Outline the impact of the Stolen generation on Aboriginal Spirituality
The impact of the stolen generation on Aboriginal Spirituality is the loss of the spiritual connection to the land and the clan. The spirituality would be lost and forgotten if there was no-one to pass this knowledge on to. So therefore the culture and traditions were missing the communication between the elders and the children of the clan that ensures that the inextricable link between the people and the land is maintained. The children would also loose their sense of identity and belonging without this vital knowledge. Ceremonies, such as the coming of age ceremony, were lost due to the stolen generation. this meant that the Aboriginal people would not have the knowledge to connect with their people and make transitions, such as that from childhood to adulthood, that are so vital to the survival of their spirituality.
Chapter 2 Religious Expression in Australia Since 1945
1. From the use of census statistics we are able to observe many changes to the population of different religions between 1945 and present day. These include an increase in the overall population (from 7.6 million to 18.8 million people) and changes in the religious population including new religions and denominations, such as the uniting church and Satanism.
2. Religious landscape is the diversity of religions accounted for within a country. Due to migration, splits within the Christian Church, the formation of new religions and the elimination of others the landscape has changed. Growth also occurs when a church can effectively in recruiting newcomers to their churches. In 1945 the main religion that dominated Australia was Christianity, presently that is still true however the population has dropped by 20%.
3. Religious adherence has significantly changed between 1945 and the present in Australia. Previously, in 1945, social restrictions such as no sport, shopping, work or entertainment was acceptable. Abortion was illegal, there was little known about sex and contraception were basic. In present times, however, many shopping outlets, sporting activities and businesses are open 7 days a week if they already aren’t open 24 hrs a day. Many of the moral values of 1945 are lost in our materialistic, selfish society.
4. The importance of Christianity in the history of Australia is that it was one of the first religions in Australia. It was the Christian religion that encouraged both the official and unofficial government policies and social norms, not to mention that it was empowered by the authority of soldiers, settlers and by the force of arms all during the time between 1788 and 1945. In today’s government, as with previous times, Christianity is meant to be reflected in the government services such as health, welfare and educational services and the development, as well as policing, of these laws in expected to be secular.
5. Cultural and social differences between 1945 Australia and today are: - Significantly fewer people attend church regularly.
- Christianity takes a much less obvious role in secular activities in society
- About 30% of marriages end in divorce
- Community is now considered to be multifaith, multiethnic, and multiracial.
- Abortion is now legal (within limits)
- Homosexuality is legal
- Child and sexual abuse is no longer ignored but openly discussed and attempts are made to fully support victims
- People openly advertise their sexuality, faith, nationality and race with pride, however is still some fear and distrust between some communities.
6. Some changes that migration has caused in religious life in Australia are the introduction of Buddhism and Islam due to people seeking refuge from countries affected by wars and social dislocation, such as Vietnam and Afghanistan.
7. The concept of denomination switching is the movement of people from one denomination within a religious tradition to another. It is believed that this occurs due to changes in income, promotions or changes in career. The fundamental belief in this theory is that as peoples lives change, their religious beliefs and practices are likely to change as they are tested and as people move beyond their ‘religious comfort zone’.
8. Denomination switching has affected Christianity overall by the Churches loosing their population of adherent Christians due to the increase in Religious voluntarism, which is associated with cultural individualism. This loss is mainly experienced by the Protestant denominations, such as the Anglican Church, whilst a rise can be seen in more evangelical sections of the such as the Pentecostal Church denominations.
9. The rise in New Age religions is caused due to what is seen by some as the failure of Christianity and other mainstream religions to respond satisfactorily to the needs of people today; the concept of something well tried yet new and different which entices people; and finally the acceptance and adherence of American movie stars and TV celebrities. Between 1996 and 2001 the census has shown that most new age religions have increased in numbers, especially Wiccan/Witchcraft and Paganism, which have increased by 373% and 144% respectively. I extrapolate that these trends will continue, however the percentage of increase will drop as more members are recruited.
10. The concept of secularism is any movement or concept which rejects religious belief or adherence. Basically in the census this is considered as agnostics, atheists, humanists, rationalists and those in the no religion category. It effects the expression of religion in Australia as it slowly changing the main religion expressed within Australia (Christianity) as it allows for the needs of the individual to be addressed before the needs of the community.
11. (a) ecumenism→ a doctrine within the Christian Church which promotes cooperation and better understanding among different religious denominations which is aimed at the universal unity of Christianity.
(b) interfaith dialogue→ is the cooperative and positive interaction between Christians of different denominations.
(c) Reconciliation→ a process which changes for the better the relationship between individuals or groups.
12. History and activities of some ecumenical movements within Christianity
Date History
1895 World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) formed in Sweden (joined by Australia in 1896)
1948 The World Council of Churches began.
1965 2nd Vatican Council led Roman Catholics to develop ecumenical dialogue with other Christian groups.
1994 National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) formed to replace the Australian Council of Churches (ACC)
2003 There is formal dialogue between NCCA, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
13. The importance of interfaith dialogue is that it impacts the lives of everyday Australians, religious or not. In 2004 the discussion for all groups was surrounding peace, in hope that this discussion can bring understanding between groups that traditionally had regarded each other as the enemy. The main things that interfaith dialogue aims at are to build an understanding, good will and sense of community between people of different faiths; To learn about each other and their (and our) faith traditions in a spirit of exploration and discovery; to share this knowledge and understanding with others; to work together, as Australians, to achieve common goals to support each other in difficult times.
14. Reconciliation affects all Australians as it brings the wider community together, especially since the great push for reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. In Australia this reconciliation involves justice, recognition and healing in response to all the wrong doing in the past to the Aboriginal peoples ancestors.
1. Prepare a draft plan for your Assessment Task focussing on Paul’s contribution to the development and expression of Christianity.
2. Suggested Reading p 47-48 of Meeting St Paul. The references here will allow you to explore Paul’s contribution Christianity.
3. Download the powerpoints from the class Wiki to assist with essay plan.
4. It would be helpful to answer the Key Text and Questions on page 53 of Meeting St Paul Today.
5. Place your draft ideas and essay plan on your Wiki page.
End of the Lesson:
1. Ensure you have saved your plan to your wikispaces.com
2. Check the learning preparation due for Friday.
Evaluate how the ethical teachings of Christianity influence the life of adherents in bioethics
The ethical teachings of Christianity influence the life of adherents in relation to bioethics by providing the adherent with sources from which their moral and ethical code can be enriched. From a study of each source the ethical teaching is revealed to the adherent, and their adherence entitles them to act in accordance with the ethical teachings that are found within scripture (revealed law), from the teachings of the Vatican, Synods and community (Church law), from our own personal human reasoning (eternal law) and what is implanted in each one of us (natural law)
From the scripture the notions are expressed that we are created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:27) suggest that certain bioethical issues are moral wrongs, simply from revealed law. Revealed law also discusses the idea that we are stewards of creation (Gen1) and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves (Mark 12). This can be interpreted by some that regarding issues on euthanasia that Christianity promotes and advises it, however these scripture references are counteracted by ones on love and from the theology of Paul.
Church law also influences and guides an adherents understanding and stance on bioethical issues by providing us with documentation and laws from which an adherent is expected to follow. these documents (Vatican documents, synods and community laws) consolidate our understanding gathered from revealed law and usually use the revealed law and the role of natural moral decision making in order to be produced.
Eternal law and natural law, although each is separate, are used in conjunction with revealed and church law as the final moral decision makers for an adherent. A true adherent, however will follow the teachings of revealed and church law and shape their personal reasoning and the moral beliefs that are believed to be implanted by God the creator in each one of us around them.
Learning Preparation
In the article which I found, the steps taken in making a bioethical decision are covered. The article discusses how the stance on certain bioethical concerns came to be, such as through a combination of principles, duties and rights, which are all essential in determining an Islamic response on bioethics. The article also uses the example of 2 cases and outlines how the eventual ruling is made on that bioethical issue.
Below is a link to this article. http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/164/1/60
The impact of the stolen generation on Aboriginal Spirituality is the loss of the spiritual connection to the land and the clan. The spirituality would be lost and forgotten if there was no-one to pass this knowledge on to. So therefore the culture and traditions were missing the communication between the elders and the children of the clan that ensures that the inextricable link between the people and the land is maintained. The children would also loose their sense of identity and belonging without this vital knowledge. Ceremonies, such as the coming of age ceremony, were lost due to the stolen generation. this meant that the Aboriginal people would not have the knowledge to connect with their people and make transitions, such as that from childhood to adulthood, that are so vital to the survival of their spirituality.
Chapter 2 Religious Expression in Australia Since 1945
1. From the use of census statistics we are able to observe many changes to the population of different religions between 1945 and present day. These include an increase in the overall population (from 7.6 million to 18.8 million people) and changes in the religious population including new religions and denominations, such as the uniting church and Satanism.
2. Religious landscape is the diversity of religions accounted for within a country. Due to migration, splits within the Christian Church, the formation of new religions and the elimination of others the landscape has changed. Growth also occurs when a church can effectively in recruiting newcomers to their churches. In 1945 the main religion that dominated Australia was Christianity, presently that is still true however the population has dropped by 20%.
3. Religious adherence has significantly changed between 1945 and the present in Australia. Previously, in 1945, social restrictions such as no sport, shopping, work or entertainment was acceptable. Abortion was illegal, there was little known about sex and contraception were basic. In present times, however, many shopping outlets, sporting activities and businesses are open 7 days a week if they already aren’t open 24 hrs a day. Many of the moral values of 1945 are lost in our materialistic, selfish society.
4. The importance of Christianity in the history of Australia is that it was one of the first religions in Australia. It was the Christian religion that encouraged both the official and unofficial government policies and social norms, not to mention that it was empowered by the authority of soldiers, settlers and by the force of arms all during the time between 1788 and 1945. In today’s government, as with previous times, Christianity is meant to be reflected in the government services such as health, welfare and educational services and the development, as well as policing, of these laws in expected to be secular.
5. Cultural and social differences between 1945 Australia and today are: - Significantly fewer people attend church regularly.
- Christianity takes a much less obvious role in secular activities in society
- About 30% of marriages end in divorce
- Community is now considered to be multifaith, multiethnic, and multiracial.
- Abortion is now legal (within limits)
- Homosexuality is legal
- Child and sexual abuse is no longer ignored but openly discussed and attempts are made to fully support victims
- People openly advertise their sexuality, faith, nationality and race with pride, however is still some fear and distrust between some communities.
6. Some changes that migration has caused in religious life in Australia are the introduction of Buddhism and Islam due to people seeking refuge from countries affected by wars and social dislocation, such as Vietnam and Afghanistan.
7. The concept of denomination switching is the movement of people from one denomination within a religious tradition to another. It is believed that this occurs due to changes in income, promotions or changes in career. The fundamental belief in this theory is that as peoples lives change, their religious beliefs and practices are likely to change as they are tested and as people move beyond their ‘religious comfort zone’.
8. Denomination switching has affected Christianity overall by the Churches loosing their population of adherent Christians due to the increase in Religious voluntarism, which is associated with cultural individualism. This loss is mainly experienced by the Protestant denominations, such as the Anglican Church, whilst a rise can be seen in more evangelical sections of the such as the Pentecostal Church denominations.
9. The rise in New Age religions is caused due to what is seen by some as the failure of Christianity and other mainstream religions to respond satisfactorily to the needs of people today; the concept of something well tried yet new and different which entices people; and finally the acceptance and adherence of American movie stars and TV celebrities. Between 1996 and 2001 the census has shown that most new age religions have increased in numbers, especially Wiccan/Witchcraft and Paganism, which have increased by 373% and 144% respectively. I extrapolate that these trends will continue, however the percentage of increase will drop as more members are recruited.
10. The concept of secularism is any movement or concept which rejects religious belief or adherence. Basically in the census this is considered as agnostics, atheists, humanists, rationalists and those in the no religion category. It effects the expression of religion in Australia as it slowly changing the main religion expressed within Australia (Christianity) as it allows for the needs of the individual to be addressed before the needs of the community.
11. (a) ecumenism→ a doctrine within the Christian Church which promotes cooperation and better understanding among different religious denominations which is aimed at the universal unity of Christianity.
(b) interfaith dialogue→ is the cooperative and positive interaction between Christians of different denominations.
(c) Reconciliation→ a process which changes for the better the relationship between individuals or groups.
12. History and activities of some ecumenical movements within Christianity
Date History
1895 World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) formed in Sweden (joined by Australia in 1896)
1948 The World Council of Churches began.
1965 2nd Vatican Council led Roman Catholics to develop ecumenical dialogue with other Christian groups.
1994 National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) formed to replace the Australian Council of Churches (ACC)
2003 There is formal dialogue between NCCA, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
13. The importance of interfaith dialogue is that it impacts the lives of everyday Australians, religious or not. In 2004 the discussion for all groups was surrounding peace, in hope that this discussion can bring understanding between groups that traditionally had regarded each other as the enemy. The main things that interfaith dialogue aims at are to build an understanding, good will and sense of community between people of different faiths; To learn about each other and their (and our) faith traditions in a spirit of exploration and discovery; to share this knowledge and understanding with others; to work together, as Australians, to achieve common goals to support each other in difficult times.
14. Reconciliation affects all Australians as it brings the wider community together, especially since the great push for reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. In Australia this reconciliation involves justice, recognition and healing in response to all the wrong doing in the past to the Aboriginal peoples ancestors.
Assessment Task 1 - Religion & Non-Religion
Moses Maimonides
Wednesday's Lesson
During today’s lesson you are to:
1. Prepare a draft plan for your Assessment Task focussing on Paul’s contribution to the development and expression of Christianity.2. Suggested Reading p 47-48 of Meeting St Paul. The references here will allow you to explore Paul’s contribution Christianity.
3. Download the powerpoints from the class Wiki to assist with essay plan.
4. It would be helpful to answer the Key Text and Questions on page 53 of Meeting St Paul Today.
5. Place your draft ideas and essay plan on your Wiki page.
End of the Lesson:
1. Ensure you have saved your plan to your wikispaces.com
2. Check the learning preparation due for Friday.
Describe Christian Ethics
Evaluate how the ethical teachings of Christianity influence the life of adherents in bioethics
The ethical teachings of Christianity influence the life of adherents in relation to bioethics by providing the adherent with sources from which their moral and ethical code can be enriched. From a study of each source the ethical teaching is revealed to the adherent, and their adherence entitles them to act in accordance with the ethical teachings that are found within scripture (revealed law), from the teachings of the Vatican, Synods and community (Church law), from our own personal human reasoning (eternal law) and what is implanted in each one of us (natural law)
From the scripture the notions are expressed that we are created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:27) suggest that certain bioethical issues are moral wrongs, simply from revealed law. Revealed law also discusses the idea that we are stewards of creation (Gen1) and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves (Mark 12). This can be interpreted by some that regarding issues on euthanasia that Christianity promotes and advises it, however these scripture references are counteracted by ones on love and from the theology of Paul.
Church law also influences and guides an adherents understanding and stance on bioethical issues by providing us with documentation and laws from which an adherent is expected to follow. these documents (Vatican documents, synods and community laws) consolidate our understanding gathered from revealed law and usually use the revealed law and the role of natural moral decision making in order to be produced.
Eternal law and natural law, although each is separate, are used in conjunction with revealed and church law as the final moral decision makers for an adherent. A true adherent, however will follow the teachings of revealed and church law and shape their personal reasoning and the moral beliefs that are believed to be implanted by God the creator in each one of us around them.
Christianity Assignment
Learning Preparation
In the article which I found, the steps taken in making a bioethical decision are covered. The article discusses how the stance on certain bioethical concerns came to be, such as through a combination of principles, duties and rights, which are all essential in determining an Islamic response on bioethics. The article also uses the example of 2 cases and outlines how the eventual ruling is made on that bioethical issue.
Below is a link to this article.
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/164/1/60
Islam Assignment