captivated silence turned to excited whispers, laughter and the scratching of notes, as opening arguments were put persuasively by the distinguished panelists, Dr Stephen Law, Prof Keith Ward and Prof John Cottingham. A lively discussion followed, chaired by Dr Amna Whiston, which deepened and enriched students’ studies in the philosophy of religion. The evening concluded with the opportunity to quiz the panelists, whom we left satisfyingly challenged!