Photo AI
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 5
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. When people become actively secular, they find that they need to put forward a theory of their own, som... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Name any TWO secular world views and discuss the differences between them.
Answer
-
Secular Humanism: This worldview emphasizes the importance of human values, dignity, and the capacity for self-realization through reason, ethics, and justice. It is characterized by a belief in human progress and a commitment to science and rationality rather than theistic doctrines.
-
Materialism: Materialism posits that only physical matter exists and that everything can be explained in terms of material interactions. It denies the existence of supernatural entities and often holds a reductionist view of human experience.
Differences:
- Secular humanism centers on human experience and ethics while materialism focuses on the tangible and physical reality.
- Secular humanists may embrace ethical relativism and social justice, whereas materialists tend to view moral behavior as a byproduct of biological and social processes.
Step 2
Morality is influenced by religion as well as by secular world views. State the influence of each on the development of morality.
Answer
-
Influence of Religion: Religious teachings often provide a moral framework that guides behavior by emphasizing concepts like good and evil, rewards for good deeds, and punishments for immoral actions. This moral instruction is typically drawn from sacred texts and community practices.
-
Influence of Secular World Views: Secular views promote moral reasoning based on human experiences and social contracts rather than divine commandments. This can encourage individuals to evaluate right and wrong based on the consequences of actions on human welfare, fostering a more situational understanding of morality.
Step 3
Give a brief explanation of the Big Bang theory.
Answer
The Big Bang theory posits that approximately 14 billion years ago, the universe began from an extremely hot and dense state and has been expanding ever since. Initially, all matter was concentrated in a singularity, and as the universe expanded, it cooled, allowing for the formation of subatomic particles and later atoms. These atoms eventually coalesced to form stars and galaxies. Earth, formed around 4.5 billion years ago, emerged from debris in this expanding universe.
Step 4
What are the main reasons that some religions reject the Big Bang theory? In your answer refer to AT LEAST TWO religions.
Answer
-
Christianity: Many Christian denominations interpret the creation account in the Book of Genesis literally. They believe that God created the universe in six days and argue that the Big Bang theory contradicts this religious narrative, sidelining divine involvement in creation.
-
Judaism: Similar to Christianity, certain Jewish interpretations of the Torah assert a direct divine creation. Judaism holds that God created the universe in a defined timeframe, making the Big Bang theory incompatible with these beliefs.
These religions often prioritize faith-based explanations over scientific theories.