Module 1

Question 1

Define religion

Answer 1

A complex of beliefs and practises which point to a set of values and understanding about the meaning of life.

Question 2

Role religion plays in society

Answer 2

• offers a way of providing meaning and purpose in life.
• proposes there is a life after death, therefore helps with people’s health and wellbeing.
• how people interact with religion is influenced by the context of a person’s life, experiences each person has and the world in which they live.

Question 3

Define the term ‘social factor’

Answer 3

Something within society that influences people’s opinions.

- they have the potential to support, hinder or obstruct how a person and religion interact

Question 4

List and describe 4 social factors

Answer 4

1. Culture that focuses on materialistic possessions - it becomes a person’s s central focus and leaves little to no room for being a good Christian.
2. Historical issues/events that effect how people view religion- recent child abuse by priests
3. The presence of social disadvantage or hardship - eg poverty. Of you are focussed on surviving, there is no time to ponder about religion. (Isn’t a priority)
4. Social attitudes - such as militant atheism (extreme disbelief in religion) may sway other people o have the same views

Question 5

Views about religion IN SOCIETY

Answer 5

1. Religion as a belief system: religion is the basis of their beliefs …religions answer questions about meaning and purpose in life.
2. Religion as a human invention: religions have no basis of their beliefs and are creations entirely of human origin. … it is used to manipulate people, used as a construct to give comfort.
3. Religion as a functional agency: religion is a universal phenomenon and must serve useful purpose.
4. Religion as a political entity: assumes that religion represents groups of people with common interests … religions have values

Question 6

Views about religion in an AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY

Answer 6

For some- it is an active, transformative agent for the individual and society.
For others - it is a quaint but harmless leftover from a bygone era.
For others - it is a malevolent, reactionary force that needs to be excluded from society.

Question 7

Changes in religion in Australia

Answer 7

• have been significant increases in non Christian religions
• very large increases in those who claim no religious affiliation.
• recent events about the abuse of children by church officials has lead many people’s views about Christianity to be changed.
• school systems without religious heritage have grown - indicates people aren’t finding the religious element desirable.
• terrorism has swayed many people’s views about religion in particular the Muslim faith and had led to a fear in Muslims.

Question 8

Changes in religion in Australia

Answer 8

• aboriginal culture and spirituality has almost disappeared due to colonisation and the influence of missionaries of many different denominations, many aborigines converted to Christianity
• immigration from Europe helped to boost catholic numbers
• immigration from Vietnam Brought Buddhists to Aus.
• further immigration from non European nations has lead to increase in non believers
• following the horrors of the world war, many people saw religion as powerless to protect society and a threat to peace.

Question 9

Define secularism

Answer 9

The separation of state (government) from religion.

Question 10

How Australia became secular

Answer 10

Because of immigration and Australia being a country with many different religions, not one religion could be favoured over the other, so no religion influences laws.