Religion & Non-Religion Name and briefly describe essential features of Atheism and Agnosticism.
Atheism – page 9
Atheism is based upon the absence of belief in the existence of one or more gods. Atheists are known to be either “strong” or “weak” believers. The “weak” atheists are the ones who lack belief toward gods whereas the “strong” atheists believe that gods can’t and don’t exist.[[#_ftn1|[1]]]
Atheists have a total disregard towards a deity, which strongly shapes the belief of atheism. If a person had some form of slight belief that maybe one god could exist, that would change what type of atheist they were. However if a person said they were atheist but would believe in gods if proof were given, they would be Agnostic and not an Atheist.
An Agnostic is someone who believes that we are not certain that a deity or god/s exist. Some agnostics believe that we can never know the truth about superficial beings and gods. Some Agnostics believe in the “belief that we cannot know whether God exists” and be qualified as “strict agnosticism". The usage is based on the belief that we merely do not know yet be qualified as "empirical agnosticism."”[[#_ftn2|[2]]]
Explain the positions of Rational Humanism and Scientific Humanism
State the roles in society
Humanism is a way of life. It is a philosophy. The focus of Humanism is based upon the humans and their relationships and interactions. They live life as best as possible for them, and live for the now, not the afterlife.[[#_ftn3|[3]]]
Rational humanism is a belief that occurs when people believe that people control their own destinies and humanities actions are the results of humans, not God.
Scientific humanism is a belief that occurs when people emphasise science to answer the majorities of humanities problems.[[#_ftn4|[4]]] It is based on the view that science is above all human reasoning whereas rational humanism is the opposite.
Society works around the basis that cooperation and respect are very important. A rational mind is needed for the problem solving which leaves Humanists with “unburdened” minds, free from “religious restrictions”.[[#_ftn5|[5]]]
Scientific Humanism is a movement, which shows that justice and human equality with world peace are of importance. The people of this belief do not believe all human questions can be answered however most can be solved through science and evidence.
The video link supports the unity of humans in an effort to understand logical living. It also links in with the Cosmos, and understandings through science and human efforts to understand the world around us and peoples interactions. http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=myRX6aZVRZ4&feature=related
Discuss how Agnosticism, Atheism and Humanism determine the aspirations of behaviour of individuals.
Identifies several key issues in Agnosticism, Atheism and Humanism for determining the behaviour of individuals.
Key issues in the beliefs
How is the behaviour determined by their belief? Find examples and look at their behaviour.
For and against points for each
Characteristics and how does that change what you aspire to
Atheists base their beliefs upon the absence of Gods. There are several levels of atheism, which believe in fewer absences of Gods. Agnostics believe that there may be a higher power if there is proof and evidence to support the issue. Humanists believe that the humans are of most importance above Gods and animals and everything else.
Agnostics need the proof and evidence that a God is existent. Therefore if no proof were found throughout their life, there would be no aspirations for an afterlife. Agnostics would believe that life just stops and they do not move on. Agnostics are very uncertain about their beliefs and values, which changes their aspirations of afterlife and future life on earth.[[#_ftn6|[6]]] They would not believe they would go to heaven and live an afterlife of glory.
Charles Darwin said, “ The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an Agnostic.” [[#_ftn7|[7]]] This supports his way of life and aspirations as of his self-teachings and writings of his own “personal faith”. All Agnostics are similar to this varying belief as they do many things to gain great self-interest and knowledge. This knowledge can lead to logical assumptions, which most Agnostics believe in such as the need for evidence to support a God.
Atheists on the other hand simply do no believe in any God or Supreme Being. Atheists would aspire to a life full of enjoyment, as they would do whatever suited them without believing that there is an afterlife full of punishment or glory. Atheists could end up living in a hedonistic society where everyone indulges in daily life, for pleasure and not to help others along the way.
A positive aspect of Atheism is the freedom of mind and the ability to think freely by yourself of your future and afterlife.[[#_ftn8|[8]]] “Just live for today. When you're dead, you're dead. If you follow that bad advice and die without Christ, you will forever regret it and you will remember that someone told you the truth and you scoffed.” This is the positive attitude most atheists have towards life and death and this what they mainly live for. This can aspire many Atheists to live dangerously, with eventful things happening in their lives’. This does not mean they do not show emotions of sadness and need help in times. They find this by pets, family members, friends and other forms to feel welcomed and happy again.
Humanists live in the presence of Human beings that are held supreme. Humanists are said to be “free”[[#_ftn9|[9]]] Humanists have a positive outlook on the life on earth as they determine what is a waste of time, and what is not. Humanist’s lives can be very hedonistic as they live life the way they want to, with a clear mindset. They have very positive outlooks towards life and enjoy it to the fullest.
A negative aspect towards Humanism can be supported by the writings of Nigel Sinnot. “I want the world to be a place fit for my grandchildren, where they will have space to move, freedom and time to think, wilderness to admire; a world where people can live in harmony with plants and animals.”[[#_ftn10|[10]]] Nigel supports the beliefs that Humans are not the most important things of all. Nigel believes that the society of Humanists would destroy itself by not caring about anything else apart from their own. This belief of Humans overriding all of the wonders of the earth, can lead humans to aspire to their own life of doing what they please, and not looking forward to a heavenly afterlife.
Evaluate the place of the religious dimension in human history to provide (a) meaning and purpose, (b) social cohesion, (c) social transformation.
Make a judgement. Define religious dimension of human history. Throughout humanity people have been connected through religion. Innately religious.
What does religion have to do with each of the above?
Origin, purpose and destiny. What is our purpose, where did we come from, what happens after death?
Throughout human history, people have been known to worship Gods, deities and other forms of supreme, higher power beings above and beyond humanity. Throughout time and humanity, people have looked up to the clouds and other places of worship for answers unknown to them. Religion brings this connection of the unknown and faithful worshipping of Gods.
I believe the religious dimension is a great element for people to have faith and have own understandings to some questions that are unanswerable. What is our purpose, where did we come from, what happens after death? These are questions asked all throughout time, which still have no answer after thousands of years. Religion puts these questions into perspective for people to believe in and have faith in. Religion can give people a sense of purpose in life. Followers of a certain religion may believe they were brought onto earth to dedicate their lives as a priest for example. Christian priests dedicate their lives to all helping all Christians through prayers and events at churches.
Religion is quite common in all societies. Believers and non-believers are found throughout all cultures on earth. Religion brings people together in a time of sadness, happiness and special occasions. Death, birth and special occasions such as Christmas, the Christians for example go to church to unite and celebrate their faiths about Jesus. Religions throughout time have brought civilisations together in believing in supreme Gods whether they were the same or not, the foundation of belief is still quite similar. I believe people should have a right to believe in any god or gods to which they may find inner peace with, and answers to questions of fulfilling messages.
Religions can transform areas of living and cultural groups, to uphold new traditions.[[#_ftn11|[11]]] People of the same religious belief can have a sense of unity as they follow the same beliefs with the same or similar morals. Religion can transform people’s ideas if their original ones seem less believable or harder to understand than others.
Religion can alter people’s views and values for better. However when people disagree with the religion segregation can take place. Segregation is “any system where racial groups are kept apart from each other”[[#_ftn12|[12]]] All over the world throughout different times there has been racial wars and religious wars, with blacks and whites, Christians and Muslims. People such as Martin Luther King were against segregation and stood up for what they believed in. This supports the idea of social transformation, where a group of people with the same beliefs stood up for what is right. I believe religion helps to bring people together in times of need, over all places and times during life.
Why were the Mabo and Wik cases so significant for the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders?
Mabo created a strong case showing the Aboriginals could be proven to be inextricably linked towards certain parts of land throughout Australia. Mabo provided Aboriginal people with hope and faith that they also may be provided with sacred land where their ancestors or kin may have lived. The Wik case was very significant because it allowed the Indiginous people to interact with their land and pastoralists, meanwhile still holding traditional ceremonies on pastoralists land which is still able to be used for farming and work. Wik brought about the idea of coexistance. Mabo identified that the Aboriginals were on the land since the time of Dreaming.
Religious Expression in Australia since 1945
1. Census statistics show the changes of religious populations from 1945 and the present day. The Census graph in figure 2.1 shows that Christianity in Australia was at 88% of the population. Where as in 2001, Christianity takes up 68%. This is a drop of 20% over 54 years. This is because of migration to Australia with people coming from all over the world.
2. The Religious Landscape is the changing population of the different types of religions in Australia. Most non-Christian religions from 1945 to present day have increased in size or stayed the same. Judaism has remained at 0.4% of Australia’s population.
3. From 1945, Christian denominations have increased in population because of migration and immigration from all over the world. For example the Catholic Church’s population increased from 21% to 27%. With a split in the denominations of Catholicism, a new denomination was formed. This is now known as the Uniting church that has a population of approximately 6.7%.
4. Since the first fleet in 1788, Christianity has been the dominating religion of Australia. The Aboriginal spirituality was not taken into account and was not recognised throughout society. By the other end of the 20th Century, there were significant changes in Christian affiliation reflecting changing immigration patterns. After WWII, there was a rapid growth in Eastern Orthodox churches and Catholicism. The Christian religion is a very important religion to Australians because it was the first religion recognized in Australia, and began many denominations throughout the country.
5. The Australian society in 1945 was very different to present day life. The women of 1945 were considered to have no or little rights. Women were seen as a lesser class than men. Women of 1945 were expected to stay home with their children and be a housewife. Nowadays things are very different where women have their own choice whether they want to stay home, or go out to work. Another change from 1945 is the amounts of pay and rights women have, in the workplace and rights in society such as voting in elections. Culture of 1945 was more ethnic because of the migration.
6. Migration has caused many changes in the Australian religious lives. The biggest change took place around 1788 after the First Fleet had arrived. 160,000 ‘forced immigrants’ were shipped to Australia. ‘Free Migration’ happened through until the second World War from Britain. Fighters from the Netherlands, Norway, France, Belgium and Denmark were allowed to migrate to Australia. Civilian migration from Austria, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, West Germany, Yugoslavia and many other countries was permitted. The religions covered a range of religions however most were Roman Catholic or Orthodox Christians.
7. Denominational switching is the movement of people from one denomination to another within a religion. The belief about this switching is that as peoples’ lives change, their beliefs and practices are also likely to change. Denominational change is different from America to Australia. In Australia there is quite a bit of switching for short term.
8. For example from 1991-1996 14% of people swapped their religion. The changes of denomination have caused Christianity to lose adherents to protestant denominations such as the Anglican Church. The rise can be seen in the Pentecostal denominations. Individual denominations have had rises and losses in numbers of adherents because of migration.
9. There are over 20 New Age Religions of this new world. Some New Age Religions were created because of what Christianity had failed to do. Some New Age Religions follow similar aspects of Hinduism and Buddhism because they believe in 'newness' and 'originality'. The reincarnations of people also plays a part in their choices. It can be seen in Table 2.3 that some New Age Religions are rapidly increasing where as some are slowly depleting. The Wiccan beliefs of nature and polytheism has increased of approximately 373% from 1996 to 2001. Contradictory to this rapid rise, Religious science has gone down approximately 34% from the same timeframe. Over the next 5 years some New Age Religions will gain more adherents and some will lose some because of change of religions and people just giving up their faith. Over the next 5 years I think the Tenrikyo beliefs will rise because they are just beginning and will gain more adherents.
10. Secularism is any movement or concept which is against the beliefs of adherence. Secularism is a reason for why religions lose adherents. In 1961 only 38,000 people had stated themselves as having "no religion". However in 2001, 2,906,000 people had said they follow "no religion". These statistics can lead people to believe that the religions of Australia are just not what people want, forcing them to leave and give up on their beliefs. Some people may believe that there is no religion that suits them, they disagree with churches beliefs, the processes of churches and religions may be boring and/or unfullfilling which gives them the reason to state they have "no religion".
11. Define:
Ecumenism - the movement which attempts to create unity and oneness of Christianity
Interfaith Dialogue - the positive interaction between people of different religions
Reconciliation - the process of people resolving conflict and renewing harmony in events which have not been pleasant=
12. List & describe the history & activities of some ecumenical movements within Christianity.
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. Evaluate the importance of interfaith dialogue to Australia.
Interfaith dialogue is an everyday feature of Australian life. Australia is a multicultural country with people from all over the world interacting with each other every day. Positive interactions between people of different races and religious beliefs are very important because of the vast amounts of different people throughout the country. With so many different faiths in the one country, it is important to have positive relationships between these people to keep the peace as interacting with people of different faiths can provide people with greater understandings and learn new ideas each day. Interfaith dialogue is also important to Australia as it encourages growth and people to feel strongly about their faiths and moral values.
14. Explain how Reconciliation affects all Australians.
Reconciliation affects all Australians during some time of their life. Reconciliation brings together people who have been involved in conflict or form of dispute. Just recently this year Kevin Rudd appologised to the Aboriginal people of Australia for previous government decisions affecting the lives of thousands of native Aboriginals. As Rudd is the Prime Minister of Australia, he was one voice for a whole nation. Rudd asked the Aboriginals of Australia to reconcile with all Australians. This can bring together a nation of many cultures and races, closer together and resolve disputes which happened over 40 years ago. http://www.christianity.com/ http://geneva.rutgers.edu/src/christianity/ http://www.religioustolerance.org/christ.htm
MONDAY 1st December DUE Wednesday 3rd December
Monotheism – Define monotheism and provide an example of a religion with monotheistic beliefs.
Polytheism – Contrast polytheism with monotheism and provide an example of a polytheistic religion.
Transcendent – Explain the importance of a transcendent.
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.
Name and briefly describe essential features of Atheism and Agnosticism.
Atheism – page 9
Atheism is based upon the absence of belief in the existence of one or more gods. Atheists are known to be either “strong” or “weak” believers. The “weak” atheists are the ones who lack belief toward gods whereas the “strong” atheists believe that gods can’t and don’t exist.[[#_ftn1|[1]]]
Atheists have a total disregard towards a deity, which strongly shapes the belief of atheism. If a person had some form of slight belief that maybe one god could exist, that would change what type of atheist they were. However if a person said they were atheist but would believe in gods if proof were given, they would be Agnostic and not an Atheist.
An Agnostic is someone who believes that we are not certain that a deity or god/s exist. Some agnostics believe that we can never know the truth about superficial beings and gods. Some Agnostics believe in the “belief that we cannot know whether God exists” and be qualified as “strict agnosticism". The usage is based on the belief that we merely do not know yet be qualified as "empirical agnosticism."”[[#_ftn2|[2]]]
Explain the positions of Rational Humanism and Scientific Humanism
State the roles in societyHumanism is a way of life. It is a philosophy. The focus of Humanism is based upon the humans and their relationships and interactions. They live life as best as possible for them, and live for the now, not the afterlife.[[#_ftn3|[3]]]
Rational humanism is a belief that occurs when people believe that people control their own destinies and humanities actions are the results of humans, not God.
Scientific humanism is a belief that occurs when people emphasise science to answer the majorities of humanities problems.[[#_ftn4|[4]]] It is based on the view that science is above all human reasoning whereas rational humanism is the opposite.
Society works around the basis that cooperation and respect are very important. A rational mind is needed for the problem solving which leaves Humanists with “unburdened” minds, free from “religious restrictions”.[[#_ftn5|[5]]]
Scientific Humanism is a movement, which shows that justice and human equality with world peace are of importance. The people of this belief do not believe all human questions can be answered however most can be solved through science and evidence.
The video link supports the unity of humans in an effort to understand logical living. It also links in with the Cosmos, and understandings through science and human efforts to understand the world around us and peoples interactions.
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=myRX6aZVRZ4&feature=related
Discuss how Agnosticism, Atheism and Humanism determine the aspirations of behaviour of individuals.
Identifies several key issues in Agnosticism, Atheism and Humanism for determining the behaviour of individuals.
Key issues in the beliefs
How is the behaviour determined by their belief? Find examples and look at their behaviour.
For and against points for each
Characteristics and how does that change what you aspire to
Atheists base their beliefs upon the absence of Gods. There are several levels of atheism, which believe in fewer absences of Gods. Agnostics believe that there may be a higher power if there is proof and evidence to support the issue. Humanists believe that the humans are of most importance above Gods and animals and everything else.
Agnostics need the proof and evidence that a God is existent. Therefore if no proof were found throughout their life, there would be no aspirations for an afterlife. Agnostics would believe that life just stops and they do not move on. Agnostics are very uncertain about their beliefs and values, which changes their aspirations of afterlife and future life on earth.[[#_ftn6|[6]]] They would not believe they would go to heaven and live an afterlife of glory.
Charles Darwin said, “ The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an Agnostic.” [[#_ftn7|[7]]] This supports his way of life and aspirations as of his self-teachings and writings of his own “personal faith”. All Agnostics are similar to this varying belief as they do many things to gain great self-interest and knowledge. This knowledge can lead to logical assumptions, which most Agnostics believe in such as the need for evidence to support a God.
Atheists on the other hand simply do no believe in any God or Supreme Being. Atheists would aspire to a life full of enjoyment, as they would do whatever suited them without believing that there is an afterlife full of punishment or glory. Atheists could end up living in a hedonistic society where everyone indulges in daily life, for pleasure and not to help others along the way.
A positive aspect of Atheism is the freedom of mind and the ability to think freely by yourself of your future and afterlife.[[#_ftn8|[8]]] “Just live for today. When you're dead, you're dead. If you follow that bad advice and die without Christ, you will forever regret it and you will remember that someone told you the truth and you scoffed.” This is the positive attitude most atheists have towards life and death and this what they mainly live for. This can aspire many Atheists to live dangerously, with eventful things happening in their lives’. This does not mean they do not show emotions of sadness and need help in times. They find this by pets, family members, friends and other forms to feel welcomed and happy again.
Humanists live in the presence of Human beings that are held supreme. Humanists are said to be “free”[[#_ftn9|[9]]] Humanists have a positive outlook on the life on earth as they determine what is a waste of time, and what is not. Humanist’s lives can be very hedonistic as they live life the way they want to, with a clear mindset. They have very positive outlooks towards life and enjoy it to the fullest.
A negative aspect towards Humanism can be supported by the writings of Nigel Sinnot. “I want the world to be a place fit for my grandchildren, where they will have space to move, freedom and time to think, wilderness to admire; a world where people can live in harmony with plants and animals.”[[#_ftn10|[10]]] Nigel supports the beliefs that Humans are not the most important things of all. Nigel believes that the society of Humanists would destroy itself by not caring about anything else apart from their own. This belief of Humans overriding all of the wonders of the earth, can lead humans to aspire to their own life of doing what they please, and not looking forward to a heavenly afterlife.
Evaluate the place of the religious dimension in human history to provide (a) meaning and purpose, (b) social cohesion, (c) social transformation.
Make a judgement. Define religious dimension of human history. Throughout humanity people have been connected through religion. Innately religious.
What does religion have to do with each of the above?
Origin, purpose and destiny. What is our purpose, where did we come from, what happens after death?
Throughout human history, people have been known to worship Gods, deities and other forms of supreme, higher power beings above and beyond humanity. Throughout time and humanity, people have looked up to the clouds and other places of worship for answers unknown to them. Religion brings this connection of the unknown and faithful worshipping of Gods.
I believe the religious dimension is a great element for people to have faith and have own understandings to some questions that are unanswerable. What is our purpose, where did we come from, what happens after death? These are questions asked all throughout time, which still have no answer after thousands of years. Religion puts these questions into perspective for people to believe in and have faith in. Religion can give people a sense of purpose in life. Followers of a certain religion may believe they were brought onto earth to dedicate their lives as a priest for example. Christian priests dedicate their lives to all helping all Christians through prayers and events at churches.
Religion is quite common in all societies. Believers and non-believers are found throughout all cultures on earth. Religion brings people together in a time of sadness, happiness and special occasions. Death, birth and special occasions such as Christmas, the Christians for example go to church to unite and celebrate their faiths about Jesus. Religions throughout time have brought civilisations together in believing in supreme Gods whether they were the same or not, the foundation of belief is still quite similar. I believe people should have a right to believe in any god or gods to which they may find inner peace with, and answers to questions of fulfilling messages.
Religions can transform areas of living and cultural groups, to uphold new traditions.[[#_ftn11|[11]]] People of the same religious belief can have a sense of unity as they follow the same beliefs with the same or similar morals. Religion can transform people’s ideas if their original ones seem less believable or harder to understand than others.
Religion can alter people’s views and values for better. However when people disagree with the religion segregation can take place. Segregation is “any system where racial groups are kept apart from each other”[[#_ftn12|[12]]] All over the world throughout different times there has been racial wars and religious wars, with blacks and whites, Christians and Muslims. People such as Martin Luther King were against segregation and stood up for what they believed in. This supports the idea of social transformation, where a group of people with the same beliefs stood up for what is right. I believe religion helps to bring people together in times of need, over all places and times during life.
[[#_ftnref1|[1]]] http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/mathew/intro.html
[[#_ftnref2|[2]]] http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/mathew/intro.html
[[#_ftnref3|[3]]] New Religious World Views Powerpoint
[[#_ftnref4|[4]]] http://community.boredofstudies.org/335/religion-non-religion/132373/rational-scientific-humanism.html
[[#_ftnref5|[5]]] New Religious World Views Powerpoint
[[#_ftnref6|[6]]] http://www.religioustolerance.org/agnostic.htm
[[#_ftnref7|[7]]] http://www.religioustolerance.org/agnostic.htm
[[#_ftnref8|[8]]] http://www.abarnett.demon.co.uk/atheism/positive.html
[[#_ftnref9|[9]]] http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/gerald_larue/positive.html
[[#_ftnref10|[10]]] http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/humanist.htm
[[#_ftnref11|[11]]] Studies Of Religion Text Book page 326
[[#_ftnref12|[12]]] Studies Of Religion Text Book page 326
Why were the Mabo and Wik cases so significant for the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders?
Mabo created a strong case showing the Aboriginals could be proven to be inextricably linked towards certain parts of land throughout Australia. Mabo provided Aboriginal people with hope and faith that they also may be provided with sacred land where their ancestors or kin may have lived. The Wik case was very significant because it allowed the Indiginous people to interact with their land and pastoralists, meanwhile still holding traditional ceremonies on pastoralists land which is still able to be used for farming and work. Wik brought about the idea of coexistance. Mabo identified that the Aboriginals were on the land since the time of Dreaming.
Religious Expression in Australia since 1945
1. Census statistics show the changes of religious populations from 1945 and the present day. The Census graph in figure 2.1 shows that Christianity in Australia was at 88% of the population. Where as in 2001, Christianity takes up 68%. This is a drop of 20% over 54 years. This is because of migration to Australia with people coming from all over the world.
2. The Religious Landscape is the changing population of the different types of religions in Australia. Most non-Christian religions from 1945 to present day have increased in size or stayed the same. Judaism has remained at 0.4% of Australia’s population.
3. From 1945, Christian denominations have increased in population because of migration and immigration from all over the world. For example the Catholic Church’s population increased from 21% to 27%. With a split in the denominations of Catholicism, a new denomination was formed. This is now known as the Uniting church that has a population of approximately 6.7%.
4. Since the first fleet in 1788, Christianity has been the dominating religion of Australia. The Aboriginal spirituality was not taken into account and was not recognised throughout society. By the other end of the 20th Century, there were significant changes in Christian affiliation reflecting changing immigration patterns. After WWII, there was a rapid growth in Eastern Orthodox churches and Catholicism. The Christian religion is a very important religion to Australians because it was the first religion recognized in Australia, and began many denominations throughout the country.
5. The Australian society in 1945 was very different to present day life. The women of 1945 were considered to have no or little rights. Women were seen as a lesser class than men. Women of 1945 were expected to stay home with their children and be a housewife. Nowadays things are very different where women have their own choice whether they want to stay home, or go out to work. Another change from 1945 is the amounts of pay and rights women have, in the workplace and rights in society such as voting in elections. Culture of 1945 was more ethnic because of the migration.
6. Migration has caused many changes in the Australian religious lives. The biggest change took place around 1788 after the First Fleet had arrived. 160,000 ‘forced immigrants’ were shipped to Australia. ‘Free Migration’ happened through until the second World War from Britain. Fighters from the Netherlands, Norway, France, Belgium and Denmark were allowed to migrate to Australia. Civilian migration from Austria, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, West Germany, Yugoslavia and many other countries was permitted. The religions covered a range of religions however most were Roman Catholic or Orthodox Christians.
7. Denominational switching is the movement of people from one denomination to another within a religion. The belief about this switching is that as peoples’ lives change, their beliefs and practices are also likely to change. Denominational change is different from America to Australia. In Australia there is quite a bit of switching for short term.
8. For example from 1991-1996 14% of people swapped their religion. The changes of denomination have caused Christianity to lose adherents to protestant denominations such as the Anglican Church. The rise can be seen in the Pentecostal denominations. Individual denominations have had rises and losses in numbers of adherents because of migration.
9. There are over 20 New Age Religions of this new world. Some New Age Religions were created because of what Christianity had failed to do. Some New Age Religions follow similar aspects of Hinduism and Buddhism because they believe in 'newness' and 'originality'. The reincarnations of people also plays a part in their choices. It can be seen in Table 2.3 that some New Age Religions are rapidly increasing where as some are slowly depleting. The Wiccan beliefs of nature and polytheism has increased of approximately 373% from 1996 to 2001. Contradictory to this rapid rise, Religious science has gone down approximately 34% from the same timeframe. Over the next 5 years some New Age Religions will gain more adherents and some will lose some because of change of religions and people just giving up their faith. Over the next 5 years I think the Tenrikyo beliefs will rise because they are just beginning and will gain more adherents.
10. Secularism is any movement or concept which is against the beliefs of adherence. Secularism is a reason for why religions lose adherents. In 1961 only 38,000 people had stated themselves as having "no religion". However in 2001, 2,906,000 people had said they follow "no religion". These statistics can lead people to believe that the religions of Australia are just not what people want, forcing them to leave and give up on their beliefs. Some people may believe that there is no religion that suits them, they disagree with churches beliefs, the processes of churches and religions may be boring and/or unfullfilling which gives them the reason to state they have "no religion".
11. Define:
12. List & describe the history & activities of some ecumenical movements within Christianity.
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. Evaluate the importance of interfaith dialogue to Australia.
Interfaith dialogue is an everyday feature of Australian life. Australia is a multicultural country with people from all over the world interacting with each other every day. Positive interactions between people of different races and religious beliefs are very important because of the vast amounts of different people throughout the country. With so many different faiths in the one country, it is important to have positive relationships between these people to keep the peace as interacting with people of different faiths can provide people with greater understandings and learn new ideas each day. Interfaith dialogue is also important to Australia as it encourages growth and people to feel strongly about their faiths and moral values.
14. Explain how Reconciliation affects all Australians.
Reconciliation affects all Australians during some time of their life. Reconciliation brings together people who have been involved in conflict or form of dispute. Just recently this year Kevin Rudd appologised to the Aboriginal people of Australia for previous government decisions affecting the lives of thousands of native Aboriginals. As Rudd is the Prime Minister of Australia, he was one voice for a whole nation. Rudd asked the Aboriginals of Australia to reconcile with all Australians. This can bring together a nation of many cultures and races, closer together and resolve disputes which happened over 40 years ago.
http://www.christianity.com/
http://geneva.rutgers.edu/src/christianity/
http://www.religioustolerance.org/christ.htm
MONDAY 1st December DUE Wednesday 3rd December
Monotheism – Define monotheism and provide an example of a religion with monotheistic beliefs.
Polytheism – Contrast polytheism with monotheism and provide an example of a polytheistic religion.
Transcendent – Explain the importance of a transcendent.
WEDNESDAY 3rd December DUE Friday 5th December
Humanism
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=dU65kOACsAU
Atheism
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=C-iQCVdZz1c
Agnosticism
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.