Studies of Religion II Half Yearly Exam Notes PDF

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Studies of Religion II Half Yearly Exam Notes Section I - 10 Multiple Choice Questions - 1 mark each - mixed, post 1945. - 2 Short Answer Questions - 5 marks e. - Aboriginal Spirituality, Religious Landscapes. Section II - Judaism : Bioethics & Marriage Short Answers - 15 marks - Significance on Individual - Buddhism : Bioethics, Wesak & Ashoka Short Answers - 15 marks. Section III - Buddhism : Bioethics, Wesak &/or Significant Person Essay - 20 marks.

Judaism - Depth Study Bioethics - Short Answer Questions: 2008 - Explain the reasons for Judaism’s ethical teachings on bioethics. P - Judaism’s ethical teachings are sourced directly from sacred texts, and therefore the ethical teachings that underpin bioethics. These have been implemented to ensure that all Jewish adherents abide them, and establish a covenantal relationship with God; Jewish adherents primary initiative. E - The ethical system that operates within Judaism is represented by codes of positive and negative commandments - these codes study and analyse core ethical concepts - 613 Mitzvot 248 positive & 365 negative.! E - Under this system of ethics, a Jewish adherent is obliged to act a certain way due to Halakhah (Jewish Law) - Halakhah is God’s Will. ! E - ‘Do not kill’ - Euthanasia - incorporate variants - Orthodox strictly adhere to this whereas Reform believe that it is acceptable to just interpret it differently. ! L - The primary ethical teachings allow the Jewish adherents to establish a covenantal relationship with God.

- The ethical system that operates within Judaism is represented by codes of positive and -

negative commandments - these codes study and analyse core ethical concepts - 613 Mitzvot 248 positive & 365 negative. Under this system of ethics, a Jewish adherent is obliged to act a certain way due to Halakhah (Jewish Law) - Halakhah is God’s Will. The basis of Jewish ethics is that every human is created in the image of God - this reflects on contemporary issues such as euthanasia, organ transplant, abortion and etc. The Torah is the primary source of Jewish ethics. Tikkun Olam - help one person, help the world. Jewish adherents believe that ‘life is sacred’ and therefore it is more important than religious prohibitions. As a result of this, normal rules and customs may be disregarded is life is at stake - for example. Judaism forbids work on Shabbat, although this rule can be set aside if life is at stake.

ETHICAL TEACHINGS OF BIOETHICS : - Human life is sacred - it has intrinsic value. - Therefore, the preservation of human life is paramount-highest moral imperative (therefore deeming abortion and euthanasia as forbidden). - All human lives are equal - each life has the same value. - All life belongs to God - our lives are not ours, therefore concepts such as Euthanasia is forbidden as we do not get to direct our own lives. - All humans are made in the image of God - reinforcing the sacredness of human life - God is in us. - Therefore, all actions towards others are the ‘manifestation of our imitation of God’. - Do not kill. - Be fruitful and multiply.

Studies of Religion II Half Yearly Exam Notes

- Abortion : The Torah does not specifically forbid Abortion, but it is generally accepted in Judaism that it is a serious offence and may only be permitted in certain circumstances, to save the life of the mother; Pikuach Nafesh - The obligation to preserve life, principle that overrides all other Jewish laws.

- Euthanasia - Jewish law strictly condemns Euthanasia; Judaism teaches that your body is not yours alone, you are part of humanity and God created you. (All life belongs to God - our lives are not ours, therefore concepts such as Euthanasia is forbidden as we do not get to direct our own lives.) - QUOTE : 2 Samuel 1:9-17

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From both written and oral Torah, Jews formulate what are considered four golden rules of bioethics: Living out the covenant Avoid immoral actions represented by the negative Mitzvot Life belongs to God It is God who gives and takes away life. Sanctity of life All human life is equal and important before God; Creation is a reflection of God (Tzelem Elohim). Human life is important and set apart. Pikuach Nafesh - The obligation to preserve life, principle that overrides all other Jewish laws.

EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH OF BIOETHICS : A significant notion within principal beliefs is divinely inspired moral law. It is believed that the Torah contains this doctrine and that this moral law binds the adherents to God. Within this doctrine, there are in total 613 rules called the Mitzvot, 248 positive, and 365 negative. This scheme is evident in Deuteronomy 30:11-20 ; “Keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase”. Many of the commandments in the Mitzvot are also associated with ethical issues such as euthanasia that are portrayed as ethically forbidden within some variants of Judaism. An example of a Mitzvah that states this is Ecclesiastes 7:17 ; “Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?”. This controversial topic is perceived as assisted suicide or murder, therefore deemed forbidden. The observance of the Mitzvot is necessary as it is the primary means to keep the requirements of the Sinai covenant. Different variants within Judaism view this issue from a different perspective. To Orthodox Jews, they believe that quote must be interpreted directly, hence prohibiting Euthanasia. Progressive Jews are open to minimal interpretation, therefore believe that euthanasia is only granted authorisation in extremely necessary cases. On the other hand, Reform Jews are widely open to interpretation, hence believing that it is up to the individual whether euthanasia can progress or not. The divinely inspired moral law that is derived from the Tenakh and Talmud impacts ethics and provides meaning to the life of adherents. Consequently, it becomes evident that the interaction of these characteristics are successfully creating a living religion. ORGAN TRANSPLANT SAMPLE : Organ transplant is the act of moving of an organ from one body to another or from a donor site to another location on the person's own body. In traditional Jewish belief, the integrity of the body should not be disturbed after death. It is forbidden to tamper with a corpse in any way. This is supported through multiple Mitzvot quotes such as Deut. 18:11; Not to seek the maytim (dead). Organ Transplants require an individual to find a corpse and use their organs for transplant, therefore clarifying that organ transplant is forbidden and must be avoided at all costs. As mentioned above, this varies within the different variants of Judaism.

Studies of Religion II Half Yearly Exam Notes PURPOSE OF ETHICAL TEACHINGS : Core ethical teachings within Judaism guide Jewish adherents in substantial ways, and are aimed to create a better world, and to maintain the covenant that was created between God, Abraham and his people. Without core ethical teachings, there would be an absence of morality and virtues and would have a detrimental effect to society and essentially, humanity. 2012 - A) Briefly outline TWO Jewish ethical teachings in bioethics. B) How does ONE ethical teaching outlined in part A influence the lives of adherents? A) Bioethics Jewish ethical teachings are derived from the Ten Commandments of the Torah, the Prophetic Vision and the Book of Proverbs and are set out as principles. One ethical teaching states that “Human life is Sacred” and is derived from Genesis 2:17. “Do not Kill” is another ethical teaching that sustains the covenant. These teaching forbid abortion in most cases and also the practice of active euthanasia. Ageing, illness and death are a natural part of life, thus must not be tampered with. B) “Do not Kill” - This makes it clear to the adherents that the decision of life and death is not a choice to be made by humans. This then relates to the life of the adherent in matters of abortion and active euthanasia. In general, a decision to deliberately abort a foetus is prohibited. The adherent should rejoice in this gift (baby) from God. Following this ethical teaching influences the life of the adherent and that of her observant family. Conversely, when a mother’s life is put into serious, critical danger by continuing the pregnancy, the teaching that life is a gift from God is invoked to protect the life of the mother – her life has been, and one expects would be continued to be, sustained by God as his gift! Again the life of the adherent (and the observant family) has been influenced by the ethical teaching - Euthanasia - it is not permissible to end a life. 1. Keeping the covenant such as do not kill 2. Life is sacred from Genesis 2:17 3. Pikauch Nefesh 4. All life belongs to God (Ecc. 3:3)

2013 - Explain the ethical teaching in Judaism in bioethics. - The ethical system that operates within Judaism is represented by codes of positive and negative commandments - these codes study and analyse core ethical concepts - 613 Mitzvot 248 positive & 365 negative. - Under this system of ethics, a Jewish adherent is obliged to act a certain way due to Halakhah (Jewish Law) - Halakhah is God’s Will. - ‘Do not kill’ - Euthanasia - incorporate variants - Orthodox strictly adhere to this whereas Reform believe that it is acceptable to just interpret it differently. - The basis of Jewish ethics is that every human is created in the image of God - this reflects on contemporary issues such as euthanasia, organ transplant, abortion and etc. - The Torah is the primary source of Jewish ethics. - Tikkun Olam - help one person, help the world. - Jewish adherents believe that ‘life is sacred’ and therefore it is more important than religious prohibitions. - As a result of this, normal rules and customs may be disregarded is life is at stake - for example. Judaism forbids work on Shabbat, although this rule can be set aside if life is at stake. - From both written and oral Torah, Jews formulate what are considered four golden rules of bioethics: - Living out the covenant - Life belongs to God - It is God who gives and takes away life. - Sanctity of life - Pikuach Nafesh - The obligation to preserve life, principle that overrides all other Jewish laws.

Studies of Religion II Half Yearly Exam Notes 2015 - “God, your way is in holiness. What God is as great as God?” - Psalm 77:13 How does the above teaching influence the lives of adherents in bioethics?

- ‘God’s way’ is the only way that Jewish adherents should follow, thus deeming concepts such as -

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abortion and euthanasia, forbidden - as they essentially compose of an individual not obliging to this. In judaism this reinforces the covenantal relationship with God & and the necessity to adhere to bioethical teachings in order to sustain this covenantal relationship. This quote highlights the need to follow God’s teachings and not perform actions in which oppose this. The belief that in following God’s teachings a covenantal relationship will be formed - the ultimate intention for a Jewish adherent. This teaching is highlighted through the decalogue which states “thou shalt not kill” which is reinforced through the bioethical teaching of “life is sacred” which relates to the bioethical issue of euthanasia as Jews forbid active euthanasia but passive euthanasia is permitted. Variants : Orthodox believe that euthanasia is a form of suicide and is therefore unacceptable and forbidden, whereas Conservative Jews believe that the withholding of medication is acceptable but not of food/water The belief that “there is a time to be born and a time to die” - Ecclesiastes 3:2

Possible structure for this question : 1) Introduction - Outline ethical teachings and how a Jewish adherent ultimately strives to establish a covenantal relationship with God (relating to stimulus) 2) Body chunk - Life is sacred - Life belongs to God - Made in the image of God - therefore must not be tampered with - give examples of contemporary issues such as Euthanasia and abortion - relate to variants - weave stimulus throughout. 3) Conclusion - Reinforce that the stimulus underpins these beliefs - link back to question.

Marriage - Short Answer Questions : 2008 - A) Outline ONE significant practice within Judaism drawn from Marriage. B) Explain the significance of for the individual. A) - Marriage occurs in Kiddushin → the betrothal - legal act of acquiring a bride by the groom. - The bride and groom are not allowed to live together until the marriage ceremony (Nisuin). - Ketubah is the contract that both the bride and groom (chatan and kallah) sign the contract symbolises the covenant and establishes meaning towards the marriage - Expression of love and duty, recalling relationship between couple and God. - Aufruf is the sabbath prior the wedding. - In Orthodox Judaism, only the men read from the torah however in Conservative and Reform both the bride and groom read from the torah → this develops a covenantal relationship with God. - Nissuin is the second stage of marriage → in completing this the process of marriage is complete - the Ceremony. - The couple stands under the Chuppah, which initially symbolises the house and hospitality of Abraham - also, a web of protection. - A symbol of a new home and a new life that the couple will build together. - Open on all sides and can be placed outside - like Abraham and Sarah’s tent which was to welcome travellers in hospitality . - Bride and groom escorted here. - Escorts hold candles, symbolizing wish for light and joy. - The Chuppah is supported by 4 poles signifying the 4 corners of the world.

Studies of Religion II Half Yearly Exam Notes - The bride is generally escorted by the mothers who break a plate to remind the couple of the seriousness of marriage.

- The ring represents eternity, an infinite relationship with each other, and also with God Orthodox Jews: Have a single ring ceremony, with a ring exchange from the groom to the bride.

- Most Reform or Conservative Jews: Double ring ceremony. - Genesis 2:24: That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

- Fast is broken with fruits and nuts (Yichud) - Before the wedding, the bride immerses herself in water to spiritually purify and prepare herself for married life - Mikvah.

- Circling of groom - The bride circles the groom seven times - web of protection. - In Reform Judaism the bride circles the groom 3 times. - Shattering of Glass - At times of personal joy, Jewish people remember the sadness of their history, which began with the destruction of the first Temple in Jerusalem. • Outline of the whole wedding ceremony : Signing the ketubah The Bedekin The Chuppah (Canopy) Bride encircles the bridegroom Betrothal and the first cup of wine The ring ceremony The reading of the Ketubah The Sheva Brachot and the second cup of wine The breaking of the glass Yichud - Overall beliefs : Provides the basis for ethical teachings about marriage – connecting the Torah and Talmud. B) - Individual - A fulfilment of the first Mitzvah in the Torah; “Be fruitful and multiply” - Genesis 1:28 - Ideal state for the human to be in - by God at the time of creation. - A person who does not marry is considered as incomplete in Judaism; “It is not good for man - to be alone; I will make a fitting helper for him”’ (Genesis 2:18) - therefore it provides an individual with a sense of belonging - soul mate - Bashert. - Fulfils the covenant : successful marriage is an ultimate symbol of a meaningful relationship and represents the covenant between God and the Jewish people. - The Talmud states, “When a man is without a wife, he lives without joy, without blessing and without good.” - soul mate. - Reflects beliefs and traditions. - Brings 2 individuals together before God. - Lives out the word of the Torah. - Creates a covenantal relationship. - Reflection of belief sources from sacred texts. - Kiddushin - leading up to the wedding day (engagement day) - Males read from Torah in the Synagogue. - In Reform Judaism, females also read from the Torah. - Ketubah - Contract - beliefs - covenant. - Nisuin - ceremony - Chuppah - Significant towards an individual as the rings symbolise the eternal nature of God, therefore provides meaning to the life of the adherent. - Also significant to the individual as it is the best state to be in, meaningful relationship reflects the idea of the covenant. - Specific rituals - rite of passage, personal concept just like Yom Kappur. - Provides opportunity for the transformation of the individual : For example, in the rites of passage = transformed status. - Personal Yom Kippur.

Studies of Religion II Half Yearly Exam Notes 2011 - A) Describe ONE significant practice within Judaism drawn from Marriage. B) How does marriage express the beliefs of Judaism? C) “Jewish practices are instruments for the expression of obedience to God’s commandments.” - To what extent does this statement apply to the significance for the Jewish community for marriage. A) - Drawn from above question (same question). B) How does marriage express the beliefs of Judaism? - Provides the basis for ethical teachings about marriage – connecting the Torah and Talmud. - Ketubah/Rings: Covenant - The Chupah: Centrality of the Home - Seven Blessings: Praise God for Creation – highlight how many is made in the image of God. C) Significance to Jewish community : - Expressing God’s commandments has a positive effect on the community. - Enables to community to develop a close relationship. - Allows them to be part of the marriage ceremony therefore they are expressing beliefs of Judaism. - The continuation of a Jewish line which makes the community bigger which allows for more expression of the commandment e.g “be fruitful and multiply”. - Breaking of the Glass: A reminder of the History of Israel. - Marriage establishes the family as the basic social unit, and the home as the "little sanctuary” (Ezekiel 11:16) – the basic family unit. - Benefits the community who come together to rejoice in the occasion of love being expressed physically and spiritually.

2014 - A) Describe ONE significant practice within Judaism from Marriage. B) Demonstrate how the practice of marriage expresses the beliefs of Judaism. A) A Jewish wedding is a significant ritual that joins a Jewish man and woman in matrimony. Jewish ceremonies may vary according to the variant of Judaism, but there are many common factors. In a Jewish wedding, both parties must sign a marriage contract or Ketubah, the wedding takes place under a wedding canopy or Chuppah. The bride accepts a ring from the groom and the vows are sealed by the breaking of a glass that signifies the destruction of the temple. There are two main stages to a Jewish Wedding betrothal (kiddushin) and the marriage itself (Nissuin). B) Judaism is a dynamic living religious tradition that bases its beliefs on the teachings and commandments of the Torah. The 613 Mitzvot or commandments of the Torah serve as a guide for Jewish living, these Mitzvot inform adherents of Judaism “To take a wife by kiddushin” thus marriage in Judaism is understood to be a commandment. Ultimately a Jewish marriage is considered a ‘covenantal’ relationship similar to that made between God and the Jewish people. In Judaism, marriage is considered to be the idyllic state as a man and a woman cannot be complete without marriage. The word for marriage is Kiddushin which also means sanctification. For each married couple there are certain Mitzvot that must be adhered to, one example is that the Mitzvot to bear children “And God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply.” Genesis 1:28.

Studies of Religion II Half Yearly Exam Notes 2016 - “Therefore, observe the words of this conversation and follow them, so that you will succeed in everything you do.” - Deuteronomy 29, Torah. How are the words of the covenant reflected in ONE significant practice of Judaism? In your response, refer to marriage.

- The Covenant is a pivotal aspect of Judaism which enables the adherent to abide by it, and fulfil the words of it. The concept of marriage f...