Role religion plays in the public life of Australia Flashcards
How do social welfare religious groups play a role in the public life of Australia? (4) C I M E
- time of colonisation christianity played role in providing members of public with a sense of purpose and communal responsibility
- development of social welfare groups imbued in Australian society
- aim uphold morals of kindness and community taught by Christianity
- enhance social awareness and betterment of public life for all citizens
Discuss one way in which religion plays a role in the public life of Australia. (social welfare groups) (Example)
eg. Vinnies, prevalent throughout colonial Australian history, influence in the characteristic of a saint in Christianity, “speak for others who cannot speak for themselves” Proverbs
How does the implementation of legislation of religion play a role in the public life of Australia? (4) C C R G
- plays a controversial and complex role in instructed public morality.
- in times of colonisation there was no seperation of church and state, Christian values of right and wrong were embedded in legislation.
- social regulation and developing cultural attitudes of the public through legislation, creating tension for those who do not follow Christianity
- Recent Gay marriage plebiscite
How has religion causing division and marginalisation among Australian citizens in the public life of Australia (2) Give an example of this in Australia’s history.
- sense of religious supremacy manifesting in an abuse of power and disregard for other beliefs, cultures.
eg. epitomised by colonisation in 1788, civilians from England caused destruction to lives and culture of Aboriginal indigenous people as they believed that Christianity was the correct culture and way. Facing mass discrimination and genocide - today aboriginal land is occupied by Christian institutions causing disparate and disunified public body
- rise of secularism lead religion to play role in increasing the marginalisation of those within Australia, as they are being marginalised by the public for their forceful beliefs
- legislation of same sex marriage
How does religion contribute to Australian Society? (3)
Ethics- religion is used to clarify right from wrong. It underpins the values of many Judeo-Christian nations
Beliefs- Provide a purpose of life
Rituals, ceremonies and festivals- it underpins the important moments in a person’s life. Celebrations such as Christmas and Easter dictate a nation’s calendar and holidays.
Why is religion one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world?
product of the waves of immigration that have occurred from the settlement period, after WW2 until the present day.
What is Secularism?
- philosophy indicating that human ethics and the universe should be understood without any reference to institutionalised religion
Section 116 of the Australian constitution reads,
“The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, and for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the commonwealth”
Why is secularism on the rise in Australia? (4)
- increasing pluralistic and representative of world trends. All beliefs are tolerate, given equality.
- Individuality is favoured, given the choice of any part of any belief system whether religious or secular
- importance of absolute values professed by mainstream christian churches is diminishing as churches are losing credibility and authority in a climate where moral relativism thrives
- for many, material possessions, power and fame have become ends in themselves, replacing religious answers to the search for meaning and purpose in life as taught by the world’s religions. Consequently, God and religion are seen to be unnecessary.
Census 1971 to 2016
In the Census in 1971, only 6.7% chose ‘no religion’ in contrast to in 2016, which it rose increasingly, to 29.6%.
How can religion survive in secular Australia?
- voicing its opinions on current issues and providing services which allow the society to function such as healthcare and education
- Australian mainstream churches have renewed their relevance by becoming in issues of peace and social justice
- multicultural and multi-faith society works together in building harmony in these areas
- ecumenism and relations with different faiths are characterised by mutual tolerance and respect.
What are three ways religion plays a role in the public life of Australian society?
social welfare groups
implementation of legislation
causing division and marginalisation among Australian citizens
Describe one reason why a particular religion needs to respond to current issues. (2)
need to stay relevant and continue to stay link with society
- society always changes and evolves, in particular the media, social media and technological and medical advances.
- imperative for religions to mentor followers on how to deal with these changes, to help guide and inform their conscience
Name and explain three examples of religious influence in society
- Religious celebrations and holidays like Easter sunday and Christmas Day, though they have become largely secular and the true meaning lost
- Education: 1 in 5 students currently attend a catholic school in Australia (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
- Health Services: religious run aged care facilities such as Mercy Care and hospitals such as St John of God
How does religion contribute to Australian Society?(Ethics)
Ethics- religion is used to clarify right from wrong. It underpins the values of many Judeo-Christian nations
