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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 prominent secular worldview is Materialism, which originated in various regions including Europe and Asia during the Axial Age, around 800 - 200 BCE. The roots of materialism can be traced back to ancient Indian philosophy, Buddhism, and Confucianism, with a significant revival in the West through Greek philosophers and Atomists in the 18th century.
A pivotal figure in this development was Karl Marx, who during the 19th century elaborated on materialism within the lens of human history and economics. Marx believed that material conditions were the primary drivers of societal evolution, emphasizing that human life and its socio-economic interactions take precedence over ideas and beliefs.
The Protestant Reformation also played a role in the growth of secular materialism by fostering a critical examination of non-religious beliefs, leading to a broader acceptance of materialistic worldviews across Europe.
Step 2
Discuss the teachings of the secular world view in QUESTION 4.1 above.
Answer
Materialism, as a secular worldview, posits that matter is the only reality. Its fundamental teachings can be summarized as follows:
- Existence of Material Reality: Materialism asserts that everything exists in the physical realm and there is no existence beyond it.
- Rejection of Supernatural: Followers reject any supernatural beliefs or dependencies, affirming that all phenomena can be explained by natural laws and processes.
- Focus on Empirical Evidence: The materialist approach emphasizes the importance of reason, critical inquiry, and scientific evidence as foundational to understanding the world.
- Ethical Conduct: Ethics are derived from life in the present, rather than from religious scriptures, highlighting concerns for justice, fairness, and building a better society.
Step 3
Discuss how the normative source(s) of any ONE religion originated and developed over time.
Answer
Taking Judaism as an example, the normative source of this religion—the Jewish scriptures—was formally codified around the first century CE. The process of canonization involved debates and deliberations among religious scholars to determine which texts were divinely revealed.
Significant components of the normative sources include:
- The Torah: The first five books of Moses were gradually compiled as a central element of Jewish law and instruction.
- The Prophets and The Writings: These texts were also included over the subsequent centuries, further expanding the Jewish canon.
As the community faced various historical challenges, such as the Babylonian exile and the destruction of the Second Temple, the significance of these texts grew. They became instrumental in maintaining the identity and continuity of the Jewish faith through rabbinic interpretations and teachings, which included the Talmud and Midrash, shaping Jewish practice and belief for generations.