HSC Religion & Non-religion notes PDF

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Joe Wardle

Religion and Non Religion Identify the following expressions of religious dimension in human history:

Animism Based upon the ideal that all natural objects, including inanimate and living, have a soul or spirit that exists independently of its physical being - Every object is of equal value  must be treated with mutual respect - Importantly believed that the spirit continues to existence beyond physical death/peril - There are good and bad spirits within all objects EXAMPLES: Shinto and Aboriginal Spirituality - Shinto believes in spirits that reside in nature, known as kami o They are a Life-force such as spirits that reside in plants and the Goddess of the Sun - Aboriginal Spirituality o Dreaming, totems, ceremonies

Polytheism The belief in and worship of multiple deities. - Characteristically, polytheistic deities are not seen as omnipotent/omniscient, they have their own personality, skills and in live in a hierarchy within pantheon. - Theorised to have emerged from animism  animistic spirits evolving into personalities + organised into groups or families of spirits - Hard polytheists= multiple gods in distinctive and unique forms. o e.g. Greek and Egyptian mythology - Soft polytheists= all Gods are a facet to a singular God o e.g. some branches of Hinduism

Monotheism The belief that there is only one God who is omnipresent and omnipotent and exerts a divine will within history and day to day life. - This God is seen to give a moral code to humanity to provide an ethical pathway for individual adherents - Deism affirms notion that there= only one god, but rejects idea that god actively intervenes in human history - Pantheism equates god with universe- believe that every part of creation= intrinsically result of god's activities on earth EXAMPLES: Christianity and Islam - Catholic God is a trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, all existing as a single entity known as God. o Faith was developed from Judaism, which holds a similarly monotheistic view

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Islam holds the belief of ‘Tawhid’, which encapsulates the “oneness” and supremacy of a single God- Allah. o Developed from Muhammad’s revelation of life as a submission to God

Evaluate the place of the religious dimension in human history to provide:

Meaning and purpose for the individual -

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Australian National Church Life Survey (1998) uncovered that religion was used by most for a sense of meaning and purpose in contemporary life. Humans have always sought answers to life’s main questions Answers to this quest for meaning have frequently been found through exploration of the religious or spiritual dimension. The religious dimension offers a framework of meaning and coherence that gives direction, thus aiding the individual in their search for understanding on the mechanics of humanity and one’s ontological purpose. It further gives the adherent an identity, as well as ethical expectations and duties (e.g. killing of a sentient being in Buddhism is unacceptable) It offers assurance and an understanding of what happens after death (i.e. Paradise in Islam)

Social Cohesion -

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Social cohesion is how a society remains harmonious. Religion brings communities together, provides a continuity in a confusing world French sociologist Émile Durkheim argued that religion was invented by human beings to promote and ensure social cohesion through shared values and mutual obligations In Spartan society in ancient Rome, religion was defined as ‘ligature’ meaning ‘something that unites or bonds’ This is because, religion is able to connect individuals to a common past, teach what is acceptable in society, and provide traditions and customs for a society, and therefore strengthen the identity of that society.

Social Transformation -

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Social transformation means how a society changes and develops The religious dimension presents a paradoxical role as it is both upholding and transformative, but can also be systematically conservative and stubborn. Religious experience is a way to transform ourselves into a state closer to that which we view as perfect. It utilises education to facilitate change Religion is critical of society and politics as it works towards social justice Religious dimension has striven to bring about common understandings and acceptance of differences, e.g. Civil Rights Movement in America, women’s rights, Indigenous rights (ecumenism) Max Weber (19th Century) stated that religion played an integral role in changing western Europe from an agrarian society in Middle Ages to a capitalist system o Highlighting religion’s progressive/transformational capabilities

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Laudato Si [FIRE] o the Pope critiques consumerism + irresponsible development, laments environmental degradation and global warming, and calls all people of the world to take "swift and unified global action"

Global distribution of the five major religious traditions -

Universalising religion: global religion, appeal to all regardless of culture/location (i.e. Christianity) Ethnic religion: appeals to a specific group of people; carried from generation to generation; has strong links to culture and geographical location (i.e. Hinduism)

Christianity (32%) -

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Origins in the middle east and was first a sect of Judaism and stayed in Roman province of Palestine 4th Century CE was adopted as state religion in Roman Empire by Constantine Great Schism 1054 of Eastern and Western Churches Its 16th Century reformation of catholic and protestant denominations brought an increase in adherents to the religious tradition as well as an increase in relevance for adherent’s daily lives. Largest tradition  2.2 billion adherents 26% of Christians now live in Europe US= most Christians in the world Dominant region= America, sub-Saharan Africa and Europe

Islam (23%) -

Muhammad in the 6th Century CE, Middle East Crusades were vehicle for spread of Islam into Europe It is the world’s fastest growing religion India, Bangladesh, Pakistan have largest number of Muslims o 93% of population reside in the Middle East Heavily concentrated in Asia-Pacific (62% of world Muslims) 2nd largest tradition  1.6 billion adherents

Hinduism (15%) -

Began in Punjab of north-west India over 4000 years ago. The growth and expansion of Hinduism is tied to Indian culture. 97% of all Hindus live in three countries (Nepal, India, Mauritius) 99% of Hindus are in Asia Pacific 3rd largest tradition  1 billion adherents

Buddhism (9%) -

Offshoot of Hinduism Founded by Siddhartha Gautama in the Ganges Plain approximately 2500 years ago. Popular in east Asia, Buddhism attracts converts (70% of Sri Lanka is Buddhist)

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Rapid growth in Australia (0.8% in 1991 to 2.5% in 2011) Buddhism is split into two groups; o Mahayana Buddhism (Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, etc.) o Theravada Buddhism (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, etc.) 4th largest tradition  500 million adherents

Judaism (0.2%) -

Originated with Abraham in the Middle East (Canaan) 6th Century Jewish Diaspora Jewish communities were in Poland, Russia, Romania and Germany WWII resulted in the persecution and death of 6 million Jews out of a global 8 million Further, large conversions to Christianity and the growth of Islam had also diminished the numbers of adherents in Judaism. Large migration from post WWII immigration to the US (2nd most Jews) Dominant religion in Israel 5th largest tradition  14 million adherents

New Religious Expression - A new religious expression is one that takes from an eclectic mix of spiritualties to create meaning and purpose in life. o Loss of credibility of mainstream traditions o Response to scientific/technological developments; dependence on rationalism o Shift of traditional values/institutions o Awareness of/dissatisfaction with exclusivity o Desire for meaningful ritual/community - For example, Christianity was initially attacked for being a brainwashing and coercive cult, with strange rituals such as incest (brothers and sisters) and cannibalism (body and blood of Christ) - The age of Aquarius during the 60’s/70’s saw the birth of a new understanding of spirituality and universal love. Many of these religions became what is now known as the new age movement. - Since WWII, thousands of new religious expressions have been formed worldwide due to the increased need, in a modernist zeitgeist, to achieve personal fulfilment, ethical guidance and clarity in their relationship with society Example: Wicca: modern version of ancient, nature-based religions promoting worship of female deity called ‘goddess’ - embrace nature + femininity- source of personal fulfilment epitomised - reject traditional patriarchal authority- linked with violence, domination + oppression - gained further growth through concept of environmentalism= Earth is revered, respected (karma principle)

Reasons for the rise of new religious expressions and spiritualities:

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Personal Fulfilment -

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New age religions and expressions are popular as a means of achieving personal fulfilment as it delivers a vast array of practices and beliefs, flexibility of beliefs and freedom for the individual. Science and traditional religions has ultimately failed to satisfy humankind’s innate hunger for answers to spiritual questions o Thus they turn to new age religions as it provides its adherents with a multitude of answers to the spiritual questions that science and reason cannot answer. It provides adherents with a sense of fulfilment without fear or judgement from, or personal accountability to, an organised religious hierarchy. The western world is experiencing an era of social flux and change

Seek ethical guidance -

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Many individuals require ethical guidance beyond that of financial + legal principles of secular society + seek newfound system of ethics in new religious expressions This fluidity and flexibility is appealing to many individuals Karma: the idea that our good and bad deeds during this lifetime accumulate to our status in the next o Thus ethical choices need to be made with this principle in mind Wiccans promote tolerance of others and reject traditional religion’s ‘religious imperialism’ Spiritually embrace nature and it is an expectation of followers that that the earth be revered and respected. Humanists believe in the universal good of humanity + focus on using inspirational human acts of goodness for ethical guidance

Seek to clarify their relationship with society -

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Traditionally, religions provided social order and hierarchy. However, new age groups offer the individual a heightened sense of solidarity, security and personal affirmation. New religions are individualized so people can break off from these ‘traditional’ roles The individual has a role to play in bringing about this social transformation o The belief that social transformation will occur when sufficient numbers of people have been transformed. o Gordon Melton says, “the New Age is ultimately a social vision of a world transformed”. They offer closer, more individualistic relationships with religion They can account and acknowledge science and modernity

Explain how the following have influenced the growth of new religious expressions:

Rise of Materialism -

Materialism is the focus on the physical world as opposed to the metaphysical o The rise of this perspective has resulted in the growth of some New Age religions who cater for this belief (physical>metaphysical)

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Alternatively, many adherents of traditional religions have turned away from their religion and followed New Age religions due to their distaste toward the rise in materialism o For example, Pentecostal Christianity operates by selling of books, audiotapes, DVDs & self-help guides to make consumers better Christians, + endorses ‘prosperity doctrine’, therefore people turn away New religions appeal to more spiritual values, and can allow one to find meaning and purpose that materials can’t offer

Scientific progress -

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Rapid growth of scientific knowledge raised serious questions for some religious perspectives and beliefs. Professor Peter Sharp argues that the more science explains how the world and the universe work, the less people need religious explanations for it. As people of knowledge, science does not address the spiritual side of the human person. Some abandon traditional religious beliefs- belief that scientific discoveries have discredited such beliefs (scientific progress has effect of undermining authority of traditional religions) In the idea that although science may provide answers, but it doesn’t provide meaning, some people have taken a stance against the sciences, thus turning to New Age religions to offer a return to a simple life.

Growth of ecological awareness -

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New Age religions notably display a connection to Earth in the medium of energy, or fulfilment through closeness to nature. The investigation of the state of environment has caused many people to support movements for reducing harmful substances from entering oceans and the atmosphere. Traditional religions may be seen to have done too little to bring about the change needed to protect the environment. o Therefore, leading to more individuals turning to new age religions as they offer an active and genuine stewardship of the planet and are more closely connected with nature. Issues such as Climate change has accentuated the impact of the environment on the mainstream subconscious  leading to more individuals devoted into the defending the earth (e.g. Greenpeace, Greens political party in Aus) o NAR’s such as Wicca focused around environmentalism and natural goddess Gaiea have grown as a result of this increased awareness and concern for the planet’s

Disenchantment with ‘traditional’ Religious practices and guidance -

Many feel traditional religious practices do not provide a relevant & meaningful support system in challenges they face in modern world. Hierarchical structures of power do not allow adherent’s sufficient say in the nature and direction of religion.

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o For instance, they may object to the male dominance and apparent female oppression in traditional religions. o Rituals may be perceived as archaic and from a bygone era, no longer addressing the needs of modern life in a meaningful way. Therefore, an increasing disillusionment with traditional religions hypocrisy, abuse of power and irrelevance has resulted in a lost moral authority and diminished respect from many adherents. NAR’s are made popular because they’re still longing for spiritual dimension to life In recent years, many Australians choosing to leave traditional Christian Churches

Non-Religious Worldviews

Outline the essential features of Atheism and Agnosticism

Atheism: -

A worldview that refutes the existence of a God/Gods They posit that there is no divine being that exists outside of the physical universe believe the universe if governed by scientific law Atheists deny a common goal of humanity, instead choosing their own meaning and purpose on an individual level Sceptical view due to a lack of evidence of transcendental reality Developed from the Age of Enlightenment

Agnostics: -

Rather than denying the existence of God/Gods, they state there is insufficient evidence to be proved or disproved. However, they are willing to change their belief if sufficient evidence becomes available. In essence, rather than concluding the impossibility of God, they believe we need more understanding before we choose to believe, or discredit.

Outline the position of Rational humanism and Scientific humanism

Humanism -

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Humanism is the living philosophy which rejects the notion of the transcendent and as a result asserts that solutions to the world’s problems reside in the human rather than Divine intervention o Adopted alongside an agnostic worldview “Life’s fulfilment emerges from individual participation in the service of humane ideals” – Humanist manifesto “No deity will save us we must save ourselves” – Humanist manifesto 2 They believe humans should live full happy lives  human experience and humanities innate goodness is the foundation for understanding

Rational Humanism

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Rational Humanism is a philosophy which focuses on the values of human beings, believing that the correct focus for the discovery of truth resides in the human person, thus elevating human reason as the highest form of authority. They believe that progress through ration thought, as opposed to belief in a divine being or deity, would procure a better quality of life for the individual. Hence, belief that human reason, compassion and pure ethics could be the foundations for a peaceful world for humanity Can be traced to Plato, who argued that reality existed on ideas, and that the individual can understand through reasoning and intellect

Scientific Humanism -

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Scientific Humanism on the other hand asserts that science and technology is the ultimate source of authority, emphasising the use of science as opposed to human reason to discover who the human is and our purpose. They believe that reality can be discovered through scientific research & experimentation and that reality is what can be touched, measured or numbered. Modern form of humanism  generally accepted by secular society Intellectual movement directed toward justice, equality and world peace e.g. UNESCO= peace amongst humanity, ideological framework Both have strong ethical and moral values regarding social responsibility, equality and ecological sustainablity, however Scientific Humanism asserts that these global issues would be able to be addressed through scientific and technological emphasis rather than purely intellect.

Discuss how Atheism, Agnosticism and Humanism determine the aspirations and behaviour of individuals

Atheism Aspirations: - Despite widespread belief, they aspire for happiness and enjoyment of life as they are free to make their own choices - Exercise their own autonomy and life choices, they don’t aspire for an ultimate goal Behaviour: - Morality and ethical behaviour (the natural state of humanity is moral; no God is required to radiate such characteristic) o Making individual and rational choices o Adopting moral relativism - Argue that faith-based morality of religions is responsible for amoral acts - Aim to improve the world

Agnosticism Aspirations: - To enjoy life without the burden of guilt o See human emotions or anger, pride and lust as natural and not harmful - Find meaning in life through secular pursuit e.g. science

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Strive for a peaceful, just and environmentally sustainable world o Condemn materialism - Willing to concede to the existence of God(s), they aspire to be adaptable to change Behaviour: - Moral relativism o Learn right and wrong through the human experience - Aim to improve the world

Humanism Aspiration: - Wellbeing of humanity - A better world in which compassion and social justice is exercised to all of humanity Behaviour: - To act collectively minded and ethically attuned - Rational humanism- proclaim compassion/equality/morality - Scientific humanism- significant emphasis on science/technology to address global issues that impact humanity e.g. poverty, environmental degradation, social inequality - Approach ethical issues, reject unethi...