2 Unit Additional Material Religion and Peace Religion

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2 Unit Additional Material • Religion and Peace • Religion and Non-religion 1

2 Unit Additional Material • Religion and Peace • Religion and Non-religion 1

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Religion and Non-Religion 4

Religion and Non-Religion 4

16 Indicative Hours Students learn about: • • The religious dimension of human history

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 6

The religious dimension of human history 6

 • Identify the following expressions of the religious dimension in human history: -

• Identify the following expressions of the religious dimension in human history: - animism - polytheism - monotheism 7

Animism The belief that plants and other inanimate objects have souls (from the Latin

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

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

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. 10

ple i t l u 10 M r e b em m ce e

ple i t l u 10 M r e b em m ce e R Choi And e… s n o resp ? ? k r a A 5 m lications? Imp 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 11

1. Introduce topic – show you understand primary concept e. g. religious dimension +

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! 12

Identify how animism expresses the religious dimension in human history Evidence from pre-history suggests

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 13

Social cohesion Social transformatio n Connection s? + 14

Social cohesion Social transformatio n Connection s? + 14

o i t a m r o f Re n Cohesion? Transformation? Both? 15

o i t a m r o f Re n Cohesion? Transformation? Both? 15

The religious dimension can provide social cohesion through such means as: • Creating laws

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 16

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The Religious dimension has contributed to social transformation through such means as: • Contributing

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. 18

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Dorothy Day 20

Dorothy Day 20

Pope Benedict prayed alongside Mustafa Cagrici the head cleric of Istanbul inside the Blue

Pope Benedict prayed alongside Mustafa Cagrici the head cleric of Istanbul inside the Blue Mosque 30. 11. 2006 21

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Ahmed El Tayeb, Al-Azhar's Grand Sheik and Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria who have

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. 23

Evaluate how the religious dimension provides meaning and purpose for the individual Throughout human

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. 24

 • Investigate statistical data of the current global distribution of the five major

• Investigate statistical data of the current global distribution of the five major religious traditions 25

2626 Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica 2005

2626 Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica 2005

Source: Wikimedia Commons 2008 https: //www. cia. gov 27

Source: Wikimedia Commons 2008 https: //www. cia. gov 27

 • Recognise the reasons for the rise of new religious expressions as people:

• 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 28

‘New religious expressions’? • • • Emerging movements in Western culture characterised by an

‘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. 29

New Religious Expressions • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=GJAF 0 zcy 2 c 4

New Religious Expressions • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=GJAF 0 zcy 2 c 4 A student assignment on topic • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Zkzz. J QNUp. AU Look at Bahai 30

The rise of new religious expression(s) Examples of new religious In this section expressions

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 reasons for - New Age Religions the rise of new - Female-centred spiritualities http: //www. allspiritual. com/Womens. Spirituality. php 3 religious - Gay/Lesbian expressions. http: //www. hartfordinstitute. org/gayreligion/chapters. htm - Integration of indigenous spiritualities http: //www. shamanism. org/ 31

Recognise the reasons for the rise of new religious expressions as people: • Search

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. 32

Explain how the search for ethical guidelines has contributed to the rise of NREs

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 20 th 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 1960 s. 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

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 34

http: //www. msia. org. au 35

http: //www. msia. org. au 35

New religious expressions within Christianity … 36

New religious expressions within Christianity … 36

Atheism 37

Atheism 37

Agnosticism 38

Agnosticism 38

What is humanism? ‘The humanist movement is an international organization formed by people of

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 39

Bob Brown (b 1944), educated in rural NSW, became captain of Blacktown Boys High

Bob Brown (b 1944), 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

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? 41

Humanism is a movement that does not adopt a religious approach to life, rather

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. 42

Discuss how agnosticism, atheism and humanism determine the aspirations and behaviour of individuals… •

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. 43

Agnosticism, Atheism and Humanism determine an individual’s aspiration and behaviour. The following are points

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. 44

Compare the response of ONE religious and ONE non-religious belief system to: • The

Compare the response of ONE religious and ONE non-religious belief system to: • The concept of the transcendent • The human person • Social responsibility 45

Monotheism - Christianity • The concept of the transcendent One God who is Creator

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

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 47 or secularly informed value system.