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All religions have a set of beliefs about the nature of divinity, humanity, the world, creation and other parts of life - NSC Religion Studies - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 2
All religions have a set of beliefs about the nature of divinity, humanity, the world, creation and other parts of life. Such broad beliefs are referred to as religi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:All religions have a set of beliefs about the nature of divinity, humanity, the world, creation and other parts of life - NSC Religion Studies - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
Analyse the nature of divinity as it is explained in the religion's central teachings.
Answer
In Hinduism, the highest concept of God is Brahman, who is considered the Supreme Being. Brahman is omnipresent and serves as the source of all existence. This divine nature is dual-fold, having both an active and a passive state. The active state reflects creation, often symbolized by the Big Bang, while the passive state represents rest and contemplation. The various deities worshiped in Hinduism, such as Ishwara, represent different aspects of Brahman, showcasing that God can be experienced in various ways according to the devotee's spiritual journey.
Step 2
Discuss the central teachings of the religion that refer to the relationship between the community and the individual.
Answer
Hinduism teaches that society is structured around four categories known as varnas: the Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers). Each individual's duty is derived from their varna, contributing to the broader fabric of society. The teachings emphasize that individuals must pursue their own dharma, or duty, which not only benefits themselves but also upholds societal order. This interconnectedness illustrates a significant relationship between individual roles and the community's well-being.
Step 3
Explain the religion's view on the origin of evil.
Answer
In Hinduism, evil is understood as a necessary aspect of the duality in existence. It is often perceived not as an inherent trait of humanity, but as a byproduct of ignorance and the illusion of separation from the divine. The belief is that suffering and evil arise when human beings stray from their duties and the universal laws. Ultimately, transcending the illusion of duality through understanding and practicing righteousness can lead to a state of liberation, where the soul aligns harmoniously with Brahman.
Step 4
Explain the religion's teachings about life after death.
Answer
According to Hindu beliefs, life is cyclic and encompasses the concepts of samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth). When a person dies, their soul undergoes reincarnation and is reborn in another body. The aim of this cycle is to achieve moksha, the liberation from samsara, which is attained when the soul realizes its oneness with Brahman. This liberation allows the soul to exit the cycle of birth and rebirth, thus transcending the material existence.