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For TWO religious traditions, compare and contrast the effects of a pivotal individual OR a school of thought from the same period, with reference to ONE of the following: - challenge to the tradition - extent and significance of the change - reaction and response by the religious tradition - changes in society requiring adaptation of teachings - continuing impact today. - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 17 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 17
For TWO religious traditions, compare and contrast the effects of a pivotal individual OR a school of thought from the same period, with reference to ONE of the foll... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:For TWO religious traditions, compare and contrast the effects of a pivotal individual OR a school of thought from the same period, with reference to ONE of the following: - challenge to the tradition - extent and significance of the change - reaction and response by the religious tradition - changes in society requiring adaptation of teachings - continuing impact today. - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 17 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
Challenge to the tradition
Answer
In this section, one might explore how pivotal figures like Muhammad in Islam and Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) in Buddhism challenged existing religious traditions. Muhammad, through the revelation of the Quran, critiqued the polytheistic beliefs of pre-Islamic Arabia, advocating for monotheism and ethical living, whereas Buddha rejected the rigid caste system and rituals of Brahmanical Hinduism, emphasizing personal enlightenment and the middle way. Both figures initiated profound shifts away from their cultural norms, leading followers to question and redefine their faith.
Step 2
Extent and significance of the change
Answer
The changes introduced by both Muhammad and Buddha led to the establishment of significant religious movements. Islam rapidly expanded across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, fundamentally altering social constructs and legal systems. In contrast, Buddhism emphasized personal spiritual experience over collective identity, spreading mainly across Asia as a more localized philosophical framework. The extent of Islam's political influence compared to Buddhism's philosophical reaches provides a vital area for analysis.
Step 3
Reaction and response by the religious tradition
Answer
The initial reactions to Muhammad's teachings were met with resistance, leading to persecution of Muslims, particularly in Mecca. However, following Muhammad's establishment of the Muslim community in Medina, there was a significant shift in response as the non-Muslim tribes began to recognize the political authority of Islam. On the other hand, the reaction to Buddhism, particularly from Brahmannical Hinduism, initially saw indifference but eventually led to intense philosophical discussions on spirituality, leading to mutual influences in mediation and ritual practices.
Step 4
Continuing impact today
Answer
The legacies of both Muhammad and Buddha continue to influence millions of adherents worldwide. Islam's global reach and its role in contemporary geopolitical issues highlight its enduring relevance, while Buddhism's principles of mindfulness and meditation have gained substantial traction in Western societies. Examining the continuing impacts of these traditions reveals not only their historical significance but also their present-day adaptations to new cultural contexts.