source analysis Flashcards
Religion as a belief system assumes that ultimate reality exists, and religions have a basis for their beliefs. Aspects of this category include:
• religions meet the spiritual needs of people
• religions answer questions of meaning and purpose in life
• religious transformation brings about fundamental change in people.
positive
Religion as a human invention assumes religions have no basis for their beliefs but are creations entirely of human origin. Aspects of this category include:
• religion is used to manipulate people
• religion is used to subjugate people
• religion is a human construct to give comfort in times of distress.
negative
Religion as a functional agency assumes that religions, whether of human origin or not, are a universal phenomenon and therefore must serve a useful purpose. Aspects of this category
• religions are organised systems that promote the stability of society
• religions are good for health and wellbeing
• religious ideals fulfil the need for a stable frame of reference.
positive
Religion as a political entity
assumes that whether there is or isn’t a basis for religious belief or religion
religions are influential • religions have values • religions have traditions
Speaking out and lobbying for or against the passing of law policies
good and bad
social factors
secularism (philosophy)
consumerism( cultural focus)
Immigration (historical)
poverty (social disadvantages)
Influential People - Pope Francis:
Pope Francis is an influential person that has a major impact on how people interact with religion in the Australian society. An influential person is defined as a person whose actions and opinions strongly influence the course of event. Pope Francis is the perfect example of an influential person he is a beacon of faith for the Church and inspires everyone that is within the Church. Pope Francis is a figure and influential person in the Church who has encouraged many people to turn towards the Catholic religion through his advocacy of important issues and for all people. People Francis has brought new attention and relevance to the catholic church taking vocal positions on hot button political issues. For example, calling for action against global warming and encouraging others to soften their views on divorce and homosexuality. Pope Francis has asked the church to “Meet people where they are, to consider the complexities of people’s lives and to respect people’s consciences when it comes to moral decisions”. He continues to influence the members of the church despite facing issues of the modern world. Pope Francis has a great influence on all people in the world not just the people of the Catholic Church, he is able to impact many people outside the church by guiding them to make the right decisions in life
Cultural Focus - Consumerism:
Consumerism is a cultural social factor that has an influence on how people interact with religion in the Australian society. Consumerism in simple terms is all about the possession of goods and tangible items rather than doing what is best for others and for yourself. A consumerist is a person that is preoccupied by the acquisition of consumer goods, many Catholic people are called to be stewards of God’s earth and protect it, but consumerism destroys the natural Earth, this is because it causes more pollution, it is also a major contributor to resource pollution. The effect of consumerism on people varies on their economic status, a person that is the consumerist and has a greater amount of money to purchase more goods will be less effected in their way of life. A person with a low economic status will be heavily affected by consumerism as they will be struggling to pay their bills as they have less money, but overall consumerism has the same effect on everyone by destroying the natural earth where we all live. Consumerism’s effect on religion can be negative or positive because many people will draw away from religion as many religious principles may discourage consumption of an item, but this may also have a positive effect because on people turning them towards religion as they look for help in tough times and they help other people that are in need.
Secularism is a social attitude and philosophy
Secularism is a social attitude and philosophy that has influenced how people interact with religion in Australian society. Social attitudes refer to the individual attitudes directed toward social objects. There may be social attitudes and philosophies that promote, marginalise, or reject religion and/or religious matters, an example of this is secularism. Secularism is the view that religion should be private, personal, voluntary affair – religious considerations should be excluded from public life and government. Due to secularism, people are affected because some people might find it hard to keep religion private and to themselves. Additionally, living in an environment that keeps religion private, will impact their beliefs, attitudes, practices, and outlook on life. Living in a society that keeps religion private may lead people away from religion as they are not free to express their beliefs.
