Photo AI
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 4
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. Western secularism has to do with adopting a foundation for life and law which excludes conventional re... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
Discuss the factors that led to the development of Western secular thinking.
Answer
The development of Western secular thinking can be attributed to several key factors:
-
Religious Turmoil: The 15th-century Reformation initiated by figures like Martin Luther led to significant religious conflict within Christianity. Various factions, including Catholics and Protestants, struggled for dominance, resulting in numerous wars.
-
Decline of Church Authority: The significant influence of the church began to wane as people questioned its role in governance and morality, leading to a quest for a state grounded in rationality rather than religious dogma.
-
The Rise of Intellectualism: Enlightenment thinkers began advocating for reason and empirical evidence as the cornerstones of society, promoting the idea of a secular state that ensured freedom of thought and belief.
-
Legal and Social Changes: The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 marked the end of religious wars in Europe by establishing the concept of nation-states, independent of religious control, thus reinforcing secular governance.
These changes collectively fostered an environment where secularism could flourish.
Step 2
How has the establishment of secular states led to the prevention of religious wars?
Answer
Secular states have played a vital role in preventing religious wars through the following mechanisms:
-
Neutral Governance: Secularism promotes a government structure that does not favor any particular religion, thus eliminating state-sponsored religious discrimination.
-
Religious Freedom: Individuals in secular states can practice their faith freely, leading to increased tolerance and understanding between different religious groups.
-
Conflict Resolution: Secular laws govern civic matters, providing a framework for dispute resolution that is not based on religious doctrine, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflict arising from theological differences.
-
Institutional Separation: The division of religious and state institutions prevents any one religious group from monopolizing power, allowing diverse religious practices to coexist peacefully.
Step 3
Name and explain any ONE secular worldview.
Answer
One notable secular worldview is Agnosticism.
Agnosticism posits that the existence of God or any spiritual beings is unknown and possibly unknowable. It encourages the pursuit of knowledge and understanding based on empirical evidence, rather than on faith alone. Agnostics maintain skepticism towards religious claims and doctrines, advocating that no definitive knowledge about supernatural entities can be attained. This viewpoint promotes a critical examination of beliefs and emphasizes human reason as a means for understanding the universe.
Step 4
Discuss the origin of sacred texts in any ONE religion.
Answer
Let us consider the Hindu religion and the origin of its sacred texts. The Vedas, which are integral to Hindu philosophy, began as oral traditions passed down through generations before being written. They were codified around 1500-500 BCE by the sage Krishna Dwaipayana. The Vedas serve as foundational scripture, encapsulating spiritual knowledge, rituals, and ethical guidelines for followers. Over time, these texts were compiled into a standardized format to ensure consistency in teaching across India. This compilation illustrates the evolution of Hindu beliefs and practices, reflecting the synthesis of spiritual insights over centuries.