CHRISTIANITY Significant People and Ideas Learn about ● the contribution to Christianity of ONE significant person OR school of thought, other than Jesus, drawn from: → Paul of Tarsus Learn to ● explain the contribution to the development and expression of Christianity of ONE significant person OR school of thought, other than Jesus, drawn from: Paul of Tarsus was a Christian apostle who spread the teachings of Jesus. Paul introduced revolutionary ideas at the Council of Jerusalem which contributed to the development; growth of the church and expression; baptism and salvation through faith. His contributions consisted of: his involvement at the Council of Jerusalem, his missionary journeys, and his epistles which consisted of; agape, the eucharist and worship, the church is the body of Christ, baptism, and salvation. These contributions all have an enduring impact on the Christian tradition to this day. ● analyse the impact of this person OR school of thought on Christianity → Involvement at the Council of Jerusalem Immediate impacts Although Christianity existed before Paul, these early communities still practiced Jewish rituals and beliefs. Without Paul's arguments to remove mosaic law the Christian faith would not be distinct. His inclusive approach led to the concept of the universal church to open all. Enduring impacts Paul's position as missionary to Gentiles enabled the translation of the message of Christianity from its Palestinian origins to the urban environment of the Graeco-Roman world. He made the faith relevant to a range of situations culturally and religiously different from that of Jesus. Pauls immediate impact in separating the traditions still exists with over 2 billion Christian adherents from diverse backgrounds Quotes “... Gentile or Jew for you are all one in Christ” Galataions 3:28 → Epistles Agape Agape is a core ethical teaching of Paul that means love that loves without changing. It is self-giving love that gives without demanding or expecting repayment. It is love so great that it can be given to the unlovable or unappealing. It is love that loves even when it is rejected. Through his letters to Corinthians and Rome, Paul emphasises Agape as the highest most important moral standard, without it, our gifts are nothing. “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law Romans 13:9-10. Agape was initially written to settle disputes and provide distinct ethical teachings and in turn has had an enduring effect on Chritian response to ethical and justice issues as Paul taught that the highest form of love is charity. The ongoing effect of this is the presence of Christian denominational charities such as Caritas and salvation army, both of which demonstrate love and charity through their work with the poor, disadvantaged and homeless e.g. project compassion. Immediate impacts Through his letters to Corinthians and Rome, Paul emphasises Agape as the highest and most important moral standard, without it, our gifts are nothing. Initially written to settle disputes and provide distinct Christian ethical teachings. It has had an enduring effect on christian response to ethical and justice issues as Paul taught that the highest form of love is charity. Examples of agape Caritas Catholic organisation that demonstrates love and charity in the service of marginalised communities, e.g. project compassion, emergency relief, and education. Salvation army A denomination that provides homeless services throughout regional and city centres, they are a movement dedicated to sharing Jesus’ love. Quote “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Romans 13:9-10 → Baptism Immediate impacts Baptism was explicitly addressed throughout Paul's letters and position at CoJ. Paul teaches that baptism is essential to initiating diverse individuals. It is through baptism that one enters into a covenantal relationship with God. In baptism an adherent is baptised into Jesus death and reborn into new life just as Jesus was resurrected. Baptism is universal and makes one body. Baptism shows the diversity of the trinity. The body of Christ Through baptism christians are clothed and united in Christ, becoming a member of Christs body Catholics: infant baptism - Baptism replacing circumcision Initiation sacrament used for infants to become members of the faith community. Use water, candle, oil, and white to symbolise rebirth and membership into Christ's body. Salvation Army - no baptism Salvation and communal membership into christ is a gift given freely Baptists - full body immersion Like Catholics, baptists believe that baptism is an important initiation rite, but is typically performed on adults and occurs through full body immersion. → Salvation Immediate impacts Letters and teachings on salvation in separating Christianity from Judaism. Essential belief in the sacrament of baptism. Justified incursion of all the new Christian community. How did paul's writings impact on the idea of salvation Salvations a principle belief within all Christian denominations - denominations view this differently. E.g. salvation is freely given How did Paul’s writings on salvation lead to the Protestant Reformation? Argues that faith alone ensures membership in the kingdom of God Ethics Learn about ● ONE of the following areas of ethical teaching in Christianity: → bioethics Learn to ● describe and explain Christian ethical teachings on bioethics Abortion: termination of an unborn child as life begins at conception Catholic/Orthodox - Abortion is considered a mortal sin as it does not reflect natural law and God’s plan for humanity. There is a distinction between direct and indirect abortion. Direct abortion is always seen as killing or terminating life. However indirect abortion is the case where a mothers physical wellbeing or medical procedures used may indirectly terminate the pregnancy which is unavoidable. In the past under Canon law a woman who had an abortion is excommunicated from the church. Pope Francis last year has granted forgiveness for those women who have had an abortion and ask forgiveness through their parish priest. Anglican - The Anglican church does not have an official position on abortion. They recognise the dignity of life and that special care and protection should always be given to the child from the moment of conception. However there is recognition there are situations that are not ideal (case of rape, severe disability etc.) where some adherents believe the church has to do more in these trying times and offer support love and care. Uniting Church - The Uniting Church does not have any official teaching on abortion and recognises a diversity of opinion and suggests adherents not condemn the actions of others but offer support and compassion. It rejects the two extreme positions that abortion should never be available nor that abortion should be regarded as simply another procedure. “It is not possible to hold one position that can be applied in every case” - as stated by Dr Drayton President Uniting Church National Assembly. Quotes Dignity and sanctity of life: Gen 1:27 “God created man in His image; in the divine image He created him; male and female He created them” Euthanasia an act of intentionally causing or assisting in causing the death of another who is terminally ill or seriously ill in order to end the pain and suffering. Catholic/Orthodox view - Are against any form (voluntary or involuntary) of euthanasia. We are God’s creatures and we should treat others with love and respect. We should not take life that God created. The Catholic church sees it as a crime against life and a crime against God. It does not mean that we use extraordinary means to keep someone alive. Death should be a natural process. Anglican - The Anglican church is against the practice of Euthanasia as noted in the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops in 1998. As stated, “life is God given and holy and the practice of euthanasia is not compatible with the Christian faith.” Uniting Church - The Uniting church has no official position on euthanasia. There is a diversity of opinions. The Uniting Church calls for compassion and sensitivity from all those who debate this issue. Quotes Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder.” Example paragraph Ethics are a system of moral principles. The Christian ethical system is based on a relationship with God. At the heart of Christian ethics is sanctity and dignity and human life. Ethical teachings are drawn from sources such as Genesis 1, 10 commandments, and the beatitudes. The ethical teachings are imago dei, sanctity of life, agape and divine sovereignty. These teachings help guide adherents to respond to bioethical issues such as abortion and euthanasia. The ethical teaching of Sanctity of life is a theological term which comes from genesis then later on the 10 commandments, it highlights how all life is a sacred gift and thus all life should be nurtured and protected. Christians believe that God knows and plans every human life. This is why abortion is seen as a mortal sin as it does not reflect natural law and God’s plan for humanity. An abortion (or termination) is the medical process of ending a pregnancy so it does not result in the birth of a baby. The act of aborting a foetus is in direct contradiction to the ethic of “You shall not murder’ (Exodus 20:13) and therefore the belief in the sanctity of all life. The Catholic denomination does not agree with the act of aborting, therefore guiding adherents to disagree with this ethical issue. However the catholic church recognises the needs to improve their care, concern and counselling for women who find themselves pregnant and offer alternatives to abortion. The uniting church recognises and demonstrates the diversity of opinions of adherents and guides them to not condemn the actions of others but to be there to offer support and compassion. The uniting church rejects the two extreme positions and guides adherents to reject the two positions as well, which is that abortion should never not be available nor that abortion should be regarded as simply another procedure. “It is not possible to hold one position that can be applied in every case” - as stated by Dr Drayton. Significant practices in the life of adherents Learn about ● ONE significant practice within Christianity drawn from: → Baptism Learn to ● describe ONE significant practice within Christianity drawn from: → Baptism One significant practice within Christianity is baptism. Baptism is the rite of initiation by which most Christian Churches welcome new members into their faith community, typically, through the use of water and the Trinitarian formula “ 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20” Matthew 28:19-20. There are three types of baptism: Aspersion, Affusion, and Immersion. Different variants use different types. For example Pentecostal uses immersion, whilst Roman catholic uses aspersion however in the east it can be performed as immersion. Baptism is typically represented through four symbols. Water - symbolising cleansing from sin, Oil of chrism - reminder to walk in Christ's footsteps, White garments - symbolises ‘putting on Christ’, Candle - symbolises moving from death to a new life. Baptism is considered such a significant practice within the community as it is considered a purification ritual and is a gift from the holy spirit. ● demonstrate how the chosen practice expresses the beliefs of Christianity Baptism in Christianity serves as a significant sacrament that symbolises and expresses several core beliefs of the Christian faith: 1. Symbol of Death and Resurrection: Baptism symbolises the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the individual is submerged in water, it represents dying to their old sinful nature, and as they emerge, it signifies their new life in Christ. 2. Forgiveness of Sins: Christians believe that through baptism, sins are forgiven. It represents a cleansing of the soul and the washing away of sins, aligning with the belief in God's grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. 3. Union with Christ and the Church: Baptism signifies incorporation into the body of Christ, which is the Church. It emphasises the believer's unity with other Christians as part of God's family. 4. Initiation into the Christian Faith: Baptism is often seen as an initiation into the Christian faith and community. It marks the beginning of a believer's journey in following Christ and living out the teachings of Christianity. 5. Act of Obedience and Faith: By being baptised, a Christian publicly declares their faith in Jesus Christ. It demonstrates their obedience to Christ's command to be baptised and their belief in his teachings. 6. Seal of the Holy Spirit: Christians believe that through baptism, they receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers believers to live a holy life and enables them to grow spiritually. In summary, baptism in Christianity is not merely a ritual but a deeply symbolic act that expresses foundational beliefs such as forgiveness of sins, new life in Christ, unity with the Church, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It serves as a public declaration of faith and marks the beginning of a believer's journey in following Jesus Christ. Example paragraph Baptism is a central sacrament of initiation within Christianity. The practice of baptism, whether through immersion, affusion, or aspersion, demonstrates Chritsian principal beliefs. One such principal belief is Salvation. Through symbol and creed, infant or adult adherents can become rid of sin and one body in Christ. Within baptismal rite the water demonstrates salvation. Water serves the purpose of washing sin away as the person is born anew in the Christaian faith John 3:3 5-6, 8 “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and of the Spirit.”. Prayers such as the Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith likewise demonstrate salvation. They are typically said within Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican denominations and involve the parents and godparents rejecting Satan and affirming fellowship in Christ. Another principal belief demonstrated throughout baptism is trinity. The Trinity is the theological term for belief in one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The rituals of baptism explicitly show this belief as it commences by an opening prayer “I baptise you in the name of the father, Son and Holy Spirit” (Sign of the cross). Likewise the water is poured on the adherent three times throughout the ceremony demonstrating the threefold nature of the trinity. Baptism signifies entry into new life with the Holy Trinity, which allows adherents to receive the Holy Spirit. ● analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the Christian community Individual Community The act of washing helps make one pure. Baptism is significant and extremely important for the individual for three main reasons: 1) It shows that the individual's desire to follow the example set by Jesus in his own baptism by John 2) To follow the command or directive of Jesus as shown in the Book of Matthew 28:18-19 3) It is a public message of faith to the rest of the community The Christian community as a whole also benefits from the baptism process. - For the Catholic church, baptism is seen as the first step on the path of grace towards salvation. - In Anglicanism, it allows the individual to access the sacrament of Holy Communion and ultimately salvation. - For Orthodox faiths, baptism cancels out the automatic state of sin we are born into and provides a rebirth from which salvation can be attained. - Christian groups such as the society of friends note that, although Jesus was baptised by John, Jesus himself never baptised anyone; therefore, they do not believe in the practice, for they do not believe they are the followers of John. - While some churches determine that salvation can only follow baptism, certainly baptism cannot make an individual a believer. Particularly, Protestant churches believe it is an external symbol of an internal or spiritual commitment. Baptism unites all individuals with Jesus’ death and resurrection. The belief is that through baptism, Christians are born to new life with Jesus. Christians believe that as individuals they are separate and are unique but by being baptised they are a part of a community of believers that extends to the past and into the future and also to all others who are baptised. In baptism a person is welcomed and initiated into sharing the mission of Jesus in the world. According to the uniting church that is baptised is ‘united in one fellowship of love, service, suffering and joy’. All baptised people are appointed by their baptism to serve Jesus and by extension, the world for which Christ died. Baptised people are the Christian community of faith. In Summary: - Baptism allows the community to define its membership - It is a ritual that allows new members to be welcomed - The presentation by parents of their children for baptism is a declaration by those for baptism is a declaration by those parents that they will guide their child into the Christian way of life. - The appointment of godparents gives the child a set of spiritual parents who will watch over his or her religious growth. Adult baptism confirms a new member's adhesion to the Christian group and Christian lifestyle. JUDAISM Significant People and Ideas Learn about ● the contribution to Judaism of ONE significant person or school of thought, other than Abraham or Moses, drawn from: → Jewish Feminism ● the effect of that person OR school of thought on Judaism Learn to ● explain the contribution to the development and expression of Judaism of ONE significant person OR school of thought, other than Abraham or Moses, drawn from: → Jewish Feminism A school of thought is a set of ideas or opinions that a group of people share. Feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights. Jewish feminism has established the goal of advancing the legal, religious and social position of women within Judaism. In Judaism, women are only required to keep three specific time-bound commandments. ● analyse the impact of this person OR school of thought on Judaism One area in which the feminist movement have achieved their aims and thus contributed to Judaism is Minyan; this has impacted tradition by changing the expression within synagogue services and tradition allowing women to express their faith. A Minyan is the required quorum for certain Jewish obligations. Traditionally women are not obligated to pray at specific times as they are kept exempt from positive time-bound mitzvot. Therefore, they have not been counted in a minyan which is a gathering of 10 adults and is required before certain prayers can be said. The biblical foundation for this can be found in (Numbers 14:27, 16:21 and Leviticus 22:32). This clearly restricts the inclusion and role of women in communal worship and their ability to be fully engaged as the references have been interpreted as the need for 10 men. Feminists with Conservative Judaism contributed to changes in minyan when they argued that women deserved an equal place with men, this halakhic discussion of their status with regard to the Minyan began in 1972 with the development of Ezrat Nashim. Due to these acts Conservative Judaism in 1973 voted to allow females to be counted in the Minyan as well, although this would not be forced on congregations.Orthodox feminists wanted to maximise women's participation in prayer and therefore developed the concept of a partnership Minyan which maintained the traditional 10 men structure but also required 10 women. In 2002, the first partnership Minyans were established in Orthodox Jewish congregations - one in New York and one in Israel. This significant contribution to the expression of Judaism allowed women to have greater roles within the synagogues including roles of authority and the ability to deal directly with the most sacred texts such as the Torah. However Reform Judaism still heavily conforms to halakhic requirements not allowing women to be counted in Minyan. Action against the copious amounts of discrimination Jewish women face throughout their religion continues on to this day as women still fight for their rights Ethics Learn about ● ONE of the following areas of ethical teaching in Judaism: → sexual ethics Ethical teachings, in particular, sexual ethical teachings seek to understand and evaluate the moral conduct of interpersonal relationships and sexual activities from a Jewish perspective. These teachings are expressed as a series of duties and obligations to be satisfied within a relational context and to fulfil the covenant. By following these teachings adherents are able to ensure the continuity of their religion. These sexual ethics teachings are: dignity of human beings, goodness of sexual activity, sexual intercourse as a means of attaining holiness, ban on the destruction of seed, be fruitful and multiply, and family purity. All are drawn from sources such as the Tenach, the Talmud, Responsa, and/or Poskim. Learn to ● describe and explain Jewish ethical teachings on sexual ethics A key teaching is that of the Dignity of Human Beings. It is said that human beings are created in God's image and likeness and therefore every human being is gifted with an inborn, inherent dignity from God. “And God created man in his image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). This inherited dignity is important in relationships with others, particularly sexual. This teaching is often applied against the issue of Extra-Marital sex. Extra-Marital sex occurs when a married individual engages in sexual intercourse with another individual who is not their spouse. This act breaks the most important institution of society that is marriage. However sexual intercourse within the marriage is accepted and praised, guideng Jewish adherents to engage in the act of procreation. This is based on the command “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), by following this command and raising children within the Jewish faith, adherents contribute to the continuity of the tradition. All three variants, Orthodox, Conservative and Progressive Judaism stand together with their opinions on Extra-Marital sex and are all heavily opposed to it as not only does it undermine the sacred nature of marriage but it also goes in direct contrast with the teaching of Dignity of Human Beings, as it rather strips an individual of their dignity. The severity of committing Extra-Marital is shown through the use of imperative language in the quote “If a man is found sleeping with another’s man wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die”. (Deuteronomy) which in turn highlights the approval of Marital sex and how it is accepted and encouraged. The commandment of ‘Be fruitful and multiply’ also plays a heavy role in guiding adherents on what is considered acceptable and holy particularly in situations such as the use of contraception. It is originally viewed that contraception goes in direct contrast with this commandment as it avoids the literal continuity of the tradition. However, this commandment does not typically apply to women. For men though, if they have not yet brought children into the world they may not use contraception unless it poses a threat to the woman he is with. Birth control is rather clearly permitted in circumstances where pregnancy would pose a medical risk to the mother or her other children but there is some variance of opinion as to what other circumstances might permit birth control. Both Orthodox and Conservative variants only permit contraception for women under certain circumstances but it is frowned upon for a man to. Progressive variants generally leave the decision to the individual conscience, recognising social and economic factors no less than medical motivation. “Judaism actively supports a women’s right to make decisions about her own body if and when she chooses to procreate or prevent pregnancy” Rabbi Laura Novak Winer. Therefore, highlighting to adherents the importance to follow the commands of the Lord to procreate only within the context of marriage and pass down traditions to their children by ‘engraving their values on the hearts of their children’ to ensure the continuation and longevity of traditions and the Jewish religion as a whole. Significant practices in the life of adherents Learn about ● ONE significant practice within Judaism drawn from: → marriage Learn to ● describe ONE significant practice within Judaism drawn from: → marriage The institution of marriage is fundamental in Judaism and central to Jewish life. Marriage is a tradition that has been passed on from ancestors and will continue to be passed on ‘until the end of time’. The marriage of a Jewish man and woman is viewed as the beginning of a new life for both the Chatan (groom) and Kallah (bride). ● demonstrate how this practice expresses the beliefs of Judaism Judaism teaches that marriage between a man and a woman is a divinely ordained state symbolising the sacred union of those created in God's image. The Torah itself makes marriage a mitzvah: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall be united with his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). It is believed that marriage is considered to serve as a metaphor for God's covenant to Israel as well as this, the marriage ceremony itself contains verbal affirmation of God’s benevolence. The ketubah is a statement of the responsibilities of the man to his wife and is an affirmation of the stated responsibilities of God’s love and justice to the people of Israel. Every part of the wedding ceremony affirms an understanding that God has control over the lives of the couple. This guides Jewish adherents that marriage is considered virtually obligatory among Jews and celibacy is frowned upon, except in exceptional circumstances. “He who has no wife is not a proper man.’ (B.Yeb. 62b). Judaism understands marriage as serving three main purposes. Companionship and love, Procreation, and to Establish the family as the basic social unit. The Talmud rules that “a man without a wife lives without blessing, life, joy, help, good and peace” (Yevamot 62b). Emphasising the importance of marriage for an adherent to experience companionship and love. Procreation is based on the command of ‘Be fruitful and multiply’ (Genesis 1:28). This commandment however heavily relies on marriage as all other sex apart from marital sex is frowned upon in the Jewish community. Lastly marriage serves to establish the family as a basic social unit and to create their own ‘little sanctuary’ they call home where they will raise children and ‘engrave their values into their hearts’ to ensure the tradition is kept alive and continued. The wedding ceremony takes place under the chuppah (canopy), a symbol of the home to be built and shared upon by the couple. Man and woman, each on their own, are considered incomplete, half of one being. When united through marriage they become one entity. It is the institution of marriage that gives a man and a woman new vitality and strength to maintain a Jewish life and grow in every way, material and spiritual. ● analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the Jewish community Individuals This guides Jewish adherents that marriage is considered virtually obligatory among Jews and celibacy is frowned upon, except in exceptional circumstances. “He who has no wife is not a proper man.’ (B.Yeb. 62b). Judaism understands marriage as serving three main purposes. Companionship and love, Procreation, and to Establish the family as the basic social unit. The Talmud rules that “a man without a wife lives without blessing, life, joy, help, good and peace” (Yevamot 62b). Emphasising the importance of marriage for an adherent to experience companionship and love. Community The practice of marriage in Judaism is intricately linked to the continuity of tradition by fostering strong family bonds, providing a platform for education and upbringing Jewish values, celebrating lifecycle events, and maintaining a connection to ancestral heritage. Therefore guiding adherents that marriage in Judaism is not just about the two individuals themselves but also about building strong communities to ensure the religion's longevity. RELIGION AND BELIEF SYSTEMS IN AUSTRALIA POST - 1945 Contemporary Aboriginal Spiritualities Learn about ● Aboriginal spirituality as determined by the Dreaming ● issues for Aboriginal spiritualities in relation to: → the effect of dispossession → the Land Rights movement Learn to ● discuss how Aboriginal spirituality is determined by the Dreaming The Dreaming DEFINITION - The Dreaming is defined as Aboriginal spiritual beliefs about creation and existence, it is a Metatemporal concept that links together the past, the present and the future. It includes stories of ancestor spirit beings that shaped the world and still abide in the land. The Dreaming establishes the rules governing relationships between the people, the land and all things for Aboriginal peoples. It is fundamental to understanding identity. - Foundation of Aboriginal life, spirituality and culture - Central concept that underpins all of Aboriginal spirituality - Metatemporal, they are connecting with the past creations and with future indigenous Australians who will also connect with the creations - Encompasses all knowledge and understanding of the origins of the universe - Inextricably connected with the land and Aboriginal life → kinship Kinship DEFINITION - The system of relationships traditionally accepted by a particular culture and the rights and obligations they involve. It is a term used to explain the complex relationships of blood and spirit that exist between Aboriginal peoples. - Complex web of family structures that exist within a clan - Aboriginals biologically related, through marriage, or having same features, characteristics, or origins - Each person has a different role and responsibility that lead to a rich personal and social life eg. Elders passing down Dreamtime stories → governs the day to day life of the Aboriginal people - Kinship groups are established by family and totem relationships Totems - Natural object, plant or animal that is inherited by members of a clan or family as their spiritual emblem - Tribes are composed of clans, each descended from a spirit ancestor - Represents the ongoing life force of the Dreaming - Unifies clans under spirit ancestor - Spirits require kinship groups to be custodians of their designated territory and totems → ceremonial life Ceremonial Life DEFINITION - Is the ritual and artistic expression of the Dreaming Art - ‘Outward expression’ ‘narrative representation’ - Illustrates the actions of the ancestral beings in the land Stories - Medium through which Dreaming is communicated - Conflicts and interactions provide foundation and explanation of various aspects of tradition and law - Major way teaching Aboriginal children about right and wrong behaviour in society Together these create a foundation for Aboriginal existence by explaining creation of the natural world and existence and sharing how Dreaming shapes daily life Rituals - Outward expression of the Dreaming and Aboriginal spirituality - Understood as a moment of reliving the past in the present moment, the creative activities of the ancestor spirits - Ancestral beings are made present through the people, objects, words and movements of the ritual - Emphasis ‘metatemporal’ aspect of the Dreaming - eg. balance rights, which assist the proliferation of a particular species liked to their ‘totem’ - Rites of passage - initiation, death and burial - Periodic ceremonies - performed at various intervals, unconnected with the life cycle, for enjoyment or promoting overall health and wellbeing of whole group - Public Corroboree (ceremonial dance) - concluding ceremony of secret/sacred rituals (initiations, balance rights), opportunity for group members to come together Death and burial rituals - Death is not the end of life, but the last ceremony in the present life - Aboriginal peoples believe that spirits of the dead return to the Dreaming places they had come from, which is part of the eternal transition of the life force of the - - - - Dreaming Burial grounds & spirits of the dead are feared Possessions of dead are destroyed & their shelters burned Names of the dead cannot be spoken The dead must be buried in their own country, and their spirits properly sung to rest → obligations to the land and people Obligations to the land and people DEFINITION - For Aboriginal people, ownership of the land means that they have a responsibility to care for it and nurture it. The land and all the forms of life it contains are regarded as a sacred trust, passed on in a timeless cycle of mutual dependence. - The Dreaming is inextricably connected to the land as it provides a medium in which the Dreaming is lived and communicated - Sacred sites, extreme importance as it is where the ancestors reside - Land is their ‘mother’ → symbiotic relationship - Humans have a sacred trust to assist the land in ‘living’ to its potential (vial ritual) - Must preserve and respect timeless cycle of metatemporal dependence they have with the land and all forms of life it contains, as Mudrooroo states “Our spirituality is a oneness and interconnectedness with all that lives and breaths” - Economical vs Ritual : land not only provides food and water, but is also the repository of the secret/sacred - the activities of Dreaming Ancestor Beings - Spiritual significance of environment seen in Aboriginal people’s adaptation to it (rather than manipulation) - Rules governing hunter-gatherer technology - protection of sacred sites and sites of significance - Hunter-gatherer economy - Aboriginals can carve out an existence in harsh climates, and to protect and maintain the ecological balance of their environment - Sharing of food and resources - minimise waste and maximise benefits for the whole community ● discuss the continuing effect of dispossession on Aboriginal spiritualities in relation to: Dispossession is: - “To put (a person) out of possession” - “Deprive (someone) of something that they own, typically land or property” - “Eviction: the expulsion of someone (such as a tenant) from the possession of land by process of law” → separation from the land Separation from land - Indigenous Australians + Dreaming holds an inextricable link to land - By dispossessing them of their land their spirituality + cultural heritage is stripped of them - Without the land individuals are restricted from fulfilling obligations to the land severing ties with the ancestor spirits (spiritual guild form not being able to fulfil obligations) - Cannot interact with totems (physical connection to the Dreaming - Land = context of Dreaming stories → Disruption to the normal pattern + process of handling tradition - Dispossession meant Aboriginals connection and sense of belonging to life was being shattered - Aboriginals believe that they will return to the spiritual world after death. Removing them from the land removes them from the Dreaming and hence their spiritual place after death → separation from kinship groups Separation from kinship groups - Segregation of an individual from their kinship group - prompted decline in kinship systems - Kinship allocated roles → Aboriginal society loses its structure + personal afliation with land - Aboriginal culture, tradition, and law are no longer able to be passed on - Lose of language + inability to authentically understand spirituality → the Stolen Generations The stolen generation - Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descents who were removed from their families by the Australian Federal and State government agencies and church missions, under acts of their respective parliaments. The removals occurred in the period between approximately 1869 and 1969, although in some places children were still being taken until the 1970s - Assimilation - pushing for the children to adopt European/white lifestyle via the erasure of culture • Children separated from elders → no generation to pass down knowledge, language, traditions - Aboriginal culture, tradition, and law = no longer able to pass down knowledge - Loss of identity, self esteem and culture/lost between two opposing cultures and struggles to find a balance “The removal policies did not just affect individuals and their families. Whole communities lost their confidence in bringing up their children, and have been denied one of their most important and precious roles” Bringing Them Home Report, 1997 Effects - No control over their lives, they had to go where they told them to go - Effects how they mother their own children as they were institutionalised and never felt what a mother was, loss of parenting skills - Mental and physical abuse (stock-whip), sexual abuse - Trauma - kids taken to school and then never returned to their family, taken away by lies and tricks - Reduced life expectancy, increased infant mortality, overrepresentation in prison, educational disadvantages, higher rates of unemployment, higher rates of drugs and alcohol, higher use of government services ● outline the importance of the following for the Land Rights movement: → Native Title → Mabo → Wik The Land Rights Movement A religious political movement that seeks to secure the rights of Aboriginal people to their land and ensure their religious, spiritual and cultural integrity is preserved (connection to The Dreaming) Native Title “Refers to communal or individual rights or interests of Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islanders in relation to land or waters” - Legislation allowing for Indigenous people to legally appeal for Native Title and be recognised with such - Didn’t always guarantee access to sacred sites due to pre-established freehold leases (cannot prevail over freehold title - which is private ownership of land) + proof of connection was difcult (no written records to fulfil support claim) → Was not entirely beneficial Mabo - In June 1992 the High Court of Australia ruled in favour of an action brought by Eddie Mabo on behalf of the Murray Island people. - Overturned the notion of ‘terra nullius’ in establishing native title - Recognised and gave Native Title to the certain groups of the Murray Islands People - Major landmark given that paved the way for Native Title Act of 1993 - In order to claim Native Title it had to be proved that continuous links with the land had been maintained since before 1788 and that the Native Title had not been extinguished as with freehold title. - Native Title could only be claimed on a very small percentage of Australian land. Wik - High Court: Native Title could co-exist with Pastoral Leases, however in any conflict the Pastoralists right prevail - Government owned the land but leased it out to private owners, meaning they had rights to the land - Confusing as they said Aboriginals could claim ownership over government land but there was government land but it had been least out, so this was clarifying that → Was not entirely beneficial ● analyse the importance of the Dreaming for the Land Rights movement Importance of the Dreaming for the Land Rights Movement - Dreaming has an inextricable link to the land and is the foundation of Aboriginal culture, spirituality and the land is a medium through which Aboriginals are able to connect with their ancestors → the Dreaming had and still holds high esteem in terms of motivation for the Land Rights Movement Eg. Mabo Case - Argued that the Merriam people of the Murray Islands had Native Title over their lands so that they may continue their traditional ways - Only able to be pursued if they were connected to the Dreaming → the Dreaming has and continues to be highly significant to the Land Rights Movement - Primary motivation for Indigenous Australians to connect to their land and country Religious expression in Australia – 1945 to the present Learn about ● the religious landscape from 1945 to the present in relation to: → changing patterns of religious adherence → the current religious landscape ● religious dialogue in multi-faith Australia → ecumenical movements within Christianity → Interfaith dialogue → The relationship between Aboriginal spiritualities and religious traditions in the process of Reconciliation Learn to ● outline changing patterns of religious adherence from 1945 to the present using census data Growth - Religious growth primarily seen outside of Christianity, specifically in traditions where high rates of immigration increase population 1) NO RELIGION - increased growth due to decline of traditional religions and more non-religious schools of thought - secularism 2) HINDUISM = 1.3% in 2011 → 1.9% in 2016 = 0.6% increase = fastest growing religion - attributed to high immigration from South East Asia 3) ISLAM = 2.2% in 2011 → 2.6% in 2016 = 0.4% increase - attributed to high immigration from Middle East nations 4) SIKHISM = 0.3% in 2011 → 0.5% in 2016 = 0.2% increase TOTAL NON-CHRISTIAN = 0.7% in 1976 → 7.8% in 2016 = 7.1% increase Decrease 1) CHRISTIANITY = 61.1% in 2011 → 52% in 2016 a. Catholicism = 25.3% in 2011 → 22.6% in 2016, however still remains dominating b. Anglicanism = 17.2% in 201 1 → 13.3% in 2016, biggest decline in adherence c. Uniting Church = 5% in 2011 → 3.7% in 2016 d. Presbyterian = 2.8% in 2011 → 2.3% in 2016 e. Eastern Orthodox = 8.4% in 2011 → 8.2% in 2016 2) BUDDHISM = 2.5% in 2011 → 2.4% in 2016 - 1972 → 2011 Buddhism experience growth in line with immigration/abolition of the White Australian policy Landscape a) Anglican decreased b) Catholic decreased c) Christianity decreased d) Buddhism not counted in Australia til 1981, steady increase e) Hinduism not counted until 1996, steady increase f) Islam not counted into 1976, steady increase g) Judaism stayed consistent at 0.4% h) Not Stated stopped in 1991, then combined with inadequately described i) No religion rapid increase, doubled from 2011 to 2016 (2011 - 15.5%, 2016 - 30.1%) ● account for the present religious landscape in Australia in relation to: → Christianity as the major religious tradition Christianity as the Major Religious Tradition - Pentecostalism is increasing due to denominational switching - Long before established by European colonisation → immigration Immigration - Immigration has led to an increase in both religious coexistence and diversity. - Aftermath of war lead to many Europeans seeking to start a new life in a safer more secure environment - During this time Australian government actively sought immigration in the belief the nations security and prosperity was dependent upon a larger population - Assisted passage to migrants • Decline of the ‘White Australia’ policy - Overseas wars and persecution eg. Vietnam 1970s, Lebanon 1980s, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1990s, Syria since 2016 - Post WWII European immigration = larger number of Orthodox Christians, establishment of new Protestant group and growth in terms of Catholic diversity - Immigration has increased the ethnic diversity of Christianity - Filipino immigration - Asian and Middle East immigration - increased Buddhism/Hinduism/Islam → denominational switching Denominational Switching - Term used to describe the phenomenon of people changing from one denomination to another, and as a process can occur within or across the boundaries of any religious tradition - Enables a person to find a spiritual ‘home’ where they feel most at ease with the style of worship and the views put forward by the ministerial team of the parish - Pentecostalism is increasing due to denominational switching - In contemporary society loyalty to a particular community needs to be earned - Pentecostal groups attract many people who have been disaffected (dissatisfied) by other Christian communities - Young members seek places where the average age of the congregation is younger, the music modern and the message clear - Hillsong, appealing to younger generations → rise of New Age religions Rise of New Age Religions - Embrace spirituality and individualism - Rise in new age religion as people move away from traditional religions - Despite general dissatisfaction with mainstream religions, there is still a longing for a spiritual dimension in life - Centre on animals or other parts of creation as key to harmony and wellbeing - eg. Astrology, Paganism, Numerology - More tailored to individual - enhanced individualism “Loosely structured network of individuals and organisation holding new vision of enlightenment and harmony while subscribing to a common worldview” Ron Rodes, New age movement 1995 → secularism Secularism - The belief that religion should not interfere with or be integrated into the public affairs of a society - separation of state form religious institutions - Belief that human ethics and the universe should be understood without reference to a religion or the supernatural - Promotes the idea that society would be better of not being controlled by religion - Pluralism - Individualism - Due to: - Disillusionment with traditional religions - Increasing materialism + individualism - Scepticism towards the super nature - Increase in ‘no religion’ - 1947 0.4% increased significantly to 31.1% in 2016 - Positivism (faith in science), Marxism (faith in revolution), Freudianism (faith in psychoanalysis) - secular alternatives to religion ● describe the impact of Christian ecumenical movements in Australia Ecumenical Movements Within Christianity - Ecumenism focuses on the cooperation within the Christian religious tradition. It refers to discussions between different Christian denominations to increase understanding and effect social change cooperatively. - Via ecumenism, the Christian Churches are able to unite and address areas of social concern and injustices - The ecumenical movement has played and continues to play an important role in Australian society with relation to targeting issues such as political actions + encouragement of sociality, morality and integrity among Christians and being prominently active on issues such as rights of minority groups, especially that of Aboriginal people → The National Council of Churches National council of churches - Cooperation between the churches at formal and informal levels - Reverse the racist and discriminatory legislation that was affecting the social dynamic of Australia - Program supporting and protecting refugees from Kosovo and East Timor (National Program on Refugees and Displaced People) - The stance of this Council represented the stance of Christianity as a whole, setting a precedent for what was to become a relentless movement against racism and towards multiculturalism NSW → NSW Ecumenical Council Ecumenial council - Encourages the pursuit of social justice - Idea of unity between those who believe in God: this attitude allows the involved churches to focus on the tasks they see as their combined Christian duties, rather than competing with one another ● evaluate the importance of interfaith dialogue in multifaith Australia Interfaith Dialogue - Interfaith dialogue is a convention established between hierarchies OR local members of different religious faiths in order to develop familiarity and to promote understanding, tolerance and dialogue. - It’s importance is highlighted by the increasing rates of non-Christian religions within the Australian population - “With all the talk of clashes of civilisation and religious difference, it is time we get together and understand each other” - Dr Ameer Ali - Religious dialogue has been of benefit in multi-faith Australia providing a greater sense of peace, appreciation, understanding and respect among a range of traditional denominations → is instrumental to promoting religions tolerance + social cohesion in Australian society Importance - Australia is increasingly pluralistic and multi-faith - Allows for greater respect and appreciation of religious diversity - Break down stereotypes and prejudice (Muslims) - Promotes unity in the face of growing secularism ● examine the relationship between Aboriginal spiritualities and religious traditions in the process of Reconciliation Aboriginal Spiritualities and Religious Traditions through Reconciliation - ‘Indigenous Reconciliation’ - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous citizens of Australia can move towards a better future based on mutual respect and understanding - Acknowledging the past injustices and help the recovery of Aboriginal spiritualities Importance - Acknowledging past injustices, promotes mutual recognition and respect, sense of progression and to be inclusive and recognise the faults of the past NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES = Christian tradition - launched major campaign in 2006 = “Make Indigenous Poverty History” - Promoted reconciliation, education and other issues - Ultimately providing a scope for the development of Aboriginal spirituality and theology and recognising their innate spirituality CHRISTIANITY - Celebrates National Reconciliation Week between may 27 and June 3 annually to promote healing of relationship + health - Caritas, aid organisation which works to deal with the ongoing trauma of protection and assimilation politics BUDDHIST - Buddhist peace fellowship - Help harmony and support - Support program - AA for Aboriginals
