“Human decency is not derived from religion. It precedes it.”
― Christopher Hitchens
outcomes |
exam specs |
H1 explains aspects of religion and belief systems
H2 describes and analyses the influence of religion and belief systems on individuals and society H6 organises, analyses and synthesises relevant information about religion from a variety of sources, considering usefulness, validity and bias H7 conducts effective research about religion and evaluates the findings from the research H8 uses appropriate terminology and concepts related to religion and belief systems H9 coherently and effectively communicates complex information, ideas and issues using appropriate written, oral and graphic forms. |
Section IV: Religion and Peace
There will be ONE question requiring an extended response. 20 marks |
hard polytheism
Hard polytheists conceive of their gods as being distinct and separate entities. An example of a hard polytheism is contained in Homer's Iliad and the Odyssey which records the interaction between the pantheon of Greek gods, their individual struggles, the internal bickering between gods, the alliances and pacts made, and their intervention in the affairs of mortal beings. Other hard polytheistic pantheons include the gods of the Norse tradition, the Aztec deities, the Egyptian gods, and the Sumerian deities. |
soft polytheism
Soft polytheism by contrast does not conceive of the gods as being distinct and separate. Rather these pantheons of gods are understood as representing facets of a single god. Some strands of Hinduism can be considered as examples of soft polytheism. These particular Hindus subscribe to a notion known as the Smartha philosophy, whereby the various divinities worshipped are understood as different manifestations of the one power known as Brahman. |
deism
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. In the sense that god is understood as not playing an active part in human history. Deists also believe that since god does not intervene in human history, the revelation of god through human history is not possible. |
pantheism
Pantheism is a philosophy that provides another interpretation of monotheism. Pantheism acknowledges the intervention of god in human history. In fact, pantheism puts forward the notion that every part of creation is intrinsically a result of god's activities on earth. The implication of such a belief is that god is seen not as separate and independent from nature but is seen as part of nature. |
meaning and purpose for the individual
Human experience is characterised by a search for understanding of the great questions. The most significant of these fundamental religious questions are those concerned with the origin, purpose and destiny of humankind. Religion attempts to set down guidelines, which answer these key religious questions and in doing so attempts to impose some form of coherence and order to life. One significant role of religion is to provide life with meaning, and hence a sense of overall consistency and direction in a world that is constantly changing. During times of crises for example, religion provides life with a sense of purpose, and a framework upon which to understand life. The ritualistic dimension of religion provides individuals with a sense of belonging within a community. Religion can also serve to reinforce the cultural identity of a group |
projection of human needs
Given the role of religion in fulfilling fundamental human needs, it is not surprising to find theories which propose the idea that religion is a social construct, a myth fabricated by human beings to meet human needs. One such theory is given by Ludwig Feuerbach, a nineteenth century German philosopher who argued that religion originated not from an examination of evidence which pointed to the existence of a divine being but as a projection of the deepest desires and wishes of humankind. Feuerbach's reasoning was that given the natural vulnerability of human kind, religion probably developed as a result of the human need to believe in the existence of a nurturing, higher being that will protect them. |
social cohesion
Religion has an important role in affirming traditional beliefs and practices. It provides communities with a sense of continuity as it serves to link the rapidly changing, complex modern society with a more traditional and stable past. The downside of religion as a force of social cohesion is that religion can also used to reinforce and legitimise values and institutions, which may be unjust eg. Slavery |
social transformation
Paradoxically, whilst religion is a force of social cohesion it can also serve as a force of social transformation. Religion can be used as a tool for criticising the structures, customs and beliefs of its own societies. The importance of working towards a just and peaceful society is integral to the message of all major religious traditions. Historically, religious groups have played a significant role in advocating and campaigning for social justice and equality. Today religious groups can be seen at the forefront of campaigns, which seek to address issues such as poverty, environmental degradation, global conflict, economic inequality, indigenous rights and unemployment |
atheism
Atheism is the doctrine, which posits the notion that no god or divine being exists, and hence nothing divine exists outside of humanity. Thus, the universe, the earth and its life evolved by a natural scientific process without intervention by a supernatural entity. Furthermore, atheists believe that since there is no god or ultimate reality, humanity has no ultimate goal and no further aspirations or imperatives because without the existence of a god, there is no after life or next life. |
agnosticism
Agnosticism is the belief that the evidence which is supposed to prove the existence of God is insufficient at the present time. Agnostics do not believe there is sufficient evidence to warrant the belief in the existence of a divine being. However, such matters could conceivably change in the future because if at a later date there is sufficient evidence to prove the existence of God then their views will change. |
humanism
Humanism is a philosophy, which is based on the belief that since there is no evidence which points to the existence of a supernatural being, then this life and this world are that matters. Therefore, in the light of this, human beings should try to live full, happy lives and make it easier for others to do the same. Thus, it can be said that humanism is a philosophy founded on the belief that human endeavour, experience, intelligence and compassion, are the foundations for all moral values. |
“Being a Humanist means trying to behave decently without expectation of rewards or punishment after you are dead.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
rational humanism
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scientific humanism
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