Contemporary Religion and Society

Question 1

What is the meaning of Structural Functionalism?

Answer 1

Religion that creates social order in society.

Question 2

What is the meaning of Jihad?

Answer 2

The Arabic term for ‘striving’ or struggling. In Islam it means to ‘struggle in the way of Allah’.

Question 3

What is the meaning of Pacifism?

Answer 3

The belief that war and violence are unjustifiable and that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means.

Question 4

What is the meaning of Profane?

Answer 4

Ordinary mundane things; like work, bills and shopping

Question 5

What is the meaning of Sacred?

Answer 5

Things that are set apart from society as extraordinary, awe-inspiring and deserving of respect; like rituals and places of worship

Question 6

What is the meaning of War?

Answer 6

An organised conflict usually consisting of intense violence carried out by one state or states against another state or states.

Question 7

What is the meaning of Sexism?

Answer 7

Prejudice against a person because of their gender.

Question 8

What is the meaning of Sexual discrimination?

Answer 8

When a person acts on their prejudice against someone because of their gender.

Question 9

What is the meaning of Sociology?

Answer 9

The study of society and how many humans act in groups.

Question 10

What is the meaning of Greater Jihad?

Answer 10

This is every Muslim’s personal struggle to follow Allah. This is daily life for a Muslim, trying to lead the best life they can, worshipping Allah whilst facing everyday difficulties, making moral choices and dealing with hardships.

Question 11

What is the meaning of Lesser Jihad?

Answer 11

This is a ‘Holy War’ in defence of Islam. A just war, fought as a last resort. There are strict rules for lesser jihad which Muslims must abide by.

Question 12

What is the meaning of The Conflict Theory?

Answer 12

That religion entrenches political and economic inequality, as well as gender and racial inequality.

Question 13

Who argued for the Conflict Theory?

Answer 13

Karl Marx

Question 14

Who introduced the idea of Structural Functionalism?

Answer 14

Emile Durkheim

Question 15

Who introduced the Just War Theory?

Answer 15

Thomas Aquinas

Question 16

What did Plato argue for war?

Answer 16

That war should only be waged, if it could be justified and how it should be fought.

Question 17

What are all six requirements of a just war?

Answer 17

1) Last Resort
2) A Just Cause
3) Valid Authority
4) Probable Success
5) Proportionality
6) Exit Strategy

Question 18

What are two pros and cons of Just War and Jihad?

Answer 18

Pros

• It tries to protect innocent civilians
• It creates rules of conduct in war
• It rejects the idea of retribution
• It places moral integrity over power

Cons

• The concept of war and justice are incompatible
• It is open to abuse
• It suggests the lives of soldiers are less valuable than civilians.

Question 19

Can you name a pro and con for Buddhism gender roles?

Answer 19

Pro - If a man denies the possibility of enlightenment to a woman, then his own enlightenment is impossible. (Lotus Sutra)
Con - Woman may pray that their rebirth is a man

Question 20

Can you name a pro and con for Islamic gender roles?

Answer 20

Pro - According to the Qur’an, men and woman have the same spiritual nature
Con - All religious leaders are men and woman don’t pray at the front of the mosque.

Question 21

Can you name a pro and con for Hinduism gender roles?

Answer 21

Pro - Good treatment of women is seen as a blessing. (laws of Manu)
Con - All Brahmin priests are male

Question 22

Can you name a pro and con for Christianity gender roles?

Answer 22

Pro - “God created mankind in his own image” Genesis 1:27

Con - Woman cannot be priests in the Roman Catholic Church.

Question 23

Can you name a pro and con for Judaism gender roles?

Answer 23

Pro - In progressive Judaism women can be rabbis and God is seen as having no gender
Con - Many women sit separately to men and do not take part in synagogue services

Question 24

Can you name a pro and con for Sikhism gender roles?

Answer 24

Pro - Men and woman may lead religious services. God is neither male or female.
Con - It is unusual to find a woman in the role of Granthi.