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Analyse the way in which TWO religious traditions give ethical guidance in relation to ONE of the following areas: - violence, war and peace - bioethics - the environment - work ethics and business/professional ethics - sexual ethics - marriage and divorce. - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 14 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 14
Analyse the way in which TWO religious traditions give ethical guidance in relation to ONE of the following areas: - violence, war and peace - bioethics - the envir... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Analyse the way in which TWO religious traditions give ethical guidance in relation to ONE of the following areas: - violence, war and peace - bioethics - the environment - work ethics and business/professional ethics - sexual ethics - marriage and divorce. - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 14 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
violence, war and peace
Answer
In this section, I will analyze how two religious traditions—Christianity and Buddhism—provide ethical guidance on violence, war, and peace.
Christianity
Christianity generally emphasizes the principles of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Key teachings from the New Testament, such as Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers," advocate for peaceful resolution of conflicts. Additionally, the concept of Just War Theory, developed by theologians like Augustine and Aquinas, outlines conditions under which war may be morally justified. These conditions include legitimate authority, just cause, and proportionality in the use of force, indicating a measured approach to violence.
Buddhism
Buddhism also values peace but does so through the lens of non-violence or 'Ahimsa.' The First Precept in Buddhism advises against harming living beings, which directly influences Buddhist attitudes towards violence and war. This tradition promotes the idea of compassion (Karuna) as a tool to resolve conflict. Historical figures like the Dalai Lama have advocated for peaceful solutions, such as dialogue and understanding, to address disputes. Furthermore, the concept of interdependence in Buddhism suggests that violent actions have far-reaching consequences resulting not only in physical harm but also societal unrest.
Conclusion
Both religious traditions provide a framework for understanding violence and promote peace, though they do so from different perspectives. Christianity tends to balance the notion of justifiable force with the need for peace, while Buddhism advocates for absolute non-violence, emphasizing compassion.
Step 2
bioethics
Answer
In this section, I will overview how Islamic and Jewish traditions provide ethical guidance in bioethics.
Islam
Islamic bioethics is grounded in the Quran and Hadith, emphasizing the sanctity of life. For instance, the Quran states, "And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right" (Quran 17:33). This principle frames discussions on issues like euthanasia and abortion. Scholars such as Al-Ghazali and Ibn Sina have contributed significantly in establishing moral stances on medical practices, advocating for the preservation of life and welfare of patients while addressing modern medical dilemmas through a framework of Sharia.
Judaism
Jewish bioethics is influenced by the Torah and Talmud. The principle of 'Pikuach Nefesh' prioritizes saving a life above almost all other commandments. For example, during medical interventions, Jewish law permits breaches of the Sabbath to save a life, showing the paramount importance of life preservation. Ethical discussions in Judaism also encompass topics like genetic engineering and organ donation, where rabbinic authorities navigate halachic laws to determine permissible actions promoting life.
Conclusion
Both Islamic and Jewish traditions offer substantial ethical insights in bioethics, with a strong focus on the sanctity and preservation of life, though their approaches and derived laws may differ.
Step 3
the environment
Answer
In this section, I will discuss how Hinduism and Christianity offer ethical guidance regarding environmental stewardship.
Hinduism
Hindu teachings promote a profound respect for nature, viewing it as interconnected with the divine. Texts like the Vedanta and the Arthashastra emphasize the importance of living in harmony with nature. The belief in 'Dharmic' responsibility encourages followers to care for the Earth, as seen in the reverence for sacred rivers and animals.
Christianity
Christianity addresses environmental concerns mainly through the concept of stewardship. Genesis 2:15 states, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it," indicating a responsibility toward creation. Recent papal encyclicals, such as Pope Francis' "Laudato Si’," further elaborate on ecological ethics, urging Christians to combat climate change and respect the planet as God's creation.
Conclusion
Hinduism and Christianity both provide ethical frameworks for environmental care, emphasizing respect and stewardship, promoting meaningful action against contemporary ecological challenges.