Daniel Hole, of Burgate Sixth Form, has been announced as the winner of Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) Robert Grosseteste Essay Prize 2020.

The competition, in honour of Robert Grosseteste (1167-1253), namesake of BGU, bishop, philosopher, scientist and translator and the first chancellor of Oxford University, challenges entrants to apply the study of Theology and Philosophy relevant to the issues of our age.

Entrants were invited to submit papers exploring ‘Is Religion a help or a hinderance when it comes to the issue of racial equality?’ with particular reference to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Daniel’s paper, titled ‘God is my Judge’, proposed that rather than a hindrance, Religion could serve as a cure for racial inequality and was picked by judging panel out of a wide selection of entries. As winner Daniel will receive a £250 cash prize as well as a hardback signed copy of Robert Grosseteste and Theories of Education; the Ordered Human, eds Jack P. Cunningham & Steven Puttick.

Speaking after the announcement, Daniel explained what drew him to the competition and discussed his plans for the future:

“Ever since I was young I have had a passion for problem solving and at the age of 15 this flourished for me in my dive into Philosophy and Theology. Since then I have been on a relentless development of my intellect. I am a current student at Burgate Sixth Form and I am studying A Levels in Philosophy, Religious Studies, Sociology and Politics with an EPQ in the subject of 'Sola Scriptura. My aspirations for the future are to write books on the subject from thoughts I have accumulated over the years and to next year begin a Bachelors in Philosophy, with subsequent plans of earning Master's and Doctorates in Theology and Religion.”

You can read Daniel’s essay in full by clicking here.

The judges also gave special recognition to runner up Alys Evans, of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, who argued that, due to existence and impact of religious extremism, religion could not be defined as a help in racial equality. Alys also shared her plans for the future:

“I am applying for a degree in Law and hope to attend Bristol University next year. In future, I would love to become a lawyer and possibly spend a year in New Zealand after University.”

You can read Alys’ essay in full by clicking here.

If you would like to become a part of these exciting and unique explorations, visit our website, speak to a member of Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days to find out how to take your first steps.