Studies of Religion Unit 1 Notes

HSC
Amy Abdilla. Created in 2016.

Topics:
- Contemporary Aboriginal Spiritualties
- Australian Religious Landscape from 1945 Present
o Please note this topic is only up to 2011 Census data
- Religious Tradition Depth Study: Islam
o Sufism
o Environmental Ethics
o Hajj
- Religious Tradition Depth Study: Christianity
o Paul of Tarsus
o Environmental Ethics
o Baptism
Note
-

Formats:
Topic at a Glance
Significant Text References (if applicable)
Summary Notes
Response Plan
Practice Responses

CONTEMPORARY ABORIGINAL SPIRITUALITY

Topic at a Glance

Summary Notes

Response Plan

Practice Responses

RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION IN AUSTRALIA 1945 TO PRESENT

(2011 CENSUS)

Topic in a Glance

Summary Notes

Response Plan

11

Practice Responses

13

RELIGIOUS TRADITION DEPTH STUDY: ISLAM

15

Topic at a Glance

15

Quotes for all Sections of the Islam Depth Study

16

Summary Notes
SUFISM
ENVRIONMENTAL ETHICS
HAJJ

16
16
17
18

Response Plan

19

Practice Responses

22

RELIGIOUS TRADITION DEPTH STUDY: CHRISTIANITY

27

Topic at a Glance

27

Quotes for all sections of Christian Depth Study

27

Summary Notes
PAUL OF TARSUS
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
BAPTISM

28
28
29
30

Response Plan

31

Practice Responses

35

Contemporary Aboriginal Spirituality

Topic at a Glance
Kinship
-

Extended family and

totemic groups
Everyone related through
the complex web of the
Dreaming
Determines avoidance
rules, behaviours and
positions

Ceremonial Life
-

Brings to Dreaming to
present life
Brings together all
aspects of Aboriginal
culture (song, dance etc.)
Re-enacts Dreaming
stories and traditions
Rites such as coming of
age ceremonies
Usually linked to sacred
sites

Dispossession Land
Removed from sacred
sites and spiritual
connections
- Physically and spiritually
dispossess
- Loss of identity and
totemic identities leads to
loss of community
-

Dispossession Kinship Group

- Loss of purpose and
identity
- Loss of support and
community
- Loss of language and
heritage

Obligations to Land and

People
- Provides sites for
ceremony
- Provides tools for
ceremony
- Inextricable reciprocal
relationship
- Ancestral spirits are in
the land
- Land provides spiritual
and physical nourishme

Stolen Generations
1901 1960s, around 1
000 children taken
Bringing them Home
Report 1997
Sexual and physical
abuse
Systematic genocide
based on racist policy
Loss of purpose and
identity
Suicide, depression,
substance abuse etc.

Land Rights Movement (LRM)

-

Land Rights Movement

aims to reconnect
relationships lost to
dispossession of the land
Important to improve
identity, belonging,
heritage and spirituality

Mabo
1992
Native Title
1993

Wik
1996

Resulted in recognition
Native Title
Overturned concept of
Terra Nullius
Provided legal recognit
of Native Title

Determined Native Title

and pastoral lease cou
co-exist but was limited

Summary Notes
Kinship
- System of classes and skins that puts everyone into a kinship relationship
o Roles and responsibilities
- Influences
o Everyday actions and behaviours
o How and what to behave towards others
IMPOSSIBLE TO
- Brings obligations
DETACH THE
o Part of Aboriginal Law
INDIVIDUAL
FROM THE

o Avoidance rules applying to both blood and class

Complex system of family relationships
o Extended family
o Culture is passed on and society organised
Kinship defined where one fits into society
o i.e. raising children
Fabric of Aboriginal society
o 1 large extended family
o Everyone is related through the complex web of the Dreaming

Ceremonial Life
- Core of cultural life
- Brings together all aspects of culture (i.e. art, song, dance, etc.)
- Ceremony (song/dance)
- Song
o Based on principle of sharing a larger story
o Old songs tell Dreaming stories
- Always re-affirm the Dreaming in some way
- Even though dreaming happened in the past it happens in the present via
ceremony
- Usually recreates an eternal moment of the Dreaming
Obligations to Land and People
- Consider land, people and Dreaming as a part of one symbiotic relationship
- Each element is dependant on the other where one cannot properly
function without one part.
- Reciprocal relationships of obligations and rights
o Kinship and land
- All contribute to ongoing physical, psychological and spiritual health of the
other
- Land and humans are seen as equal
- Land has obligations to provide tools to recreate dreaming (i.e. paint,
feathers etc.) while humans recreate these events in ceremony
- Spirits/Ancestors are in the land
Effects of Dispossession
1. Separation from the land
- European settlement and terra nullius achieved this
o Forced dispossession
- Lose traditional lands and cultural grounds
- Damage to environmental landscapes
- Leads to loss of identity and spiritual despair
o I.e. separation from Dreaming lands means cant carry out
ceremonies
2. Separation from Kinship Groups
- Dispossession of land leads to inevitable breakup of kinship groups
o Isolated from ancestral territory and knowledge (tribes etc.) unified
in my country or land
- Forfeit totemic relationships and identity
o Forfeit extended family
- Without kinship bonds the individual and collective sense of self is lost
o Leads to slow self destruction
3. Stolen Generations
- Removal (forced) of Aboriginal children from 1901-1969
- Disrupt kinship groups and roles
o I.e. parenting and education
o Lose a generation to pass knowledge onto

Removed as believed for their benefit as they were seen as an inferior race
(based on racist policy)
Estimated 10 000+ children where stolen
Bringing Them Home Report (1997)
o Human Rights and Equality Commission launched a national inquiry.
The report outlined:
Systematic genocide
Devastating impacts
Abuse of power and poor institutions
Policy based on racist views
o Continued impacts include:
PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide etc.
Lack of parental knowledge passed on
Means cycle of losing children due to inability to care
for them where welfare comes
Dont know where belong
Troubles finding estranged family

Native Title
- Very important to the Land Rights Movement (LRM)
- Recognises the rights of indigenous ownership/claim to traditional
ancestral lands before European settlement (validity of traditional
Aboriginal territorial law)
- When terra nullius was declared Native Title automatically was
extinguished
- Does not give ownership but allows use of the land for ceremony etc.
- Native title Act (1993)
o Overturned Terra Nullius concept of legitimacy
o Official recognition of Aboriginal people and their connection to the
land
Mabo
- Mabo and others V. the state of Queensland case in the Australian high
court (1992)
- Pivotal part of the LRM
- QLD was defying the use of traditional lands which Eddi Mabo contested in
the high court
- Brought up point of deep spiritual significance to ancestors and spirituality
- WON the case which led to the Native Title Act
Wik
-

Answered the question if pastoral lease and native title could co-exist
Wik V. Queensland in the Australian high court (1996)
o Right of native title on pastoral lands
Results were a simultaneous holding was possible
Led to exclusive and non-exclusive land rights (basically whether public
can access or not)

Dreaming and the LRM

- Dreaming is inextricably connected to the land so the LRM is important to
help re-establish the spiritual links lost to dispossession
- Land plays a central role in Aboriginal spirituality
o Provides medium which dreaming is lived and communicated
- LRM significant to preserve the spirituality
- LRM helps to secure sacred sites needed to perform rituals and other
important traditions

Response Plan
Determining Aboriginal Spirituality

Kinship Groups
o An system of extended family related through the Dreaming
Determine totemic items, avoidance rules etc.

Obligations to Land and People

o Land is the tool in which the Dreaming is lived
o As custodians of the land are required to take care of it in tu
the land provides for physical and spiritual needs
Tools for ceremonies such as feather and paint
Sacred sites
o Inextricable relationship

Ceremonies
o Ceremonies the action of bringing the Dreaming into the
present moment
o Tie all aspects of the culture together [art, song, dance, mus
etc.]

Point 1

Point 2

Point 3

Importance Land Rights Movement

In Aboriginal spirituality land holds an inextricable connection and

reciprocal relationship to the land
o As a geospherical spirituality the land is seen as the core of
culture needed for physical and spiritual nourishment
o European settlement dispossessed the Aboriginal peoples fr
their land leading to a loss of identity, culture, tradition,
belonging and spirituality

The Land Rights Movement is aimed towards establishing a legal

recognition of claim towards traditional ownership of the land
o 1992 Mabo VS Queensland resulted in the abolishment of Te
Nullius and the recognition of Native Title. Native title was
important to recognise the traditional connection and claim
the land.
o 1993 Native Title Act introduced a formal legalisation that as
long as one could prove spiritual connection and continued u
of the land, they could reclaim it.
o 1996 Wik VS Queensland introduced that pastoral lease and
Native Title could co-exist however limited it to the fact that
disputes pastoral lease would prevail

Aims of the LRM helped to reunite the Aboriginal peoples with their
land
o Sacred sites to carry out rituals
o Land to preserve identity, kinship groups and belonging
o This is gained from spiritual connection to the land

Introduction

Importance

Aims

Practice Responses
-

There is one practice response for this section.

In the 1983 federal election the Hawke government had promised

legislation to ensure land rights are achieved for Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander people throughout Australia and their cultural sites and
objects are fully protected.

Evaluate the importance of the Land Rights Movement for Aboriginal

People
In the Aboriginal spirituality the Aboriginal peoples hold an inextricable connection
and reciprocal relationship to the land. In a geospherical spirituality the land
provides for both the Indigenous peoples spiritual and physical needs providing
the core of their traditions. The Land Rights Movement (LRM) held significant
importance for the Aboriginal people in its attempt to re-establish their connection
to a land that had been lost and taken from them. This dispossession led to a loss
of spirituality, belonging and tradition that had been associated with the land,
causing a wider loss of Aboriginal identity. The 1983 promise of the Hawke
government to achieve land rights and protection of cultural sites is mirrored by
the LRM and its aims. This movement holds several significant victories in regards
to these aims such as the 1992 Mabo case, which ruled the initial declaration of
Australian terra nullius as false and allowed the beginnings of Native title to be
claimed. In this sense the concept of native title is of great importance furthered
by the official Native Title act of 1993, as it allowed the Aboriginal people to
legally reclaim their land so long as they could provide evidence of a spiritual
connection and continued use of the land. The Wik decision in 1996 retained that
pastoral lease and native title could co-exist possessing in some respects a
degree of limitation in the use of the land for the Aboriginal people, determining
its need to be shared. However despite this fact the LRM can be seen to help
reunite the Aboriginal people with their traditional lands which in turn, reestablishes their sense of identity, beginning which steam from their spiritual
connection to the land. Thus the LRM is important for the Aboriginal peoples to
retain their spirituality.
(Marked 5 out of 5. Comments: Good reference to source material)

Religious Expression in Australia 1945 to

Present (2011 census)
Topic in a Glance
Tradition
Christianity

1945
87.6%

2011
61.2%

Catholic
Orthodox

20%

25%
2.6%

Anglican

39%

17.1%

Non-Christian

0.5%

7.2%

Buddhism
Islam
Hinduism
Secularism

2.5%
2.2%
1.3%
0.3%

New Age Religion

Ecumenical Movement
- Movement towards
Christian unity
- Begins with an
understanding that all
denominations share the
same core beliefs

22.3%
Numbers are hard
to quantify in the
Census due to
varying sects.

Other Facts
Pre-1945 Major Tradition
Anglo-Celtic settlement and White
Australia Policy
Malta, Poland and Italy
Peaked at 3% 1981
Baltic States and Greece
Aging population.
Fallen from most popular pre-1945
Post WWII Immigration from South Ea
Asia and Middle East

189% growth rate makes it the fastes

growing.
Mostly first or second generation.
Rise of materialism
Church loses moral authority
140% growth rate between 1996-201
Beliefs such as Karma and Universalit
Religion
Practices such as psychic healing and
Crystals
Focus on individual fulfilment
Secularism did not provide human
purpose
Groups such as Mind Body Soul Festiv
prove existence

Example
Uniting Church
1977

Impact
Change the Australian Religious
landscape in the fact the Presbyterian,
Congregationalist and Methodists
numbers declined. Methodist church in
particular was too low to quantify as
significant.

National Council of
Churches Australia
(NCCA)
1994

Promotes a sense of peace and justice.

Unity and peace of the churches create
combined effort towards peace and soc
justice issues in wider society. This
response is more effective than individu
efforts.

NSW Ecumenical
Council
(NSWEC)
1982

Promotes interfaith dialogue. Sense of

united Christian unity helps to inform
inter-denominational communication. T
communication can be extended to oth
religious traditions promoting an
understanding and unity of all religions

Interfaith Dialogue
Conversations between
different faiths
- Two way process of
listening and
understanding
- Aim to achieve ethnic
and religious harmony
-

Aboriginal Reconciliation
Aim to achieve recognition and
justice for Aboriginal peoples in
Australia.

All faiths are apart of this.

Some key legislative figures
such as 2008 apology by Kevin
Rudd.

Impact
Australia is a multifaith
nation meaning tensions
arise due to conflicting
beliefs (i.e. divinity of
Christ)
Interfaith dialogue is
important to help smooth
these tensions
Achieves social cohesion
by creating peace and
harmony
Sets up framework for
religious leaders to make
significant contributions
to world harmony
Christian
Has a long history in
respect to this issue and
aims to make amends
Inter-culturalisation to
make an Aboriginal
Christianity
Caritas Catholic
Denomination
NATSIEC - Anglican
Denomination

Examples
1960 Vatican 2
2009 Melbourne
Parliament of World
Religions
9/11 ANCJM dialogue
2013 Womens interfai
network

Jewish
Of all non-Christian
traditions the most
involved
Recognises own
persecution and so
believes Aboriginal
peoples are entitled to
apology.
2008 NSW Jewish Boar
of Deputies apologised

Summary Notes
Christianity as the Major Tradition
- Christianity is currently the major religious tradition in Australia
- European settlement was prominently Anglo-Celtic so among these
Christianity was the most prominent religion
- Institutionalisation of Christianity for Aboriginal Australians and many
others
- White Australia Policy and immigration laws created a mono cultural
country restricting immigration to European (white) immigrants
o Ended in the mid 60s
Migration
- Dropping the white Australian policy allowed migration from many nations
affecting the Australian religious landscape
- Events such as WWI, WWII, Vietnam war and other conflicts all involved
strong migration of non-Christian traditions
- Hinduism is fastest growing with a 189%
o Immigration means young community of 1st or 2nd generation
- All other non-Christian traditions are also increasing
1945 (% of population)
2011 (% of population)
Non-Christian
0.5
7.2
Other Traditions in Non-Christian category % of population in 2011
Buddhism
2.5
Islam
2.2

10

Hinduism
Others

1.3
- See census data -

Changes in Christianity
- Most traditional churches such as Methodists, uniting church etc. have
experienced a downturn of adherents of 14.9% for some and 11.7% for
others
- Variants such as Anglicans have an aging population leading to a decrease
- New Pentecostal movements gained 25.7% since 1996
- Other churches also increased
o Baptist 7.3%
o Catholic 6.8% (Migrants from Malta, Italy and Poland
o Orthodox 9.5% (Migrants from Greece and the Baltic States)
- Adherents to smaller, less traditional churches are also growing
- Orthodox and Catholic churches also see a steady increase due to
immigration
No Religion
- One of biggest changes from 1947-2011
o 1947 0.3%
o 2011 22.3%
- Peaked at 2006 at 25.7%
- Number of not stated also rose
o 1947 11.1%
o 2006 rose by 43.4% to 11.2% of population
Denominational Switching
- Recent years is a trend in western society
- Prevalent in Christian tradition
- Loyalty to a single church diminished in favour of what is best for the
individual (consumerist society)
- Trends
Dramatic swing from liberal to conservative denominations (i.e.
Pentecostal)
o God close in everyday action/life
o Promote belief of divine healing
o Aggressively evangelistic
o Demands exclusive notion of solidarity
- While conservatists gain numbers they lose a lot
o 1991-1996 1/3 drifted out
15% switched denominations
17% left all together
o There are a range of inflow and outflow factors
i.e. birth, death, satisfaction etc.
o 1996-2006
Baptists rose by 7.3%
Pentecostals rose by 25.7%
Of these new adherents only a small percentage were new
to the Christian tradition
New Age Religions
- Among the fastest growing faith in the 2001 census
- Increased by 140% between 1996 2001
- Form an overall spiritual movement that lacks a single doctrine or set of
moral beliefs
- Share similar beliefs and practices
- There is no central organisation or authority
- Basic beliefs:

11

o
o
-

Monism
Pantheis
m

o
o

Reincar
nation
Karma

o
o

Aura
Univers
al
religion

Basic practices:
o Meditati
o Divinati
o Crystals
on
on
o Channel
o Astrolog
o Holistic
ling
y
health
Popularity:
1. Secularism failed to produce human purpose
2. Disillusion with government during Vietnam war and rejection of
authority
3. Traditional churches are seen to lack moral guidance
Focus on self improvement techniques and assist the individual in their
inner potential
Basic idea of universal unity (that everyone and everything is connected)
Introduced around the 70s and 60s
Due to large number of differing practices numbers are hard to quantify in
census data however their existence can be seen in festivals such as Mind
Body Soul
Secularism
Worldview where God is excluded
1947 0.3% of population
o 1996 0.8% (rise)
o 2011 22.3% (almost 6% rise in 15 years)
Rise occurs simultaneously with the drop of adherents to the traditional
religions
Believe religion should be separate from the public domain (i.e. justice
system) and regulated to the private sphere
Popularity:
1. Church lose moral
4. Church doesnt adapt
authority
to modern world (i.e.
2. Disillusion and
contraception)
rejection of
5. Emphasis on individual
government and
and rights in the
authority
modern world
3. Response to what was
6. Materialism, power and
seen as the unholy
fame became the new
trinity of politics,
meaning of life
economics and religion
Growth mainly attributed to Australian born and immigrants from China
and Europe
Religion recently began to slowly return to public domain as secularism
fails to produce human purpose
Ecumenical Christianity
Movement towards Christian unity
Characterised by:
o Various denominations engage in initiatives together
o Understanding that share same core beliefs
Examples:
1. National Council of Churches Australia (NCCA)
Formed in 1994
Aimed to bring together all Australian churches in
dialogue and practical co-operation
Currently has 15 churches as members
I.e. Anglican, Catholic and Salvation Army

12

2. Uniting Church (1977)

Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregationalist all
form. The effect of this can be seen in the census
where numbers for these churches drop off the
census.
Attempt to gain adherents
3. NSW Ecumenical Council (1946)
Instrument to celebrate unity
Impact
o Church is more
o Better effort at seeking
peaceful
justice
o United in Christianity
Combined effort
o Inner peace = better
rather than lots
of people doing
chance of achieving
same thing
outer peace and justice
o Encourage interfaith
dialogue
o
o Interfaith Dialogue
As multifaith country in Australia problems arise in the challenges between
the beliefs of different traditions
Interfaith dialogue aims to stop these clashes, promoting peace and
understanding
Conversations between different faiths
Aim to achieve ethnic and religious harmony
2 way process of listening and understanding
Meet for special occasions i.e. prayer
Important
o Australia is a multifaith
o Sets up framework for
society
religious leaders to
o Achieves ethnic and
make significant
contributions to ethnic
religious harmony
and world harmony
o Promotes peace and
understanding
Examples
1. 1960 Vatican 2 (declare doctrine Nostra Aetate that Cath. Church
begin dialogue with Jewish faith)
2. 2009 Parliament of World Religions in Melbourne
3. 9/11 Dialogue of Christians, Jews and Muslims
4. 2013 Womans interfaith network
Set up by Jewish faith to bring all of Religions together in
prayer
Aboriginal Reconciliation
Movement towards understanding between Aboriginal peoples and other
groups raising importance of land to Aboriginal spirituality and recognises
need to promote justice for Aboriginal peoples
Response of all Religious Traditions and holds implications for the wider
community
Examples
1. Christianity
Most complex relationship due to past historical involvement
Aims to amend, apologise and recognise wrong doing
Holds idea of interculturalisation to develop an Aboriginal
Christianity with Aboriginal symbols, art and rituals to preserve
their heritage
Caritas of the Catholic Church calls for assistance to help with
the ongoing affect

13

Anglican Church fully funds and supports for National Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islands Ecumenical Council (NATSIEC)

2. Judaism
Of all the non-Christian traditions Judaism is the most involved
MISHNAH: Sacred text that recognises the existence of
competing claims. Native title is viewed in this light.
Recognises one faiths persecution and so believes Aboriginal
peoples are entitled to a formal apology
o 2008 NSW Jewish board of Perputies did this
In the 1990s Jewish lawyer ROY CASTEN won a case to prove
terra nullius was false for the LRM
Legalisation
o Includes 1991 Council for Aboriginal reconciliation
o 2008 Apology by Kevin Rudd

Response Plan
-

Account for Changes to Australias Religious Landscape

Prior to 1945 main tradition was Christianity
- Prior 1945
- Due to Anglo-Celtic settlement and the White Australia policy
Within the Christian Tradition
o Immigration
From Malta, Poland and Italy have increased the Catholic
variant from 20% to 25%
From Greece and the Baltic states [Latvia, Lithuania and
- Christen
Estonia] have increased the Orthodox variant which now
rests at 2.6% having peaked in 1981 at 3%
o An aging population and lack of inflow have caused the Anglican
numbers to decline from the most adhered to denomination at 39
to 17.1%
Outside the Christian Tradition
o Dropping of the White Australia Policy in 1973 allowed an influx of
immigrants from Asia and Middle Eastern areas.
o Has increased the number of other religious traditions from 0.5%
7.2% with the subsequent decline in adherence to Christianity fro
- Non87.6% to 61.2%
Christian
Buddhism [2.5%], Islam [2.2%] and Hinduism [1.3%] are th
next three major religious traditions in Australia
Hinduism is the fastest growing tradition with a 189% grow
rate
Secularism
o With the decline in faith in the moral authority of the church and t
rise of materialism
- Secularist
o Want to separate religion from public domain [state]
o Rose from 0.3% to 22.3%
- New Age
New Age Religions
o Failure for secularism to provide answers as to the meaning of
human existence and still removed from traditional religions
o Focus on the individual and engage in practices such as astrology
fortune telling and psychic healing

14

o
o
o
o
-

Beliefs include monism [all exists in one source of divine energy],

karma [good and bad deeds], reincarnation, aura and so on
Rapid rise in popularity is seen in its 149% growth rate between
1996 and 2011
Hard to quantify the numbers of adherents on the census due to t
many and varying forms of religions that come under this banner
Events such as the mind body soul festival are example of new ag
religion

Ecumenical Movement
Ecumenism is the movement towards unity within the Christian tradition
after a history of schism and conflict between its denominations
-

Introductio
n

Changing the face of the Religious Landscape

Formation of the Uniting Church [1977] with the Methodist
Congregationalists and Presbyterians
Due to the formation post 1977 the numbers of adherents
these individual religions dropped significantly with
Methodists being rated to low to calculate as a significant
number

Peace and Justice

Groups such as the National Council of Churches Australia
[1994] and NSW Ecumenical Council [1982]
Aim to recognise that all denominations share the
same core beliefs and engage in group prayerful
activities to promote tolerance
Provide an untied effort between the denominations [NCCA
contains 15 participants] towards social justice issues with
Australia.
Results are more effective as it is not 15 groups doing the
same thing

Interfaith Dialogue
Aims of peace within groups such as the NCCA and NSWEC
create a sense of unity and understanding within Christian
The stability allows the entire tradition as a whole to
communicate more effectively with other traditions in
interfaith dialogue to preserve social harmony in Australia

Impact 1

Impact 2

Impact 3
-

Introductio
n

Importance

Impact 1

Interfaith Dialogue
Interfaith dialogue refers to conversations between different traditions in
order to cultivate peace and harmony
o Two way process of listening and understanding

Importance in Australia
o Australia has freedom of religion so is multifaith and multicultural
o Conflicts between faiths such as the Christian and Islamic beliefs i
the divinity of Jesus can upset the social harmony and peace of th
country
Has had major impact within Australia
o Interfaith dialogue aims to recognise and tolerate the differences

15

o
-

Impact 2
-

Introductio
n

Christian
Point 1

Jewish
Point 2

Interfaith dialogue sets up the framework for religious leaders to

help solve and preach on social justice issues to the wider public
Response to Aboriginal Reconciliation
Aboriginal reconciliation is a movement towards recognition, repentance
and justice for the past wrongs committed against the Aboriginal people
All religious traditions have impacted the Aboriginal reconciliation [most
issuing apologies] however the Christian and Jewish traditions are the m
involved.
o Has long history of past association with the events and injustices
o Aims to recognise and make amends for the past.
Caritas aims to look as social justice issues and pushes for
funding working together with Aboriginal communities
[Catholic]
Aboriginal and Torres Striate Islander Ecumenical Council
[Anglican] allows the cultures to take charge of their own
actions.
Intercultrialisation to create an Aboriginal Christianity
preserving heritage through use of traditional art, ceremon
and song. Translate bible into Aboriginal language helps to
understand its importance.
o Recognises religions own persecution and so feels obliged to help
out the Aboriginal people.
o Three point plan of Recognition, apology and justice
2008 NSW council of Jewish board of deputies apologised
o

Impact 3

between religions to help preserve the social harmony of the

country
2013 Womens Network established by the Jewish adheren
encourage the different groups to come together in prayer
Likewise the National Parliament of World Religions [2009,
Melbourne]

Allows united efforts towards social justice issues

More effective in responding to these issues due to a unite
effort
Formation of the ANDCJM [Australian National Dialogue of
Christians, Jews and Muslims] after 9/11

Practice Responses

There are 3 practices responses for this section. Please note one has not
been marked.
Australia has been reshaped over many years by immigration. The
table below presents recent data form the Australian Bureau of
Statistics regarding the percentage of the resident population
born overseas.
- Australian Residents by Country of Birth
- Birth Country
- % Of Australian Population
- United Kingdom
- 5.2

16

2.6
1.9
1.7
1.0
1.0
0.7

With reference to this table, discuss the importance of

interfaith dialogue in multifaith Australia

Interfaith dialogue is the process of conversation between different

religious faith traditions. In Australia the result of immigration from
countries such as China (1.9%), India (1.7%) and the Philippines (1.0%)
have led to an increase of adherence in many religious traditions in
Australia such as Hinduism and Buddhism. This leads to Australia being a
multifaith society where tensions arise from conflicting perspectives
between the different faith traditions. For example the divinity of Christ is
viewed differently in the Christian, Islamic and Jewish religions. In order to
maintain social cohesion and harmony interfaith dialogue is required so
that a mutual understanding, respect and tolerance can be observed
between the different religions. Actions of interfaith dialogue such as the
creation of the 2013 Womens Network and the 2009 Parliament of World
Religions in Melbourne, promotes the focus on similarity between the
traditions through group actions such as prayer. This focus on similarity
rather than differences results in higher levels of understanding and
acceptance between traditions allowing peace to preside over a previous
tensions. This leads to a communal peace and harmony within all of
Australia as a multifaith society as a result of interfaith dialogue. Thus it is
seen with the increasing rates of migration resulting in the rise of
conflicting faith traditions, interfaith dialogue is of immense importance to
multifaith Australia.
(Marked 5 out of 5)

New Zealand
- China
- India
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Malaysia

Outline the factors contributing to changes to Australias

religious landscape from 1945 to the present and provide
specific examples of trends that have occurred.

Previous to 1945, the Australian religious landscape was mostly made of

adherents to the Christian tradition due to Anglo-Celtic settlement and the
white Australia policy. Post 1945 however Australia has been subject to
many changes across its religious landscape. After the Second World War
an influx of immigrants began to arrive in Australia. Within the Christian
tradition, immigrants form countries such as Malta, Poland and Italy
increased the strength of the Catholic variant from around 20% to 25% of
the population (1945-2001). Likewise the flow of immigrants from Greece
and the Baltic states slowly increased the numbers of Orthodox adherents
that now rest at 2.6% as of 2011, peaking at 3% in 1981. The aging
population of traditional churches such as the Anglican denominations
have lead to a decrease in adherents from 39% to 17.1% in 2011, causing
it to fall from the most common Christian denomination prior to 1945. With
the dropping of the White Australia policy in 1973, immigration from areas
such as South East Asia and the Middle East have lead to a rise in other
religious traditions from 0.5% to 7.2%. Buddhism (2.5%), Islam (2.2%) and
Hinduism (1.3%) are now seen as the largest religious traditions within
Australia following Christianity. As a further result of immigration Hinduism
is seen as the fastest growing tradition with a 189% growth rate
comprising majorly of first and second-generation adherents. The rise of
the materialistic world, and loss of faith in the moral authority of the
traditional churches have seen a rise in secularism from 0.3% to 22.3% of
the population respectively. Due to a dissatisfaction of the secularist
methods to provide meaning to human existence new age religions have

17

become more common focusing on individual fulfilment sporting ideas

such as psychic healing and astrology. Groups such as Mind Body Soul can
be seen to account for this change, however due to the wide diversity of
new age religions their numbers are hard to quantify in the census, but
adherence to these sects has been rapidly rising with a 140% growth rate
from 1996-2011. With the rise of other religious affiliations and secularism,
Christianity has dropped steadily from 87.6% of the population in 1945 to
only 61.2% as of 2011. Currently the trends of the census denote that the
Australian religious landscape is varied and has experience dramatic
changes since 1945 due to a number of factors including immigration,
materialism and individual fulfilment.
(Not Marked)

Explain the impact of the ecumenical movement in Australia

The ecumenical movement in Australia is a movement that aims to bring
together each of the various Christian denominations in harmony. The
impact of this movement can be first seen in the changes it has posed to
the Australia Religious landscape. This change is evident in the formation
of the Uniting Church in 1997 bringing together the Congregationalist,
Methodist and Presbyterian denominations. In respect to the religious
landscape this move saw the percentage of the population for these three
independent denominations drop significantly after 1977. The Methodist
church in particular was affected with its percentage ranging to low to be
calculated as a significant result. The formation of other ecumenical
movements, such as the National Council of Churches Australia and the
NSW Ecumenical Council (NSWEC) in 1982, has also impacted Australia.
These two groups provide an aim for the denominations to recognise that
each share the same core beliefs and encourage a sense of interdenominational communication through prayer. By harvesting peace
between the denominations within Christianity itself, the ecumenical
movement then impacts Australia through a now united effort in promoting
peace and justice throughout the larger society separate from Christianity.
In this sense the movement leads to a more successful endeavour of this
kind as the efforts within denominations are combined instead of
separated into a series of the same action repeated over and over. From
this a sense of peace and justice is obtained in Australia alongside the
aims on the NCCA, NSWEC and other such groups. By also forming a sense
of united Christianity and inter-denominational communication the
ecumenical movement extends itself, as a result, to reach a sense of
interfaith dialogue promoting understanding and unity of all religious
traditions within Australia. Thus the ecumenical movement has impacted
Australia through its religious landscape, promoting a sense of peace and
justice and encouragement of interfaith dialogue.
(Marked 5 out of 5)

18

- Religious Tradition Depth Study: Islam

-

Topic at a Glance

- Sufism
Desire to reach spiritual dimension (Ishan) through the action of tasawuff.
- Contribution
- Impact
- Deeper personal
- Social cohesion to
connection with God
preserve Islamic identi
- Development
(Rabia)
(19th Century Nigeria)
- Expansion of Islam
- Environmental Ethics
through Sufi students
stance towards the
environment that to lov
- Literature (Al-Ghazzali
Allah one must love
and Rumi)
environment
- Focus on heart and divine
- Social perception that b
unity
- Expression
answering needs of
community creates an
image of peace for isla
-

Environmental Ethics
Everything and all
creation belongs to Allah
Get to know God through
the environment

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

- Key Teachings
Tawhid
Ayat
Mizian
Khalif
Amarah
Accountability

Effect on Adherent
Treat animals and the
environment with respe
and equally as they wil
be held accountable fo
their actions on
Judgement day
As Khalifs are responsib
to protect the
environment and
maintain the balance
Must adhere to halal an
haram
Cannot waste or use
earths resources
excessively
Cannot participate in
exploitive industries

- Hajj
Pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the 5 pillars of Islam that is to be undertaken by Muslims
- Stages
- Key Beliefs
- Significance
Ihram
- Kutubullah (books)
- Indi
- Free from
Tawaf
- Rusullah (prophets)
vid
sins
Say
- Tawhid (oneness of God)
ual
- Purpose a
Arafat
- Malaikah (angels)
belonging
Jamrat
- Akrah (judgement)
- Expressio
Eid Al-Adah
- Al-Qudar (divine will)
of belief
Jamrat
- Answers
Final Tawaf
existentia
questions
- Physical a
mental
strengthe
g
- Deeper
-

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

19

connectio
to Allah
-

Co
mm
unit
y

Social
cohesion
Stress uni
and equal
Expressio
of beliefs
Belonging
and purpo

Quotes for all Sections of the Islam Depth Study

-

Area
-

Sufism

Environmental
Ethics

Hajj

- Quotes
Hearts become tranquil in remembrance of Allah (Q 13:28)
It is He that has made you custodians, inheritors of the earth
(1:165)

Greater indeed than the creation of man is the creation of heaven

and earth (Q 40:57))
Eat and drink but do not be wasteful (7:2)
The earth is assigned to all living creatures (Q 55:10)
It is He that has made you custodians, inheritors of the earth (Q
1:165)
Fear God in your treatment of animals Hadith
Water should not be wasted even when making ablutions by a
flowing river Hadith
Hajj is Arafat Hadith

Summary Notes
-

Significant Person or School of Thought

SUFISM

Is aim to reach 3rd dimension of Islam (Ishan)

Achieve spiritual perfection
Linked to mysticism
Idea of tasawuff (action to achieve spiritual excellence)
Promotes humility, equality etc.
Contributions to Development of Islam
1. Understanding of the Divine
Ishan
Rabia produces concept of MAHABBAH (doctrine of divine love)
Love Allah for the sake of love and nothing else
Introduces a distinct personal experience
Hearts become tranquil through remembrance of Allah (Q
13:28)
2. Islamic Literature
Al Ghazalis
o Revival of religious sciences
Shows Islam dimension in Sufi life

20

Rumis
o Poems exulting Allah
o Topics of generosity, compassion, modesty, and etc.
3. Spread of Islam
Influential in spreading across furthest parts of Islamic world
o Including Africa, India and Far East
Sufi Students encouraged to spread the Sufi way to other
cultures upon completion of their studies brining with them the
core beliefs and practices of Islam

Contributions to Expression of Islam

4. Beliefs
Ishan and tasawuff as well as a central concern to Tawhid
Approach to God through voluntary suffering until a unity is
reached
Knowledge of the heart and God
5. Mystical Experience
Unique form of expression and devotion
Divine unity attained through practices and assist the adherent
to pass from limited self to divine unity
Stimulate real personal experiences with the divine
6. Expression of Jihad
Look at 8 qualities of self
Transforming experiences for the individual
o Improves character developing the profound intuition
and awareness of Allahs presence
Adhere strictly to fiqh or the physical dimension of Islam
7. Observance of Wali
Wali = a friend of God or Allah
Wali shrine is a focal point of many rituals

Impacts on Islam
Generally inform a unique expression of Islam with an emphasis on
individual and small group devotion
- There are other impacts but these are some of the main ones
1. Social Cohesion
Preserves the Islamic identity in the face of 20th Century
colonialism that threatened to tear apart Muslim umma.
19th Century Nigeria Sufi inspired organisations led rebellion
against the foreign invaders bringing together the community
2. Social Perception
Responds to specific issues of the community promoting a
peaceful and helpful approach
The communities see the Sufi approach as peaceful and hence
see Islam as a peaceful tradition in comparison to the common
stereotypes
This helps with dialogue and communication between Islam and
the wider world
In Senegal Sufi groups provide cash crops and tools for modern
agriculture to help improve the economy of the Senegalese
community
3. Environmental Ethics
Stance towards the environment influences the Islamic move
towards environmental conservation and sustainability
Fact that for one to love Allah they must also love the
environment as Allah created the environment.

21

Believe creation was made in unity through Allah so must

sustain it. Led to innovations in the Muslim world for
conservation

Ethical Beliefs and Practices

ENVRIONMENTAL ETHICS

Everything and all creation belongs to Allah

Get to know God through the environment

6 Key Principles
1. Tawhid
5. Khalif (Steward)
2. Ayat (signs of God)
6. Amarah (Trust)
3. Mizian (Balance)
7. Accountability for actions
4.
(links to nafs)
8. Environmental Ethics and Muhammad
1. Animal Rights
Animals are treated as equal
Halal and haram
(Q 55:10) and (Q 6:37) references Animals are seen as equal
communities
An act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as an act of cruelty to a
human Hadith
Fear God in your treatment of Animals Hadith
2. Waste Minimisation
Calls for adherents to live in moderation (Q 2:143)
Dont participate in industry that exploits balance
Waste leads to excessiveness and arrogance feeding the nafs
3. Tree Planting
One plant sustains an entire life/ecosystem
Often had tree planting days in the time of Muhammad
4. Sustainability (links to Mizian and waste)
5. Water
Water is not to be owned or wasted
Water should not be wasted when making ablution even if by a
flowing river Hadith
Other Quotes
o The earth is assigned to all living creatures (Q 55:10)
o Eat and drink but do not be wasteful (Q 7:31)
o To God belongs all that is in the heavens and earth (Q 4:126)
o It is He that has made you custodians, inheritors of the earth (Q
6:165)

9.
10.
-

11.

Significant Practice

HAJJ

Pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and the 5th Pillar of Islam

Performed only by those who are financially and health-wise able
Expression of devoting oneself to God
12.
13.
Stage
14.
Description
17.
Put on a white
garment and place self
16.
Ihram
in a peaceful state. Hajj
begins.

22

15.
18.

Links to Belie
N/A

19.

23.

26.

30.

33.

43.

Say

Arafat

Jamrat

Eid Al-Adha

37.

40.

20.
7 times everyone
circumabulates the
Kaba.
24.
Run 7 times
between mountains
Safa and Marwa as
Hagar did looking for
water. Commemorates
angel Jibrel striking the
ground with wing to
create a well.
27.
Stand on Mt Arafat
from afternoon till
evening, in judgement
before God. Stand in
wquf (meditation).
Believed to be place
Adam and Eve met
after the fall.
31.
Stoning of the
stone pillars replicating
how Abraham stoned
the devil. Stone one
furthest from Kaba 7
times using pebbles
collected from Arafat.
34.
Sacrifice of lamb
to God. Celebration of
Abrahams submission
to Allah in his
willingness to sacrifice
his son Ishmael. Give
meat to poor as charity.
38.
Return to the
pillars to complete
stoning each one in
succession.
41.
Final
circumambulation
stating prayers and
intentions before
leaving Hajj.
44.
The experience of
Hajj is recounted in the
Hadith and the Quran
two of the sacred texts
of Islam.

Tawaf

Jamrat

Final Tawaf

Entire Act of Hajj

47.
48.
Significance
1. Individual
Free from sin
Intensive
experience
of umma in
Muslim life
Exalt Allah
Reflection of
life and
deeds

Jihad test
personal
resolve
Spiritual,
psychologica
l and
physical
developmen
t

23

21.
22.

Tawhid (one God

25.

Malaika (angels

28.
Akhira (hereafte
29.
Rusullah
(Prophets)

32.
Rusullah
(Prophets)

35.
Al Qudar
(surrender to Allahs
will)
36.
Rusullah

39.

Tawhid (one God

42.
Rusullah
(Prophets)

45.
46.

Answer
enduring
questions of
human
existence
Closer to
Allah
Belonging
and purpose

Kutubullah (boo

2. Community
Reinforce
umma
Belonging
and purpose
Symbol of
unity and
universality
Social
cohesion

Opportunity
to share
ideas and
experience
Brotherhood
and
sisterhood
United
collective
submission

24

Removes
division
between
different
religious
perspectives
Wider God
consciousne
ss

 Response Plan

Sufism
Contribution to Expression and Development of Islam
Sufism is an Islamic school of thought based on the mystical expression o
Islam
Intro
Aim is to reach Ishan, the third spiritual dimension of Islam employing
Tasawwuf the practice of obtaining spiritual perfection

o Understanding of the Divine

Seen through Rabia who explained the concept of Mahabb
[the doctrine of divine love]. Expose the concept of loving
God purely for loves sake developing a direct, intimate
Body 1
personal experience with God.
Opens a greater understanding of the divine.
Based of the ideal hearts become tranquil through Allah
13:28]

o Spread of Islam
To furthest outposts such as African continent, Far East and
India
Sufi relationship between teachers and students allow
knowledge of Islamic traditions to be passed down betwee
Body 2
generations.
Students are then encouraged to travel and spread the Su
message. This leads to the introduction of Sufism within ne
cultures and continents, bringing with it the core values of
Islam that it adheres to.

o Literature
Al-Ghazalis Revival of Religious Sciences dictated the five
pillars are still existent in Sufism and must be adhered to
Body 3
strictly.
Rumis poetry allowed adherents to determine the attribut
of Allah. Themes such as humility, compassion, love etc.

o Unique Expression
Is the Sufi focus on the action to reach the inner spiritual
perfection
Leads to a deeper spiritual journey to a deeper, reverent
understanding of Allah
Through the practice of Tasawwuf denotes itself to a peace
experience of spiritual closeness.
Body 4
Also indicates that all dimensions [Islam, Iman and Ishan]
can co-exist making peace with them and wider society.
Practice of peace help to establish the Islamic tradition in
turbulent times such as that following Muhammads death
Unique mystical Expression of a peaceful and deeper
connection to Allah

o Mystical Expression
Unique form of expression and devotion
Mystical experience denotes a sense of divine unity
Body 5
Being one with universe and creation, indicates the
oneness in which God made it
Heart not just physical organ but one, which can be gained
spiritually, connect with God.

25

Conclusi
on

Dhikr is the practice of whirling until one is seen to

drunk on divine love and consumed by it
Source of tranquillity
Notion of divine unity and love contributes to the expressio
Focuses on the personal relationship to god wider Islamic
adherents are too influenced to heighten their own
relationships towards Allah and their own spiritual paths

Impact on Islam
Introduc

tion
Social Cohesion
o 20th Centenary Colonialism placed many Muslims under a crisis of
identity as leaders and communities were lost.
o Sufism provided expression of solace, encouraging ones connecti
to God reinforcing the core Islamic ideals. Spiritual link to God and
Body 1
strict practice of the 5 pillars.
o Example is seen in 19th Centaury Nigeria where organisations
brought together by Sufi practice led rebellions against the invadi
powers to preserve the Islamic identity. Muslims band together to
preserve the identity and grow stronger.

Environmental Ethics
o Sufi stance towards the environment has impacted heavily on the
life of Muslim adherents and the Environmental Ethics of the Islam
community.
o Core belief of no separation between God and his Creations.
[Tawhid].
Therefore if one is to love God they must too indicate the
Body 2
same love towards the environment.
o Aim to free humanity from vice of materialisation, encourages the
idea of Khalif, Mizian, and Amarah.
Peaceful approach towards the environment in order to
sustain it.
o Has impacted Islamic developments in sustainability regarding
environmental issues faced today.

Addresses Issues of the Community

o Sufism is seen to address the specific needs of the community
Improves the perception of Islam as peaceful over common
stereotypes attributed to the religion.
This improves relationships with the wider society allowing
Body 3
more effective communication in areas such as interfaith
dialogue, understanding and acceptance.
Encourages Muslims to give Alms
o In Senegal Sufi organisations provided cash crops to help provide
modern agricultural system. This was so the improvised Senegale
community could become self-sustainable.

26

Conclusi
on

Introduc
tion

Environmental Ethics

Conservation
God in his oneness created the universe in unity
God made humans the Khalifs

[stewards] of the earth giving them Amarah [trust] as free

thinking individuals to care for it correctly
It is he who has made you custodians, inheritors of the
earth [Q 6:165]
Humanity is responsible to protect creation but are to know
they are not in control of it
What humans do as stewards to the environment they will
accountable for it in the judgement [Akrah]
Ethical and moral responsibility that all are equal and are t
be treated as such
Greater indeed than the creation of man is the creation o
the heavens and the earth [Q 40:57]
Are to conserve the environment as its stewards

Waste Minimisation
In environmental ethics is the key aspect of Mizian, the
balance in which the earth was created. As stewards huma
are expected to maintain this balance.
God created enough to sustain all on earth [animals and
humans]
This means that Muslims should reduce the waste
minimisation, not participate in exploitive industries, deny
covet resources.
The earth is assigned to all living creatures [Q 55:10]
Morally inclined to share resources and to minimise that
which they consume
Eat and drink but do not be wasteful [Q 7:2]
Part of this effort is to conserve water
Water should not be wasted even when making
ablutions beside a flowing river [Hadith]

Animal Rights
In environmental ethics one is to fear God in your treatme
of animals [Hadith].
Animals are seen as equal communities and rightful beings
the earth.
The earth is assigned to all living creatures [Q
55:10]
These ethics determines what is considered Halal and Hara
by Shariah law.
Meat is to be slaughtered in a particular fashion tha
is considered human. Cannot eat pigs because this
not achievable.
Animals are only to work for so many days before
being given a rest.
Cosmetic industries and experimentation is forbidde

Body 1

Body 2

Body 3

27

[haram]

Conclusi
on

Introduc
tion
Individu
al

Hajj

Return free from sins

Result of Arafat, which provides a preview for the Day of
Judgement [Akrah]. If truly repent their sins God turns the
bad deed into a good one. As long as they do not commit a
crime or sin during Hajj.
Connect to the history of their tradition
Different elements of the Hajj allow the individual to reconnect with the roots of their spirituality and preserve the
heritage of their beliefs. For example the festival of Eid AlAdah reflect back to Abraham, Ishmael, the Kabah reflects
Adam [so does Arafat as it is the place where Adam and Ev
met after their fall] and in practicing the rite the individual
following in the footsteps of Muhammad who, in the Hadith
defined the way to practice Hajj. Links to the beliefs of
Rusullah and re-affirms one of the core aspects of the relig
to the individual.
Strengthen Jihad
Described as the spiritual struggle between the good and
bad the action of throwing the stones at the pillar in Jamra
representative of throwing the stones at the devil. [Like
Abraham did]. This is repeated on a number of occasions a
strengthens the individuals resolve to do well as determin
on Arafat.
Strengthens the physical and spiritual bodies.
Seen in the tasks such as running 2.7 kilometres at Say,
standing at Mount Arafat [physically strengthens the body]
As the body is strengthened so is the mind as the individua
develops patience, resilience and control of the human wil
Re-affirms the core beliefs of Islam answering the questions of
human life
Throughout the Hajj each of the 6 core beliefs in Islam are
addressed. Tawhid [unity of Allah and his creation] is
established in the action of Tawaf, the circumambulation o
the Kabah. Malaikah, a belief in the angels, is represented
the Say where Hagar was visited by the angel Jibrel.
Rusullah, a belief in the prophets is defined throughout the
Hajj, and the belief in Akrah [day of judgement] is defined
Arafat. Jamrat establishes that there is good and evil. Eid A
Adah establishes a belief in Al Qudar [divine
predestination/submission to Allah] representing Abraham
sacrifice of Ishmael. A belief in the books in re-established
throughout, Hadith defines how to practice Hajj and the
Quran states its need to be practiced.
In reaffirming these beliefs the individual gains the answer
to the enduring human questions of existence prescribed b
Islam. Such as what happens after death, is there a God, e
Developed sense of God
Achieving the state of Ihram before participating in the Ha
allows the individual to remove all thoughts from their min

28

but that of God. This allows them to focus on Allah during t

intensive experience which results in a deeper awareness
and connection to God.

Commu
nity

Conclusi
on

Social Cohesion
Act of putting on the and obtaining the state of Ihram eras
signs of wealth, culture, education and class. This creates
sense of equality and universality that the umma, the Islam
community, is a range of people who are connected throug
their united belief in God. This sense of equality creates a
social cohesion as the umma are united as a single being
through their sustained belief in God, strengthening the
brother and sisterhood of the religion.
Become one with Creation
The action of circumambulation the Kabah in Tawaf
represents an action of moving in sync with the universe. A
each individual preforms this at the same time, concentric
circles, the wider community becomes apart of the moving
universe and wider creation of God. This allows them to
affirm that God created all in unity and that the community
environment and people are all one in the same.
Wider God Consciousness
The magnitude of the Hajj and the universality determined
through the circumambulation creates a universal God
consciousness. This is observed throughout the rites of the
Hajj as they are simultaneously performed by thousands o
individuals. Having completed the Hajj the individual come
away with a deeper sense of God, which they bring back to
their communities and relate to their respective peoples. T
allows the entire community to develop their understandin
and connection with God despite not having attended Hajj.
Collective Worship and Submission to Allah
The act of Hajj, is in its entirety a form of collective worship
that strengthens the beliefs of Islam throughout the entire
of the Islamic umma. The festival of Eid Al-Adah is reflectiv
of a united submission to Allah mirroring Abrahams
submission.

Practice Responses
-

There are 7 practice responses. Each have been marked, however some
have been altered based on marking comments.

Analyse the significance of Hajj for the Individual and the

Community
The act o Hajj is seen as one of the five pillars of the Islamic religion.
Hence the Hajj is seen as a vital practice of Islamic faith where both the
individual and community hold its importance.
In regards to the individual the pilgrimage of the Hajj, holds a significant
importance. Essentially this significance is seen through the personal
development experienced throughout the pilgrimage. Regarding the Hajj
this development is described as a new skillset of determination,
perseverance patience and control of human will. Throughout the Hajj
each of these skills is adhered to in a number of the Hajj rites. For
instance the standing at mount Arafat is a physically demanding task

29

that requires perseverance and a level of determination in order to

complete the standing meditation from noon till evening. In respects to
the in depth personal contemplation this Hajj rite too employs a need for
patience. Essentially though this personal development the adherent, as
an individual, gains an enhanced understanding and appreciation of
their faith significant to their spiritual nourishment. Thus the Hajj is
significant to the individual.

Like the individual the Hajj posses a transformation to the Umma

[Muslim community. In regards to the Hajj, it is the reinforcement of the
universality of the umma. This is evident through the sense of equality
and belonging experience in the Hajj. As the Hajj is one of the biggest
events of the Muslim calendar Adherents from all over the world, all
classes and all cultures travel toe Mecca in order to simultaneously
complete the pilgrimage. By enforcing all adherents to don the ihram, a
white garment aimed to erase the singes of culture, wealth and class
allowing all to become equal. This action allows the sense of universality
of the umma to be enhanced through thus symbol of the ultimate unity
under Allah. Hence the Hajj is important to the Islamic community.
The Hajj is an Islamic pilgrimage that is significant to both the individual
and larger community. This is evident through the development of the
individual on a personal level and the reinforcing of the universality of
the Umma through the Hajj rites. Hence the evidence is provided that
the pillar of Hajj is significant to both the community and the individual.
(Marked 16 out of 20. Comments: More areas need to be covered such
as belonging, purpose, sustained beliefs, enduring questions, etc.)

Explain Islamic Ethical Teachings in relation to

Environmental Ethics

The concept of ethics can be described as a system of moral code in

many religious traditions. Within the Islamic ethical teachings several
links to environmental ethics can be made. These links help to prescribe
a moral code of each Muslim to adhere in everyday life.
The concept of environmental ethics is noted in several of the prominent
Islamic sources. Including the Quran, Hadith and Shariah law. These
principle forms of an ethical view towards the environment are
interpreted in relation to Islamic ethical teaching. In Islam the principle
belief of Tawhid, one God, is seen as the highest of all beliefs. It is
determined that Allah, in his oneness, created all things in unity. The
Quranic reference It is He that has made you custodians, inheritors of
the wart [Q 6:165] references that it is the freethinking humanity who
is responsible for the care and protection of Allahs creation. This ethical
responsibility is directly linked to the ethical teaching of stewardship, a
Khalifa that references Amarah, trust, placed in humanity by Allah. Due
to this Khalif each Muslim must adhere to an ethical responsibility within
the environment as its custodians. However within the moral
responsibility is recognition that man cannot control nature. Greater
indeed than the creation of man is the creation of the heavens and
earth[Q 40:57]. The aforementioned reference alludes to the fact that
man is not tin control of nature as its custodians but rather its protection
lying equal with nature. This belief enhances the Islamic ethical
teachings to conserve the environment, seen in actions such as waste
minimisation. Hence Islamic ethical teaching, influences environmental
ethics and proposes a moral code by which Adherents should live.
Islamic ethical teachings are drawn from a wide array of sources that
propose a moral code on how Muslims should live. Drawing on the

30

environmental ethics present in these sources a moral compass towards

the environment is gathered. By recognising that the earth is assigned
to all living creatures [Q 55:10] Islamic ethical teachings preach that
resources should be shared and animals cared for. In this sharing of
resources moral actions such as minimising waste and the conservation
of water are preached to ensure all humans and animals have access to
their needs. Believing that God created all and enough to sustain all,
Muslims seek to act accordingly so that they use only the resources
provided to them. Again the Islamic environmental ethics can be seen to
inform Islamic environmental teachings is seen to produce action in how
animals are seen to be respected by humanity. This is seen in the fact
they too praise Allah [Q 22:18] and one is to fear god in your treatment
of animals[hadith]. By recognising the need for an ethical treatment
towards animals, Islamic teaching identifies ethical practices such as
Halal to ensure that, in the instance of food, animals are killed and kept
in a humane manner. The same teachings prescribe that actions such as
hunting fro sport are immoral. Hence Islamic teachings are seen to
influence environmental ethics, which lead to the development of a
moral code of adherents to live.

Islamic environmental ethics are closely influenced by the notion of

Islamic teachings. Expressed in a variety of major Islamic sources these
ethics provide a moral code by which Muslims can live.
(Marked 16 out of 20. Comments: Add Akrah judged for treatment of
environment as given Amarah. Good points however be careful that
Islamic ethics inform the teachings on the environment)

Analyse the Impact of Sufism

Sufism is an Islamic school of thought based on the mystical expression

of Islam to reach the third dimension of Ishan, spiritual perfection.
Spread across all of the Islamic variants Sufism has made a significant
impact on the wider Islamic society. These impacts are varied but have
led to a significant effect upon the Islamic religious tradition.
In regards to its impact on the Islamic tradition, Sufism has led to a
social cohesion of the Islamic community. In the face of the 20 th Century
the spread of colonialism placed many Muslims under a crisis of identity.
In response to this crisis, Sufism provided an expression of solace where
through the encouragement of ones connection to God, the Islamic
ideals are reinforced. This heavy focus on ones spiritual link to the
Divine along with the a strict adherence to the traditional Islamic
practice, allowed the Muslim communities to flourish in the face of
colonialism, which threatened to tear their society apart. One example
of this can be seen the 19 th Century Nigeria. Here campaigns against the
foreign rule were due to organisations brought together by the practice
of Sufism. This challenge to the colonialists allowed the Islamic
community to band together over the revolutionary efforts preserving
the Islamic identity. Hence Sufism has impacted the social cohesion of
the Islamic community throughout history.
Sufisms stance towards the environment has created a significant
impact on the wider Islamic community. It is a core belief of Sufis that
there is no separator between God and his creations. Through his
principle a Sufi is to possess a love of God, as Sufism strives towards,
they are then to possess this same love towards the environment.
Sufism in this regard has had a profound impact on the wider Islamic
sect. Aiming to free humans from the vice of materialisation, the school
of through preaches a peaceful approach towards the environment to
ensure its sustainment. This approach then influences the wider Islamic

31

community to follow in this effort and to break away from the material
temptations of the world in order to fully care for the environment as
dictated in the Quranic texts. In taking upon this attitude, Muslims can
then extend the research into sustainable developments for
environmental issues faced today. Hence it can be seen that, Sufism has
impacted the wider Islamic community through its stance towards the
environment.

Sufism has impacted the wider Islamic community significantly through

its response to the specific needs of the community. Sufism, throughout
the ages, has provided responses to the issues within the world and
Islamic community. This in turn has impacted the workings of the Islamic
community for the better. For instance in Senegal the Sufi group,
Murdiya, provided an organisation for the development of cash crops in
the Senegalese community. In addition to this the Murdiya also played a
significant part in modernising the agriculture sector of the Senegalese
economy thus allowing the community to thrive in the modern world.
Through response to issues such as these, Sufism creates an improved
vision of the Islamic tradition as peaceful over the common stereotypes
attributed to the religion by the wider society. By improving these
relationships Sufism has impacted the wider society as it becomes more
accepted and understood by the wider world. This allowed the Islamic
adherents to practise their faith with a sense of acceptance, while also
encouraging Muslims to also give alms in response to the issues faced
by society today. Hence it can be seen that through its response to the
needs of the wider community, Sufism has impacted the wider Islamic
tradition.
Sufism is a school of through based on a heart based mystical
expression in realising God. Through its actions, principles and practice,
Sufism has undeniably placed a profound impact on the wider Islamic
society.
(Marked 18 out of 20. Comments: A very good analysis of the impact of
Sufism on Islam. Be careful of phrasing. Has been redone since being
marked)

Explain the contribution to the development and expression

of Islam of Sufism
Sufism is an Islamic school of through based on the mystic expression of
Islam. Spread across all of the Islamic denomination, Sufism has
contributed significantly to the Islamic tradition throughout history
These contributions are linked to both the development and expression
of the Islamic tradition.
In regards tot the development o islam, Sufism has made several
contributions. Beginning in the history of its formation, Sufism has
developed a unique understanding of the divine within the Islamic
tradition. A practice defined in the way of love, especially that
pertaining to Allah, Sufism provided developments of Mahabbah [the
doctrine of divine love], as expressed by Rabia. Following the Quranic
ideals of hearts become tranquil through Allah [Q ___] these doctrines
held the belief that one should love Allah for loves sake. This
essentiality of loving for love was to countermand the actions of loving
out of fear of Gods wrath, personal gain into heaven or other such
motives. Explained by Rabia, the idea of loving God for nothing but love
itself provides a means for a direct, personal experience of God
encountering the central Islamic pillar of Tawhid. In encouraging this
development of the love for Allah, the wider Muslim community is then

32

opened to a greater understanding of the Divine. Thus it can be seen

that Sufism has led to a development of the greater Islamic community.

The practice of Sufism has contributed to the development of Islams

spread throughout the world. Sufis were often seen as influential groups
in the spread of the Islamic tradition particularly in regards to the
furthest outposts of the Muslim world including areas such as India, the
Far East and the African continent. Within Sufism there is a key
relationship between teachers and students that allows the knowledge
of the tradition to be passed between generations. As a teacher a Sufi is
expected to hold the responsibility of guiding others in model based on
their own understandings and discoveries of the divine. In turn the
students, who are open and truthful in receiving the Divine, are
encourage in their travels in order to spread their message to various
cultures. In encouraging the travel of students, the message of Sufism is
spread across the furthest reaches of the world brining with it the core
fundamentals of the Islamic practice. Thus alongside this practice of
Islam, by nature, the wider Islamic tradition is spread around the world.
It can therefore be seen that Sufism has played a significant hand in the
development of Islam and its spread across the globe.
Sufism is a school of through that has contributed significantly to the
expression of Islam. The Sufi focus on Tasawwuf, the action to achieve
inner spiritual dimension of Islam [Ishan], is an idea that lends itself t a
spiritual journey whose destination is a deeper, reverent understanding
of Allah. By focusing of Tasawwuf Sufi practice denotes itself to a
peaceful experience of spiritual closeness with Allah. In order to have
made peace with the inner spiritual dimension one must also make
peace with the outer dimensions and wider society. It is through this
practice of peace, in turbulent times such as the period following
Muhammads death, Sufism allows a peaceful element to the worship of
God practiced in Islam. This added element creates a unique mystical
expression of the Islamic faith that allowed Muslims to explore. Through
this exploration the wider Islamic practice is too influenced towards a
more peaceful expression and deeper connection to Allah. Through its
focus on Tasawwuf Sufism can be seen to have contributed to the
expression of Islam.
Sufism has also influenced Islamic expression through its core focus on
mystical expression. A unique form of expression and devotion, the
mystical experience attributed to Sufism is gained in order to obtain a
sense of Divine unity. This unity is in relation to the Sufi being at one
with the universe and creation in a state that carried a heightened
awareness of God. In this expression Sufis stimulates that the heart is
not just a physical organ but one in which the knowledge of the Divine
can be readily obtained through an engulfing love. The practice of dhikr
is a ritual in which Sufis glorify and praise Allah encouraging the practice
as a source of tranquillity manifesting itself until the inner spirit is drunk
on divine love. It is this notion of Divine unity and love that contributes
to the expression of Islam. As Sufism focuses on ones personal
relationship to God, Islamic adherents are too influenced to heighten
their own relationships towards Allah reaffirming the spiritual path of the
individual in question. Thus it can be seen that Sufism has had a
significant impact on the expression of Islam.
Sufism is an Islamic school of thought focused on the mystical
experience of God. Focused on paths such as that of Divine love, Sufism
has made a great contribution to the wider Islamic community. This

33

contribution is to both the development and expression of Islam, a

process, which has transpired across the ages.
(Marked 17 out of 20. Comments: Well done, watch phrasing. Add
quotes from significant texts)

Sufism is an Islamic school of thought based on the mystic expression of

tasawuff. Within the Islamic tradition, Sufism has contributed readily to
the religions expression and development.

The Sufi concept of Mahabbah proposed by Rabia led to developments

in the understanding of the divine. The notion of loving for the sake of
love developed an understanding of God as loving through an intimate
experience of the divine inspired by the belief hearts become tranquil
through remembrance of Allah (Q 13:28). Sufi students were
encouraged to travel and spread the Sufi way to the far reaches of the
earth bringing with them the core traditions of Islam. This led to the
expansion of the Islamic tradition to regions such as India, the Far East
and Africa. Sufism contributed to the focus on individual expression of
Islam by emphasising the personal experience of God through a display
of divine will and unity. Sufism also contributed to a unique expression
of Islam. The Sufi focus on tasawuff is a way of obtaining spiritual
excellence through peace and love, contributed to this unique
expression based on peace and a deep connection to Allah.

Hence it can be seen that Sufism has contributed to both the expression
and development of Islam.
(Marked 3 out of 4. Comments: Some good points but needed to ensure
to focus on one or two key points and be clear with these)

What are the main ways in which Sufism has contributed to

Islam?

How do the ethical teachings of Islam provide guidance to

adherents in relation to Environmental Ethics?

The environmental ethical teachings of Islam provide a moral code,

which is seen to guide adherents.
The core concept of environmental ethics is that of humanity as khalif of
the earth, it is he who has made you inheritors, custodians of the
earth (Q 6:165). Having been given Amarah, trust, by Allah Muslims as
stewards are expected to conserve the environment. Environmental
ethics guide this act of conservation by determining the way in which
adherents should approach issues such as waste minimisation (Q 7:2),
and animal rights where one is to fear God in your treatment of
animals (Hadith). Through these ethics Shariah law determines what
is haram and halal further guiding the adherent on how to live a
righteous and moral life. For example eating meat that has been
humanely slaughtered adheres to the environmental ethics, that
animals are to be treated with kindness and so the meat is halal,
permissible. Hoarding all of the natural resources such as water and
food upsets the mizan, balance, so is haram, non-permissible.
Hence it is seen that environmental ethical teachings provide a moral
code to guide adherents on how to live.
(Marked 3 out of 5. Comments: Needed more specific in naming the
ethical teachings and then applying them)

34

How are the beliefs of Islam expressed in the Hajj?

The significant practice of Hajj readily displays the core beliefs of Islam.
In the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaba, the belief of Tawhid,
oneness of God, is expressed. This is seen as the Kaba is representative
of the one true God and as the adherents circle the structure they
reinforce this belief becoming one united in the oneness of Gods
creation falling in sync with the universe.
Throughout the rite of hajj the Islamic belief of Rusullah, the prophets, is
invoked. This is seen in the celebration of the Eid Al-Adar, which is
commemorative of the Prophet Abrahams submission to the will of
Allah. The standing at Mount Arafat is also symbolic of the prophet
Adam representing the place where he and Eve first met after their fall.
Throughout the hajj adherents of Islam connect with and express their
belief in Rusullah by following in the footsteps of prophet Muhammad
who defined the exact actions to be undertaken during hajj.
The belief in Malaikah, angels, is expressed in the hajj rite of Say that
commemorates the appearance of the angel Jibrel to Hagar. To
commemorate this adherents partake in a running of 2.7km between
two mountains as Hagar did looking for water. They drink from the well
of Zamzam, which Jibrel created by striking the stone with his wing.
A belief in the Akrah, Judgement day, is expressed in the rite of Arafat
where the adherent witnesses a prelude of the day of judgement where
their good and bad deeds are weighed by Allah so that, if repentant,
they may return from Hajj free from sin.
A belief in Al Qudar is expressed in the Eid Al-Adha festival where the
umma, Muslim community, collectively submit to the will of God in
example of Abraham, sacrificing a lamb for each Muslim present in
commemoration of Abrahams willingness to sacrifice his son for God.
Lastly the hajj rite expresses a belief in Kutubullah, the books of Allah,
as the details of the actions to be performed and significance of these
rites are taken from the core sources of Islam, the Quran and Hadith.
These sources defined what is to occur during hajj, how one is to
conduct themselves during hajj and the significance of the rites during
hajj. For example in the Hadith it is stated Hajj is Arafat indicating the
significance of the standing at Mount Arafat in mediation with God as
the central part of hajj.
Hence it is seen that in the hajj the core beliefs of Islam are expressed.
(Marked 6 out of 6. Comments: Strong demonstration of link between
beliefs and practice)

35

 Religious Tradition Depth Study:

Christianity
Topic at a Glance

Devel
opme
nt

Expre
ssion

Paul of Tarsus
Contribution
Developed salvation not just
privilege of Jews alone
Linked OT to NT
Taught community how to deal
with issues as early Christians
Defined key beliefs of early
Church
Brought Christianity to various
communities outside Jewish world
1st Author of Christian church
inspired others to write
Earliest reference of last supper
allows people to ritualise it
Discuss issues of morality
Expanded on rituals expressed by
Christ i.e. baptism

Impact
Influenced many Christian leade
and denominations
Helped split Christianity from
Judaism
Express most basic beliefs that
variants base doctrines off
Wisdom can be applied to
contemporary issues
Practice of being all things to all
people and not just telling peop
what they want to hear can be u
as a basis of interfaith dialogue

Environmental Ethics

God is creator of all things

Humans are to take care of
the earth and preserve it
Is a social justice issue as
the poor are suffering and
have done the least.

Key
Teachings
Stewardship
Justice
Co-creation
Mission

Effect on Adherents

Adherents are not to waste or ex

nature
Not to covert or hoard resources
Treatment of nature will affect
whether they have sinned or no

Baptism
Baptism is a rite of passage into the Christian Church. Seen as a death and resurrection in
new life.
Key Beliefs
Denominations
Significance
Resurrection and death of
C
- Adult or
I
Belong
Christ
infant
a
n
g and
Church as Body of Christ
- Any form
t
d
identit
Trinity
- Salvation
h
i

Humanity and Divinity of

o
v
Expres
Christ
li
i
n of
Salvation
c
d
beliefs

u
G
- Mainly infant

a
- Immersion
r
Answe
l
- Salvation
e
endurin
e
questio
k
of hum
O
life
rt
h
o
d
o

36

P
e
n
t
e
c
o
s
t
a
l
B
a
p
ti
s
t

Adult
Immersion
Testimony
No salvation
Encourage
congregation
to renew

Adult
Immersion
Testimony
No Salvation

C
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y

Belong
g and
identit

Expres
n of
beliefs

Answe
endurin
questio
of hum
life

Social
Cohesi

Social
Transfo
ation

Quotes for all sections of Christian Depth Study

Area

Paul of Tarsus

Quotes
1 Cor 11:23-16 (account of the last supper)
Spiritual circumcision sins are Cut away (Col 2:13)
Christ Jesus the Lord (2 Cor 4:5)
Money is the root of all evil (1 Tim 2:9)
Being all things to all people (1 Cor 9:22)
Risen Christ (1 Cor 12:15)

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to
work it and take care of it (Gen 2:15)
For in Him all things were created (Col 1:15-17)
To commit a crime against the natural world is to commit a sin
against ourselves and a sin against God Patriarch Bartholomew
(Orthodox)
a gift from God that has been placed in our responsible hands
Pope Benedict XVI (Catholic)
You shall not covert (Exodus 20:17)
On earth as it is in heaven (Mat 6:11)

Environmental
Ethics

Baptism

Baptised in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Hol
Spirit (Matthew 28:19)
In Baptism you have put on Christ (Gal 3:26-27)
Unless one is born of the water and the Spirit they cannot entre t
kingdom of God (John 3:5)
In baptism you died with Christ and in Baptism you were risen wi
Christ (Col 2:12)

For an
Integrated
Response

(1 Cor 12:15) links to (John 3:5)

(Col 2:12)
(Col 1:15-17) links to (Gen 1:1)

37

 Summary Notes

Significant Person or School of Thought

PAUL OF TARSUS

Was a Jewish man by the name of Paul who persecuted early Christians
Experienced the witness to the risen Christ on the Road to Damascus, this
led to his conversion
Said to have established Christianity as separate to Judaism

Contribution to Development of Christianity

1. Apostle
Brought Christianity and salvation to gentiles and Jews
Linked the Old Testament to the New Testament
Determined that gentile Christians did not need to adhere to Jewish law
i.e. Circumcision
2. Pastor
Preached to community as pastor and taught how to deal with issues
and how to treat people such as the old
3. New Christian Theology
Most important theologian of the Christian Church
o Grappled with the big questions of Christianity
o Defined the key beliefs of the early Church
4. Expansion
Brought Christianity to various communities outside the Jewish world on
his missions
5. Literature
1st author of Christian written material (his letters)
Inspired others to write and record the New Testament of Christianity

Contribution to Expression of Christianity

1. Liturgy
Letter to Corinthians contains earliest reference to the last supper
Allowed Christian variants to ritualise it
Outlines different roles and responsibilities of the individual within the
liturgy
2. Ethics
Discusses morality in his writing
Saw clear responsibility for community to imitate Christ
Advocated living a moral social life
3. Ritual and Practice
Letters contain reference to rituals such as baptism, and marriage
o I.e. Baptism
For Paul Christianity was Abrahamic faith
Christ raised to life is reflected in Baptism
Not present for Christs teachings but took the instruction he received
and expanded upon the symbols, beliefs and practices

Impact on Christianity
1. Historical
Influenced many Christian leaders such as Luther
Justification by faith and predestination principles of reformers
Linked OT to NT to preserve Jewish heritage of the religion
Helped split Christianity from Judaism
o Faith proclaimed by Paul allowed justification to do this
2. Theological
Express basic beliefs of Christianity all variants refer to today

38

Churchs understanding based on this

o I.e. prayer, ethics, liturgy etc.
Pauline letters provide linguistic material to create doctrines such as
the Catholic Catechism
3. Contemporary Issues
Wisdom in his letters can be applied in todays world to issues such as:
o Ecumenism
o Environmental Concern
o Interfaith Dialogue
o Contemporary Capitalism

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

God is the creator of all things and the natural world is precious because of
this
o All creation is apart of Gods creative work and should be treated
with reverence
Humans need to work in partnership with God, the land and each other to
protect and nurture the environment
o Human beings are stewards and caretakers of the earth
o Should use the earth wisely, protecting its resources and not
exploiting them.
Some note that creation was cursed as a part of the Fall and like humanity
will be redeemed on Judgement Day
Theological Principles:
o God cares for the world and has not renounced care. Christians as
Gods people are called to continue this care.
o Nature (living and non-living) has value to God

Ethical Beliefs and Practices

The Two Versions of Creation

The differences in the two versions is the order in which the world was
created and what God tells humanity to do

Version 1

Version 2

Anthropocentric (man centred)

Biocentric (earth centred)

Genesis 1:26

Genesis 2:15
- Humanity create on the 6th day as
- Adam was created THEN the Garden
masters of the earth
Eden, then Eve.
- Allows for Anthropocentric
- Humans are assigned as caretakers o
interpretations
the earth.
- Dominion principle is gained by a literal
- Allows for Bio-centric interpretations
interpretation of this text
based on belief all is created equally
God

There is a combination of the two views (antropo and bio centric). This links to the
stewardship principle where human needs are important by humanity also must care for the
earth.

4 Key Teachings in Relation to Environment

Stewar
dship
Justice

Fundamental responsibility to care for creation.

Goods of earth are to be shared with justice and equity

Issues such as the poor are suffering but doing the least to degrade the
earth

CoCreatio

Idea of humanity as co-creators with God in creation

Jesus teaches values of balance and harmony

39

God is revealed through the environment as the creator

Hope that the world will be transformed in Christ, true heart of Christianity

Mission

Called to create kingdom of God on earth, to bring about reign of God

Ecological vocation as stewards of the earth, as Gods disciples
Through right relationships with creation we are judged worthy of salvation

Environmental Ethics and Denominations

-

Earthcare Australia is an ecological agency that aims to

achieve a loving and sustainable relationship with the
environment. Encourages and provides educational
materials for schools, services and congregations.
- Edmund Rice centre believes first world nations have an
ecological debt to low lying nations such as Kiribati.
Involved in an audit of the countries to see that refugee
can be housed in a sustainable manner
Uniting Justice Australia has concerns about the
wellbeing of future generations in regards to the
availability of resources. Believes that nature has a ri
to protection as Gods creation and lobbies for this.
Views on the environment are changing, as figures lik
Aaron Swoboda attempted to make a Pentecostal
ecology. Problem is many of the generations do not
believe in the theory of evolution or place great
importance in the environment.
Patriarch Bartholomew has declared that the
environment is to be sustained and protected.
For to commit a crime against the natural world is
sin against ourselves and God

Catholic

Uniting Church

Pentecostal

Orthodox

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Significant Practice

BAPTISM

Is an initiation rite of the Christian church

Performed by many BUT NOT ALL denominations
o I.e. Quakers and Salvation Army do not perform baptism
Infant (padeobaptism) or adult (credobaptism) baptism is performed
Forms include aspersion, immersion, or affusion
Symbols include:
o Oil
and
o Water
Chrism)
(Catech
o Word
o White
umens
o Candle/
garment
Fire
o
o Links to Core Beliefs
Resurrection and death of Christ
Church as the Body of Christ
Trinity
Humanity and Divinity of Christ
Salvation
Note variants views on baptism and salvation vary
o
o Baptism and Denominations

40

o
o

Catholic

Greek Orthodox

Pentecostal

Baptist

o
o
o Significance
1. Individual
Identity
and
belongi
ng
2. Community
Identity
and
belongi
ng
Expressi
on of
beliefs

41

Adult or infant baptism

Aspersion, affusion or immersion
Oil of Catechumens and Chrism
Believe gifts salvation
Infant baptism mainly
Immersion (thrice)
Oil of the Catechumens to call Holy Spirit
Believe gifts salvation
Adult baptism (believer baptism)
Immersion
States a testimony of how God was revealed in life
Does not believe receive salvation
Congregation invited to renew baptismal promises
Adult baptism (believe baptism)
Immersion
States a testimony of how God was revealed in life
Does not believe receive salvation (already received
beforehand)
I now baptise you in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit (spoken by celebrant)

Expressi
on of
beliefs
Answers
endurin
Answers
endurin
g
questio
ns of
human
existenc
e

g
questio
ns of
human
existenc
e

Social
cohesio
n
Social
transfor
mation

 Response Plan

Paul of Tarsus
Contribution to Development and Expression
Introd

uction
o Taught salvation was for BOTH Gentiles and Jews [Known as the
Apostle of the Gentiles]
A teacher of the gentiles in faith and truth [1 Tim 2:7]
o The expansion of Christianity
3 Missionary Journeys, Roman Citizenship and multilingual
skills allowed to reach communities outside of the Jewish
world
Include Galatians, Romans, Greeks
Develo
o Literature
pment
Letters and Epistles to communities such as the Galatians,
Romans, and Colossians compose 25% of the New
Testament
Inspired others to write the word of God
o Developed ethical behaviours as a pastor
Materialism
Money is the root of all evils [1 Tim 2:9]

o Liturgy
1 Cor 11:23-26 is first recorded account of the last supper
Has allowed church to ritualise it in Mass
o Rituals
Expanded on the rituals prescribed by Christ
Allowed the rituals to be preserved enacted
Determined the symbolism and meaning behind them
i.e. Baptism
spiritual circumcision where sins are cut away
[Col 2:13]
Expres
in baptism you were buried with Christ and in
sion
Baptism you rose with Christ [Col 2:12]
for those of you who were baptised you have put
on Christ [Gal 3:26-27]
o Theology
Defined the basic core beliefs of the Church
Such as Christ as the Lord
Christ Jesus the Lord [2 Cor 4:5]
And the Resurrection of Christ
But now Christ is risen from the dead [1 Cor
12:15]

Conclu

sion

Impact
Introd
uction
Body 1

Historical
Preserved Jewish heritage and roots. Linked the OT to the
NT.
Proclamation of belief in a risen Christ [1 Cor 12:15] was
enough to allow Christianity to be considered separate
from Judaism.
Pauline theology of justification by faith led to inspire
great leaders in the Christian tradition such as Martin

Luther and Calvin of the second wave reformers.

Justification by faith also allowed Reformers to
challenge the medieval conceptions of faith
presented by the Western Church

Body 2

Body 3

Conclu
sion

Theological
Expressed basic theological beliefs of the Church
[2 Cor 4:5] Christ as the Lord
[1 Cor 12:15] Christ risen from the dead
Development of doctrines such as the Catholic Catechism
Contemporary Issues
Ethical Stances and wisdom can be applied to
contemporary church to issues such as interfaith dialogue,
ecumenism [schism in the church], materialism,
environment etc.
Materialism
o [1 Tim 2:9] Money is the root of all evils.
o Stance towards fact material goods have
detracted from the spiritual world and
should not be given power as they feed the
ego and lead to greed.
Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue
o being all things to all people [1 Cor 9:22]
can be reflected across the church. Pauls
practice of meeting and interconnecting
commonalities rather than telling them
what they wanted to hear.

Environmental Ethics

Ethical teachings give a guide towards how one should live their
life.
Denominational leaders call upon authority to stress the ideals
expressed in the scripture.

Introd
uction

Body 1

Body 2

o
o

God is the creator of the environment and the principle of

stewardship means that through Him humanity has been given
the role as caretakers of the earth. Expressed by Catholic
authorities and all variants.
For in Him all things were created (Col 1:15-17)
Gift that God has placed in our responsible hands (Pope
Benedict XVI)
Due to this role adherents must take care of the earth, nurture
and protect it. This gives them a purpose they must fulfil by
employing behaviours such as sustainable living and waste
minimisation. This ensures that the harmony of Co-Creation is
maintained.
Allows them to become closer to God and fulfil their
responsibility.
Give a code of moral law and justice. Notions of ecotheology to
not live in an excessive manner link to Decalogue and the 10 th
commandment not to be greedy. This link augments the
relevance of the ethics, whose teachings provide a practical
application to fulfil the commandment.
You shall not covet (Exodus 20:17)
Response to issues such as suffering of the poor.
Results seen in the Catholic Edmund Rice centre which aims to
help Kiribati and Uniting Justice Australia (Uniting Church) which

o
o

Body 3

Conclu
sion

is aims to get Australia to take place as leader of environmental

concern in Asia-Pacific region.
Through these examples charity and equity is modelled in the life
of the adherents. In participating in movement for justice
adherents fulfil the Christian spirit to help others.
Ethical teachings determine a path to salvation for adherents.
Guide to do what is good to determine path to salvation.
Stewardship principle derived from values of stewardship where
God took man and gave them the responsibility to care for the
earth. In this action they bring about the Reign of God.
Work it and care for it (Gen 2:15)
On earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:11)
Many variants such as the Orthodox Church believe that ill action
towards the environment is a sin that one will be held
accountable for on judgement day.
To commit a crime against nature to sin against
ourselves and against God
Due to this believers must take reverence to nature and take care
not to participate in exploitive industries etc.

Baptism

Baptism is an initiation rite into the Christian Church

Performed by most but not all denominations
Padeo and credobaptism
Affusion, Aspersion, Immersion and Submersion

Introd
uction

Beliefs

o
o
o
o

Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

[Seen in the water where submersion represents dying to
an old life and emerging from the water represents rising
to new life as a Christian]
In baptism you have died with Christ and in baptism you
have risen with Christ [Colossians 2:12]
Humanity and Divinity of Jesus Christ
[Enactment of his death and resurrection]
Same as the Death and Resurrection
Gods Grace and Salvation
[Not all denominations believe this. Some believe
salvation is received before baptism. But the oil of the
Chrism and baptism with the water provides salvation of
the baptismal candidate in God freeing them from sins
and anointing them with the Holy Spirit]
Unless one is born of the water and spirit they cannot
entre the kingdom of God [John 3:5]
Church as the Body of Christ
[In baptism one is seen to put on Christ. In putting on
Christ they become a part of him. Similarity as the entire
Christian community does this it is seen that they all
become a part of Christ reflecting themselves as the
Church [not a building but the people] as his body.]
In baptism you have put on Christ [Galatians 3:26-27]
Trinity
[Belief that God [Father, Son and Spirit] is made of three
distinct individuals who are one in the same. Invoked
throughout the entire baptismal rite. Blesses congregation
in reception, and conclusion. Sacrament.]
Baptised in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit [Matthew 28:19]
. I now baptise you in the name of the Father and of

the Son and of the Holy Spirit [Spoken by Baptist

Celebrant]

Deno
minati
ons

Catholic
Do salvation [oil and the water], padeo and credobaptism,
all forms.
Salvation [Through chrismation.]
Existential Questions
Greek Orthodox
Do salvation [oil and water], mainly padeobaptism, thrice
immersion.
Death and Resurrection [Importance through the thrice
immersion]
Identity and belonging.
Pentecostal
Adult [believer baptism] only as adults understand the
importance, ask for a testimony of how God revealed
himself in their lives, immersion. Encourages the
congregation to re-affirm their beliefs.
Church as the body of Christ
Social Cohesion [and transformation as revaluate the
significance of their beliefs]
Baptist
Adult [Believer baptism], immersion, ask for testimony,
Trinity
Expression of beliefs

Individ
ual

Existential Questions
Must affirm their belief in God before being
baptised. In baptism they are welcomed to the
Church and take on all the beliefs of the church.
These beliefs provide answers to questions such as
is there a god, and what happens after death.
Identity and Belonging
Gains a sense of identity as a new Christian and
being having died to their old life. Belonging to the
Christian community having been inducted into a
community that displays same beliefs and
resolves.
Expression of beliefs
Re-affirming the beliefs in the reception, renounce
the devil, throughout the sacrament the beliefs are
enacted this, belief of the trinity. Allows the
individual to publically announce their beliefs as a
Christian.

Comm
unity

Existential Questions
Community witnesses the baptism and is reaffirmed of their baptismal promises and beliefs as
a Christian and hence gain the answers that come
with this.
Identity and Belonging
Witnessing the baptism and initiating the individual
into the church gain a sense of identity as a
community as the caretakers and mentors of this
individual.
Expression of beliefs
The baptism is a conduit and a ritual that exercises
the basic beliefs of core Christianity.
Witnessing the event the community is re-affirmed
of their own beliefs.
Social cohesion and transformation
In having to re-affirm their beliefs through each

baptism the Christian theology of the community is

dynamic and changing. This occurs as the
community reconsiders their own baptismal
promises and the extent to which causes
community to consider own baptismal vocations to
God. Causes a transformation as through private
commitments of the individual the wider
community deepens their commitments to their
religion.
Results in a united effort and richer communal
experience of God.
Encourage to consider own testimonies allows a
reflection of life and way.

Conclu
sion

Integrated Response

o Dynamic living religion defined by adherents living out its beliefs

and practices in everyday life
Paul of Tarsus and Baptism
o Paul defines core beliefs of Christianity, allowed tradition to split
from Judaism
o Recorded in Pauls letters these basic beliefs allowed the Church
to define rituals such as Baptism
o Pentecostal variant, as all variants, water used to represent the
death and resurrection of Christ. Speak about immersion and the
symbolism.
o This core belief defined in Pauls letters
in baptism you were buried with Christ and in baptism
you rose with Christ (Col 2:12)
o Reflects Pauls proclamations of the core belief
Risen Christ (1 Cor 12:15)
o Relevant as provides sense of identity in the risen world. Public
expression of their beliefs.
o Expression solidifies their identity as a follower of Christ, to follow
path of righteousness. Seen as adherent strives to do good
through actions such as prayer.

Paul of Tarsus and Environmental Ethics

o Pauls writings define the key beliefs of the early church such as
the fact that God is the creator of all things. Links to
environmental ethics as these Scriptures are used by
denominational leaders to define the ethical teachings and
prescribe them to adherents.
For in Him all things were created (Col 1:15-17)
In the beginning God created the heavens and earth
(Gen 1:1)
o Due to fact God is seen in creation, and God gave creation to
humanity to take care of, there is the Stewardship principle based
on trust and responsibility.
(Gen 2:15)
o From this leaders such as Orthodox have determined that the
treatment of the environment and fulfilment of humanitys roles
as stewards is linked to salvation. Means that adherents must
follow the teachings in order to live a moral life. The teachings
guide them in this based on the teachings of Paul.
To commit a crime against nature is to sin against
ourselves and to sin against God Patriarch
Bartholomew
o Through this path adherents grow closer to God and gain a

Introd
uction
-

Body 1

Body 2

Body 3

Conclu
sion

greater appreciation for the rituals of Christianity.

Paul of Tarsus and Baptism

o In his lifetime Paul elaborated on the rituals and practices of the
Church as prescribed by Christ including Baptism. Creates
relationship of advisor and product.
o In his letters emphasised
Spiritual circumcision where sins are cut away (Col
2:13)
o Variants of Greek orthodox and Catholic this links to ideas of
salvation and baptism. In other words a spiritual cleansing.
Defined by other sacred writings such as Johns Gospel
unless one is born of the water and spirit he cannot entre
the kingdom of God (John 3:5)
o Pauls definition influences Greek Orthodox baptism with the oil of
the Chrism representing the reception of the Holy Spirit
(salvation).
o Provides answers to enduring questions of human life. Idea of
salvation gathers people to believe in path of righteousness, in an
augmented sense of the afterlife. Strive to do good in order to
entre even and avoid hell.
o Employed in everyday practices such as prayer to achieve this.

Practice Responses

Analyse Baptism as a significant practice in Christianity

Baptism is a rite of passage that formally announces an individual as an adherent of the

Christian tradition. Performed by the majority of Christian variants baptism is seen as a
public declaration of adherence to the Christian faith. Through an expression of the core
Christian beliefs, the form which baptism takes provides a profound influence upon both
the individual and wider community. With heavy emphasis placed on the symbolic
meaning of the baptismal rite and a varied approach throughout the variant baptism as a
significant practice is clearly defined in Christianity.
The baptismal rite is considered of immense significance within the Greek Orthodox
denominations. For adherents of the Greek Orthodox Church baptism is seen as a
necessary rite for the salvation of the new adherent in God. Within the stage of the
sacrament baptismal candidates are anointed with the oil of the Chrism representing the
bestowment of the Holy Spirit upon the individual. The oil is a significant symbol in the
Greek Orthodox Church representing the gifting of salvation after a thrice immersion in
the baptismal water. It is believed through the application of the oil and the rebirth
witnessed as a result of immersion that the candidate has received salvation. Unless
one is born of the water and the Spirit, he cannot entre the kingdom of God, [John 3:5].
This passage reveals the necessity of baptism in the path of salvation stating that to
received salvation one must be blessed with both the water and the Holy Spirit.
Stemming from the core Christian belief of salvation in Christ, the sacrament of baptism
provides an answer to the existential questions of human life. Regarding those of a Greek
Orthodox tradition these answers come from knowledge that in baptism they have
received salvation. For both the individual and community the importance of this
knowledge is paramount. In knowing they have received salvation the individual
consequently gains knowledge of the Christian afterlife, heaven, and ultimately a belief
in God. Through this enduring questions such as what happens after death, are answered
fiving the individual a sense of purpose in their life. The community, having witnessed
the baptism, are reaffirmed in their answers to these questions cementing the purpose of
their lives and gathering of their faith as a congregation. Hence, baptism can be seen as
a significant practice in the Greek Orthodox Church.
Within the Catholic variant the sacrament of baptism is considered a significant practice.
To begin Catholic churches are seen to practice both infant and adult baptism through
immersion, aspersion or affusion at the discretion of the congregation or believers
involved. No matter the form which baptism takes the use of water within the stage of

the sacrament I s considered of immense significance. Symbolising a death and

resurrection into Christian life, the use of water is reflective of the core Christian belief in
Christs death and resurrection. In the Catholic Church a priest blesses the baptismal
water in order to invoke it with God. Once the water has been blessed it is then applied
to the candidate through the determined form. In this practice, once the candidate is
immersed in the water, it is believed they suffer a death and subsequent burial of their
pas sins, reflective of Christs own death and burial at the cross. Emerging from the water
is representative of the believers resurrection into new life as a Christian adherent,
mirroring Jesus own resurrection from death. In Colossians 2:12 Paul writes, For when
you were baptised, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with
Christ. This description enhances the symbol of water as ones death and resurrection
with Christ providing definitive evidence to the link to the belief of Christs resurrection in
baptism. In this regard baptism provides a sense of identity ad belonging on both a
communal and individual level. For the individual baptised the idea of resurrecting not
new life as a Christian also comes to symbolise a passage into the Christen community.
Through this passage a sense of belonging is achieved, as the believer is now a part of a
community reflective of their beliefs such as the Catholic Church. For the congregation
who baptise the believer, including the Catholic denominations, they take on a
responsibility of caring from the new adherent of their faith. In doing so the community
ain the identity of mentors in the Christian faith, purposed to spread Gods word. Hence it
is seen that the Catholic denomination baptism is considered a significant practice.

Within the Pentecostal variant of the Christian faith baptism is considered a significant
practice. To begin Pentecostals mainly contribute to credobaptism as adult candidates
are seen to understand the tires significance. During the stage of reception each
baptismal candidate is called to the front of the congregation so that they may share a
testimony of Gods appearance in their life. Through this process the celebrant extends a
hand to the gathered congregation in encouragement of a reaffirmation of their on
testimonies. The impact of this action is extensive within the community leading to a
social transformation within the Pentecostal community. In encouraging the community
to consider their own testimonies in God, the congregation is provided with opportunity
of theological reflection. Through this reflection the community develop their own
baptismal vocations to God and reaffirm the reasons for their Christian conversion. As a
result a transformation occurs as through the private commitments of the individual, the
wider community deepens their commitments to their faith resulting in a richer
communal experience of God. Moving from the reception to the stage of the sacrament
Pentecostal baptism, like all baptism, is reflective of the belief in the Church as the body
of Christ. For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ,
[Galatians 3:287]. This Scripture passage references the idea of the baptised becoming a
part of Christ in clothing themselves with Him. During the baptism the Pentecostals
immerse the believer in the water to complete the passage to Christianity. Through this
immersion the believer is shrouded with Christ a belief reflecting the idea of the
individual becoming an adherent to the wider Christian congregation. Yet to be shrouded
with Christ is to become a part of Him thus the shrouded members of the Christian
congregation form the body of Christianity with Christ as its head. Hence it is seen
baptism is an important rite in the Pentecostal variants.
Within the Baptist variant of Christianity baptism is viewed as a significant practice.
Consistently throughout the baptismal rite the Baptist Churchs invoke the Christian
belief of the Holy Trinity. This belief refers to the fact of thee distinct entities the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit as one individual, God. Throughout the reception, sacrament and
conclusion of the baptismal rite, the Baptist congregations are seen to repeatedly refer to
this Trinity. In the reception the celebrant blesses all those gathered in the name of the
Trinity, an act repeated again the concluding rites of the ceremony. This reception reaffirms a belief in the Trinitarian God. More significantly the climax of the sacrament is
highlights in the celebrant blessing the adult candidate as they are immersed in the
baptismal water. Most Baptist congregations will offer a variation of the blessing, On the
profession of your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and in obedience with his
command, I now baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit. This blessing directly reflects the idea of the Trinity in baptism as described in
Matthews Gospel, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, [Matthew 28:19]. The practice of baptism within the Baptist denomination
also leads to an impact n the expression of belief for both the individual and community.
For the individual candidate baptised they are initiated into the Christian tradition
however before this can be achieved they must publically pronounce their beliefs as a

Christian to the gathered congregation. For Baptist ceremonies this affirmation of belief
comes in the reception of the baptism where the adult believer is asked to give a
testimony of Gods appearance in their life. This affirmation of their opportunity to
express their own beliefs through a reaffirmation of their baptismal promises. This is
significant fro the community to grow together, reinstating the importance of modelling
their lives on Christ in the expression of their belief. Thus it can be seen that baptism
within the Baptist variants is a significant practice.

Within Christianity baptism is seen as a rite of initiation. Despite varying forms within the
Christian variants baptism takes a fundamental commonality throughout all. This
commonality is seen through the core symbolic meaning and in its connection to the
principle Christian beliefs. Providing a profound impact on the individual and community
baptism is considered a significant practice within Christianity.
(Marked 18 out of 20. Comments: Good introduction. Be careful of phrasing. Not all of
beliefs covered. Interesting approach to question. Good analysis of significance. Has been
redone since received mark)

Outline the contribution of Paul of Tarsus to the development and

expression of Christianity

Paul of Tarsus was a prominent figure within religious Christian tradition whose actions
contributes to both the development and expression of Christianity. First known as Saul, a
Jewish adherent, Paul suffered a conversion to Christianity after witnessing the risen
Christ on the road to Damascus. Now seen as an apostle this conversion led to Pauls
understanding that both Gentiles and Jews had the honour of salvation in Christ. The
understanding that salvation was not the privilege of Jews alone led to the development
of a Christian expansion beyond the borders of the Jewish faith. Led by Paul this
expansion extended to countries throughout Europe and Asia Minor extending the reach
of the Christian faith to nations such as Rome making use of his multilingual skills
[Hebrew, Latin and Greek]. Paul also contributed significantly to the development of
Christian theology. Seen as the first theologian of the Christen Church, Paul, a pastor,
mentored the communities he founded in how to lead a moral life. This theology on
Christian morality, in areas such as sexual ethics, marriage and love, allowed the early
Church to determine its key beliefs through Pauls early writings. These writings
contributed significantly to the development of the Christian literature compromising up
to 25% of the New Testament. Pauls letters are the earliest accounts of the written Word,
accounts, which inspired others to write Gods Word eventually leading to the
development of the Gospels. Pauls letters also contain the earliest description of events
such as the Last Supper, which has allowed the Church to ritualise and preserved the
event in liturgy as an expression of faith. The accounts in Pauls letters also make
reference to rituals such as marriage and baptism, which again are used by the Church to
provide a formula for the significance and symbolism of these rites. The Pauline
discussion of morality also contributed to the expression of Christianity making clear the
actions needed to be undertaken for adherents to lead a moral life. Hence it can be seen
that Paul of Tarsus has contributed significantly to the development and expression of
Christianity.
(Not Marked)

Summarise the impact of Paul of Tarsus

Paul of Tarsus possessed a profound impact on the Christian Church. This impact extends
through history as well as to theological and even contemporary issues. Originally of the
Jewish faith Paul used his heritage to link the teachings of Jesus to the Old Testament of
the Jewish tradition. The creation of this link allowed Christianity to maintain its Jewish
heritage. However despite these links the strong faith and definition of Christianitys key
beliefs expressed by Paul impacted Christianity significantly. This impact was due to the
fact that through this expression Christianity was recognised as separate to the Jewish
faith and as a religion in its own. In his life Paul composed many letters to the
communities established throughout the Roman Empire, outlining what it was to live a
Christian life. Through these letters Paul mentored many Christian leaders both of and
after his time. Historically the interpretation of Pauls writings by prominent leaders such
as Luther and Calvin has impacted Christianity in the schism these interpretations cause
resulting in the creation of new Christian denominations and definitions of their beliefs.
For example the interpretations offered by Martin Luther suggested the key Pauline
notion of justification by faith meaning that to receive salvation one must demonstrate
their trust in God. Seen as the hub of Pauls writings this idea of justification by faith led

to the Reforming churchs dismantlement of the medieval theology of Grace provided by

Western Christianity in favour of the Pauline interpretation. Theologically Pauls writings
defined the basic elements of Christianity that all Christian theological systems and
personalities, such as Origen, looked to in the development of their own Christian
expressions. As a result the wider Christian Church is found to have gained
understanding of its own faith through these letters. In extension Pauls letters also
impacted the creation of key Christian doctrines defining the beliefs of each variant. The
Catholic Catechism is an example of this influence where the letters provided linguistic
material for the expression of beliefs. Pauls impact however extends far beyond the
early church and reaches towards the modern issues sustained by the contemporary
Christian faith. In his letters Paul denotes a practical Christian wisdom that can be
adapted through analogy to issues such as ecumenism, the environment, contemporary
capitalism, and interfaith dialogue. Hence it can be seen that Paul of Tarsus is a
significant figure that has possessed a profound impact on the Christian faith.
(Not Marked)

Christianity has always sought to reconnect the faith to its founding roots.
To what extend does the statement apply to the impact of Paul of Tarsus?

The religious Christian tradition is a faith that has always sought to reconnect to its
founding roots. The extent to which this notion applies to Paul of Tarsus is profound.
Throughout the ages the Christian Church has made great effort to reconnect itself with
the teachings of Paul who is considered by many as a core root of the early Church. This
effort is seen in Pauls lasting impact on even the contemporary Church today.

Throughout his life Paul played hand in the development of the early Christian Church
after witnessing the risen Christ on the Road to Damascus. Originally known as a Jewish
ma Saul, Pauls heritage allowed him to successfully link the teachings of the Old
Testament to that of Christ, which ere revered by the adherents of Christianity. The
impact of this link was profound on the Christian Church, which allowed it to recognise
and sustain the roots of its original Jewish theology in the inclusion of the Old Testament
that still remains in the Christian Bible today. The action of this preservation
demonstrates Christianitys strive towards a connection with its founding roots even in
the time of Paul.
Pauls greatest contribution to the Christian faith came through the construction of his
letters, which are now seen to constitute up to 25% of the New Testament. Seen as the
first written texts of Christianity those who take the notion of Christ seriously have been
impacted tremendously by these letters. Theologically these writings have provided a
linguistic material in the construction of significant doctrines such as the Catholic
Catechism. This impact made by Paul demonstrates that the Church still seeks to connect
to its founding roots as the doctrines of the Christian variants refer to the specific beliefs
held by these variants. By connecting these doctrines to the inspirational impact of Pauls
letters to the Christen community links these beliefs to the original elements of faith
expressed in Pauls early Church. Hence it can be seen that the extent to which
Christianity seeks to reconnect to its founding roots in regard to Pauls impact is
profound.
In contemporary society Paul of Tarsus still provides a profound impact on the Christian
faith. With contemporary Christians seen as an heir to Pauls historical achievements, his
teachings still resolve a significant impact when adapted to the issues of the modern age.
For example the wisdom of Pauls teaching has impacted the Christian approach towards
interfaith dialogue. In his own time Paul expressed an evangelistic strategy of being all
things to all people [1 Cor 9:22]. In this strategy Paul sought to establish commonalities
between groups of people to allow them to interconnect with one another rather than
telling them what they wanted to hear. This strategy Is adopted in modern society by the
Christen Church towards its efforts at interfaith dialogue. Establishing the commonality is
a belief of an omnipresent God within the Jewish, Christian and Islamic religions are an
example of this. Hence it can be seen that the teachings of Pauls early Church is still
sought to be connected with by modern Christianity. Thus it is seen that the extent to
which Christianity seeks to reconnect to its core roots regarding Pauls impact is
monumental.
Throughout the ages Christianity has been trying to reconnect to its early roots. The
extent to which this notion applies to Paul of Tarsus, seen by many as one of these core

roots, is profound. Through his impact the influence of Paul can be seen throughout
Christian society even in the modern age.
(Not Marked)

Religion has a fundamental role in bestowing meaning and significance on

human existence. It marks off what is special and true, provides order and
structure and sets forth the projects and goals for humanity.

To what extent is Christianity as a living religious tradition reflected in this

statement?

- Please note at time this was written and marked had not covered Christian Enviro.
Ethics so was not required to write about this. If this was a HSC question MUST mention
Environmental Ethics as well Religion is fundamental in bestowing purpose to the question of human existence in the
life of the individual. Marking the truth religion is seen to practice order in the lives of
adherents. The extent to which this ideal reflects Christianity as a living religious tradition
is phenomenal. Exampled through the relationships between Paul of Tarsus and the
baptismal rite Christianity is proven as a living religious tradition that relays purpose and
order in an adherents life.

Religion is essential in providing guidance to human life, an ideal that is closely reflected
in Christianity. Significant individual, Paul of Tarsus, was instrumental in elaboration on
the sacramental rites preposed by Jesus including the rite of baptism. Describing the
ceremony as a spiritual circumcision where the sins are cut away (Col 2:13) baptism
is seen as a passage to salvation for many Christian variants such as the Greek Orthodox
and Catholics. Reflected in Johns Gospel unless one is born of the water and spirit they
cannot entre the kingdom of God (John 3:5), the promise of salvation in Christianity
promotes an answer to the enduring questions of human existence such as is there a God
and the definition of evil. In answering these questions Christianity, through the
teachings of Paul and the Baptismal rite, provides guidance to the life of the individual
providing a guide for the righteous path of moral integrity. This results in Christianity as a
living religion as adherents use the guidance to fuel the actions of their everyday lives in
acts such as prayer and charity. Hence it can be seen that through the relationships
determined by Paul of Tarsus and Baptism, Christianity definitively reflects the idea of
religion providing order in the lives of adherents.
Christianity undeniably examples the nature of religion giving purpose to human life.
Expressed through the relationship between Paul of Tarsus and baptism, this ideal leads
to Christianity being seen as a dynamic living tradition. Through his letters Paul defined
the core beliefs of the Christian Church such as the risen Christ (1 Cor 12:15). These
beliefs were then adapted to the baptismal rite and expressed readily to the adherent.
For when you were baptised you were buried with Christ and in baptism you rose with
Christ (Col 2:12). This Bible reference indicates that in submergence in the water the
adult adherent in Pentecostal baptism suffers a death and subsequent burial to their past
life, reflective of the death of Christ. Emergence from the water represents a resurrection
to new life, just as Christ resurrected from the dead. This symbolism of death and burial
emphasises baptism as a rite of initiation for the individual, carried throughout all the
Christian variants. Through this emphasise, gained by an expression of the beliefs
proposed by Paul, the new adherent gains a sense of purpose and belonging in their new
life as a Christian. By attaining a purpose in their human life the adherent is encouraged
to adhere to the Christian practice in order to attain a perfection of spirit leading to a
dynamic and living religion. Thus the idea of religion gifting purpose to adherents is
strongly reflected in the notion of Christianity as a living tradition.
No matter the tradition the overarching concept of religion is seen as fundamental to
developing a sense of purpose and guidance in the life of its human adherents. This idea
is reflected strongly within the religious tradition of Christianity. Exemplified through the
relationship between Paul of Tarsus and the baptismal rite, the idea of Christianity as a
living religious tradition in parallel to the aforementioned philosophy is identified.
(Marked 17 out of 20. Comments: Thoughtful response providing a sound attempt to
engage with the question. Paid attention to variants of Christianity which enhanced the
response. Relevant Scripture quotations)

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. (3 John 1:11)

How do environmental ethical teachings in Christianity guide adherents to

do what is good?

Ethical teachings provide an undeniable guide towards what is right in the lives of
religious adherents. Within the Christian tradition this fact is especially true in light of
environmental ethics. Traditionally a religion that has adopted anthropocentric attitudes
to the environment, recent centuries have provided an emphasis on the need for
environmental ethical teachings as a guide for believers to imitate the good described in
3 John 1:11. With the many leaders of the Christian variants calling upon their authority
to stress the moral code of environmental ethics as described in the Scripture, the
implication of these ethics as a guide to do good is seen.

Environmental ethical teachings provide a purpose and guide in the lives of adherents.
Within Christianity the scripture stresses that adherence to these ethics will allow its
followers to achieve what is good. For Christians the environment is believed to be the
work of God for in Him all things were created (Col 1:15-17), and through this creation
the environment is a gift that God has placed in our responsible hands (Pope Benedict
XVI). This sentiment, reflected not only by the authorities of the Catholic denomination
but all variants, contributes to the ethical principle of stewardship. In this teaching it is
determined that God employed humanity as caretakers of the earth. For the adherent
this assignment as earths steward denotes a purpose to fulfil this role in their lives
hence prompting an instant guide of discipleship before God and foundation for their
efforts to imitate good. The principle of stewardship further invokes an immediate
responsibility of humanity to nurture and protect the environment created by God. For
believers, in order to fulfil their purpose, this notion can be employed to practical
behaviours such as minimising waste, and employing sustainable behaviours such as the
use of green energy. This practice ensures that the harmony described in the teaching of
co-creation is maintained, while allowing the adherent to imitate goodliness in their lives.
This goodliness is derived from the fulfilment of their responsibility with God. Thus it can
be seen that by providing purpose to ones life, Christian environmental ethical teachings
guides its adherents to do what is good.
Within Christianity the teachings of environmental ethics determine a moral code of
justice within the lives of adherents. Through this code a moral law is derived that
persuades adherents to not only act in a righteous manner, but to do what is good.
Within the Bible the notions of Christian ecotheology can be linked directly to the major
foundations of Christian law. In this theology it is suggested that one should not waste or
live in an excessive manner so as to ensure the goods of the earth are shared in equity.
Loosely this can be linked to the Decalogue and the tenth commandment that you shall
not covet (Exodus 20:17). Warning against greed, this commandment augments the
relevance of the ecotheology in the lives of adherents, where the ethics provides
practical knowledge that can be enacted to ensure Christian followers remain true to the
commandment so as to ensure they do what is good. In employing the spirit of
sustainability, as commanded by their God, believers embody the environmental
principle of justice. This principle furthers the ethical guide to imitate good encouraging
a practical, necessary response to environmental issues such as the suffering of the poor.
The result of these teachings can be seen in Christian groups such as the Catholic
Edmund Rice centre, which aims to resolve the issue of refugees from low lying islands
such as Kiribati in a sustainable manner. Uniting Justice Australia, of the Uniting Church,
too lobbies for the solutions of justice issues often referring to dialogue with the political
realm to ensure Australia takes its place as the leader of environmental concern in the
Asia-Pacific region. Through these actions an example of charity, and equity is embodied
in the lives of adherents. In participating in this push for justice the Christian disciples are
fulfilling the Christian spirit to care for others and do what is good in guidance of the
ethical teachings. Hence it can be clearly seen that Christian environmental ethical
teachings provide a moral guide to believers, so that they can achieve a just life.
Christian environmental ethical teachings can be seen to determine the path to salvation
in the lives of adherents. Through this path the teachings act as a guide to do what is
good in order for believers to receive this redemption. The stewardship principle of
Christianity is derived from the ethical teachings of stewardship where the Lord God took
men and placed them on earth to work it and take care of it (Gen 2:15). Through this
assignment it is believed that humanity has been given a responsibility to care for the
earth in order to bring about the Reign of God on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew
6:11) in accordance with the Mission principle of the environmental teachings. Through
this principle adherents are reminded that they will be held accountable for their actions

towards the environment in the hereafter. Many variants, such as the Orthodox Church,
believe that to commit a crime against nature is to sin against ourselves and to sin
against God (Patriarch Bartholomew). In this belief the need for adherents to take
reverence towards the environment is heightened as it is stressed to exploit it, to destroy
it is a sin. If a believer commits a sin of large enough magnitude then they will be barred
from salvation. To avoid this adherents are guided to take great care when using the
environment so as not to participate in exploitive industries such as animal testing and to
avoid acts of animal cruelty where, in doing so the believer is guided to do what is good.
Thus it is seen that environmental ethical teachings provide a guide to imitate the good
for Christian adherents.

In many religious traditions ethical teachings form the basis of guides towards
goodliness. For Christianity environmental ethical teachings, in particular form this guide.
Expressed in the Scripture and advocated by the denominational leaders these
teachings, within Christianity, are seen to undeniably advocate the imitation of
goodliness referenced in 3 John 1:11.
(A range - no specific mark. Comments: Overall good response.)

A Living Religious
Tradition
Ethics

Significant
people and
ideas

Significant
Practices

Discuss the relationship of at least two of the aspects shown in the

diagram above and they way they contribute to Christianity as a living
religious tradition.

A dynamic living religion can be defined by the submission of its adherents to its
traditions and beliefs. Within the Christian religious tradition this fact holds true, as its
believers fuel the notion of the tradition as both living and dynamic. The essence of the
effect can be derived upon an examination of the relationship between significant figure
Paul of Tarsus and practice of the baptismal rite. Through this exploration it can be
derived that through their vital relationship these two aspects contribute readily to
Christianity as a living religion in the world today.
The link between the rite of baptism and Paul of Tarsus has defined Christianity as a
dynamic, living religion. A significant individual of the Christian Church Paul of Tarsus was
seen to define the core beliefs of Christianity, a move, which allowed the tradition to split
from that of Judaism. Recorded in his letters, Paul expressed the basic beliefs of the
Christian tradition then used by the Church to define rituals such as baptism. In the
Pentecostal variant of Christianity water, like all variants, is used to symbolise the death
and resurrection of Christ. Here immersion of the adult candidate into the water
represents the death and burial of their old life, reflecting the death and burial of Christ.
Emerging from the water is representative of resurrecting to new life just as Christ
resurrected from death. This core belief is seen defined in the letters of Paul who states
in baptism you were buried with Christ and in baptism you rose with Christ [Col 2:12]
reflecting his proclamations of the core belief in the risen Christ [1 Cor 12:15]. The
relationship between belief and ritual established within the teachings of Paul and rite of
baptism are seen to be relevant to provide a sense of identity and purpose in the

contemporary world. For adherents to the Christian Church the sacrament of baptism
provides an opportunity for the individual to publically express their belief in Christ and
God. This expression allows the adherent to solidify their identity as a follower Christ
providing purpose to their lives as they set out to follow the Christian path of
righteousness defined by their beliefs. Through this path the adherent striving to achieve
goodness through actions such as prayer, and charity in their everyday lives. Thus it is
seen that the relationship between Paul of Tarsus and baptism has contributed to
Christianity as a dynamic living religion.

The relationship between Paul of Tarsus and Baptism has contributed significantly to the
nature of Christianity as a living tradition. In his lifetime Paul elaborated on the rituals
and practices of the Christian Church as prescribed by Christ including the rite of
baptism. This relationship of advisor and product has impacted the idea of Christianity as
a living religious tradition. In his letters Paul emphasised the practice of baptism as a
spiritual circumcision where the sins of the adherent were cut away, forgiven by God
[Col 2:13]. For variants such as the Greek Orthodox and Catholic Churches this idea of
spiritual cleansing emphasised the gift of salvation offered in baptism as defined in other
sacred writings such as Johns Gospel, unless one is born of the water and the spirit he
cannot entre the kingdom of God [John 3:5]. Pauls definition of a spiritual salvation
offered by God is seen to influence the practice in the Greek Orthodox baptism where the
infant baptised is anointed with the oil of the chrism, signifying the reception of the Holy
Spirit and hence salvation. While not adhered to by all sects, the idea of salvation offered
through the rite of baptism as explained by Paul, provides answers to the enduring
questions of human existence. Through the idea of salvation the individual and
community are gathered to believe in the path of righteousness providing answers to
questions such as what happens after death and the definition of evil. The idea of
salvation augments a sense on the afterlife provided by a sustained belief in Christianity.
This notion of the afterlife causes adherents to live their lives in an ethical manner
striving to do good in order to achieve the right to entre heaven and avoid hell upon
judgement by God. In doing so the adherent employs the practical experience of
Christianity in their everyday life through actions such as prayer. Hence it is seen that
through the impact of the relationship between Paul of Tarsus and baptism, the nature of
Christianity is described as living and dynamic.
The aspects of a religious tradition and the practice of its adherents can be seen to
define a religion as living and dynamic. For Christianity this fact is held undeniably true
where two of its aspects contribute significantly to the notion of the living, dynamic
tradition. Revealed upon an examination of the relationship between significant person
Paul of Tarsus and the baptismal rite, Christianity as a living tradition can be seen.
Extra Paragraph Paul of Tarsus and Environmental Ethics
The relationship between Paul of Tarsus and Christian environmental ethics has
contributed significantly to the nature of the Christian tradition as a dynamic, living
religion. Significant person Paul of Tarsus wrote a series of letters that Christian leaders
throughout the ages have used to define the core beliefs of Christianity. In his work Paul
expressed that for in Him all things were created (Col 1:15-17). This statement links
directly the core definition of Christian environmental ethics of God as the creator of the
earth, on the first day God created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1). Through this
belief, as expressed by Paul, prominent leaders of the Christian variants have sought to
define the importance of environmental ethical teachings in the life of the adherent.
Looking to the stewardship principle of the teachings, that humanity were given the
responsibility as caretakers of the earth (Gen 2:15), leaders such as Patriarch
Bartholomew have determined that to commit a crime against nature is to sin against
ourselves and to sin against God. These sentiments, reflected not only in the Orthodox
denominations but in all variants, indicate that the earth is to be treated with reverence
due to its status as the creation of God. This notion contributes to the nature of
Christianity as a living religious tradition as the trust assigned by God in humanitys role
of stewards guides adherents to living a moral life as defined by the Christian beliefs
assigned by Paul. These guidelines allow adherents to follow practical measures such as
waste minimisation to ensure they fulfil their role of stewards, growing closer in their
relationship to God through their interactions with the environment. This leads to a
greater awareness of God in the believer, which in turn leads to a deeper appreciation of
the Christian rituals such as prayer to further this existence. This it can be clearly derived
that through the relationship between Paul of Tarsus and environmental ethical
teachings, Christianity is defined as a living tradition.

(Not Marked)