Dialogue Flashcards
Examples of Christian traditions in society
- School terms are arranged around Christian festivals
- The week has 7 days
- Sunday trading laws
- Education Act of 1988: RE and Assemblies
What are the roles of the Queen?
- Defender of the Faith
- Supreme Governor of the Church of England
What are the obligations of the Queen in the role of the Supreme Governor of the Church of England?
- Approves the appointment of senior clerics (Archbishops, Bishops, Deans of Cathedrals)
- Opens new sessions of the General Synod (a body which has the power to propose laws)
- Keeps the coronation vow to maintain the Church
How are bishops involved in the running of the country?
There are 26 bishops (“lords spiritual”) in the House of Lords, without any representatives of other religions.
Christian services to mark key events
Many Christian rites of passage are incorporated into everyday life, for example, baptism, marriage and funerals.
The National Service of remembrance in London to remember those who died in the 2 World Wars incorporate crosses into the memorials.
4 public holidays based on Christian celebrations
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Why are the National Secular Society and British Humanist Society against Church schools?
They believe that faith schools should fund themselves, as they select pupils from the wealthiest families and do not represent local communities.
What might religious groups argue in favour of faith schools?
- They contribute to 10% of the costs
- Wealthy religious families pay more tax and contribute to state education
- The curriculum is the same
- Parents should be able to choose to send their children to a school that supports their principles
The place of religion in a secular society
The British Social Attitudes Survey reported that:
- The Church of England has suffered the biggest decline
- Islam has grown from 0.5% to 5% since 1983
- 49% of the population say they have no religion, and is the fastest growing group
However, the majority of the population say that the Church of England should keep its status as the official established Church in England
What 3 factors have lead to the decline of the Church?
- Rationalisation (Society becomes more committed to practical and provable principles)
- Differentiation (Society developers increasingly specialised institutions)
- Decline of community (Societalisation)
6 ways in which religion has less power in our modern society
- Fewer people attend Church services
- Fewer people are willing to work in the Church
- Churches are being closed or sold
- Fewer people are getting married
- Fewer people are getting baptised and even fewer confirmed
- Easter and Christmas have lost their significance in British society
4 key aspects which show religion is still relavent
- Most people still hold religious beliefs, even if organisations have lost their appeal
- Religion is very important in many minority groups
- Some new religious movements have experienced considerable popularity
- Other parts of the world are still incredibly religious
What is humanism?
The way of seeing and reacting to the world using science, logic and reason, rejecting religious beliefs and ideas.
What caused the rise of humanism?
People starting to question the authority of the Church and challenge its teachings, as well as the idea that human ethics came from reasoning rather than God.
What are the 3 principles of humanism?
- A scientific view of the universe that rejects supernatural beliefs
- A concern for the welfare of other humans and animals based on reason not divine authority
- The need for each person to create meaning in their own life without a belief in life after death
What does the British Humanist Association campaign to do?
- Disestablish the Church of England
- Remove the right of Anglican bishops to sit in the House of Lords
- Abolish faith schools
Potential clashes between religious and secular values in education
- RE is compulsory
- Faith schools can decide on what and how to teach
The National Secular Society opposes the promotion of religion and teaching of Christianity in Christian schools, instead of teaching non-religious and humanist views along side it.
The British Humanist Association completely opposes faith schools.
Christian responses to forced, arranged and child marriages
Christian Churches opposed forced and arranged marriages.
Ideas about age of marriage has changed through history. In the UK, you can marry with parental consent at 16, or without at 18.
The Catholic Church allows bishops to set ages of marriage in their own countries. Catechism states the the minimum age for males is 16, and 14 for females.
RCC + Church of England views on women as priests and bishops
Church of England allows it after many years of debate, RCC reject it.
Who are exempt to the Equality Act 2010?
Priests, monks, nuns and ministers of religion
Why would a Christian believe euthanasia is wrong?
- Life is precious and sacred as it was created by God
- Euthanasia could be seen as murder
- Christians have a duty to care for those suffering
- Doctor’s duty is to preserve life
- Medical advances mean pain control is effective
- Some people may agree to euthanasia only to not be a burden to relatives
Why would Christians be against the right to die?
A person’s life is not their own, it is created by God, and only God has the authority to take it away, however, a patient has the right to refuse life saving treatment
Why would Christians oppose abortion?
Christianity teaches that life begins at conception
Evidence RCC is against abortion
Second vatican council: “Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception”
