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Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 2
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. Religious teachings can be in the form of written or oral texts and, as you have learned, they are the ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
What is the place and responsibility of humanity in the world?
Answer
In Christianity, humanity is seen as created in the image of God, giving humans a unique place in creation. They are deemed the crown of creation and have a responsibility to steward the Earth. According to scripture, humans are instructed to care for the world, as they are accountable to God.
In Taoism, humans are viewed as a small part of the broader universe. They are not seen as special controllers of the world but rather as participants in a larger cosmic order. The responsibility lies in living harmoniously with the Tao.
Step 2
How can humanity overcome evil?
Answer
In Christianity, evil is overcome through faith in Jesus Christ. Believers hold that through His death and resurrection, humanity can triumph over sin and evil. The teachings encourage reliance on God and the belief that good will ultimately prevail over evil.
In Taoism, overcoming evil is achieved by aligning oneself with the true nature of the Tao. It is suggested that suffering can be alleviated by living in harmony with the Tao, letting go of desires, and practicing self-reflection.
Step 3
Name and explain any THREE hermeneutical principles.
Answer
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Historical Context: This principle emphasizes understanding the historical circumstances surrounding a text, thus gaining insight into the time, culture, and societal norms when it was written.
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Literary Genre: Recognizing the specific literary genre of a text helps to interpret its meaning appropriately. This consideration influences how the text is understood (e.g., poetry vs. prose).
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Theological Consistency: This principle suggests that interpretations should align with the overall theological themes present within the broader religious texts, ensuring coherent understanding across different scriptures.
Step 4
Name any ONE religion and discuss the historical development of its sacred book(s).
Answer
In Hinduism, the sacred texts evolved over thousands of years, with roots tracing back to the Vedas. The oral tradition was paramount, later leading to written texts. The original sound of the spoken word holds great significance, believed to be divinely inspired.
Over time, various interpretations and commentaries have developed, yielding multiple philosophical schools within Hinduism—such as Nyaya and Vedanta—each providing a unique lens through which the texts are understood. The Brahmanas and Upanishads further enriched the traditions, evolving interpretations over centuries.