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4.1 Discuss the origins of any ONE secular world view by explaining how and why it came about - NSC Religion Studies - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 4
4.1 Discuss the origins of any ONE secular world view by explaining how and why it came about. 4.2 Discuss the teachings of the secular world view in QUESTION 4.1 a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4.1 Discuss the origins of any ONE secular world view by explaining how and why it came about - NSC Religion Studies - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
Discuss the origins of any ONE secular world view by explaining how and why it came about.
Answer
One secular worldview to consider is Materialism. Materialism originated in various areas across Europe and Asia, particularly during the Axial Age from 800 - 200 BCE. It primarily expresses itself in ancient Indian philosophy, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
In the West, materialism found its initial expression through Greek philosophers, later revived by the Atomists in the 18th century. The philosopher Karl Marx played a significant role in elaborating materialism during the 19th century, merging human history and economic activity into this worldview.
The Protestant Reformation also contributed to the development of materialist thinking by emphasizing rationalism independent of religious constraints. Materialism continues to influence various ideologies and movements outside traditional religious contexts.
Step 2
Discuss the teachings of the secular world view in QUESTION 4.1 above.
Answer
The teachings of Materialism assert that matter is the only reality. This worldview denies the existence of anything beyond the material realm, opposing the beliefs inherent in religious worldviews.
Key tenets include:
- Rejection of Spiritual Dependency: Materialism teaches that all experiences are rooted in the physical world, negating the need for spiritual beliefs.
- Reason and Scientific Inquiry: It promotes critical thinking, underpinning beliefs with empirical evidence and scientific reasoning.
- Search for Objective Truth: The pursuit of truth is central, concerning itself with understanding this life rather than what may lie beyond.
- Focus on Ethics and Justice: Ethical conduct is emphasized based on human well-being rather than divine commandments.
Step 3
Discuss how the normative source(s) of any ONE religion originated and developed over time.
Answer
Taking Judaism as an example, one significant normative source is the Torah. The Torah, consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, was compiled and canonized in the first century CE.
Initially, oral traditions were passed down, with various interpretations until the formal scriptural texts were recorded. Key components of this development include:
- The Canonization Process: This involved communal deliberation among scholars to determine which texts constituted the sacred writings.
- Rabbinical Development: Over time, rabbinical interpretations emerged, which further elaborated on the Torah's ethical teachings.
- Talmudic References: Subsequent texts, such as the Talmud, offered expanded discussions and applications of the Torah's principles. These normative sources have played a vital role in shaping Jewish law and identity throughout history.