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Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 5 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 5
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. INTERRELIGIOUS RELATIONSHIPS Religious communities have become leaders in peace education. They recogn... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 5 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
South Africa is a multifaith society. Discuss how the South African government promotes respect, tolerance and understanding of all religions.
Answer
The South African government promotes respect, tolerance, and understanding of all religions through various means:
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Constitutional Provisions: The South African Constitution guarantees freedom of religious observance and conscience, ensuring that all religions are treated with respect. This allowance is protected by the Human Rights Commission and organizations like the National Religious Leaders' Forum (NRLF).
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Education: The curriculum includes religion education offered through Life Orientation and Religion Studies, which helps foster understanding among different faith groups.
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Public Gatherings: At public events, such as parliamentary gatherings, a universal prayer that recognizes all beliefs promotes inclusivity, although the effectiveness can vary across communities.
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Minority Group Rights: The government acknowledges that minority religious groups are entitled to their practices and observances, aiming to create a balanced religious landscape.
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Continued Efforts: Although efforts are in place, there are ongoing challenges, with some communities not fully embracing the diversity endorsed by the Constitution.
Step 2
Discuss the history of the Parliament of the World's Religions, from its beginning to 2009.
Answer
The Parliament of the World's Religions has a rich history, starting in 1893:
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Establishment: The first Parliament took place in Chicago in 1893, aiming to create a global dialogue for different faiths.
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Focus on Major Issues: The 1993 Parliament highlighted significant social issues such as HIV/AIDS, while the 2004 meeting in Barcelona addressed religious violence and the plight of refugees.
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Development Goals: The 2007 session shifted focus towards the Millennium Development Goals, specifically aimed at poverty eradication.
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Aboriginal Reconciliation: The 2009 Parliament in Melbourne, Australia, focused on Aboriginal issues and global climate change, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability.
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Global Reach: The Parliament successfully created a space for various religions to engage with one another, fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
Step 3
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Parliament of the World's Religions.
Answer
The effectiveness of the Parliament of the World's Religions can be evaluated through several aspects:
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Global Representation: The Parliament successfully brings together diverse religious groups, providing them a platform for dialogue.
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Awareness Raising: It raises awareness about critical global issues, such as poverty and human rights, linking them to religious responsibilities.
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Coalition Building: The organization has facilitated coalitions among various religious factions to address shared social grievances, enhancing its influence.
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Limitations: However, its lack of statutory power limits its authority, as it cannot enforce any legislations or commitments made during its sessions.
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Dependence on Cooperation: Its effectiveness is heavily reliant on cooperation with national and international entities, sometimes leading to a slow response to urgent issues.
Step 4
The Africa Council of Religious Leaders was founded in 2002 and is the largest and most representative multireligious platform in Africa. List FIVE guiding principles of this organisation.
Answer
The guiding principles of the African Council of Religious Leaders (ACRL) are as follows:
- Respect for Religious Differences: Acknowledging and embracing the diversity within African faiths.
- Moral Values: Acting based on deeply held morals that align with common human values.
- Honoring Community Identity: Recognizing and preserving the identity of various religious communities within the broader multi-religious landscape.
- Supporting Local Multi-religious Structures: Encouraging local initiatives that bring different faiths together in the ACRL network.
- Principles of Participation: Upholding representativity, subsidiarity, and solidarity in all organizational actions.
Step 5
Do you think women are playing an important role in promoting interreligious relationships in South Africa? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer
Yes, women play a vital role in promoting interreligious relationships in South Africa for several reasons:
- Historical Involvement: Many women actively participated in the anti-apartheid struggle, which laid the groundwork for ongoing interfaith initiatives.
- Community Leadership: Women are often leaders within their religious communities, fostering dialogues that transcend faith boundaries.
- Unified Efforts: Women’s unions and groups often work together, sharing their experiences and creating platforms for mutual support against social challenges.
- Conflict Resolution: Women tend to be effective mediators, addressing conflicts arising from religious differences and promoting peaceful coexistence.
- Education and Advocacy: Women are involved in educational programs that emphasize tolerance and understanding, encouraging future generations to value diversity.