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Western secularism has to do with adopting a foundation for life and law which excludes conventional religions - NSC Religion Studies - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 4
Western secularism has to do with adopting a foundation for life and law which excludes conventional religions. In the West it tends to go with democratic forms of g... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Western secularism has to do with adopting a foundation for life and law which excludes conventional religions - NSC Religion Studies - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
Discuss the factors that led to the development of Western secular thinking.
Answer
The development of Western secular thinking can be traced back to several key factors:
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The Protestant Reformation: Initiated by Martin Luther in the 15th century, this movement challenged the authority of the church and promoted individual interpretations of faith, leading to various Christian factions that contested religious dominance.
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Political Changes: During the time, most nations were ruled by monarchs who used the church to legitimize their power. The protests against this alignment initiated a shift towards governance based on secular principles.
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The Treaty of Westphalia (1648): This treaty marked the end of religious wars in Europe and recognized the sovereignty of states independent of religious affiliations, laying a foundational principle for secularism.
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Secular Humanism: Intellectuals began to promote secular humanism, emphasizing reason and morality derived from human nature rather than religious doctrines. This perspective influenced governance and societal norms, favoring a separation between church and state.
Step 2
How has the establishment of secular states led to the prevention of religious wars?
Answer
The establishment of secular states has significantly contributed to the prevention of religious wars through the following means:
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Legal Frameworks: Secular law provides a neutral ground for all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs, reducing sectarian tensions.
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Freedom of Religion: Individuals are allowed to follow their beliefs without state interference, promoting tolerance and understanding among diverse religious communities.
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Recognition of Human Rights: Secular states are more likely to adopt human rights protections that prevent discrimination based on religion, fostering peaceful coexistence.
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Understanding and Education: By focusing on secular education, these states promote awareness and dialogue among different belief systems, which can dismantle prejudices and promote harmony.
Step 3
Name and explain any ONE secular worldview.
Answer
One prevalent secular worldview is Agnosticism.
Agnosticism is the belief that the existence of a higher power or the divine is unknown or unknowable. Agnostics maintain that it is impossible to prove or disprove the existence of God or any supernatural entities. This position fosters a thoughtful skepticism towards religious doctrines while still allowing for a variety of perspectives on spirituality and ethics. Agnostic individuals value evidence and knowledge over faith, often seeking understanding through science and rational inquiry.
Step 4
Discuss the origin of sacred texts in any ONE religion.
Answer
Focusing on Hinduism, the origin of sacred texts lies predominantly in the Vedas, which form the foundation of Hindu teachings.
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Oral Tradition: Initially, the teachings were passed down orally through generations before being written down. This tradition ensured their preservation and transmission among followers.
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Compilation: Historians believe these texts were compiled between 2500 and 500 BCE by sages known as Rishis. One of the prominent figures in this compilation was Krishna Dwaipayana, who sought to standardize the teachings for a larger audience.
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Content: The Vedas consist of various hymns, rituals, and philosophical discussions that guide the practices and beliefs of Hindus. They are not attributed to a single author, embodying the collective wisdom of various sages over centuries. The texts include four major sections: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, each serving distinct roles in religious rituals and moral guidance.