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17 — Teachers and Interpreters (20 marks) (a) Outline the role of ONE school of thought or pivotal person from ONE religious tradition from the period of early foundation OR a period of growth, division or crisis - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 17 - 2001 - Paper 1
Question 17
17 — Teachers and Interpreters (20 marks) (a) Outline the role of ONE school of thought or pivotal person from ONE religious tradition from the period of early foun... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:17 — Teachers and Interpreters (20 marks) (a) Outline the role of ONE school of thought or pivotal person from ONE religious tradition from the period of early foundation OR a period of growth, division or crisis - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 17 - 2001 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline the role of ONE school of thought or pivotal person from ONE religious tradition from the period of early foundation OR a period of growth, division or crisis.
Answer
One significant pivotal figure in Christianity is Paul the Apostle. His role can be seen primarily during the early growth of Christianity, particularly in the spread of the faith beyond Jewish communities. Paul emphasized the belief that faith in Jesus Christ could be accessible to all, not just the Jewish population. This viewpoint was crucial during a time of intense division where early Christians debated whether non-Jews should follow Jewish laws. Paul's teachings, as articulated in his epistles, laid the foundation for the theology of grace and shaped the identity of the early Church. His missionary journeys helped to establish Christian communities across the Roman Empire, thus playing a critical role in the growth of Christianity.
Step 2
Explain how ONE contemporary school of thought OR pivotal person makes a difference to the everyday life of believers in the religious tradition selected in part (a).
Answer
In contemporary Christianity, Liberation Theology has emerged as a significant school of thought, particularly in Latin America. It emphasizes the moral duty of believers to address social injustices and the rights of the oppressed. This philosophy has transformed the everyday lives of believers as it encourages them to engage actively in social justice initiatives, advocating for the marginalized and challenging economic disparities. Through community organizing and social activism, Liberation Theology actively influences the way believers practice their faith, making it relevant to modern socio-political issues.
Step 3
Evaluate, in TWO religious traditions, the effect on believers of a school of thought OR pivotal person in ONE of the following areas: Challenge to the tradition.
Answer
In Buddhism, a pivotal figure is Buddha himself, whose teachings challenged existing Hindu traditions by emphasizing personal experience and enlightenment over ritualistic practices. This challenge led to a significant shift in spiritual paradigms for many seekers, allowing them to pursue a more personal spiritual path.
In Judaism, the emergence of Reform Judaism posed a challenge to traditional interpretations of Jewish law and practice. It advocate for a more modern approach to Jewish identity, allowing followers to adapt their religious practices to contemporary values. This movement has influenced believers by providing space for individual interpretation and flexibility in observance, reshaping Jewish religious life.
Step 4
Evaluate, in TWO religious traditions, the effect on believers of a school of thought OR pivotal person in ONE of the following areas: Extent and significance of change.
Answer
In Islam, the interpretation of classical texts by scholars such as Sayyid Qutb has radically changed the understanding of Islam's role in governance and civil society. His thoughts on Islamic activism have not only encouraged a new wave of believers to engage politically but also sparked significant debates about the nature of Islamic law in contemporary societies.
In Christianity, the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther brought significant changes to believers' practices by rejecting certain Catholic doctrines, such as the sale of indulgences. This led to a greater emphasis on personal faith and scripture, which ultimately democratized religious authority and allowed believers to engage directly with their faith, profoundly impacting the landscape of Christian worship.