module 5b 2.0

Question 1

role of religion in society

Answer 1

religion often plays a role in society, either directly through the activities of the religion itself or indirectly through the activities of those who belong to the religion.

The role religion plays in society can be classified in different ways:

1. RELIGIOUS – supporting people in their religious way of life
2. SOCIAL – providing a service or support to people or groups within society
3. POLITICAL – promoting, explaining, and supporting the beliefs and values of a religion within society
4. CULTURAL – using art, music, literature to give expression to how people find meaning and purpose in their life

religious institutions continue to play a large role in Australian society. For example, many primary and secondary schools, hospitals, aged-care facilities and charity organisations are owned and funded by religious organisations.

Question 2

function of religion in society

Answer 2

Within any society how individuals and groups perceive and react to religion and its role in a society varies. Ideology, experiences of religion, the behaviour of a religion or its members, issues in society, history and cultural factors all play a role in shaping how people view the role of religion in society. Such factors also inform the types of arguments developed for and against religion playing a role in society.

Question 3

profile of religion in australia

Answer 3

Based on the 2011 census, the profile of religion in Australia is that while most Australians still claim to belong to a religion the overall trend is for more secular-humanist, less Christian and more multi-faith Australia.

The 2016 census recorded over 100 different religious affiliations in Australia.
52.1% christian –> 2 largest christian denominations
- 22.6% catholic
- 13.3% anglican
The fastest growing religious affiliation in Australia is ‘no religion’,
- 30.1%

Question 4

positive aspects of religion in society

Answer 4

political - church cares about climate change

Question 5

negative aspects of religion in society

Answer 5

political - church wants to tell woman what they can do to their bodies