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5.1 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - English General - NSC Religion Studies - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 5
5.1 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,... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5.1 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - English General - NSC Religion Studies - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
5.1.1 Name any TWO secular world views and discuss the differences between them.
Answer
Two notable secular world views are Atheism and Secular Humanism.
Atheism is the absence of belief in any gods or deities. Atheists may range from strong atheists, who assert that there is no god, to soft atheists, who lack belief but remain open to the possibility of a god's existence.
Secular Humanism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of human values and ethics derived from human experience rather than religious doctrine. It focuses on reason, morality, and justice, and advocates for human rights and critical thinking.
The primary difference lies in the approach to understanding existence: atheism outright denies the existence of a supreme being, while secular humanism does not focus on the existence of divine entities but rather prioritizes human welfare and ethics. Atheism can lead to a more nihilistic viewpoint, while secular humanism often aims to promote a more inclusive and humanitarian approach.
Step 2
5.1.2 Morality (the ability to distinguish between right and wrong) is influenced by religion as well as by secular world views. State the influence of each on the development of morality.
Answer
In terms of religion, moral teachings often come from sacred texts and are reinforced through communal practices. Religions typically emphasize the concepts of good and evil and the consequences of one's actions. For example, many religions promote the idea of divine judgment, rewarding good deeds and punishing wrongdoings, which can strongly influence adherents' moral choices.
Conversely, secular world views promote moral reasoning based on human experience and rational thought. For instance, the utilitarian perspective evaluates actions based on their consequences for overall happiness and well-being. This perspective encourages individuals to make moral choices grounded in social accountability rather than religious dogma.
Step 3
5.2 Give a brief explanation of the Big Bang theory.
Answer
The Big Bang theory posits that approximately 14 billion years ago, the universe began as an extremely hot and dense singularity. Following the Big Bang, the universe expanded rapidly, leading to the cooling of matter. This cooling allowed subatomic particles to form atoms, leading to the creation of hydrogen and helium. Over time, regions of denser matter coalesced under gravity to form stars and galaxies.
This theory fundamentally alters our understanding of the universe's origins, suggesting a dynamic, evolving cosmos rather than a static creation.
Step 4
5.3 What are the main reasons that some religions reject the Big Bang theory? In your answer refer to AT LEAST TWO religions.
Answer
Many religious groups, such as Christianity and Judaism, may reject the Big Bang theory due to their literal interpretations of sacred texts. For instance, Christianity interprets the Book of Genesis as stating that God created the universe in six days, implying a young Earth and a direct act of creation that conflicts with the timeline suggested by the Big Bang.
Similarly, many Jewish traditions also hold to the creation narrative in the Torah, which asserts that God created the universe purposefully and in a specific order, often contrary to scientific explanations provided by the Big Bang theory. This leads both religious groups to view the Big Bang as incompatible with their belief in divine creation.