AO3 sac Flashcards
Define secularism
The separation of the state from religious institutions. Allows for:
- different religious groups to practice their faith freely
- contributed to a growth in non-Christian religious groups.
Why is Australia a secular society? (point 1)
- Its government and laws are separate from any religion.
- Aus Constitution prevents the gov from making any laws that favour a religion.
- country’s laws and public policies are based on secular principles, not religious beliefs
Why is Australia a secular society? (point 2)
- Australians have the freedom to follow any religion or none.
- Public holidays and national events are secular, meaning they are not based on religious celebrations
- ensures that everyone is treated equally and can live together peacefully.
What is religious pluralism
The state of being where every individual in a religiously diverse society has the rights, freedoms, and safety to worship, or not, according to their conscience.
How does religious pluralism influence religion’s role in Australia? (3 points)
- CO-EXIST PEACEFULLY (can follow and religion, or none, without fear of discrimination)
- LEGAL system supports pluralism (laws protect everyone’s rights, ensuring fairness for all religious and non-religious people)
- Enriches Australia’s CULTURE with diverse traditions and festivals
4 important trends that have impacted on both religious/non religious people throughout history in Australia and also in Australia today.
- Scientific + technological ADVANCEMENTS - provided answers to existential questions (non-religious) and making religious texts more accessible through the internet (religious)
- Rise of ATHEISM - spiritual but not religious movement reflects a broader cultural shift towards individualism and self-exploration
- GLOBALISATION - people from different religions come together, exposure to many different beliefs for religious and non-religious
- Rise of other religons (ISLAM and BUDDHISM) - fuelled by immigration
How did the colonisation of Australia affect the spiritualities and religious practices of First Nations people? (3 points)
- Faced FORCED conversion to Christianity through missionary efforts - abandoned their spiritual beliefs and adopted those of the colonizers
- Sacred sites were DESTROYED - traditional knowledge and customs were lost
- British Colonial rule SUPPRESSED Indigenous belief systems, rituals and ceremonies - contributed to the erosion of cultural identity
Why was Christianity the dominant religion at the time of colonisation?
Due to the power and influence of European nations
The first fleet of convicts and settlers included Anglican clergymen,
indicating the official status of Anglicanism within the colonial administration.
What does the term “spiritual, but not religious” mean? (2 points)
A significant non-religious trend shaping Australia’s religious composition
Demographic which includes individuals who identify as spiritual but do not adhere to any specific religious tradition or institution.
How does the phrase “spiritual, but not religious” influence the way people understand religion (in Australia)? - 3 points
- Shift away from traditional religious practices towards more PERSONAL and INDIVIDUALISED forms of spirituality
- Shows that many Aussies are looking for meaning and connection outside of established religion.
- Reflects a growing ACCEPTANCE of diverse spiritual expressions
‘No religion’ is not a religious tradition/denomination.
Why this is an option on the ABS census? (2 points)
- Acknowledges the growing number of people who DO NOT identify with any religious tradition - SECULAR Australians can accurately express their beliefs
- Helps track changes overtime and provide a clearer picture of the country’s religious diversity - provide services fit to society’s needs (secular education programs)
2 reasons why people may not have completed the census questions to religion?
- Individuals who identify as SBNR
- Broader cultural shift towards individualism and self-exploration, as people seek meaning and fulfillment outside traditional religious frameworks.
Evaluate reasons behind a decrease in Christianity between 1971 to 2021
3 points
- 70s - Whitlam gov pursued policies aimed at promoting multiculturalism and social inclusion.
- 1980s-1990s, continued push for religious freedom and secularisation particularly, in the context of education funding.
- 21st century, debates over religious freedom and secularism intensified - Secularisation has now emerged as a defining feature of Australian society
Evaluate reasons behind an increase in ‘no religion’ between 2016 to 2021.
(1 point, then two dot points about it)
Steady rise of atheism and agnosticism:
- Advancements in science and education have led to increased scepticism towards religious beliefs
- Organisations representing atheist interests also gained prominence lobbying for policies that reflect secular principles
What is meant by ‘collective identity’?
Refers to the shared sense of BELONGING, IDENTIFICATION, and SOLIDARITY among individuals within a particular group or community.
