HSC Studies of Religion Question Thread

[CaitlinSavins]

Hey Caitlin! Your best bet would be to add beliefs into the mix - I wrote a guide here. You would need to update the essay, but you'd essentially say:

"In the life of adherents, the Hajj and the application of ethics to biomedical issues extensively demonstrate that Islam is a living religion in the contemporary world, as they allow core beliefs to be applied in the adherents everyday life.

Again, you can't do this without adding a fair bit to your essay, but it is what I'd do!

Thank you! I've implemented this particular change. My introduction now reads like this:
"The Hajj and the application of ethics to biomedical issues extensively demonstrate that Islam is a living religion in the contemporary world, as they allow core beliefs to be applied in the adherents’ everyday lives. Though both aspects are of great importance, bioethics present the strongest demonstration of Islam as a dynamic tradition, as Muslims continue drawing upon Quranic and Hadithic teachings and seeking further advice from scholars and experts to conclude whether seeking an abortion or donating an organ is acceptable conduct for a Muslim seeking to follow “…the straight path […] of those who incur no anger.”  The Hajj’s continued existence as a reflection of Quranic teachings and stories additionally demonstrate that, in the life of adherents, Islam continues to be relevant."

[jamonwindeyer]

Thank you! I've implemented this particular change. My introduction now reads like this:

I like it! Make sure you are referencing the beliefs throughout the essay - If you don't, that change won't help you, it will actually be a downgrade to your essay, so be careful!

[elysepopplewell]

One last question, in SOR what are the markers looking for when it states 'how is peace expressed...' in english that would be techniques but I'm not sure on my thesis points for this question.

You're right, we would do that in English!
In SOR, it's more like this: "The notion of peace is emphasised in the ending of the Mass when the Priest calls the community to go out in peace." Or, "Peace is expressed in the Papal Encyclical..."

[lexi99101]

Hi,

I am studying SOR II and my exam is on Wednesday! The topic is Religion and Peace and as I have been studying my notes over the last few days I am seriously getting confused - my two religions are Christianity and Islam

If the question asked about "teachings" from the religion about peace would I talk about for example from Christianity, Christian Pacifism and the Just War Theory? Or are these more "responses" rather than teachings? If so, what are the teachings?!

The main point of my confusion is what talk about in particular questions!!

Some examples of questions:

1. To what extent do the principal teachings of TWO religious traditions act as motivators
‘for bringing about peace’?

2. Analyse the distinctive response of TWO religious traditions to the issue of peace by linking their relevant sacred texts to their principal teachings.

Thank you!!

[Lachlan Morley]

Hi All,

In regards to Religion and peace , Does anyone have like a structure to how to structure a body paragraph on like a teahching for instance: Chriantity teaching on Peace and god

Thanks

[elysepopplewell]

Hi,

I am studying SOR II and my exam is on Wednesday! The topic is Religion and Peace and as I have been studying my notes over the last few days I am seriously getting confused - my two religions are Christianity and Islam

If the question asked about "teachings" from the religion about peace would I talk about for example from Christianity, Christian Pacifism and the Just War Theory? Or are these more "responses" rather than teachings? If so, what are the teachings?!

The main point of my confusion is what talk about in particular questions!!

Some examples of questions:

1. To what extent do the principal teachings of TWO religious traditions act as motivators
‘for bringing about peace’?

2. Analyse the distinctive response of TWO religious traditions to the issue of peace by linking their relevant sacred texts to their principal teachings.

Thank you!!

Hey there! Welcome to the forums To answer your first question, I believe that if you are asked about Christian teachings on peace you can talk about Just War, Pacifism, etc. Then, I would link them to other principal teachings of Christianity that aren't necessarily linked to peace - like the notions of loving thy neighbour. This gives you a really solid response because you're backing things up with references to sacred texts and writings. Now looking at your second question, this is the exact kind of response they expect from you. Consider the following:
-The teachings on peace
-Other core teachings of the religion that inspire/link to peace (like teachings of love)
-How this affects the community on an individual and collective level. In what ways are people inspired to act peacefully?

Hopefully this helps, let me know if I can help you more

[Bubbly_bluey]

Hi! I have an essay based on a stimulus about how one doesn't instantly become a Christian but is a daily process to become more like jesus. How would i assess this statement as a living religion in terms of structuring between significant person, ethics and practices? I was thinking of just choosing two to do in depth, and chose ethics, but I'm not sure out of practises and significant person should I do so that it is more relevant to the stimulus.
Also I'm not sure what "living religous tradition" means.
Thank you

[elysepopplewell]

Hi! I have an essay based on a stimulus about how one doesn't instantly become a Christian but is a daily process to become more like jesus. How would i assess this statement as a living religion in terms of structuring between significant person, ethics and practices? I was thinking of just choosing two to do in depth, and chose ethics, but I'm not sure out of practises and significant person should I do so that it is more relevant to the stimulus.
Also I'm not sure what "living religous tradition" means.
Thank you

I actually really like the statement you've been given to work with! It sounds unique, but gives you enough to work with to make it really work. I think the clue here is to look at the way the question says it is a process - and then consider that a process takes many steps, which is where the intersecting of ethics, person, and practice comes in! If it requires you to talk about all three - obviously do that. If it doesn't specify, I would still try to engage with all three if it asks for how it is a living, dynamic, religious tradition.

To define living religious tradition: it is a faith system that is alive and dynamically existing today. So, the religion is relevant, thriving, there is a community, adherents have purpose, etc. The way this can happen is when ethics provide guidance, practices provide community, significant people provide role models, etc. This is how the religion stays living and dynamic - by addressing the needs of the faith community. So for a person to continually grow as a Christian as they strive to live a life like Christ, they will be looking to the three sectors of ethics, person, and practice, in order to give them purpose, direction, and support, as they become more like Jesus each day

[Bubbly_bluey]

I actually really like the statement you've been given to work with! .......

Thank you! But I'm having trouble as to how marriage (A practice that my school is doing) is a daily process if the couple are getting married on the day.

[elysepopplewell]

Thank you! But I'm having trouble as to how marriage (A practice that my school is doing) is a daily process if the couple are getting married on the day.

You're right, that is tricky. Perhaps you could talk about the daily testing of relationships is a comparable reminder to the daily relationship with God. Also, the married couple has to live their vows from the wedding ceremony each day to support each other to live in Christ. I know the practice is actually about the ceremony and not everything after, but if you can talk about the ways the ceremony sets up the way the couple will live their life in Christ, then you've got yourself a good deal

[Bubbly_bluey]

You're right, that is tricky...

Thank you, this cleared up a lot! Would it be appropriate for significant person to talk about how their contribution inspires adherents not just from the present but in the past as well. They helped to establish communities which led to the survival of Christianity - or should I just focus on our modern society?

[elysepopplewell]

Thank you, this cleared up a lot! Would it be appropriate for significant person to talk about how their contribution inspires adherents not just from the present but in the past as well. They helped to establish communities which led to the survival of Christianity - or should I just focus on our modern society?

My interpretation of "living dynamic tradition" focuses on the current situation of the religion. BUT, this is not the only way to interpret the question and you raise a good idea. I think you could say that previous communities of Christians have been inspired to live more like Jesus daily, which has solidified the Church so that it continues to live today!

[sophiegmaher]

Heeeey, so I'm wondering how to write a summarise and outline response on Sayyid Qutb. The questions are on the exact same topic, and I understand there are slightly different definitions for each of those BOS words, however I don't understand the actual difference in responses! The questions are:
1. Summarise the contribution of ONE significant person or school of thought, other than Muhammad and the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs, to the development and expression of Islam. (3 marks)
And my response is:
Sayyid Qutb’s contributions to the development and expression of Islam can be seen through the production of his three texts. The first of these is the text “Social Justice in Islam”, which revealed the socio-economic inequality in Egypt and criticised influence of the West on Islam, forming the foundation of the initial work of the Islamic Brotherhood and advocating the Islamic ritual of charity, or Zakat, in facilitating equality.“In the Shade of the Qur’an” provides as almost a sole comprehensive and analytical commentary on the Qur’an, providing adherents an opportunity to experience the principal belief in the Books of Allah whilst, finally, the text “Milestones” encourages adherents to focus on their total submission to Allah rather than the materialistic values advocated by the West, engaging in the principal belief of Tawhid.

The outline question is:
2. Outline the impact of the significant person or school of thought chosen in Part [a] (4 marks)

I'm not sure how to change my response for the "summarise" question to fit this "outline" question..?

[tahliamag]

Helloooo,
I'm currently doing Religion and Peace in Islam and im really confused with a few of the dot points:
- How the understanding of Islam is informed through the Quran and Hadith
- The principle teachings about peace (I'm using the teachings of Peace is a gift from Allah, Peace comes from living a God centred life and Justice must prevail for peace to reign)
I was wondering if someone might be able to explain this points and what I should include in my study notes for them as i'm really struggling, thankyou!!

[georgiia]

Is it possible for me to get feedback for a short answer response to this question:

Demonstrate the significance of the practice for the individual. (5 marks)   
The rite of Hajj is a significant personal experience for Muslims for two main reasons. Firstly it places adherents in situations which allow and encourage questions of spirituality to be asked. The opportunity to reassess and confirm Islamic beliefs is given to adherents as the individual embarks on a journey of strengthening their spirituality through worship, hardship and Salat. As an outward projection of the internal will to be reborn and as a symbol for purification, male pilgrims shave their heads. This complements the waring of the Ihram garments where individuals affirm a common identity before the eyes of God and are united as a single Umma. Thus, participation in Hajj enables the pilgrims spiritual rebirth and renewal through cleansing from sin; “Whoever performs the Hajj…will come home like a newborn”. The external representation of this is seen in the new status that pilgrims adopt upon their completion of Hajj; females become Hajjah’s and males become Hajji’s. The internal representation of the strengthened and revived adherence to the Islamic faith is confirmed by the enduring desire to continue this relationship with Allah by the pilgrims after they return home. Furthermore, the Hajj focuses individuals on jihad; the personal struggle to follow the way of Allah. The pilgrim reaffirms their devotion to Allah whilst experiencing a profoundly meaningful renewal of personal commitment to the Islamic faith. The practise of retracing the footsteps of Abraham, Muhammad, Ishmael, cursing Satan, giving Zakaat and praying for forgiveness compels the individual to gain a greater understanding of Islamic history and better prospects for reward in the afterlife. Talbiyah is the public statement of submission to the will of Allah; “Here I am God at thy command”. It is expressed during Tawaf, and is significant in allowing the individual to experience spiritual rebirth and develop their sense of consciousness in God.


Thank You!!