Unit 3 Module 1: Differing ways in which religion is viewed in society

Question 1

Religion in Australian Society

Answer 1

• Different religious traditions interact with specific cultures in complex and dynamic ways
• These interactions influence how religion is perceived and understood within society
• Australia is a multicultural and multi-faith society, with a diversity of religious traditions- with 2/3 of Australians claiming affiliation with a religion and 10% of these regularly practising their faith
• Australia can be characterised as a generally secular society; Constitution indicates that government should not interfere with religion and vice-versa- regular religious practice has declined in the last half century
• Nevertheless, religion is a very visible part of Australian society- through religious buildings such as churches, schools, hospitals etc., wearing religious symbols and clothing
• Religion participates in society through religious agencies and day-to-day influence of individuals, also through leaders participating in debates and discussions about issues in society
• 1/3 of Australian children attend Catholic or independent schools

Question 2

Different viewpoints: Religion as a belief system

Answer 2

• Assumes that ultimate reality exists, and religions have a basis for their beliefs, aspects include:
• Religions meet the spiritual needs of people (e.g. Vatican II)
• Religions answer questions of meaning and purpose in life (Y11)
• Religious transformations bring about fundamental change in people (conversion)

Question 3

Different viewpoints: Religion as a human invention

Answer 3

• Assumes religions have no basis for their beliefs but are creations entirely of human origin, aspects include:
• Religion is used to manipulate people (events in history)
• Religion is used to subjugate (overpower) people
• Religion is a human construct to give comfort in times of distress (life events such as illness, suffering, death, grief)

Question 4

Different viewpoints: Religion as a functional agency

Answer 4

• Assumes that religions, whether of human origin or not, are a universal phenomenon and therefore must serve a useful purpose, aspects include:
• Religions are organised systems that promote the stability of society (Catholic Church response to current issues)
• Religions are good for health and wellbeing (Abortion, grief counselling, social services, etc.)
• Religious ideals fulfill the need for a stable frame of reference (provides a moral compass)

Question 5

Different viewpoints: Religion as a political entity

Answer 5

• Assumes that religions, whether of human origin or not, represent groups of people with common interests, aspects include:
• Religions are influential (Pope Francis, Mother Teresa, Political parties- Christian Democratic Party)
• Religions have values
• Religions have traditions (Sanctity of Marriage)

Question 6

Ways Religion is viewed in Australia

Answer 6

• Religion is a part of Australian society, being an active, transformative agent for the individual and society for some, and for others it is a quaint, but harmless leftover from a bygone era. For yet others, it is a malevolent, reactionary force that needs to excluded from society or at least curtailed
• Census figures from a century ago indicate that Australia had almost an entirely Christian population- however that did not mean it was a harmonious society, sectarianism gave rise to sharp divisions between Christian denominations, such as Catholics and Anglicans
• Has been a significant increase in those who belong to non-Christian religions and very large increases in those who claim no religious affiliation
• For many religion is a private matter; spirituality is for personal experience- fewer marriages and funerals conducted by churches
• In times of national crises religious leaders are called upon to offer words of solace or lead rituals that express the community’s concern or grief
• In earlier decades religious organisations were held in high regard and were upholders of morality, but recent exposures of past and current misconduct by some church officials eroded people’s trust
• On the other hand church schools have shown significant growth in Australia, Catholic schools long being a part of the education landscape
• Significant interaction between Government and Religions despite the Australian constitution, religions have lobbied government on issues ranging from medical ethics to Indigenous rights
• On important issues such as abortion, refugees and marriage the influence of religion has not held sway- on the other hand the government has refrained from taxing religious organisations and religious schools are largely supported by government funds