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Read the extract below and answer questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 5 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 5
Read the extract below and answer questions that follow. In the middle of the 19th century, biologist Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution in The Origin... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the extract below and answer questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 5 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
To what extent has the attitude of religion towards evolution changed since the 19th century? Give examples from at least TWO religions to support your answer.
Answer
The attitude of religion towards evolution has undergone significant changes since the 19th century. Initially, in the 19th century, the response from many religious groups, particularly the Church, was one of total rejection, viewing Darwin's theory of evolution as blasphemous. However, over time, there has been a shift towards more liberal interpretations of religious texts, especially in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Liberal believers have started to find common ground between faith and science, arguing that teachings in holy texts should be understood allegorically. For instance, some Christian denominations assert that the creation accounts in Genesis need not be interpreted literally, allowing for the acceptance of evolution as part of God's design. This reinterpretation suggests that understanding nature through science does not negate belief in divine creation.
In contrast, more orthodox believers often maintain a literal interpretation of scripture, which can lead to conflicts with evolutionary science. However, belief in evolution has been broadly accepted in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, which maintain that evolution and spiritual development can coexist harmoniously.
This evolution in understanding demonstrates an increasing acceptance of evolutionary theory within religious contexts, illustrating a notable shift from outright rejection to a more nuanced perspective.
Step 2
Discuss the relationship between the Big Bang theory and any ONE religious teaching on creation.
Answer
The Big Bang theory and religious teachings on creation can have a complementary relationship depending on the interpretation of both. For instance, in Hinduism, the concept of creation does not contradict the Big Bang theory. According to Hindu beliefs, the universe is seen as the result of an initial cosmic event often described as a divine manifestation rather than a purely scientific occurrence.
In Hindu cosmology, the creator is depicted as existing in either an active or passive state. The passive state can be understood as one in which creation happened spontaneously, similar to how the Big Bang introduced order from chaos.
After the Big Bang, the creator becomes active again, initiating the process of creation. According to Hindu philosophy, this aligns with the notion that the universe continuously evolves and expands over time. Therefore, the Big Bang theory can be harmoniously integrated into Hindu creation narratives, which view the creator and the act of creation as ongoing developments that are consistent with modern scientific understandings.