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Within most religions, interpretations of beliefs may differ from one school of thought to another - NSC Religion Studies - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 3
Within most religions, interpretations of beliefs may differ from one school of thought to another. Sometimes these differences are major and have even led to religi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Within most religions, interpretations of beliefs may differ from one school of thought to another - NSC Religion Studies - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
With reference to any ONE religion, name TWO of its branches and discuss the differences between them under the following headings:
Answer
For this question, I will reference Christianity and discuss two of its branches: the Roman Catholic Church and Protestantism.
3.1.1 Teachings
The Roman Catholic Church believes that the teachings of Christ are preserved through the Church's traditions and the authority of the Pope, who is seen as Christ’s representative on earth. In contrast, Protestantism emphasizes the authority of the Bible alone, known as 'sola scriptura', meaning that the teachings should be grounded in the scripture rather than church traditions.
3.1.2 Governance
In terms of governance, the Roman Catholic Church is hierarchically structured, with the Pope at the top, followed by cardinals, bishops, and priests. This structure allows for centralized decision-making. Conversely, Protestant denominations tend to adopt varied governance structures, ranging from congregational to presbytery systems, where local church governance is prioritized, and decisions are made collectively.
Step 2
Briefly discuss what led to the formation of the two branches you named in QUESTION 3.1 above.
Answer
The Roman Catholic Church formed during the early centuries of Christianity when leadership and theology developed around apostolic succession, which emphasized the legitimacy of bishops, particularly the Pope. The Protestant branch emerged during the Reformation in the 16th century, primarily led by figures like Martin Luther, who challenged Catholic doctrines and practices, leading to a split over issues such as indulgences and the authority of scripture.
Step 3
Critically discuss the role of inspiration in religion.
Answer
Inspiration in religion is considered a crucial element, as it is believed to be the divine influence on the authors of sacred texts or religious leaders who convey teachings. This role of inspiration validates religious experiences and guides believers in their faith. It shapes doctrines and moral guidance, such as the belief that scriptures are divinely inspired and therefore inerrant. Different religions interpret inspiration differently; for instance, in Christianity, it often refers to the inspiration of the Bible by the Holy Spirit, while in Buddhism, it may relate to personal enlightenment experiences rather than written texts.