Which of the following best expresses an Aboriginal worldview? (A) The Earth is a goddess that can be worshipped - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 10 - 2016 - Paper 1

To determine which option best expresses an Aboriginal worldview, we need to consider the connections between individuals and their cultural identities as influenced by their environments, traditions, and narratives.

Analysis of Options:

• (A) states that the Earth is a goddess that can be worshipped, which anthropomorphizes nature but does not accurately reflect the Aboriginal connection to the land that transcends worship.
• (B) mentions moving kinship groups strengthening social cohesion, which is relevant but doesn’t encompass the broader worldview.
• (C) suggests that one’s sense of self is dependent on time and place, which reflects some aspects of Aboriginal identity, especially in relation to land and spirituality. However, it might not fully capture the essence of Aboriginal narratives.
• (D) asserts that one’s cultural identity has emerged from the creation stories, which is fundamental to Aboriginal worldviews that emphasize the significance of these stories in defining cultural identity.

Conclusion: Hence, option (D) best encapsulates the Aboriginal worldview by highlighting the integral role of creation stories in shaping cultural identity.