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Analyse the way in which TWO religious traditions give ethical guidance in relation to ONE of the following areas: - violence, war and peace - bioethics - the environment - work ethics and business/professional ethics - sexual ethics - marriage and divorce. - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 14 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 14
Analyse the way in which TWO religious traditions give ethical guidance in relation to ONE of the following areas: - violence, war and peace - bioethics - the envir... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Analyse the way in which TWO religious traditions give ethical guidance in relation to ONE of the following areas: - violence, war and peace - bioethics - the environment - work ethics and business/professional ethics - sexual ethics - marriage and divorce. - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 14 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
Analyse the Way in Which Two Religious Traditions Give Ethical Guidance in Relation to Violence, War and Peace
Answer
To analyze how two religious traditions address ethical guidance in relation to violence, war, and peace, we can consider Christianity and Buddhism as examples.
Christianity
Christian teachings generally emphasize peace and reconciliation. The New Testament includes verses such as Matthew 5:9, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.' This highlights the importance of conflict resolution through peaceful means.
In the context of war, Christians analyze just war theory, which stipulates that war can only be justified when certain conditions are met. This includes having a just cause, being declared by a legitimate authority, and ensuring that the means used to fight the war are proportional to the desired outcome. This framework encourages ethical considerations related to the sanctioning of violence.
Buddhism
In contrast, Buddhism teaches the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, which is foundational to its ethical teachings. The first precept states, 'I undertake to abstain from the destruction of living creatures.' This commitment shapes followers' attitudes towards violence, advocating for peaceful resolutions and compassion towards all beings.
Buddhists also engage in the practice of mindfulness, which encourages self-reflection and awareness in conflict situations, promoting non-violent approaches. The Dhammapada reflects these values by advocating for love and non-attachment rather than aggression.
Conclusion
Both traditions provide rich ethical frameworks that highlight the importance of peace. Christianity articulates its guidance through theological interpretations and just war principles, while Buddhism embodies non-violence and mindfulness in its approach, showcasing contrasting yet complementary ethical perspectives.
Step 2
Analyse the Way in Which Two Religious Traditions Give Ethical Guidance in Relation to Bioethics
Answer
Christianity
Within Christianity, bioethics is often guided by the sanctity of life principle, which posits that life is sacred and should be protected. This is grounded in biblical scripture such as Genesis 1:27, where humans are created in the image of God. This belief influences Christian attitudes towards issues like abortion and euthanasia, promoting the view that life should be preserved at all stages.
The Role of Church Teachings
The Catholic Church, for instance, provides specific guidance through documents like the "Catechism of the Catholic Church," which discusses moral teachings concerning the end of life and reproductive technologies. These teachings argue against practices such as assisted suicide and advocate for palliative care as a compassionate approach to dying.
Buddhism
In Buddhism, ethical considerations in bioethics focus on compassion and reducing suffering. The principle of ahimsa extends to considerations around medical interventions and end-of-life decisions.
Compassionate Care
Buddhist teachings encourage practices like engaging in compassionate conversations about death and dying, emphasizing a mindful approach that respects individuals' wishes and pain management.
Conclusion
Both religious traditions provide frameworks that directly impact bioethical discussions. While Christianity emphasizes life’s sanctity, Buddhism advocates for compassion, leading to diverse approaches to complex bioethical issues.