2 Unit Additional Material
• Religion and Peace
• Religion and Non-religion
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2
3
Religion and Non-Religion
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16 Indicative Hours
Students learn about:
•
•
•
•
The religious dimension of human history
New religious expression
Non-religious worldviews
The difference between religious and
non-religious worldviews
5
The religious
dimension of human
history
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• Identify the following expressions of the
religious dimension in human history:
- animism
- polytheism
- monotheism
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Animism
The belief that plants and
other inanimate objects
have souls (from the
Latin 'Animus' meaning
'Soul' ). It is an ancient
belief that likely stemmed
from the need for a way
to determine what is alive
and what isn't. Shinto is
a good example of
animism – kami spirits.
8
Polytheism
The belief in and worship of
many gods. Typically, these
gods are distinguished by
particular functions, and
often take on human
characteristics. This was
particularly true in ancient
Greece and Rome. In other
polytheistic cultures such
as ancient Egypt, gods
took on the form and
characteristics of objects
found in nature, including
trees, sacred herbs, cattle,
animals and animal--human
hybrids. The Hindu
pantheon is a further
example.
9
Monotheism
The belief in the existence
of one deity or God who is
the creator and sustainer
of the universe. Belief in
the oneness of God.
Western context:
monotheism is dominated
by the concept of the God
of the Abrahamic faiths:
Judaism, Christianity
and Islam.
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The significance of the
religious dimension of
human history
Evaluate the place of the religious
dimension in human history to provide:
- meaning and purpose for the
individual
- social cohesion
- social transformation
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1. Introduce topic – show you
understand primary concept e.g.
religious dimension
+
2. Link to specific Syllabus area e.g.
social cohesion
+
3. Support with explicit example
+
4. Summation
= 5 marks!
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Identify how animism expresses the religious dimension in human history
Evidence from pre-history suggests that humanity has always sought a connection
with the supernatural dimension to explain enduring questions of existence.
Animism is an ancient belief system witnessed in many cultures where every
aspect of creation is seen to have a life-force or soul. This is one means of
answering the ‘big’ questions and providing a connection between human needs
and the supernatural power(s) who are believed to have the ability to respond to
these.
The Kami spirits of Shinto are an example of an animistic belief system. These
spirits can be elements of the landscape or forces of nature. Kami are close to
human beings and respond to human supplication. They can influence the course
of natural forces, and human events. Subsequently Kami are a focus of worship
for Shinto adherents in seeking intercession to ensure health, prosperity and
happiness.
As evidenced through the Kami, animism expresses the religious dimension as it
provides the means for adherents to seek intervention from the spirit world to fulfil
human needs and aspirations
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Social
cohesion
Social
transformatio
n
Connection
s?
+
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Cohesion? Transformation?
Both?
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The religious dimension can provide social cohesion through
such means as:
• Creating laws for society: religious traditions have, in many cases,
provided a society with its laws and its system of jurisprudence based
on the ethical teachings found in sacred texts.
• Teaching people about shared customs and practices: religious
traditions have given societies such things as dress codes, dietary
laws, expectations concerning relationships
• Caring for those in need: religious traditions have provided for both
their own adherents and non-adherents in a manner which assists
social order
• Educating adherents: religious traditions have provided opportunities
for education that contribute to the development of society
• Providing political structures/government: religious traditions have,
in the course of history, helped develop systems of government.
• Creating literature which assists adherents to understand their
role in society: in many religious traditions, those who held power
within that tradition did so by being the literate members of the society.
• Providing themes for painting, sculptures, music and architecture
based on the beliefs of the tradition: These forms of art can be ‘read’
by adherents and as such they provide a source of shared experience
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The Religious dimension has contributed to social
transformation through such means as:
• Contributing to social reform: religious traditions (individuals/groups)
have contributed to stability and reform by being a voice for justice
• Waging wars to establish orthodoxy: religious traditions have fought to
defend their beliefs ands customs against other viewpoints or belief
systems. Acts of violence have also occurred within religious traditions,
when one variant of that tradition endeavours to establish central
control of the beliefs.
• In some cases, for example the crusades and the conquests of the
New World, religions have also been the means of destroying cultures
and devastating indigenous populations.
• Integrating new cultural and social factors: As religious traditions
encounter different cultures and societies new customs, forms of art
and governance can be integrated into existing social structures
• Opposing new philosophies/cultural expressions and technologies:
Religious traditions have prevented societies and cultures from
receiving the benefit of advances in technology and science because
these ideas are seen as opposing significant beliefs.
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Dorothy Day
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Pope Benedict prayed alongside
Mustafa Cagrici the head cleric of
Istanbul
inside the Blue Mosque
30.11.2006
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Ahmed El Tayeb, Al-Azhar's Grand Sheik
and Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria who
have worked together for peace between
Coptic Christians and Muslims in Egypt.
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Evaluate how the religious dimension provides meaning and
purpose for the individual
Throughout human history the religious dimension has been both a source
of inspiration and progress and a tool of prejudice and division. Its ability
to provide meaning and purpose is ultimately proportional to the faith
stance of the individual. For example, a figure such as Dorothy Day, a
convert from atheism who founded the Catholic Worker Movement,
provides evidence of how faith can shape and give meaning to the
individual. As attested to in her many writings the source of her
commitment was the Gospel and her strength for the many battles she
fought was daily prayer.
A further example is seen in the work of Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish a
Palestinian doctor who following the killing of his daughters by an Israeli
rocket attack has consistently worked for peace, a task sustained by his
Islamic faith and explained in his book ‘I Shall Not Hate’.
While many in society live fulfilling lives without reference to any form of
religion, evidence from history and contemporary experience indicates that
the incorporation of a religious dimension into daily life provides meaning
and purpose for many people of varying faith traditions.
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• Investigate statistical data of the current
global distribution of the five major
religious traditions
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2626
Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica 2005
Source: Wikimedia Commons 2008
https://www.cia.gov
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•
Recognise the reasons for the rise of new
religious expressions as people:
- search for personal fulfilment
- seek ethical guidelines
- seek to clarify their relationship with
society
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‘New religious expressions’?
•
•
•
Emerging movements in Western culture
characterised by an individual, eclectic approach
to spiritual exploration. Includes a loose network
of seekers, teachers, healers often incorporating
elements of ancient and indigenous religions e.g.
Wicca, Native American spiritualities...
The term ‘new’ is somewhat of a misnomer as
many of the practices are in fact centuries old!
AND developments within established religious
traditions such as the development of Pentecostal
churches in Australia or other new religious forms.
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New Religious Expressions
•
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJAF0
zcy2c4 A student assignment on topic
•
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkzzJ
QNUpAU Look at Bahai
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The rise of new religious expression(s)
Examples of new religious
In this section
expressions and spiritualities
students must be include:
able to
understand the - New Age Religions
reasons for the - Female-centred spiritualities
http://www.allspiritual.com/WomensSpirituality.php3
rise of new
- Gay/Lesbian expressions
religious
http://www.hartfordinstitute.org/gayreligion/chapters.htm
expressions.
- Integration of indigenous
spiritualities http://www.shamanism.org/
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Recognise the reasons for the rise of new
religious expressions as people:
• Search for personal fulfilment: eg dissatisfaction with
traditional forms of religion in creating a meaningful
understanding of life
• Seek ethical guidelines: eg the modern world has seen a
growth in the rights of the individual to determine their
lifestyle. Religious traditions based on strong rule by a
group of clergy, monks, or other minority leadership can be
seen by some to be out of touch with contemporary
understandings.
• Seek to clarify their relationship with society: eg as concerns
over issues such as the environment and the demands of
work within a consumerist society grow many people are
searching for new paradigms to work within and contribute
to society.
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Explain how the search for ethical guidelines has contributed to the rise of NREs
The term ‘new religious expressions’ signifies an eclectic mix of spiritualties
arising in the 20th C, particularly in Western culture.
They often incorporate aspects of ancient and indigenous practices,
e.g. Wicca and spirit healing, or practices from major religions such
as quasi-Buddhism.
The search for ethical guidelines has contributed to the rise of these
spiritualties as adherence to the major traditions altered, particularly following
the social changes of the 1960s. While many have turned away from
formalised religious practice, a significant proportion still desire the support of
a communal association or the leadership from an informed source, or in some
instances guru figure.
For example, new religious movements often exercise ethical guidance for
followers regarding environmentally appropriate lifestyles. The Australian
movement Earth, Spirit, Action is one example that provides guidance ranging
from ‘relevant rituals’ and understanding ‘nature as faith’ to advocacy projects
both locally and internationally. Subsequently It illustrates the reciprocal
relationship that often exists between the development of a group or
movement and the needs of those who desire external ethical guidance or
communal structures to support the spiritual and practical dimensions of the 33
their lives.
Explain how the following have influenced the growth
of new religious expressions and spiritualities
• The rise of materialism: e.g. denial of the spiritual
dimension does not provide ultimate happiness
for the individual
• Scientific progress: e.g. some results of science
seen to be a threat to human dignity such as
genetic engineering
• Growth of ecological awareness e.g. acceptance
of responsible stewardship
• Disenchantment with ‘traditional’ religious practice
and guidance: e.g. creation of relevant rituals
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http://www.msia.org.au
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New religious expressions
within Christianity …
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Atheism
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Agnosticism
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What is humanism?
‘The humanist movement is an international
organization formed by people of different ages,
origins, culture and religion, united by the project to
build a truly human society. A society in which the
human being, with his needs and aspirations, is the
central value. A society in which human rights are
completely realized: the right to health, instruction,
freedom, spirituality, search for the meaning of life,
and an existence with dignity.’
www.humanism.org
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Bob Brown (b1944), educated
in rural NSW, became captain
of Blacktown Boys High
School and graduated in
medicine from Sydney
University in 1968. Director of
the Wilderness Society organised the blockade of the
dam-works on Tasmania’s
Franklin River in 1982/3.
In 1996 he was elected to the
Australian Senate where he
was leader of the Greens.
First openly gay member of
the Australian Parliament.
40
Discuss how agnosticism, atheism and
humanism determine the aspiration of and
behaviour of the individual …
Why might a
response using
humanism differ
from one using
agnosticism or
atheism?
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Humanism is a movement that does not adopt a religious
approach to life, rather it draws on human intellect and
reasoning for determining all aspects of life. As such the individual
assumes responsibility for their own purpose and subsequent
‘fulfilment’. By definition humanism represents an entity of people
who act out of personal inspiration in the hope of contributing to a
more just and equitable society.
Humanism therefore provides the means for some individuals to
seek personal fulfilment through providing assistance for the
disadvantaged and advocacy for those in need. Gough Whitlam
is a prominent Australian figure who does not believe in God but
who continues to pursue the humanist paradigm through his work
for social equality. For example, his work for the Indigenous
peoples of Australia illustrates the application of his humanist
ethic. He has spoken of the sense of achievement he feels about
his contribution to society thus illustrating how humanism assists
individuals in the search for personal fulfilment.
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Discuss how agnosticism, atheism and
humanism determine the aspirations and
behaviour of individuals…
• An explanation of what is meant by
‘aspirations’ and ‘behaviour’.
• The opening statement of the response to this
question.
• The specific examples of people you would
use to illustrate your premise.
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Agnosticism, Atheism and Humanism determine an individual’s
aspiration and behaviour. The following are points which you could
consider:
• Ethical behaviour will be determined by the individual’s own
understanding of what is good or bad. It is not based on reward
or punishment of a higher being but the individual’s own reasons
for acting in a particular manner.
• Key events in a person’s life may need to be celebrated in forms
other than those offered by a religious tradition. For example,
birth, marriage and death
• In lacking a belief in life after death the person will view the
present life as the best and only opportunity to achieve their
goals. This realisation may well affect a person’s attitude to many
life issues including health, contribution to society and personal
relationships.
• If the person argues that human life is itself essentially good and
worthy of preserving, then a person might devote part of life to
activities which attempt to improve the lives of others. This may
take the form of working in instructions for social welfare,
education. If this common humanity is recognised the individual
may also work towards the eradication of racism and bigotry.
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Compare the response of ONE religious and
ONE non-religious belief system to:
• The concept of the
transcendent
• The human person
• Social responsibility
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Monotheism - Christianity
•
The concept
of the
transcendent
One God who is Creator of
universe,
all-knowing and eternal/infinite
•
Belief in an afterlife defined/decided
by God
•
Soul that transcends physical
matter
•
Individual can have a personal
experience of God
•
The human
person
Social
responsibility
Atheism
No belief in:
- God(s)
- afterlife
- soul
As a result no need for concept of the
transcendence in terms of divine
beings beyond the material world
Consists of
body/intellect/soul/emotion
•
Has a spiritual destiny
•
Individual reason requires guidance
of Divine revelation in order to
achieve full understanding
•
Ethical living in accordance with
Divinely inspired teachings (e.g.
Beatitudes, Natural Law)
• Consists of body/intellect/emotion
• No spiritual destiny after death
• Self-sufficient in terms of ability to
reason – does not need divine
direction
• Ethical living determined by
socially
accepted codes and personal values
• ‘Love of neighbour’ to fulfil Divine
directive of establishing the Basilea
(Kingdom of God)
• Ethical responsibility towards others
–
No universal code of responsibility
therefore may be philanthropic (e.g. Bill
Gates) in contrast may be self
gratifying with no concern for the needs
of others or a sense of social
Social responsibility for religious and non-religious belief systems
vary as a result of the foundational principles of both worldviews.
Taking Judaism and atheism we find that the responses to social
responsibility may be similar in terms of practicality but are
performed from different motivations.
In atheism there is no transcendent belief in an omnipotent source
that compels individuals to respond positively to social responsibility.
Atheists such as Bill Gates react to social responsibility in a
philanthropic manner that is not inspired by a divine entity. In
contrast Judaism is very much guided by an omnipotent source
which encourages adherents to respond to social responsibility so
as to fulfil the Covenant. Tikkun Olam and Halacha are two specific
concepts that inform adherents as to how and why they should help
others and accept social responsibility. The motivation is divinely
Inspired and evidenced in groups such as ‘Jews for Justice for
Palestinians’.
Attitudes and actions in relation to social responsibility cannot be
universally defined for either worldview as ultimately individuals will
make their own decisions concerning application of either a religious
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or secularly informed value system.