Religion & Non-RElIGION

THE RELIGIOUS DIMENSION IN HUMAN HISTORY

The expression of the religious dimension in human history
● Identify the following expressions of the religious dimension in human history:
Animism
● The term coined by Edward Tylor as a proposed theory of the origins of religion.
● A belief that all natural objects are endowed with a spirit or soul, independent of their
physical bodies. All of reality is animated & can be communed with
● These spirits were believed to govern the day-to-day activities of the natural world. Causing
the wind, control the rivers, alive in the woods, etc. It was believed that one must keep the
spirits happy to avoid disasters. e.g. sacrifices served to control the physical environment
● After physical death, some communities believed that the soul lives on, becoming part of
natural environment, actively intervenes in people’s lives. Since all natural objects had souls,
every part of creation had to treat every other part with respect.
● For example, animistic thought still features in the Australian Aboriginal in totemism and
ancestral beings. Shintoism -> Kami (deities) created the universe, therefore all life is
sacred. Focuses on ritual practices that creates a connection between present-day Japan
and its ancient past.

Polytheism
● Polytheism is the belief in and worship of multiple gods or deities
● One typical characteristic of polytheistic religious systems is that its deities resemble human
beings in the sense that they have their own personalities, hold grudges against other gods,
and have a personal history
● Polytheistic deities have an hierarchy, usually assigned jurisdictional powers, which are
directly linked with their particular skill or talent and are typically immortal
● Each god has own shrine and prayers and possible hand animal sacrifices made to them.
● Most ancient religions were polytheistic, e.g. Hinduism, Greek mythology and Roman
mythology

Monotheism
● Belief in only one god who is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent
● three major monotheistic traditions -> Christianity, Islam and Judaism
● Generally, this divine being is credited with the creation of the universe, and is responsible
for giving humankind its moral code
● Deism and pantheism are two varying forms of monotheism
● Deism affirms the notion that there is only one god , but rejects the idea that god actively
intervenes in human history
● Pantheism equates god with the universe. Therefore, pantheists believe that every part of
creation is intrinsically a result of god's activities on earth

The significance of the religious dimension in human history

● Evaluate the place of the religious dimension in human history to provide
- Meaning and purpose for the individual
● Human experience is characterised by a search for answers to the big questions of life,
which are known as the key religious questions
● The most significant of these questions relate to the origin (where did we come from?),
purpose (why are we here?) and destiny (what happens to us when we die?) of humankind
 ● The answers provided through religion understanding give meaning and coherence to life
● Religion gives identity to the individual
● Provides ethical guidance
● Offers framework of meaning and coherence, giving direction to one’s life
● The ritualistic dimension of religion provides individuals with one of the most basic needs of
humankind, a sense of belonging within a community
● Religion can also serve to reinforce the cultural identity of a group, which is particularly
important when the group consists of small ethnic minorities or people who have been
socially marginalised by mainstream society
● Celebrate important milestones and provides support in people’s lives - e.g.. rituals, funerals
-> help mourners deal with pain of death by explaining it as a mystery of God’s will and
offering hope of life after death

- Social cohesion
● Way you should act, dress, relate and think about issues
● Religion has an important role in affirming traditional beliefs and practices
● Religion provides communities with a sense of continuity as it serves to link the rapidly
changing, complex modern society with a more traditional and stable past
● Offers laws of behaviour and teachings which assist the individual in society
● Place of worship is central to the social and religious life of the community and binds them
together
● Gender roles
● e.g. National Council of Churches, encourage dialogue between religion

- Social transformation
● How society changes and develops
● Religion can instigate change or prevent change
● Religion can be used as a tool for criticising the structures, customs and beliefs of its own
societies
● The importance of working towards a just and peaceful society is integral to the message of
all major religious traditions
● Historically, religious groups have played a significant role in advocating and campaigning
for social justice and equality
● Today religious groups can be seen at the forefront of campaigns, which seek to address
issues such as poverty, environmental degradation, global conflict, economic inequality,
indigenous rights and unemployment
● E.g Catholic Care (Defenders of the environment) and Maimonides (change brought by
education and instruction), Renaissance (Patrons of the Arts)
● Developed ideas to challenge society’s attitudes towards minority group
● Attempted to right past oppression
● Bring understanding to new ethical issues

The global distribution of the five major religious traditions

● Christianity was the first expansionist religion, as age of exploration and colonisation taking
Christianity to the New World
● From 750CE - expansion of Islam
● Jewish diaspora
● 18th Century - Islam in decline
● Christian Europe Dominated the globe
● 20th Century - some growth of Jewish community - immigration to the USA
 ● WW2 - destruction of European Jewry
● Creation of Jewish state of Israel, 1948
● Post war - dislocation and immigration - Islam and Hinduism brought to many other countries
● Australia - removal of the White Australia Policy

● Investigate statistical data of the current global distribution of the five major religious
traditions
RELIGIONS IN THE WORLD FROM LARGEST TO SMALLEST: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism,
Judaism (Chris, Is, Helping Busy Josephine)
RELIGIONS IN AUSTRALIA FROM LARGEST TO SMALLEST: Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism,
Judaism (Chris Buys Indian Honey Juice)
Christianity - 33% - 1/3
● There is a clear development of Christianity which points to its steady decline in the western
world and its rapid growth in Asia, Latin America and Africa
● populated countries: US, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Philippines, Democratic Republic
of the Congo, Ethiopia, Italy, Germany
● Largest denominations: Catholic -> Orthodox -> Anglican -> Methodist -> Presbyterian ->
Baptist -> Seventh Day Adventist
Islam - 22%
● Asia, Northern Africa, Middle East, Indonesia is the largest Islamic country
● Growth in western countries and remains strong in traditional areas
● Many Muslims were re-settled to western countries such as the US and the UK in the post
WWII period
● Fastest growing religion of the 5 major religions today
● Second largest world religion with nearly 1/4 of the world’s population is Muslim
Hinduism - 15%
● Growth of Hinduism is largely due to immigration
● 10 largest national population of Hinduism: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka, US , Malaysia, UK, Burma (Myanmar)
● Hinduism, accounts for approx. 1/7th of the world’s believers.
● Hinduism is largely concentrated in India and spreads only when Indians migrate
Buddhism - 6%
● Steadily growing from a small base in Western countries
● 10 largest national populations: China, Thailand, Japan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam,
Cambodia, South Korea, India, Malaysia
● Buddhism has a smaller world population the Hinduism, yet has penetrated into more parts
of the world.
Judaism - 0.3%
● Largest population in Israel
● Judaism is the smallest of the world’s major religions and accounts for approx. 0.3-0.5% of
the world’s population.
● Jews are found in every country of the world.

NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION

The rise of new religious expression and spiritualities

● Census figures show a considerable level of dissatisfaction with traditional religious groups
● "New Age" is an umbrella term which refers to a range of alternative and/or pseudo-religious
groups that people are attracted to.
● New Age religions are characterised by their adoption of elements of Eastern religions and
their subsequent rejection of traditional Western views, and the fact that it favours creation
centred spirituality.
● Some examples of new age religions are feng shui, yoga, tai chi, astrology, tarot cards,
numerology etc

● Recognise the reasons for the rise of new religious expressions as people:
- search for personal fulfilment
● In this secular, individual oriented society where traditional religious beliefs are often
regarded as irrelevant and outdated, there is a strong need to find meaning and purpose in
life's journey
● The most significant attraction of new age religions is that they offer personal fulfilment,
including improvement of mind and body through practising forms of spirituality such as
yoga or Tai Chi
● Given the diverse nature of new age religions, they are well suited to offer personal fulfilment
in a considerable variety off ways.
● The rise of in New Age religions which have risen in prominence since the1960s
● Eg. Krishna founded in the USA in 1966 in order to practice a kind of reform Hinduism.

- seek ethical guidance

● In accordance with the trend which points to the growing secularity of society and facing new
ethical issues such as cloning and global warming, traditional religious guidance is often
seen as meaningless and irrelevant.
● The postmodern nature of society means that there is a lack of moral certainty in society,
and in its place is the notion of moral relativism
● People may feel that trad religions don’t allow independence and initiative
● Because many people find it difficult to formulate their own ethical guidelines, they turn to
new age religions for ethical guidance. People also ‘shop around’ for the right answer,
taking ideas and behaviours from various religions and systems of thinking

- seek to clarify the relationship with society

● Human beings are essentially social creatures, and few people will live happily without
meaningful contact with others
● The failure of religious communities to provide meaningful support and the cult of
individualism in Western societies has left some individuals feeling isolated from the rest of
the community
● For some, this void may be filled by becoming involved with a new age religion which cater
to the needs of the individual
● Other factors contributing include that NRE have more appropriate rituals, empowerment
within a religious community based on equality and distribution of talents, simplicity of life
and teachings and an emphasis on emotions rather than intellect.
● Many New Age religion have a stronger sense of unity with nature and offer a person with
ways to participate in mystical forces of nature

The influences on the growth of new religious expressions and spiritualities

● explain how the following have influenced the growth of new religious expressions
and spiritualities:
 - The rise of materialism
● Some new age religions attest to being a means of gaining wealth and indicate a large
involvement in gaining profit
● New age religions which favour individual spirituality and personal fulfilment, thrive in a
materialistic society with its cult of individualism
● In this consumerist environment, new age philosophies which purport to provide personal
fulfilment and well being are represented as commodities which can be bought and sold.

- Scientific Progress
● Rapid growths in scientific knowledge have raised serious questions for some religious
perspectives
● Some abandon traditional religious beliefs, in the belief that scientific discoveries have
discredited such beliefs.
● Those who hold an unsophisticated understanding of religious truths or a fundamentalist
understanding of religion may abandon traditional religious beliefs, in the belief that scientific
discoveries have discredited such beliefs
● When scientific progress has the effect of undermining the authority of religious traditions,
some people will go in search of new age religious expressions to meet their needs
● Many new age religions have a pseudo-scientific basis eg. numerology, crystals

- Growth of Ecological Awareness

● The growth of ecological awareness in recent generations has made a scientific contribution
to the awareness of the beauty and the power of creation
● A number of new age religions are creation centred spiritualities which adopt animistic and
ancient nature religions in response to rising environmental consciousness
● Such new age religions seek to recapture the traditional wisdom of the environment
● Many people are attracted to new age religions e.g. animism, (people part of Green Peace)
because they feel that closeness to the environment is a healing thing eg. nature retreats
and prayers invoking a power from within creation

- Disenchantment with ‘Traditional’ Religious Practice and Guidance

● Many people feel that traditional religious practices do not provide a relevant and meaningful
support for them in the challenges they face in the modern world.
● Increasing disillusionment with traditional religions hypocrisy, abuse of power and/or
irrelevance means that religions have lost moral authority and respect
● It has become increasing acceptable in contemporary Australian society to have no religious
affiliation or to not participate in one's nominal religion
● The significant decline in religious affiliation is a clear sign of growing secularisation
● New age religions are popular because there is still a longing for a spiritual dimension to life.

NON-RELIGIOUS WORLD VIEWS

The human search for personal fulfilment through non-religious practices in Agnosticism,
Atheism & Humanism
Agnostic - first used by Thomsas Henry Huxley in a speech to metaphysical Society in 1876.
Atheists have been in existence since Ancient times and gained momentum in intellectual circles in
Europe following the Renaissance and Reformation.
Championed by some French Revolutionaries who sought to rid France of religion.
Marxism/Communist regimes post WW1 and WW2 - saw eradication of religion in Russia, China,
North Korea, Cuba.

● Outline the essential features of Atheism and Agnosticism

Atheism is the doctrine or belief that there is no divine power either within or outside the universe
and Agnosticism is the belief that nothing is or can be known about the existence or non-existence
of God.

Atheism
● Atheism is not an active philosophy, with an organised body of doctrines. Atheists believe
that there is no God or divine being
● The universe and its life evolved by a natural scientific process
● Humanity has no ultimate goal and no further aspirations because there is no life after
physical death.
● Holds that there are no reasons to believe in any reward or punishment after death.
● There are many beliefs and aspirations held by humanists, which atheists may also possess
● Atheists argue that good ethical behaviour including compassion towards others a signifiant
for people without a religious faith
● Some Atheists claim that religion is dangerous (eg. Karl Marx - religion as the “Opiate of the
masses”)
Reasons for non-belief:
● They find insufficient evidence to support any religion
● They think that religion is nonsensical and based on superstitious
● They live in a non-religious culture
● Religion doesn’t interest them or seem relevant to their lives
● Religions seems to have done a lot of harm in the world
● The world is such a bad place that there can’t be God
● It is possible to be both atheist and religious. Virtually all Buddhists manage it, as do some
adherents of other religions, such as Judaism and Christianity

Agnosticism
● Agnostics believe that there is not sufficient evidence to make a judgement on the issue of
the existence of transcendental beings
● Agnostics criticise the theist and the atheist for their dogmatism and their presumption of
such knowledge.
● However, if at a later date, there is sufficient evidence to prove the existence of god or gods,
then their views will change
● Often put as middle ground between theism and atheism, though it is not a religious
declaration in itself.
● There are two types of agnostics:
○ One type says there is insufficient evidence but leaves open the possibility of
sometime obtaining enough evidence to know with certainty.
○ The second type of convinced that it’s objectively impossible for anyone to ever know
with certainty the existence or non-existence of God or gods.

● Outline the positions of Rational humanism & Scientific humanism

Humanism - e.g. naming ceremonies, marriage,
● Humanists think that this world and this life are all we have, hence we should try to live full
and happy lives ourselves and, as part of this, make it easier for other people to do the same
● All situations and people deserve to be judged on their merits by standards of reason and
humanity
● Human experience is the foundation for all moral values
● Humanists believe in the intrinsic goodness of humanity, but realise that human potential is
far greater than current achievement
● Individuality and social cooperation are equally important
● Humanists believe that human beings are successful, because of our ability to manipulate
and adapt to the natural world by working cooperatively with other human beings
● There are many types of humanists eg. Christian humanists, scientific humanists etc

- Rational humanism (secular)

● Rational humanism is the product of an 18th century intellectual movement, known as the
Age of Enlightenment
● Philosophy arguing that reason is the best way of deciding what is to be considered a proper
behaviour, beliefs and knowledge about the world.
● Proclaims that the use compassion, equality, morality, ethics and most importantly reason
can be used to build a better world for human kind. Reason is the highest form of authority
● Idea that one should live life to the fullest
● Realise human potential is greater than current achievement.
● Accepts the study of sciences and the humanities as legitimate believe that these fields
bring about a deeper understanding of nature and purpose of the human

- Scientific humanism (Modern)

● Science is the ultimate authority
● Science alone can find solutions to improve the earths and human condition
● Philosophy which places a significant emphasis upon science and technology to address
global problems such as poverty, environmental degradation, and social inequalities
● Began in the 20th century, with an emphasis on achieving equality and peace on a global
scale
● Any idea that is unable to be tested by science cannot be accepted as truth and thus
religious traditions are based on ideas that can’t be proven by science

● Discuss how Agnosticism, Atheism and Humanism determine the aspirations and
behaviour of individuals
Behaviour
● A non-believer determines the moral and ethical ways to behave through 3 methods
1. Conscience - ideas of pleasure, pain and guilt
2. Logic - common sense
3. Law

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RELIGIONS AND NON-RELIGIOUS WORLD VIEWS

The response of ONE religious and ONE non-religious belief system to of the concept
of the transcendent, the human person & social responsibility

● Compare the response of ONE religious and ONE non-religious belief system to:
- the concept of the transcendent
● Christianity is based on the belief in God, a transcendent being who exists outside of and
beyond the human
● Christians believe that God is the source of creation and it is God who gives meaning and
purpose to life
● Humanists think that: this world and this life are all we have and hence reject the notion of
the transcendent
● Secular humanists believe that once a person had died their life has ended and there is no
continuation of their life in any form
● This is in clear contrast to the Christian view which holds that beyond death there is an
eternal life
● Other aspects of Christian views such as heaven and hell, judgement and so on contrast
with humanist views which would not entertain the idea of any existence after death
● Some groups within Christianity do not accept scientific views of the origin of the universe
(such as evolution)
● Most, however, have no difficulty accepting evolution as the mechanism of creation while
retaining a belief in God as the source of creation
● Secular humanists accept only the scientific view of evolution without any reference to God
or any religious dimension
● Secular humanists align themselves with some scientists who believe that creation was a
spontaneous event without any motivation or cause

- the human person

● Humanists believe that human beings have thrived through their intelligent adaptation to the
environment and their problem-solving capabilities
● They regard the human person as being of supreme value, though with communal or social
responsibilities
● Like humanists, Christians regard the human person as being of supreme value and that
people also have certain responsibilities to one another
● Christians regard human beings to be bearers of the image and likeness of God
● Christians believe that social and communal responsibilities are derived from the revelation
of God
● Humanists on the other hand believe that the value of the human person and the
accompanying responsibilities are derived purely from human experience

- social responsibility
● Both Christians and humanists hold strong views on social responsibility and community
involvement
● Ultimately both groups believe it is important to contribute to making the world a better place
and contributing to the overall quality of life of all people
● Most Christian groups have specific doctrines on social responsibility
● Humanist ideas are similar though not as clearly defined
● Because humanism has no belief in an afterlife, there is a tendency to place greater
emphasis on the contribution s made in this life
● Some Christian groups have been criticised for placing too much emphasis on the concerns
of the afterlife and therefore neglecting the needs of people in this life
● Both Christianity and humanism hold a belief that material possessions are an acceptable
adjunct to human life
● Both also regard the accumulation of excess as harmful, particularly in the face of the
deprivation of others
● Some Christian groups have specific doctrines on the ownership of property and the
accompanying responsibilities in the face of the need of others
● Humanist ideas are similar though not as clearly defined
● There are distinct similarities between humanism and Christianity in their practical attitude
towards ecological concerns
● Both regard the protection of the environment as critical
● Humanists and Christians are now significant contributors to ecological activism
● For Christians, the primary concern for environmental action is the relationship between the
creator and the creation
● Christians regard human beings as being part of the creation of God and related to the rest
of creation in a profound way
● Humanist regard human beings as being connected to and dependent upon the environment
but do not hold the same sense of relationship with a creator
● The humanist motivation is more centred on the idea that the earth is the environment of
human beings and therefore must be sustained in order for human life to continue