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Immigration from which country has most increased the number of Christian adherents in Australia? A - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 2
Immigration from which country has most increased the number of Christian adherents in Australia? A. China? B. Iran C. Philippines D. Thailand (a) (i) Briefly outli... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Immigration from which country has most increased the number of Christian adherents in Australia? A - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Briefly outline ONE contribution to Christianity of ONE significant person or school of thought, other than Jesus.
Answer
One significant contribution to Christianity is from Saint Augustine of Hippo. His theological writings, particularly in 'The City of God' and 'Confessions', emphasized the necessity of divine grace for human salvation and introduced the doctrine of original sin. Augustine's work laid the foundation for much of Western Christian thought and has influenced various denominations.
Step 2
What impact has the significant person or school of thought outlined in part (a) (i) had on the development and/or expression of Christianity?
Answer
Saint Augustine's contributions had a profound impact on the development of Christian doctrine, particularly regarding the nature of sin and grace. His notion that humans are inherently sinful due to original sin influenced views on human nature and morality within Christianity. Additionally, his thoughts on the Trinity and the nature of God provided a framework for understanding the relationships within the Godhead, thereby shaping doctrinal teachings. Augustine’s emphasis on the need for grace resulted in a greater focus on sacramental life and the church's role in mediating that grace, particularly within the Catholic tradition. His ideas have also fostered debates on free will versus determinism, significantly affecting theological discussions through the Middle Ages and into the Reformation.
Step 3
How does the above teaching give guidance to adherents in ONE of the following areas? • Bioethics • Environmental ethics • Sexual ethics
Answer
The teachings derived from Saint Augustine's emphasis on divine grace and the fallen nature of humanity provide critical guidance in bioethics. His views encourage Christians to consider the moral implications of medical practices and the sanctity of life. For instance, Augustine's belief in original sin suggests that all human life is valuable but also inherently flawed, prompting adherents to engage in bioethical discussions with a perspective that emphasizes compassion, ethical integrity, and respect for life. This can lead to a cautious approach to issues such as euthanasia, abortion, and genetic engineering, prioritizing the dignity of human life and moral responsibilities over technological advancements.