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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
5.1 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 plays a crucial role in promoting respect and tolerance among its diverse faith communities. According to the Constitution, all South Africans enjoy the freedom of religious observance and conscience. This right is protected by the Human Rights Commission, along with the National Religious Leaders' Forum (NRLF).
Government initiatives have facilitated the inclusion of religious education within schools through subjects like Life Orientation and Religion Studies, fostering a culture of understanding from a young age. At public gatherings, such as parliamentary sessions, universal prayers that embrace all religions are often encouraged, though disparities in observance can emerge.
Despite these initiatives, challenges remain, as minority groups sometimes face discrimination. The extent to which respect and tolerance is practiced can vary significantly across communities, highlighting areas that require further attention and intervention.
Step 2
5.2 Discuss the history of the Parliament of the World's Religions, from its beginning to 2009.
Answer
The Parliament of the World's Religions was established in Chicago in 1893 with the aim of fostering global dialogue among different faiths. In its formative years, it set a precedent for interfaith discussions, addressing urgent global issues. Notably, the 1993 Parliament gathered to highlight critical matters such as HIV/AIDS.
In 2004, the Parliament convened in Barcelona, focusing on violence, refugee crises, and global debt. The 2007 gathering shifted attention to the Millennium Development Goals, emphasising the eradication of poverty. By 2009, the Parliament met in Melbourne to tackle pressing issues like Aboriginal reconciliation and environmental sustainability, showcasing its evolving role in addressing contemporary challenges.
Step 3
5.3 Evaluate the effectiveness of the Parliament of the World's Religions.
Answer
The Parliament of the World's Religions has effectively facilitated dialogue among diverse religious communities, allowing them to collectively address issues like religious violence. However, it operates without statutory power, relying heavily on cooperation with state and civil society partners.
While it has international branches and has been pivotal in promoting peace, its effectiveness can wane due to declining interest in religiosity and the challenges of enforcing recommendations. Thus, the Parliament's impact is contingent upon active engagement from both religious leaders and the communities they serve.
Step 4
5.4 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 Africa Council of Religious Leaders are:
- Respect for religious differences.
- Acting on deeply held shared moral values.
- Preservation of the identity of each religious community.
- Honor the diversity of religious communities in organizational activities.
- Supporting local multi-religious initiatives within the ACRL networks.
Step 5
5.5 Do you think women play an important role in promoting interreligious relationships in South Africa? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer
Yes, women in South Africa undeniably play a vital role in promoting interreligious relationships. Historically, women were instrumental in the struggle against apartheid, organising themselves into unions for collective action.
In many religious contexts, women serve as leaders and mediators, advocating for peace and understanding among different faiths. Their ability to unite communities facing challenges, such as social injustices, positions them as key figures in fostering interreligious dialogue.
Conversely, challenges exist, as women's voices are often marginalized within religious institutions. This duality underscores the need to empower women to enhance their contributions towards harmony and cooperation among diverse religious groups.