Chapter 2: Short Answer Questions and Suggested Solutions
15
Chapter 2
Short Answer Questions and Suggested
Solutions
Religion and Belief Systems in Australia post-1945
Section I, Part A – Question 11
Short Answer Questions
Tips for answering short answer questions




If there is a quote used in the question refer to that quote EXPLICITLY.
Even though this is a ‘short answer’, plan what you are going to write.
Try to use only the lines made available. If you go over the number of lines available,
be sure not to ramble. If you write to the bottom of the sheet provided, turn over and
continue your answer on the back.
Remember that this answer is worth five marks, do not waste time writing an essay!
Introduction to Short Answer Section
This chapter provides the HSC question, marking criteria provided by the Board of Studies,
then sample answer/s. Sometimes two samples have been supplied in this section.
Remember that these samples are not meant to be the definitive and only answer. Read
them, think about them and perhaps workshop them to improve or strengthen what has been
provided.
The 2 Unit Questions are addressed in the second part of this chapter.
2007 Paper
‘The churches should act together in all matters except those in which deep differences of
conviction compel them to act separately.’ Conference on Faith and Order, 1952.
Using the above statement and your own knowledge, describe the impact of Christian
ecumenical movements in Australia.
Outcomes assessed: H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H8, H9
MARKING GUIDELINES
MARKING GUIDELINES Criteria
• Provides detailed and accurate features and characteristics of the
impact of Christian ecumenical movements in Australia
• Makes relevant reference to the source and own knowledge
Marks
5
16
HSC Checkpoints Studies of Religion
• Provides some features and characteristics of the impact of Christian
ecumenical movements in Australia
• Makes some reference to the source and own knowledge
4
• Provides ONE detailed feature and some general characteristic of the
impact of Christian ecumenical movements in Australia
• May make reference to the source
3
• Makes general statements about the impact of Christian ecumenical
movements in Australia
• May refer to the source and/or own knowledge
1–2
2008 Paper
‘Too many elders have passed away who hold the information and language necessary to
connect dispossessed Aboriginal groups with the land.’
Sydney Morning Herald, 2007
With reference to the statement above and using your own knowledge, discuss the
continuing effect of dispossession on Aboriginal spirituality.
Outcomes assessed: H2, H9
MARKING GUIDELINES
Criteria
• Identifies issues and provides detailed and accurate points for and/or
against the continuing effect of dispossession on Aboriginal spirituality
• Makes relevant reference to the statement
• Identifies issues and provides some points for and/or against the
continuing effect of dispossession on Aboriginal spirituality
• Makes some reference to the statement
• Makes general statements about the continuing effect of dispossession
on Aboriginal spirituality
2009 Paper
Marks
5
3–4
1–2
Chapter 2: Short Answer Questions and Suggested Solutions
17
With reference to the two signs above and your own knowledge, account for changes in
Australia’s religious landscape since the 1960s.
Outcomes assessed: H2, H4, H6, H9
MARKING GUIDELINES
2009 Paper
Describe the ways in which Aboriginal spirituality is closely linked to belonging to
country.
Question 11 Criteria
 Provides details of characteristics and features of relevant and
accurate ways in which Aboriginal spirituality is closely linked to
belonging to country
 Provides characteristics and features of some relevant way(s) in
which Aboriginal spirituality is closely linked to belonging to country •
Makes simple statements about Aboriginal spirituality and/or
belonging to country
 Makes simple statements about Aboriginal spirituality and/or
belonging to country
Marks
5
3–4
1–2
2010 Paper
Dream country* is belonging. Every person has a place in the world in which they are
needed, and in which they are ‘healthy’.
*country term uses by Aboriginal people to refer to the land to which they belong
and their place of Dreaming
18
HSC Checkpoints Studies of Religion
Describe the ways in which Aboriginal spirituality is closely linked to belonging to
country.
Question 11 Criteria
 Provides details of characteristics and features of relevant and
accurate ways in which Aboriginal spirituality is closely linked to
belonging to country
 Provides characteristics and features of some relevant way(s) in
which Aboriginal spirituality is closely linked to belonging to country •
Makes simple statements about Aboriginal spirituality and/or
belonging to country
 Makes simple statements about Aboriginal spirituality and/or
belonging to country
Marks
5
3–4
1–2
Religion and Non-Religion (2 Unit Students Only)
Section I, Part B – Question 22
Short Answer Questions
2007 Paper
With reference to the illustration and your own knowledge, explain TWO reasons why an
individual may explore new religious expressions and spiritualities.
Outcomes assessed: H1, H2, H6, H8, H9
•
•
•
•
MARKING GUIDELINES
Criteria
Provides TWO detailed and accurate reasons why an individual may
explore new religious expressions and spiritualities
Makes relevant reference to the source
Provides TWO accurate reasons why an individual may explore new
religious expressions and spiritualities
Makes some reference to source
Provides ONE detailed and accurate reason AND some general
statements about why an individual may explore a new religious
Marks
5
4
3
Chapter 2: Short Answer Questions and Suggested Solutions
expression and spiritualities
May refer to source
• Makes general statements about why an individual may explore new
religious expressions and spiritualities
May refer to the source
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
1–2
Be sure to refer to the illustration in your answer.
Ensure that you discuss TWO reasons as directed in the question.
2008 Paper
Compare the responses to social responsibility of ONE religious and ONE non-religious
belief system.
Outcomes assessed: H1, H2, H9
MARKING GUIDELINES
Criteria
• Accurately shows similarities and/or differences in the responses to social
responsibility of ONE religious and ONE non-religious belief system
• Presents a comprehensive answer on BOTH belief systems
• Identifies some similarities and/or differences in the responses to social
responsibility of ONE religious and ONE non-religious belief system OR
• Provides detailed information about the response of ONE belief system
and general information about the other
• Comparison may be implied
• Makes general statements about the difference between ONE religious
and/or ONE non-religious response to social responsibility
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Marks
5
3–4
1–2
Define the term ‘Social Responsibility’: Caring for other people and the world
Chose ONE religious belief system, i.e. Buddhism or Christianity or Hinduism or
Islam or Judaism
and
ONE non-religious belief system, i.e. Atheism or Agnosticism or Humanism to
discuss their responses to Social Responsibility
19
20
HSC Checkpoints Studies of Religion
2009 Paper
‘If God does not exist, then everything is permitted.’
With reference to the quotation, explain how atheism OR agnosticism influences the
aspirations and behaviour of individuals.
Outcomes assessed: H2, H6, H9
MARKING GUIDELINES
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Criteria
Demonstrates sound knowledge of ways in which atheism or
agnosticism can provide guidance for the individual
Demonstrates an understanding of the relevance of the
quotation to atheism or agnosticism
Marks
5
3–4
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Demonstrates basic knowledge of ways in which atheism or
agnosticism can influence individuals
Makes some attempt to link the quotation to the response
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Demonstrates limited knowledge of atheism or agnosticism
May make reference to the quotation
1–2
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Make sure you refer to the quotation in answering this question.
Choose EITHER agnosticism OR atheism to explain how it influences the aspirations
and behaviour of individuals.
Be sure to speak about them as agnostics or atheists

2010 Paper
Question 22 (5 marks)
‘From almost the very beginning men and women have repeatedly engaged in
strenuous and committed religious activity … the point of religion was to live
intensely and richly here and now. Religious people … want lives overflowing with
significance…’
With reference to the quotation, outline the significance of the religious dimension in
human history.
Criteria
• Indicates the main features of the significance of the religious
dimension in human history
• Clearly makes reference to quotation
• Indicates some of the main features of the significance/role of the
religious dimension in human history
Marks
Chapter 2: Short Answer Questions and Suggested Solutions
• May make reference to the quotation
Makes general statements with or without reference to the quotation
21
22
HSC Checkpoints Studies of Religion
Religion and Belief Systems in Australia post-1945
Section I, Part A – Question 11 Suggested Solutions
2007 Paper
‘The churches should act together in all matters except those in which deep differences of
conviction compel them to act separately.’ Conference on Faith and Order, 1952.
Using the above statement and your own knowledge, describe the impact of Christian
ecumenical movements in Australia.
Sample Answers
1. Ecumenism is defined as the movement among Christian churches to promote the
restoration of unity among all Christians. Its purpose is to increase different
denominations of Christianity to increase understanding and effect social change
cooperatively. Ecumenical movements such as the National Council of Churches
Australia (NCCA) aim to reverse the racist and discriminatory legislation that was
affecting the social dynamic in Australia. For example the NCCA passed a resolution
in 1966 calling for reforms of the White Australia Policy. This is an example of how
the ’churches act together‘, as they are united in fighting against racism and embrace
multiculturalism. In 1998 the Lutheran Church joined the NCCA. The NCCA has
played a significant role as a peak body representing the voice of the Christian
Churches in the public debate in recent years. The Uniting Church of Australia (UCA)
also encourage social justice programs and support those discriminated against in
Australian society, including women, who are now in positions of leadership,
Indigenous Australians and the homosexual community. The churches acted
together in relation to the reconciliation movement in May 2000 at the Sydney Opera
House, the Council for Reconciliation. This movement raised people’s awareness
about the importance of reconciliation with aboriginal people and acknowledging the
past wrongs. Dialogue between the Anglican Church and the Churches of Christ
began in 1983, with the Lutheran Church in 1972, and with the Uniting Church in
Australia in 1979. The Uniting Church itself entered into dialogue with the Churches
of Christ in 1978, with the Lutheran Church in 1979, with the Greek Orthodox Church
in 1981, and with the Roman Catholic Church in 1977. A Lutheran / Roman Catholic
Dialogue began in 1977. These dialogues have done much to draw the Christian
Churches together in Australia. [292 Words]
2. Ecumenism is the movement towards unity within the Christian church between
different Christian denominations. Their objectives are that these churches ’should
act together‘ and work together for its survival, which is seen as a cooperative spirit
in religion. The National Council of Churches in Australia represents the stance of
Christianity as a whole, which sets a precedent for what is to become a relentless
movement against racism and towards multiculturalism. The NCCA has a number of
departments that foster cooperation between churches at formal and informal levels.
NSW Ecumenical Council was established to be the instrument through which
churches seek to be faithful to their ecumenical calling and commitment. It
encourages the pursuit of social justice and operates many cooperative charity
events. A central tenet of the NSW Ecumenical Council is the idea of unity between
those who believe in one God. This belief that they share allows the churches to act
together in matters that concern them, and those that are different to the churches
Chapter 2: Short Answer Questions and Suggested Solutions
23
should ’act separately‘. This movement allows involved churches to focus and act
together on tasks they perceive as their Christian duties. [188 words]
2008 Paper
‘Too many elders have passed away who hold the information and language necessary to connect
dispossessed Aboriginal groups with the land.’
Sydney Morning Herald, 2007
With reference to the statement above and using your own knowledge, discuss the
continuing effect of dispossession on Aboriginal spirituality.
Sample Answers
1. Elders in Aboriginal culture are a key aspect in sustaining and maintaining the
environment and beliefs for an indigenous generation. This relationship with the land
and kinship groups was broken when the non-indigenous rulers tried to assimilate
Aboriginal children among the non-indigenous population. The removal of these
Aboriginal children from the families dispossessed them from their own family,
culture, identity, beliefs and way of living and they became known as the Stolen
Generations. The quote highlights that if these Aboriginal elders pass away, it is
difficult to reconnect the Aboriginal beliefs and values culture with the land because
those who have the knowledge have gone! Without the guidance of the elders, not
all, but many indigenous children grow up being influenced by western culture, some
of them falling into the trap of addictions, robbery and unemployment (many dropping
out of school or having no access to education by living in rural areas), therefore this
disadvantages them and there are no elders left to connect these people with their
land. [171 words]
2. Because many Aboriginal elders have died, many Aboriginal groups are
disadvantaged. This is evident by the passing of the elders who had the information
and language necessary to connect these dispossessed Aborigines with the land. In
the late 1900’s many Aboriginal groups became dispossessed. These years known
as the Stolen Generations, removed the Aboriginal groups from the land, in which
they connected spiritually with and is significant for their Dreaming. Being removed
from their land, Dreaming and spirituality, these Aborigines were to be assimilated
with the European culture, diminishing their Aboriginal culture, and adapting to the
European way of life. By being dispossessed the Aborigines lost all connections with
the land, their customs and traditions as they had to acculturate into the European
lifestyle. Still today many Aborigines are dispossessed in many areas of life. This is
through housing, employment and healthcare, as the rates of the Aborigines are
below the standard rates of the rest of Australia’s population. [160 words]
24
HSC Checkpoints Studies of Religion
2009 Paper
With reference to the two signs above and your own knowledge, account for changes in
Australia’s religious landscape since the 1960s.
Sample Answer
Since the 1960s, there has been a diverse change in Australia’s religious landscape. For
instance, the abolition of the White Australia Policy in the 1970s led to a multicultural
country, increasing the diversity of religious traditions and cultural groups amongst those
who migrated to Australia, increasing the number of Orthodox and Catholic figures, as well
as the number of non-European people.
From the 1960s, ecumenism had become important. The Middleton Uniting Church reflects
the great success of the ecumenical movement in Australia in the formation of the Uniting
Church. The uniting Church is the largest non-Catholic Christian denomination in Australia
founded in 1977 through a merger of Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists. The
reason for this merger is their 'seeking to bear witness to that unity which is both Christ’s gift
and will for the Church'. This unity made them the largest of the reformist traditions of
Protestantism in Australia.
The Middleton Uniting Church sign also reflects the increase of non-European cultures in
Australia by introducing services for particular ethnic groups such as the Tongan and
Chinese Communities, as well as the emergence of ordained female clergy members. [193
words]
Chapter 2: Short Answer Questions and Suggested Solutions
25
Religion and Non-Religion [2 Unit Students Only]
Section I, Part B – Question 22 Suggested Solutions
2007 Paper
With reference to the illustration and your own knowledge, explain TWO reasons why an
individual may explore new religious expressions and spiritualities.
Sample Answers
1. There are a number of reasons why an individual may explore new religious
expressions and spiritualities. One reason would be the perceived ‘faceless’, formal
and male nature of the traditional religions as depicted in the illustration. The clergy
of the traditional religions are sometimes seen as a ‘race apart’ and ‘above’ the
ordinary person. Many people today are seeking someone they can relate to, on their
own level, a religion that they feel ‘understands’ them. New Age religions seem to
offer that experience for many, as depicted in the illustration, the woman looks
comfortable talking to the ‘new age’ looking man. The traditional religions then, seem
to be outdated and irrelevant. People also seek ethical guidance, but many feel that
the traditional religions offer outdated and irrelevant advice. People sometimes feel
that the traditional religion are stuck in the past, offering pre-scientific answers to
modern dilemmas. Much is also called into question with the rise of charges of
paedophilia and sexual abuse amongst members of the clergy of the traditional
religions. [171 words]
2. In the past people belonged to a particular religious community because they were
born into it and it was a community affair. The faceless clergy in the illustration
represent this former time. You were obedient to the tradition and followed what was
presented to you. In modern times this has changed, people are more independent in
thought and often question the guidance handed down by traditional religions
because they understand it to be outdated. So they seek answers in new places,
where they feel comfortable and welcomed as shown in the illustration with the man
and woman sitting aside from the ‘traditional clergy’ and conversing in an obviously
comfortable way. They also seek to be accepted as equal individuals. The rejection
of past feelings of guilt, childhood inhibitions and the fear of punishment which some
forms of traditional religions may have taught can also be reasons why people
choose new forms of spirituality and religions. [155 words]
26
HSC Checkpoints Studies of Religion
2008 Paper
Compare the responses to social responsibility of ONE religious and ONE non-religious
belief system.
Sample Answers
1. Christianity and Humanism
Social responsibility is about caring for other people and caring for the world.
Christianity and Humanism share some points of similarity as well as differences in
their responses to social responsibility. For Christianity, responsibility to the family,
Church and other Christians is of ultimate importance because human beings are
made in the image and likeness of God and therefore one is bound to treat others
according to this belief. There is a responsibility to build a just society and to ensure
that everyone has the means to live with dignity and respect. Christianity also
acknowledges that a person needs relationships and therefore marriage is one of the
most important relationships. It is also a legitimate means of procreation. Charity and
social welfare are important obligations too, for Christians as is stewardship of the
environment that has been created and sustained by God. For the humanist, the
emphasis is on improving the lot of other human beings, building a just society and
ensuring that people, because we are social beings in need of relationship, are able
to live in a community that offers dignity and respect. The environment also needs to
be looked after if we are to continue to live a sustainable life. The main point of
contrast is that for the humanist, the concept of the transcendent is irrelevant,
whereas Christianity is centred on the belief in a monotheistic God. [231 words]
2. Hinduism and atheism
Social responsibility is about caring for other people and caring for the world.
Hinduism and atheism share some points of similarity as well as differences in their
responses to social responsibility. The Hindu believes that giving to the poor is a way
of building up Karma credit or merit as they prepare for their next reincarnation. The
two principles of Hindu dharma or righteous conduct, compassion (daya) and
liberality (dan), should not be driven by pity and sympathy or be condescending,
every Hindu should empathise with others in need, because they are only
superficially others; in truth they are part of the same God. Regarding the world and
the environment, Hindus believe that caring for the world is respecting God and that
doing good in this regard is another way of increasing Karma. Atheists also believe in
Social Responsibility because it is important to support laws which protect the
individual and uphold equality and justice for all people. They believe that humanity is
of prime importance and therefore looking after the environment looks after humanity.
The main point of contrast is that for the atheist, the concept of the transcendent is
non-existent, whereas in Hinduism there is a clear and undisputed belief in the
transcendent. [205 words]
2009 Paper
‘If God does not exist, then everything is permitted.’
With reference to the quotation, explain how atheism OR agnosticism influences the
aspirations and behaviour of individuals.
Chapter 2: Short Answer Questions and Suggested Solutions
27
Sample Answers
1. When discussing atheism it is incorrect to presume that because ‘God does not exist,
then everything is permitted.’ Atheists do follow a moral code of conduct; they believe
in the law and social responsibility. They believe that humanity is of prime importance
and that looking after the environment is equivalent to looking after humanity.
Atheists simply believe that there is no divine power within or outside the universe. In
practice they often follow the same moral code of conduct as religious people, but
they often arrive at the decision of what is right or wrong, good or bad, without the
help of any divine power. This stance is very different to saying that ‘If God does not
exist, then everything is permitted.’ [122 words]
2. Agnostics do not deliberately cause harm to society or the environment, as they
believe that it is up to people to repair or make up for any harm they do. Agnostics
are unsure that 'God does not exist'; however, they are sure that they should not
cause harm socially or environmentally. They say that there is possibly no God, and
that the most important goal in life is to look after people and the planet. They also
believe that just in case there is a God, it is in their best interests to do the right thing
for other people and the planet, in case they will face judgement from God after their
death. Agnostics argue that conscience is linked to an individual’s understanding of
pleasure and pain, and to how that person would like to be treated by others. Most
agnostics would also say that regardless of whether there is a God or not, it is one’s
responsibility to self and others to do good things to other people and for the
environment. Therefore to Agnostics, ‘everything is NOT permitted’! [182 words]
2010 Paper
Sample Answer
The nature and meaning of the dreaming for Aboriginal people and its link to the land or
country is central to the spiritual beliefs of indigenous people. Over 200 years ago, at the
time of the colonisation, the Indigenous people of Australia followed belief systems and
spiritualties that were based on the natural world and included a deep respect for the land. In
addition their beliefs were closely linked to ancestral beings who allowed Indigenous people
to find meaning in existence. As a result of these religious beliefs it is understood that
Aboriginal spirituality is inextricably linked to land or as Aboriginal people call it ‘country’. To
the indigenous people of Australia every living organism and every inanimate object on the
land has a soul and therefore all are linked together inseparably. Included in this
understanding is the link between traditional land, language, story and culture. When the
Indigenous people were removed from the land through governmental and church
interference, e.g. the stolen generations and missionary activity, this inextricable link was
broken resulting in disastrous effects for the indigenous people. Today many indigenous
health issues such as alcoholism, mental illness and disconnection with society can be
traced back to the fact that many people no longer feel connected to ‘country’. It is important
for the indigenous people of Australia that these links to ‘country’ are restored. In recent
years activities such as Kevin Rudd’s apology to the stolen generations and the work of
groups such as NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee)
have helped to renew these connections to country for indigenous people.