RELIGION and NON-RELIGION - PowerPoint Presentation

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RELIGION and NON-RELIGION

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RELIGION and NON-RELIGION

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Students learn about:

The religious dimension of human history

New religious expression

Non-religious worldviewsThe difference between religious and non-religious worldviewsSlide3

1. The Religious Dimension of Human History

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Identify the following expressions of the religious dimension in human historyAnimismPolytheismMonotheism1b Evaluate the place of the religious dimension in human history to providemeaning and purpose for the individualSocial cohesionSocial transformation1c Investigate statistical data of the current global distribution of the five major religious traditions3Slide4

There is clear archaeological evidence that prehistoric communities had religious beliefs

There are several theories about how prehistoric religion began; i.e. the origin of religion

Sir Edward Burnett TylorFriedrich Max MullerWilhelm SchmidtDefinition (by Tylor 1871):- Prehistoric people believed that all natural objects including living creatures had a soul or a spirit which existed separately and independently from its physical being. It was this force that controlled the activities of the natural worldANIMISM41a Identify the following expressions of the religious dimension in human historySlide5

Animism is the belief that natural events (such as windstorms, cyclones and earthquakes) could be attributed to the actions of these spirits –

animae

Tylor says that the prehistoric people revered and worshipped these spirits because the natural phenomena (which the spirits produced) were completely beyond normal human capabilities. i.e. nature was completely controlled solely by the spirits.Thus prehistoric people worshipped the spirits because they affected their daily lives – and they had to keep the spirits happy!5Slide6

Tylor’s theories have been rejected by most scholars but have led to the development of alternate theories about the origins of religion

Muller:

Disagreed with Tylor’s notion that the spirits inhabited the natural worldInstead, he had the idea that the spirits possessed human emotions such as anger which led to them having good and bad temper and that it was this that led them to be revered as deitiesWhilst Animism is associated with pre-historic cultures, it still exists in some of today’s cultures; e.g. Australian Aboriginal people, some African and Polynesian communities.6Slide7

…is the belief in – and

worship of – multiple deities: gods and goddesses, and is generally believed to have developed from animism and then

monotheism is said to have then developed from polytheism as a natural progressionPOLYTHEISM7ANIMISMPOLYTHEISMMONOTHEISMSlide8

The deities (gods) of polytheistic cultures have their own…

Stories and worshipping needs I

ndividual personalities Specialities (like the god of harvest, the god of fertility etc) and A position in a hierarchy of godsThus the gods of polytheistic cultures have personalities, disagreements with other gods, personal likes and dislikes and warsThe Greek, Egytpian and Roman ancient religions were all polytheistic8Slide9

HARD & SOFT POLYTHEISM

Hard polytheists conceive of their gods as being distinct and separate entities; e.g.

Ancient Greek gods of Mt OlympusSoft polytheism does not conceive of the gods being distinct or separate. Rather they are understood to be acting as facets of a single god; e.gHinduism – has various deities which are understood to be different manifestations of the one power known as Brahman9Slide10

Deism is a form of monotheism that affirms the belief in the oneness of god but rejects the notion that god is an active agent in human history

Pantheism

acknowledges the intervention of god in human history- god in not seen as separate from nature – but as part of natureSemitic Monotheism- Christianity, Judaism and Islam religions of “ the book” with common ancestors and belief in one creator and loving GodMONOTHEISM- Belief in one God10Slide11

1b Evaluate the place of the religious dimension in human history to

providemeaning and purpose for the individual

Social cohesionSocial transformationMEANING AND PURPOSE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL11Religion attempts to provide guidelines which answer the key questions:Where did we come from? (the origin of creation)What are we supposed to de while we are here? (the purpose of human existence)What happens after we die? (what is our destiny)Slide12

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2. RELIGION OFFERS A SENSE OF BELONGING WITHIN A COMMUNITY

Human beings – by their nature – need to belong within a community or societyTherefore, the rituals and communal worship helps us by providing a sense of belonging to a community3. THE ROLE OF RITUAL PRACTICEReligion plays a significant role in reinforcing the cultural identity of a groupIt also renews and strengthens the bonds within a community of believers – especially where those are small, ethnic minorities or marginalized or alienatedIt does this by ritual practiceSlide13

2,SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

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Religion can be used to uphold and preserve traditional values and practices in a society, but also as a tool for social change egsocial justice and equality for marginalized groups by addressing issues like poverty, environmental change, global conflict and indigenous peoples’ rightsSome examples are S V d P, Caritas and the Salvation ArmySlide14

3. SOCIAL COHESION

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1bReligion can provide communities with a sense of continuity and certainty in an uncertain and confusing eg in times of war, but has often supported unjust social prctices such as slaverySlide15

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1c Investigate statistical data of the current global distribution of the five major religious traditionsSlide16

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2a Recognize the reasons for the rise of new religious expressions as people:Search for personal fulfilmentSeek ethical guidelinesSeek to clarify their relationship with societySlide17

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THE RISE OF NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION & SPIRITUALITIESINCREASING POPULARITY OF NEW AGE RELIGIONSA wide range of Australians are attracted to new age religions for a variety of reasonsWhen viewed alongside traditional religious practices, they tend to be worldviews which have a non-religious approach.Slide18

3a Outline the essential features of Atheism and Agnosticism

3b Outline the positions of:

Rational HumanismScientific Humanism3c discuss how Agnosticism, Atheism and Humanism determine the aspiration and behaviour of the individual4a Compare the response of ONE religious and ONE non-religious belief system to:The concept of the transcendentThe human personSocial responsibility18p24p26p28p30Slide19

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THE RISE OF NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION & SPIRITUALITIESNEW AGE RELIGIONAn term that covers a wide range of spiritual beliefs and practices which aim to foster individual fulfilment in the form of personal happiness, health and meaning in life. The New Age Movement is in a class by itself. Unlike most formal religions, it has no holy text, central organization, membership, formal clergy, geographic centre, dogma, creed, etc. They often use mutually exclusive definitions for some of their terms.Slide20

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THE RISE OF NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION & SPIRITUALITIESEXAMPLES OF NEW AGE RELIGIONSAstrologyCrystalsFeng shuiMagnetic field therapyNumerologyPalmistrySpiritual healingTia chiTarot cardsTranscendental meditationYogaSlide21

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THE RISE OF NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION & SPIRITUALITIESDIVERSE NATURE OF NEW AGE RELIGIONSThe New Age Religions are very diverse and are often practised by small groups or individualsSome feature philosophies drawn from ancient religions whilst others are based on a framework that seeks to unlock human potential.Others are based on pseudo-scientific approaches to health & wellbeingSlide22

2a Recognize the reasons for the rise of new religious expressions as people:

Search for personal fulfilment

Seek ethical guidelinesSeek to clarify their relationship with society2b Explain how the following have influenced the growth of new religious expressions and spiritualtiesThe rise of materialismScientific progressGrowth of ecological awarenessDisenchantment with “traditional” religious practice and guidance22p17p19Slide23

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THE RISE OF NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION & SPIRITUALITIESCHARACTERISTICS OF NEW AGE RELIGIONSOften focussed on the needs of the individualUsually no structure or hierarchyNo particular commitment requiredNo doctrine of social renewal or service to othersThe attraction is often:- A search for personal fulfilmentA need for ethical guidance and A need to belong to a “society”Slide24

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THE RISE OF NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION & SPIRITUALITIESSEARCH FOR PERSONAL FULFILMENTImportance of search for personal fulfilmentThe most significant attraction of new religious expressionSecularism has caused an absence of meaning in life where the traditional religious beliefs are seen as irrelevantThis results in people looking elsewhere to find answers to the meaning and purpose of life’s journeySlide25

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THE RISE OF NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION & SPIRITUALITIESSEARCH FOR PERSONAL FULFILMENTDiverse nature of New Age ReligionsThe personal fulfilment is offered in a considerable variety of ways that will appeal to many…Having a successful careerBeing wealthyBeing happy in relationshipsBeing physically and emotionally wellSlide26

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THE RISE OF NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION & SPIRITUALITIESSEEKING ETHICAL GUIDELINESLack of moral certainty in a secular societyMoral relativism is the notion that everything is a matter of personal choice which begets the idea that there is an absence of moral truth in a secular societyTraditional religious guidance is often seen as irrelevant & meaninglessSlide27

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THE RISE OF NEW RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION & SPIRITUALITIESiii. SEEK TO CLARIFY THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH SOCIETYSlide28

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2b Explain how the following have influenced the growth of new religious expressions and spiritualtiesThe rise of materialismScientific progressGrowth of ecological awarenessDisenchantment with “traditional” religious practice and guidanceSlide29

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3a Outline the essential features of Atheism and AgnosticismSlide30

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3a Outline the essential features of Atheism and AgnosticismATHEISMAtheism is the absence of belief that any deities existTherefore, an atheist does not believe that god existsIt is therefore not an active belief system or a philosophy with its own set of doctrinesThey believe that the universe, the earth and its life evolved by a natural scientific processThey believe that because there is no god, humanity has no ultimate goal and that there is no life after lifeSlide31

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3a Outline the essential features of Atheism and AgnosticismATHEISMAtheism developed via the 17th century Age of Enlightenment that advocated the use of reason over religion because religion was seen to be irrational and grew from superstitionsThis era also saw significant scientific advancement which was viewed as being incompatible with traditional religionThus, with the advent of Darwin’s 19th century theory of evolution, there grew increasing tension between secularism and religionSlide32

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3a Outline the essential features of Atheism and AgnosticismAGNOSTICISMA sceptical world view of a person who awaits more conclusive evidence than currently exists before they commit to a belief in a transcendent entity; i.e. the existence of a god.Therefore, because they do not believe that there is sufficient proof, they do not believe (yet) in a heaven, a hell or judgement.They don’t discount the existence of a god – rather they believe that there is not enough proof (evidence) to support such a belief – a fence-sitterSlide33

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3a Outline the essential features of Atheism and AgnosticismDIFFERENCE BETWEEN ATHEISTS & AGNOSTICSAgnostics believe that the existence of god is still a possibility but at this time evidence for the existence of god (or gods) is not conclusiveAtheists regard the issue as firmly closedSlide34

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3a Outline the essential features of Atheism and AgnosticismQuestion from a past paper2009 HSC EXAMINATIONSection IQuestion 22 (5 marks)“If god does not exist, then everything is permitted.” With reference to the above quotation, explain how atheism OR agnosticism influences the aspirations and behaviour of individuals.(you are only permitted to write 11 lines)Slide36

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3b Outline the positions of:Rational HumanismScientific HumanismHUMANISMHumanism is a belief that – since there is no evidence that supports the existence of a supernatural being – this life and this world are all that mattersTherefore we should live full, happy lives and make it easier for others to do the sameThis is based on the belief that – since supernatural intervention has been proven impossible – human beings can and do have control over their own destiniesThus human endeavour, experience, intelligence and compassion are the foundations of all moral valuesSlide37

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3c Discuss how Agnosticism, Atheism and Humanism determine the aspiration and behaviour of the individualSlide38

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HUMANISMis a philosophy that believes that this world, the morals, ethics and the experiences gained from this life are all that we haveHuman beings are therefore able to control their own destiny – and by implication – those of other peopleAnd since we can do this, we should try to improve the lives of othersAccordingly, humanists have strong ethical and moral doctrines regarding social responsibility, ecological sustainability and the notion that all human beings are born free and equalMany of the beliefs of humanism can also be applied to atheism and ChristianitySlide39

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HUMANISMAmsterdam Declaration 2002Humanism is the outcome of a long tradition of free thought that has inspired many of the world's great thinkers and creative artists and gave rise to science itself.The fundamentals of modern Humanism are as follows:1. Humanism is ethical. It affirms the worth, dignity and autonomy of the individual and the right of every human being to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights of others. Humanists have a duty of care to all of humanity including future generations. Humanists believe that morality is an intrinsic part of human nature based on understanding and a concern for others, needing no external sanction.Slide40

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HUMANISMAmsterdam Declaration 20022. Humanism is rational. It seeks to use science creatively, not destructively. Humanists believe that the solutions to the world's problems lie in human thought and action rather than divine intervention. Humanism advocates the application of the methods of science and free inquiry to the problems of human welfare. But Humanists also believe that the application of science and technology must be tempered by human values. Science gives us the means but human values must propose the ends.Slide41

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HUMANISMAmsterdam Declaration 20023. Humanism supports democracy and human rights. Humanism aims at the fullest possible development of every human being. It holds that democracy and human development are matters of right. The principles of democracy and human rights can be applied to many human relationships and are not restricted to methods of government.Slide42

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HUMANISMAmsterdam Declaration 20024. Humanism insists that personal liberty must be combined with social responsibility. Humanism ventures to build a world on the idea of the free person responsible to society, and recognises our dependence on and responsibility for the natural world. Humanism is undogmatic, imposing no creed upon its adherents. It is thus committed to education free from indoctrination.Slide43

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HUMANISMAmsterdam Declaration 20025. Humanism is a response to the widespread demand for an alternative to dogmatic religion. The world's major religions claim to be based on revelations fixed for all time, and many seek to impose their world-views on all of humanity. Humanism recognises that reliable knowledge of the world and ourselves arises through a continuing process. Of observation, evaluation and revision.6. Humanism values artistic creativity and imagination and recognises the transforming power of art. Humanism affirms the importance of literature, music, and the visual and performing arts for personal development and fulfilment.Slide44

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HUMANISMAmsterdam Declaration 20027. Humanism is a life stance aiming at the maximum possible fulfilment through the cultivation of ethical and creative living and offers an ethical and rational means of addressing the challenges of our times. Humanism can be a way of life for everyone everywhere. Our primary task is to make human beings aware in the simplest terms of what Humanism can mean to them and what it commits them to. By utilising free inquiry, the power of science and creative imagination for the furtherance of peace and in the service of compassion, we have confidence that we have the means to solve the problems that confront us all. We call upon all who share this conviction to associate themselves with us in this endeavour.Slide45

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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 SUMARY OF HUMANISMSlide46

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There are many types of humanists

e.g. Christian humanists, scientific humanists etc. RATIONAL HUMANISM (ALSO KNOWN AS SECULAR HUMANISM)Philosophy which proclaims that the use compassion, equality, morality, ethics and most importantly reason can be used to build a better world for human kindSCIENTIFIC HUMANISM (ALSO KNOWN AS MODERN HUMANISM)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 scaleSUMARY OF HUMANISMSlide47

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SCIENTIFIC HUMANISM (ALSO KNOWN AS MODERN HUMANISM)

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 scaleHumanists are atheists and therefore atheism and humanism are not mutually exclusiveMany beliefs and aspirations of humanism can also be applied to atheismSUMARY OF HUMANISMSlide48

How does agnosticism determine aspirations and behaviour of individuals?

In-decision would result in ‘a dilemma, a complexity

This would require behaviours to be of such a nature that either alternatives (god/no-god) could result in the happiness of the agnostic.Their aspirations would be to be the best person they are, for I cannot be secured if I am evilSlide49

Further their aspirations may be to achieve the best society so that both

possibilities may be realised.They would need to be open to further analysis and discussion in order to see whether their position as agnostics is still tenable Slide50

How does Atheism determine the aspirations and behaviour of individuals?

Atheist, as a position, is difficult for there is no compelling need to aspire to anything or to behave in any one manner.

Though most atheists would see some purpose for their lives, there is again no compelling evidence for this, unless founded in the sciences or intellect.They would argue that humanity would dictate appropriate aspirations and behaviourSlide51

How does Humanism determine the aspirations and behaviours of individuals?

What befits the human is good; what is disclosed as the nature and purpose of the human is good.‘Man fully alive’ meaning that in all her characteristics (emotional, aesthetic, spiritual, intellectual, social) the human person strives to achieve fullness of personhoodSlide52

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Use the following description to answer Questions 8 & 9Carly reads the

Qur’an, the Bible, Buddha’s sermons, and Confucius’ Analects, attends a Wiccan coven, has regular tarot card readings and leads a yoga class. She is skeptical about science and is disillusioned with the effects of technology on climate change.8. What is Carly’s religious outlook or spirituality likely to be? (A) Tibetan Buddhist (B) Rational Humanist (C) Pentecostal Christian (D) New religious expression   9. Carly’s best friend is Scott who describes himself as a Scientific Humanist. Which of the following issues are Carly and Scott most likely to disagree about?(A) The problems caused for society by economic exploitation of natural resources(B) The ability of mainstream religious authorities to provide guidance to society(C) The value of alternative medicine(D) The dangers of global warmingSlide53

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4a Compare the response of ONE religious and ONE non-religious belief system to:The concept of the transcendentThe human personSocial responsibility Fundamentalist: a member of a religious movement that is characterised by a literal, rigid interpretation of the sacred text Transcendent: belief that divine power(s) or being(s) exists beyond the human Utilitarianism: consequentialist form of ethical theory which asserts the notion that what is good is what brings the greatest happiness for the greatest numberTHE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…Slide54

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THE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…i. THE CONCEPT OF THE TRANSCENDENTGod created the world and gave meaning to lifeAll Christians believe in the concept of the transcendentAll Christians believe that god is the source of creation and that God gives meaning and purpose to lifeHumanists reject the notion of the transcendentHumanists do not accept the idea that there is anything that exists beyond the ordinary human experienceLife after physical deathHumanists believe that this life and this world is all we have and reject any ideas about a life after deathChristians – on the other hand – believe in heaven, hell and judgement leading to eternal lifeSlide55

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THE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…i. THE CONCEPT OF THE TRANSCENDENTSource and mechanisms of creationBecause humanists do not believe in life after death, they only accept the scientific view of creationChristians have no problem accepting the view that evolution is a mechanism of creation as well as that god is the source of creationThe difference is what is behind the process:-Secular humanists align themselves with the scientists who claim that creation was a spontaneous event lacking in cause or motivationChristians believe that God is the author of creationSlide56

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THE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…ii. THE HUMAN PERSONThe human person is of paramount importanceThis view is held by both Christians and Humanists – that the human person is of supreme valueHumanists believe that human beings have thrived through their intelligent adaptation to the environment and their problem-solving abilityThe needs of the individual are paramountHumanists believe that the needs of the individual should never be compromised except when the greater good of society is involvedSlide57

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THE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…ii. THE HUMAN PERSONThe source of this view:-Christians believe that we are made in the image and likeness of God andThat social responsibilities are derived from the revelation of GodHumanists – on the other hand – believe that the social responsibilities are derived purely from human experiencesSOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYThe issues addressed are poverty, ecological concerns, world peace, justice and economic equalitySlide58

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THE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…iii. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYBelief that people have social responsibilities towards each otherBoth Christian and Humanists believe that because the human person is of extreme value, people have certain social responsibilities toward each otherBoth belief systems aim to make the world a better place for all to live inThe source of this viewThe Christians and the Humanists differ in their views of social responsibilityChristians have specific doctrines on social responsibility – based on biblical teachings & traditionHumanists have similar doctrines but they are not as clearly definedSlide59

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THE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…iii. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYLife after physical deathBecause Humanists have no belief in an afterlife, they tend to place more emphasis on the contributions people make in this lifeChristians – because they place too much emphasis on the idea of life after death – have been criticized for placing too much emphasis here and not enough on the needs of people during their earthly livesSlide60

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THE RESPONSE OF ONE RELIGIOUS AND ONE NON-RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM TO…iii. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYMaterial accumulation of goodsBoth groups believe that its harmful to acquire possessions to excess because this can take place at the expense of those who are deprived of life’s necessities thus fostering inequalityEcological sustainabilityBoth groups share a similar philosophy for the protection of the environment – but for different reasons:-Christians – because of the relationship between god and its creatorHumanists – because they believe we are dependant on the environment for survival