Unit 1-2 Religion and Society Religion and morality In a pluralist society

Religion In A Pluralist Society In a pluralist society in which a separation between church and State has occurred, the power of religion to determine politics and laws can be seen to have devolved. Religions historically have held a central position in society and religions used to regulate morality. Today religions often have an advisory position in society; they may have no overt political power and their ability to influence a secular and pluralist society is limited.

"Maybe many young people waste too many hours on futile things” Pope Franics "Our life is made up of time, and time is a gift from God, so it is important that it be used in good and fruitful actions.”

Ethics and Conscience In some instances, certain (secular) laws could coerce people into acting against their personal religious beliefs Issue that have caused conflict in recent times are: the censorship of computer games Euthanasia RU486 ‘abortion pill’

Influences A religious tradition and spirituality are part of an adherent’s world view, which includes all of their beliefs, concepts, philosophies and ethis. It encompasses the way in which an individual perceives and understands reality, as well as the Ultimate Reality and their ideal vision for the world.

Six O’Clock Swill Six o’clock swill page 213. Government attempt to regulate morality What was the good intended? Did the hoteliers do the ‘wrong’ thing? How else could this problem be tackled in a more productive way? Answer Activity 5.5: Q’s 1-7 on page 214.

Learning for today Sanctity of life and dignity of human life comparison Christian Hindu Ethical principles and oral or written codes of behaviour

Visionary ideals or specific attributes of a perfect world from which comes all morality, laws, norms and ideas about what adherents ‘ought’ to do; this is synthesised into specific advice or lists of qualities, values or laws that would bring about the ideal

Ethics - Christianity (page 2) 1.Jesus’ two key teachings: ①Love God ②Love your neighbour 2.Equality of all, because in Genesis we are told that God made each of us. 3.Justice (fairness) – since everyone is equal, everyone deserves fairness. 4.Forgiveness and love are ideas taught by Jesus, and are shown in his actions. 5.Holy Books – Bilbe and Catechism (Catholic teachings).

Sanctity of Life (page 18) This is the idea that life is special. Many religions believe life is sacred because God created it (Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism) Some religions believe life is special because it is the way we can achieve enlightenment (Buddhism and Hinduism) No one in the world believes that life is worth nothing. Life is special, and deserves to be protected and cherished – not given up on. All religions believe that.

Quality of Life (page 18) This is a description of how good someone’s life is. It includes how comfortable they feel, how easy it is for them to live through each day, perhaps how much they have in terms of money and possessions. Giving someone a good quality of life is part of the most basic teaching of all religions  that we should treat others as we wish to be treated.

Christian Attitudes Towards Life God created life in his own image (Genesis) You shall not kill (10 Commandments) I, your God, give life, and I take it away (OT) It is the teaching of the Catholic Church that life be respected from conception until natural death. If people were good in life  Heaven If people were bad in life  Hell for eternal punishment

Hindu Attitudes Towards Life Hindus believe that our ATMAN (soul) lives through many lifetimes, and that each life is shaped by the words, actions and thoughts of the previous ones  Reincarnation AHIMSA (non-harming) is a basic principle Compassion (loving kindness) and respect (including for all life) are other key principles

Hinduism Hindu holy books (Veda’s, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas) list many virtues. These include: Ahimsa (non-violence) Self-discipline Tolerance Service to others Compassion Providing shelter/ support to others Respect for all life Wisdom Honesty with others and oneself cleanliness

Religion and the Environment Religious point of view  humanity’s duty to look after the environment. Key ideas: Life is special or sacred. This means all life, not just human life. Humans have a duty or responsibility to look after it. Humans have a responsibility to look after the world – for God, for themselves, for other people now and in the future Everybody has a role to play in looking after the natural world – not just some people.

Origins of LIFE Scientific theory  Big Bang Theory About 20 billion years ago, there was nothing There was a huge explosion This caused a cloud of dust and gas. The cloud settled to form the universe. On earth there wasn’t any land or sea- just a very hot kind of mud “primeval soup” Proteins and amino acids got fused together, creating the first simple life forms These developed into more complex life forms  reptiles  mammals Finally, humans – about 5 million years ago

Origins of Life – Religious Perspectives Religions each have their own ideas about how the world and life began. They are almost always linked to a God, and this gives religions a special attitude to the world around them. They feel responsible for the world because of their beliefs.

Creation Christianity, Islam and Judaism share the same story of how the world began. At the beginning of time, God created the world from nothing. It took 6 “days” and after its completion God was pleased with it. The creation included the world (land, sea, vegetation, sun, moon, stars) and all life on it (fish, birds and animals). Humans were the final creation.

Creation Hindus believe that Brahman is responsible for the universe. There are many creation stories in Hinduism.

Stewardship This means “looking after” All religions believe we have to look after the world. It belongs to God, not us. By looking after the world, we show respect to God. In Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Sikhism it is almost an act of worship to look after the world. In all religions, stewardship is a duty that God has set for humans.

Christian Attitudes to the Environment Christianity teaches: God made the world, and gave the duty of stewardship to humans (Genesis) The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalms) Respect for life extends to the rest of creation (Pope John Paul II) More than ever, individually and collectively, people are responsible for the future if the planet (Pope John Paul II) I want to awake in you a deep admiration for creation, until anywhere thinking of plants and flowers, you are overcome by thoughts of the Creator (St Basil)

Hindu Attitudes to the Environment Hinduism teaches: Respect for all life Ahimsa Hindus focus on environmental values (Artharva Veda) Trees have five sorts of kindness which are their daily sacrifice (Varaha Purana): To families they give fuel To passer-by the give shade and a resting place To bird they give shelter With their leaves, roots and bark they give medicines All life is interdependent, including animals and plants. All life depends on the environment

Learning for today - Review Sanctity of life and dignity of human life comparison Christian Hindu Ethical principles and oral or written codes of behaviour