RELIGION and NON-RELIGION 1. 2 Students learn about: The religious dimension of human history New...

1

RELIGION and NON-RELIGION

2

RELIGION and NON-RELIGION

Students learn about:

• The religious dimension of human history• New religious expression• Non-religious worldviews• The difference between religious and

non-religious worldviews

3

1. The Religious Dimension of Human History

1a Identify the following expressions of the religious dimension in human history● Animism● Polytheism● Monotheism

1b Evaluate the place of the religious dimension in human history to provide● meaning and purpose for the individual● Social cohesion● Social transformation

1c Investigate statistical data of the current global distribution of the five major religious traditions

4

There is clear archaeological evidence that prehistoric communities had religious beliefs

There are several theories about how prehistoric religion began; i.e. the origin of religion Sir Edward Burnett Tylor Friedrich Max Muller Wilhelm Schmidt

Definition (by Tylor 1871):- Prehistoric people believed that all natural objects including living creatures had a soul or a spirit which existed separately and independently from its physical being.

It was this force that controlled the activities of the natural world

ANIMISM

1a Identify the following expressions of the religious dimension in human history

5

Animism is the belief that natural events (such as windstorms, cyclones and earthquakes) could be attributed to the actions of these spirits – animae

Tylor says that the prehistoric people revered and worshipped these spirits because the natural phenomena (which the spirits produced) were completely beyond normal human capabilities. i.e. nature was completely controlled solely by the spirits.

Thus prehistoric people worshipped the spirits because they affected their daily lives – and they had to keep the spirits happy!

6

Tylor’s theories have been rejected by most scholars but have led to the development of alternate theories about the origins of religion

Muller: Disagreed with Tylor’s notion that the spirits

inhabited the natural world Instead, he had the idea that the spirits

possessed human emotions such as anger which led to them having good and bad temper and that it was this that led them to be revered as deities

Whilst Animism is associated with pre-historic cultures, it still exists in some of today’s cultures; e.g. Australian Aboriginal people, some African and Polynesian communities.

7

…is the belief in – and worship of – multiple deities: gods and goddesses, and is generally believed to have developed from animism and then monotheism is said to have then developed from polytheism as a natural progression

POLYTHEISM

ANIMISMPOLYTHEIS

MMONOTHEISM

8

The deities (gods) of polytheistic cultures have their own… Stories and worshipping needs Individual personalities Specialities (like the god of harvest, the god

of fertility etc) and A position in a hierarchy of gods

Thus the gods of polytheistic cultures have personalities, disagreements with other gods, personal likes and dislikes and wars

The Greek, Egytpian and Roman ancient religions were all polytheistic

9

HARD & SOFT POLYTHEISM Hard polytheists conceive of their gods as

being distinct and separate entities; e.g. Ancient Greek gods of Mt Olympus

Soft polytheism does not conceive of the gods being distinct or separate.

Rather they are understood to be acting as facets of a single god; e.gHinduism – has various deities which are understood to be different manifestations of the one power known as Brahman

10

Deism is a form of monotheism that affirms the belief in the oneness of god but rejects the notion that god is an active agent in human history

Pantheism acknowledges the intervention of god in human history- god in not seen as separate from nature – but as part of nature

Semitic Monotheism- Christianity, Judaism and Islam

religions of “ the book” with common ancestors and belief in one creator and loving God

MONOTHEISM- Belief in one God

11

1b Evaluate the place of the religious dimension in human history to provide● meaning and purpose for the

individual● Social cohesion● Social transformationMEANING AND PURPOSE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL

1. Religion attempts to provide guidelines which answer

the key questions: Where did we come from? (the origin of

creation) What are we supposed to de while we are

here? (the purpose of human existence) What happens after we die? (what is our

destiny)

12

2. RELIGION OFFERS A SENSE OF BELONGING WITHIN A COMMUNITY Human beings – by their nature – need to

belong within a community or society Therefore, the rituals and communal worship

helps us by providing a sense of belonging to a community

3. THE ROLE OF RITUAL PRACTICE Religion plays a significant role in reinforcing

the cultural identity of a group It also renews and strengthens the bonds

within a community of believers – especially where those are small, ethnic minorities or marginalized or alienated

It does this by ritual practice

13

2,SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

Religion can be used to uphold and preserve traditional values and practices in a society, but also as a tool for social change egsocial justice and equality for marginalized groups by addressing issues like poverty, environmental change, global conflict and indigenous peoples’ rights

Some examples are S V d P, Caritas and the Salvation Army

14

3. SOCIAL COHESION

1b

Religion can provide communities with a sense of continuity and certainty in an uncertain and confusing eg in times of war, but has often supported unjust social prctices such as slavery

15

1c1c Investigate statistical data of the current global distribution of the five major religious traditions

christianityislamhindubuddhismjudaismother

16

2a2aRecognize 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

17

2aTHE RISE OF NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION & SPIRITUALITIES

INCREASING POPULARITY OF NEW AGE RELIGIONS A wide range of Australians are attracted to

new age religions for a variety of reasons When viewed alongside traditional religious

practices, they tend to be worldviews which have a non-religious approach.

18

3a Outline the essential features of Atheism and Agnosticism

3b Outline the positions of:● Rational Humanism● Scientific Humanism

3c discuss how Agnosticism, Atheism and Humanism determine the aspiration and behaviour of the individual

4a Compare the response of ONE religious and ONE non-religious belief system to:● The concept of the transcendent● The human person● Social responsibility

p24

p26

p28

p30

19


NEW AGE RELIGION An term that covers a wide range of spiritual

beliefs and practices which aim to foster individual fulfilment in the form of personal happiness, health and meaning in life.

The New Age Movement is in a class by itself. Unlike most formal religions, it has no holy text, central organization, membership, formal clergy, geographic centre, dogma, creed, etc. They often use mutually exclusive definitions for some of their terms.

20


EXAMPLES OF NEW AGE RELIGIONS● Astrology● Crystals● Feng shui● Magnetic field therapy● Numerology● Palmistry

● Spiritual healing● Tia chi● Tarot cards● Transcendental

meditation● Yoga

21


DIVERSE NATURE OF NEW AGE RELIGIONS The New Age Religions are very diverse and

are often practised by small groups or individuals

Some feature philosophies drawn from ancient religions whilst others are based on a framework that seeks to unlock human potential.

Others are based on pseudo-scientific approaches to health & wellbeing

2a Recognize 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

2b Explain how the following have influenced the growth of new religious expressions and spiritualties● The rise of materialism● Scientific progress● Growth of ecological awareness● Disenchantment with “traditional” religious

practice and guidance

22

p17

p19

23


CHARACTERISTICS OF NEW AGE RELIGIONS Often focussed on the needs of the individual Usually no structure or hierarchy No particular commitment required No doctrine of social renewal or service to

others The attraction is often:-

A search for personal fulfilment A need for ethical guidance and A need to belong to a “society”

24


i. SEARCH FOR PERSONAL FULFILMENT

Importance of search for personal fulfilment The most significant attraction of new

religious expression Secularism has caused an absence of

meaning in life where the traditional religious beliefs are seen as irrelevant

This results in people looking elsewhere to find answers to the meaning and purpose of life’s journey

25


i. SEARCH FOR PERSONAL FULFILMENT

Diverse nature of New Age Religions The personal fulfilment is offered in a

considerable variety of ways that will appeal to many… Having a successful career Being wealthy Being happy in relationships Being physically and emotionally well

26


ii. SEEKING ETHICAL GUIDELINES

Lack of moral certainty in a secular society Moral relativism is the notion that

everything is a matter of personal choice which begets the idea that there is an absence of moral truth in a secular society

Traditional religious guidance is often seen as irrelevant & meaningless

27


iii. SEEK TO CLARIFY THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH SOCIETY

28

2b2b Explain how the following have influenced the growth of new religious expressions and spiritualties● The rise of materialism● Scientific progress● Growth of ecological awareness● Disenchantment with “traditional”

religious practice and guidance

29

3a3a Outline the essential features of Atheism and Agnosticism

30


ATHEISM

Atheism is the absence of belief that any deities exist

Therefore, an atheist does not believe that god exists

It is therefore not an active belief system or a philosophy with its own set of doctrines

They believe that the universe, the earth and its life evolved by a natural scientific process

They believe that because there is no god, humanity has no ultimate goal and that there is no life after life

31


ATHEISM

Atheism developed via the 17th century Age of Enlightenment that advocated the use of reason over religion because religion was seen to be irrational and grew from superstitions

This era also saw significant scientific advancement which was viewed as being incompatible with traditional religion

Thus, with the advent of Darwin’s 19th century theory of evolution, there grew increasing tension between secularism and religion

32


AGNOSTICISM

A sceptical world view of a person who awaits more conclusive evidence than currently exists before they commit to a belief in a transcendent entity; i.e. the existence of a god.

Therefore, because they do not believe that there is sufficient proof, they do not believe (yet) in a heaven, a hell or judgement.

They don’t discount the existence of a god – rather they believe that there is not enough proof (evidence) to support such a belief – a fence-sitter

33


DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ATHEISTS & AGNOSTICS

Agnostics believe that the existence of god is still a possibility but at this time evidence for the existence of god (or gods) is not conclusive

Atheists regard the issue as firmly closed

35


Question from a past paper

2009 HSC EXAMINATIONSection IQuestion 22 (5 marks)

“If god does not exist, then everything is permitted.”

With reference to the above quotation, explain how atheism OR agnosticism influences the aspirations and behaviour of individuals.

(you are only permitted to write 11 lines)

36

3b3b Outline the positions of:● Rational Humanism● Scientific Humanism

HUMANISM

Humanism is a belief that – since there is no evidence that supports the existence of a supernatural being – this life and this world are all that matters

Therefore we should live full, happy lives and make it easier for others to do the same

This is based on the belief that – since supernatural intervention has been proven impossible – human beings can and do have control over their own destinies

Thus human endeavour, experience, intelligence and compassion are the foundations of all moral values

37

3c3c Discuss how Agnosticism, Atheism and Humanism determine the aspiration and behaviour of the individual

38

3cHUMANISM

is a philosophy that believes that this world, the morals, ethics and the experiences gained from this life are all that we have

Human beings are therefore able to control their own destiny – and by implication – those of other people

And since we can do this, we should try to improve the lives of others

Accordingly, humanists have strong ethical and moral doctrines regarding social responsibility, ecological sustainability and the notion that all human beings are born free and equal

Many of the beliefs of humanism can also be applied to atheism and Christianity

39

3cHUMANISM

Amsterdam Declaration 2002

Humanism is the outcome of a long tradition of free thought that has inspired many of the world's great thinkers and creative artists and gave rise to science itself.

The fundamentals of modern Humanism are as follows:

1. Humanism is ethical. It affirms the worth, dignity and autonomy of the individual and the right of every human being to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights of others. Humanists have a duty of care to all of humanity including future generations. Humanists believe that morality is an intrinsic part of human nature based on understanding and a concern for others, needing no external sanction.

40

3cHUMANISM


2. Humanism is rational. It seeks to use science creatively, not destructively. Humanists believe that the solutions to the world's problems lie in human thought and action rather than divine intervention. Humanism advocates the application of the methods of science and free inquiry to the problems of human welfare. But Humanists also believe that the application of science and technology must be tempered by human values. Science gives us the means but human values must propose the ends.

41

3cHUMANISM


3. Humanism supports democracy and human rights. Humanism aims at the fullest possible development of every human being. It holds that democracy and human development are matters of right. The principles of democracy and human rights can be applied to many human relationships and are not restricted to methods of government.

42

3cHUMANISM


4. Humanism insists that personal liberty must be combined with social responsibility. Humanism ventures to build a world on the idea of the free person responsible to society, and recognises our dependence on and responsibility for the natural world. Humanism is undogmatic, imposing no creed upon its adherents. It is thus committed to education free from indoctrination.

43

3cHUMANISM


5. Humanism is a response to the widespread demand for an alternative to dogmatic religion. The world's major religions claim to be based on revelations fixed for all time, and many seek to impose their world-views on all of humanity. Humanism recognises that reliable knowledge of the world and ourselves arises through a continuing process. Of observation, evaluation and revision.

6. Humanism values artistic creativity and imagination and recognises the transforming power of art. Humanism affirms the importance of literature, music, and the visual and performing arts for personal development and fulfilment.

44

3cHUMANISM


7. Humanism is a life stance aiming at the maximum possible fulfilment through the cultivation of ethical and creative living and offers an ethical and rational means of addressing the challenges of our times. Humanism can be a way of life for everyone everywhere.

Our primary task is to make human beings aware in the simplest terms of what Humanism can mean to them and what it commits them to. By utilising free inquiry, the power of science and creative imagination for the furtherance of peace and in the service of compassion, we have confidence that we have the means to solve the problems that confront us all. We call upon all who share this conviction to associate themselves with us in this endeavour.

45

Humanists think that this world and this life are all we have, hence we should try to live full and happy lives ourselves and, as part of this, make it easier for other people to do the same

All situations and people deserve to be judged on their merits by standards of reason and humanity

Human experience is the foundation for all moral values

Humanists believe in the intrinsic goodness of humanity, but realise that human potential is far greater than current achievement

Individuality and social cooperation are equally important

Humanists believe that human beings are successful, because of our ability to manipulate and adapt to the natural world by working cooperatively with other human beings

SUMARY OF HUMANISM

46

There are many types of humanists e.g. Christian humanists, scientific humanists etc.

RATIONAL HUMANISM (ALSO KNOWN AS SECULAR HUMANISM) Philosophy which proclaims that the use

compassion, equality, morality, ethics and most importantly reason can be used to build a better world for human kind

SCIENTIFIC HUMANISM (ALSO KNOWN AS MODERN HUMANISM) Philosophy which places a significant emphasis

upon science and technology to address global problems such as poverty, environmental degradation, and social inequalities

Began in the 20th century, with an emphasis on achieving equality and peace on a global scale

SUMARY OF HUMANISM

47

SCIENTIFIC HUMANISM (ALSO KNOWN AS MODERN HUMANISM) Philosophy which places a significant emphasis

upon science and technology to address global problems such as poverty, environmental degradation, and social inequalities

Began in the 20th century, with an emphasis on achieving equality and peace on a global scale

Humanists are atheists and therefore atheism and humanism are not mutually exclusive

Many beliefs and aspirations of humanism can also be applied to atheism

SUMARY OF HUMANISM

How does agnosticism determine aspirations and behaviour of individuals?

• In-decision would result in ‘a dilemma, a complexity

• This would require behaviours to be of such a nature that either alternatives (god/no-god) could result in the happiness of the agnostic.

• Their aspirations would be to be the best person they are, for I cannot be secured if I am evil

• Further their aspirations may be to achieve the best society so that both possibilities may be realised.

• They would need to be open to further analysis and discussion in order to see whether their position as agnostics is still tenable

How does Atheism determine the aspirations and behaviour of individuals?

• Atheist, as a position, is difficult for there is no compelling need to aspire to anything or to behave in any one manner.

• Though most atheists would see some purpose for their lives, there is again no compelling evidence for this, unless founded in the sciences or intellect.

• They would argue that humanity would dictate appropriate aspirations and behaviour

How does Humanism determine the aspirations and behaviours of individuals?

• What befits the human is good; what is disclosed as the nature and purpose of the human is good.

• ‘Man fully alive’ meaning that in all her characteristics (emotional, aesthetic, spiritual, intellectual, social) the human person strives to achieve fullness of personhood

52

Use the following description to answer Questions 8 & 9

Carly reads the Qur’an, the Bible, Buddha’s sermons, and Confucius’ Analects, attends a Wiccan coven, has regular tarot card readings and leads a yoga class. She is skeptical about science and is disillusioned with the effects of technology on climate change.

8. What is Carly’s religious outlook or spirituality likely to be? (A) Tibetan Buddhist (B) Rational Humanist (C) Pentecostal Christian (D) New religious expression

9. Carly’s best friend is Scott who describes himself as a Scientific Humanist. Which of the following issues are Carly and Scott most likely to disagree about?(A) The problems caused for society by economic exploitation of

natural resources(B) The ability of mainstream religious authorities to provide

guidance to society(C) The value of alternative medicine(D) The dangers of global warming

53

4a4a Compare the response of ONE religious and ONE non-religious belief system to:● The concept of the transcendent● The human person● Social responsibility

Fundamentalist: a member of a religious movement that is characterised by a literal, rigid interpretation of the sacred textTranscendent: belief that divine power(s) or being(s) exists beyond the humanUtilitarianism: consequentialist form of ethical theory which asserts the notion that what is good is what brings the greatest happiness for the greatest number

THE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…

54

4aTHE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…i. THE CONCEPT OF THE TRANSCENDENT

God created the world and gave meaning to life All Christians believe in the concept of the

transcendent All Christians believe that god is the source of

creation and that God gives meaning and purpose to life

Humanists reject the notion of the transcendent Humanists do not accept the idea that there is

anything that exists beyond the ordinary human experience

Life after physical death Humanists believe that this life and this world is

all we have and reject any ideas about a life after death

Christians – on the other hand – believe in heaven, hell and judgement leading to eternal life

55

4aTHE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…

i. THE CONCEPT OF THE TRANSCENDENT Source and mechanisms of creation

Because humanists do not believe in life after death, they only accept the scientific view of creation

Christians have no problem accepting the view that evolution is a mechanism of creation as well as that god is the source of creation

The difference is what is behind the process:- Secular humanists align themselves with the

scientists who claim that creation was a spontaneous event lacking in cause or motivation

Christians believe that God is the author of creation

56


ii. THE HUMAN PERSON The human person is of paramount importance

This view is held by both Christians and Humanists – that the human person is of supreme value

Humanists believe that human beings have thrived through their intelligent adaptation to the environment and their problem-solving ability

The needs of the individual are paramount Humanists believe that the needs of the

individual should never be compromised except when the greater good of society is involved

57


ii. THE HUMAN PERSON The source of this view:-

Christians believe that we are made in the image and likeness of God and

That social responsibilities are derived from the revelation of God

Humanists – on the other hand – believe that the social responsibilities are derived purely from human experiences

iii. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The issues addressed are poverty, ecological

concerns, world peace, justice and economic equality

58

4aTHE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…iii. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Belief that people have social responsibilities towards each other Both Christian and Humanists believe that because

the human person is of extreme value, people have certain social responsibilities toward each other

Both belief systems aim to make the world a better place for all to live in

The source of this view The Christians and the Humanists differ in their

views of social responsibility Christians have specific doctrines on social

responsibility – based on biblical teachings & tradition

Humanists have similar doctrines but they are not as clearly defined

59


iii. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Life after physical death

Because Humanists have no belief in an afterlife, they tend to place more emphasis on the contributions people make in this life

Christians – because they place too much emphasis on the idea of life after death – have been criticized for placing too much emphasis here and not enough on the needs of people during their earthly lives

60

4aTHE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…iii. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Material accumulation of goods Both groups believe that its harmful to acquire

possessions to excess because this can take place at the expense of those who are deprived of life’s necessities thus fostering inequality

Ecological sustainability Both groups share a similar philosophy for the

protection of the environment – but for different reasons:- Christians – because of the relationship

between god and its creator Humanists – because they believe we are

dependant on the environment for survival

RELIGION and NON-RELIGION 1. 2 Students learn about: The religious dimension of human history New...

Documents

Transcript of RELIGION and NON-RELIGION 1. 2 Students learn about: The religious dimension of human history New...