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According to the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution 'everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion' - NSC Religion Studies - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 2
According to the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution 'everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion'. 2.1.1 Wh... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:According to the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution 'everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion' - NSC Religion Studies - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
What role did religions play in the development of the Human Rights Charter? Give examples to illustrate the answer.
Answer
Religions have significantly contributed to the foundation of human rights, emphasizing universal respect and dignity. The concept that 'All are created by Allah' fosters a sense of community and equality, underpinning the universal principles found in the Human Rights Charter.
For instance, Islam promotes that there is 'no compulsion in religion', advocating for freedom of belief, which is a fundamental aspect of human rights. Furthermore, the Buddhist perspective on respecting all living beings underlines the importance of compassion and mutual respect in human interactions. These teachings illustrate how religious doctrines can guide and shape ethical frameworks essential for the development of human rights.
Step 2
Discuss the difference between respect and tolerance.
Answer
Respect involves acknowledging the inherent worth of individuals and valuing their beliefs or practices, while tolerance is the acceptance of differing views without necessarily agreeing with them. Respect is an active engagement that fosters positive relationships, whereas tolerance may simply imply a passive coexistence.
In essence, respect leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse beliefs, while tolerance focuses on enduring differences without conflict.
Step 3
How is religious tolerance different in Western and Eastern cultures?
Answer
In Western cultures, religious tolerance typically emphasizes individual choice and the separation of church and state, often rooted in Enlightenment ideas. This leads to a focus on pluralism where multiple religions can coexist peacefully without state interference.
Conversely, Eastern cultures may prioritize communal harmony, where tolerance is seen as a way to maintain social order and harmony. In many cases, there is an expectation for individuals to respect and engage with the dominant religion or belief system, leading to different expressions of tolerance.
Step 4
Explain the term Similarity in a religious context and give ONE example of it.
Answer
Similarity refers to shared features or beliefs among different religions. For example, both Christianity and African Traditional Religion recognize the existence of a supernatural being, illustrating how diverse faiths can overlap in foundational beliefs.
Step 5
Explain the term Identity in a religious context and give ONE example of it.
Answer
Identity in a religious context pertains to the self-identification of individuals with a particular faith. An example is that many Muslims define their identity as followers of Islam, which shapes their values and lifestyle as distinct from other religions.
Step 6
Explain the term Colonialism in a religious context and give ONE example of it.
Answer
Colonialism involves the imposition of one country's rule over another, which can include its religion. A historical example is when European powers spread Christianity in Africa, often disregarding indigenous beliefs and imposing their religion, which altered local spiritual practices.
Step 7
Explain the term Unity in a religious context and give ONE example of it.
Answer
Unity refers to the cohesion and togetherness found within or across religious groups. For instance, in many religions, followers believe in communal worship practices which promote a sense of belonging and collective identity, such as the Friday prayers in Islam.
Step 8
Explain the term Uniqueness in a religious context and give ONE example of it.
Answer
Uniqueness pertains to the distinct characteristics that set one belief system apart from others. An example is the emphasis on ancestor veneration in African Traditional Religion, which differentiates it fundamentally from monotheistic religions like Christianity and Islam.