Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1

Respect involves a deep acknowledgment of an individual's beliefs or practices, recognizing their validity and worth. It means valuing others irrespective of differing views. For example, someone who respects a friend’s religious practices will honor their traditions and support them.

On the other hand, tolerance is the acceptance of differing views without necessarily agreeing with them. It implies coexistence rather than embracing differences. An individual may tolerate a belief while personally opposing it. Thus, while respect fosters deeper relationships, tolerance merely allows for peaceful coexistence.

In Western cultures, religious tolerance has often been influenced by the Enlightenment, emphasizing individual rights and secular governance. This leads to a framework where multiple religions coexist, but often under the dominance of a prevailing belief system. For example, in many Western societies, freedom of religion is protected by law, yet societal expectations may pressure individuals towards mainstream monotheistic practices.

Conversely, in Eastern cultures, religious tolerance tends to be more communal and integrated into daily social interactions. Often, beliefs are interwoven, where multiple religions coexist fluidly, such as in Hindu-majority regions interacting with Islam and Buddhism. The emphasis is more on harmonious relationships and mutual respect among different faiths.

In a religious context, similarity refers to shared beliefs or practices among different religions. For example, both Christianity and Islam profess the existence of one God and advocate for compassion and charity towards others.

Religious identity refers to how individuals define themselves in relation to a particular religion. For instance, many Muslims identify with their faith as a core part of their identity, forming a unique sense of belonging and community.

Colonialism in a religious context can refer to the imposition of one religion over another, often through force or governance. For example, European colonial powers often spread Christianity in colonized regions, suppressing indigenous spiritual practices.

Unity refers to the harmonious coexistence of various religious groups, promoting a sense of togetherness and mutual support. For instance, interfaith dialogues seek to foster unity among diverse religious communities to work towards common humanitarian goals.

Uniqueness refers to the distinct characteristics and beliefs that set one religion apart from others. An example is the African Traditional Religion, which emphasizes ancestral worship and the veneration of spirits, different from the practices in major world religions.