religion exam 1 - Human Dignity , Current Issues , Differing Views, Social Factors , religious structures / processes

What is a religious belief?

A conviction about an idea central to a religion that expresses a religious truth and it offers insights about life. Found in a variety of religious teachings/ practices

What is a religious teaching?

They guide and inform how people respond to religious belief

What is the definition of human dignity?

- all God given dignity of each person needs to be respected and upheld individually and by society

What is development?

A specified state of growth

How do religious teachings develop?

They do not change overtime but the church’s understanding of how they apply to people, times and place develops overtime.
- Due to the world/society not being stagnant and result of revelation, intro of new tech.
- Magisterium’s responsibility to teach, govern, sanctify so the mission of the church is lived in modern times

What are the key features of Human Dignity?

Who - Everyone regardless of social status
What - Inherent , Inviolable , Inalienable
Where - Originates from the Bible (Genesis 1)
Why - Foundation of all other CSTS and is constantly developed
How: teaching that is applied and carried and lived out by everyone

What is imago dei?

That everyone is made in the image and likeness of God

What are the 4 key features of HD?

Definition, Sources, Development , Application of the teaching

What is key feature 1 : definition, about?

The three I’s → Inherent, Inviolable, Inalienable

What is meant by HD is inherent?

Through a catholic lens
→ We believe that every person is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27)
→ because of this they have inherent dignity and that every life is sacred as it is a reflection of God

“So God created mankind in his own image”

What is meant by HD is inviolable?

innate dignity is the foundation for a just world. → God gave us dignity so no human has the right to take it away → Inviolable

What is meant by that HD is inalienable?

We see the image of God in every person, no matter their circumstance and the dignity of a person is not based on any human quality , law and merit. → Inalienable

What is the second key feature: Sources about?

It is about the three types of sources
- Biblical , Moral and Ecclesial

What are Biblical Sources? (Origins of the teaching)

-Evidence from scripture that this teaching is clear (Genesis 1:26-27)

→ Genesis 1:26-27 guides people that they should have unconditional love for all people regardless of who they are.
→ calls to treat everyone with respect/kindness

What are moral sources (Origins of the teachings)

Traditional based sources, lived expression of faith.
example
Jesus’ commandment “Love your neighbour as yourself” Matthew 22:39 further clarifies the teaching of human dignity​

• Jesus further the develop the understanding of the teaching through his parables like the Good Samaritan and his actions, He showed people that HD applied to their 'neighbours' (enemies, those who leprosy, ALL OF HUMANITY)

What are Ecclesial Sources?

Writings from the Pope’s apply the teaching of HD to the contemporary society
- Magisterium’s job to provide for the growing holiness of believers and see the signs of the times

What is key feature 3 : Development, about?

The biblical vision of the human person
The Theological vision of the human person
(How it is applied changes, but the core of the teaching never changes)

What is the Biblical vision of the human person?

→ The human person is made in the image and likeness of God
→ HD is understood as flowing from one’s relationship with God and is not earned . It is inherent
→ Human Dignity is realized and protected in community with others

What is the theological vision of the human person?

-The human person is to be morally responsible for the protection of human dignity, and to “do good and avoid evil”

- The human person is free. Only one who is free can be morally responsible

What is Key feature 4 : Application of the teaching about?

HD is a call to action, Christians are called to work towards ensuring people live a life of dignity.
- Ecclesial sources teach Catholics how to apply HD in a world that doesnt always respect it.
- The application of HD can be seen through small scale actions of every day kindness to larger scale societal change.

What is Development 1 of the Ecclesiastic Sources

Rerum Novarum

What factors led to development in Rerum Novarum?

During Industrial Revolution → Workers were exploited and HD wasnt upheld.
(late 18th century)
Working many hours without breaks (Children worked too)
- Were not paid fairly and often lived in poverty.

How did religion respond to the injustice in the Industrial Revolution?

Pope Leo XIII released RN in 1891
Address dehumanizing conditions which many workers worked in and affirmed workers rights to
- just wages , rest and fair treatment
- To form unions and to strike if necessary
- Reminded that workers are people and are never to be seen as a means to an end

How did RN show development of HD?

-The idea that people cannot be “used” correlates to the inviolable dignity of the person → HD cannot be taken away
- Expansion of the teaching that emphasized the dignity of workers and advocated for their rights via labor unions
→ HD applied to all classes of society including impoverish
→ Encouraged the employer and gov to put dignity of the worker before profits

What is a RN quote? (#31)

Workers are not to be treated as slaves ; justice demands that the dignity of the human personality be respected in them #31

What is ecclesiastic source 2?

Pacem in Terris

What factors led up to the writing of Pacem in Terris?

Due to the threat of nuclear war.
WW2- First taste of the power of nuclear weapons
- Cuban Missile Crisis where USA and Soviets began deployments of missiles (1962)

How did religion respond to the threat of nuclear war?

- An Encyclical written by Pope John XXIII (Peace on Earth) due to the threat of nuclear war. (1963)
Pacem in Terris called all Governments to acknowledge the rights of human person and be calls in protecting them
- Reaffirmed that HD is inherent and it will only be respected in a world of peace.
-recognized the spread of democracy and that war was not a way to obtain justice.

How did Pacem In terris develop HD?

-Develops the idea that HD transcends national borders, and that all Gov have a responsibility to uphold the dignity of all people.
- All Gov must uphold the Human rights of all people not based on nationality
→ Calls countries to abandon arms race in favor of peace

What is ecclesiastic source 3?

Laborem Exercens

What was the factor that led to Laborem Exercens?

On the Anniversary of RN Pope John Paul II released Laborem Exercens 1981
-Since RN world continued to move towards consumerism and exploit workers for capital and profit
→ Also acknowledged that while technology might be used as an ally for workers, it may also supplant them

How did religion respond ? (Laborem Exercens)

-Encyclical states that human beings are proper subject work. Work expresses and increases human dignity. Gives people purpose.
- Pope stresses the priority of labor over things while criticizing systems which do not show these principles. He supports the rights of workers and unions
- The CC was clear that quality of life in work must not be supplanted by the drive to maximize profit

How did it develop the teaching of human dignity?

Reaffirmed the teaching of HD developed in RN in the modern context and changing nature of work
Addressed the environmental issue that resources are becoming scarce → impact lives of the future
Addressed violations of HD where people are treated as instruments for work, based on skill level with inadequate wages

what is war?

State of organized , large scale conflict between groups typically involving nations/ states characterized by the use of armed forces, political objections and Legal / social implications
→ Leads to loss of life , infrastructure and livelihood

What are the types of war

Conventional War: Armed conflict between state militaries (ie. Russia and Ukraine)​

Civil War: Internal conflict within a country (ie. Myanmar) ​

Proxy War: Conflicts where external powers support opposing sides (ie. Yemen – Iran V Saudi Arabia)​

Cyber War: Conflict in digital space targeting infrastructure and information systems (Russian cyberattacks on Ukraine).

What types is the Israel and Palestine War?

I and P is conventional and proxy as USA and CANADA back ISRAEL and IRAQ AND IRAN AND NORTH KOREA BACK PALESTINE

What is the nature of war?

As of Jan 25, 42 countries are in ongoing conflicts → Led to tension and conflict in society through incompatible beliefs, nationalism, misinformation and the displacement of people

Why does war occur?

Large scale conventional wars are driven by
ideology , nationalism and expansionism

What is idealogy

A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political policy.

What is nationalism

Support for one nation’s interests, especially at the exclusion or detriment of another nation. ​

What is expansionism

A policy of territorial or economic expansion at the detriment of other nations. ​

What is tension

Emotional or mental strain

What is Displaced people?

People who flee their homes either to another country to seek refuge or are internally displaced in their nation and they lack protection

How does displaced people bring about tensions

This brings about tension as people who flee worry about their friends and family in the war and face prejudice from natives as they stereotype refugees with extremism and taking jobs  

What are examples of displaced people in Palestine/ Israel War?

example 1.9 millon people in gaza are displaced 

Australia’s visa process for around 1,300 Gazans is under scrutiny, sparking heated parliamentary debate.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called for a temporary visa ban over security concerns, drawing government criticism.

How does misinformation and the media cause tension?

Media often sensationalizes war by focusing on its most shocking aspects.

This can create a skewed and incomplete perception of the conflict.

Such coverage may instill fear, anxiety, or tension in viewers.

What is an example of misinformation and the media in relation to the Israel / Palestine War

On Oct 17, 2023, a Gaza hospital explosion was initially reported as an Israeli airstrike.

Later investigations revealed it was likely caused by a misfired Palestinian rocket.

This highlights how media can rush to report the most dramatic claims without full context.

Such reporting can escalate public tension and spread misinformation.

Why does religion respond?

Catholicism responds as it breaks CSTS
Human Dignity , Care for the common home
also breaks 5th commandment

How is human dignity not upheld in war?

Human dignity is all god given dignity must be respected and upheld by society and individually  

Human dignity is not upheld in war, as civilians and soldiers are often killed or injured.

This violates the belief that human life is sacred and only God has the right to take it.

War contradicts the principle that human dignity is inviolable and inalienable.

Examples of human dignity being broken in the Israel / Palestine War

🇵🇸 Palestinian Territories (Gaza Strip + West Bank)

• Total Fatalities: Over 48,500
  (47,500+ from Gaza + 1,000+ from the West Bank)

• Total Injuries: Over 127,600
  (111,600+ from Gaza + 16,000+ from the West Bank)

🇮🇱 Israel

• Civilians killed: Approximately 1,200

• Soldiers killed: Over 400

• Injuries (total): Over 8,000

What is the CST Of Care for the common home and how is it broken?

The idea that the earth and all living things is a gift and that we are called to protect it  
→ War disrupts the environment due to bombings it destroys the land and gods creation and breaks habitats and ecosystems

What are examples of care of the common home cst being broken in the israel and palestine war?

80% of Gaza's tree cover has been lost, leading to soil degradation and the disruption of habitats for various species.
- 40 Million War rubble litter Gaza

2023 Gaza border fires: Around 4,000 hectares of Israeli natural and agricultural land in the Negev were scorched by incendiary devices from Gaza.

How does religion respond to the current issue of war?

Three levels
Local , National , International

How does religion respond on a local level?

Direct aid is provided by charities in war zones.

Charities deliver necessities directly to those affected by war. regardless of a person’s past or background.

- reduce tension among people in conflict areas.

focuses on meeting immediate needs and easing suffering.

Examples of Direct Aid in the current issue of war?

Caritas helps people in Gaza as they have delivered
- 820,000 people food parcels
156000 hygiene equip
as they have teamed up with catholic relief services 

How does religion respond on a national level?

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, "Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World," 25/07/25
- calls everyone to see each other as brothers and sisters and respond to the conflict of the times.  
- Frames peace as an attainable and realistic goal 

What are some quotes from “Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World”?

“A global ceasefire is urgent : either we do not realize it or we are pretending not to see that we are on the brink of the abyss” 

“We can all do something to be peacemakers … peace is to be made on the macro and micro level, we need to act small and think big, to act locally and think globally

How does religion respond on a national level?

Though Encyclicals like “Dilexit Nos” 2024 from Pope Francis
- Emphasizes the importance of love and compassion in the face of modern challenges and calls people not to pass the blame but have an open heart

What is a quote from Dilexit Nos?

“ All of us need to rediscover the importance of the heart” (#2) 

What is religion as a belief system?

Religion as a belief system 

• Assumes that ultimate reality exists, and religions have a basis for their beliefs. 

• Aspects of this category include:  

• Religions meet the spiritual needs of people E.G. Vatican II 

• Religions answer questions of meaning and purpose in life  

• Religious transformation brings about fundamental change in people (conversion) 
  

How does religion as a belief system meets the spiritual needs of people

Religions support spiritual needs through community practices, rituals, sacraments, and prayer.

Church attendance is declining in most Australian Christian churches, suggesting a reduced role in meeting spiritual needs.

Many people now engage more with personal spirituality than organised religion.

However, major religious celebrations like Christmas and Easter still attract large congregations, and Holy Days remain widely observed in Australia.

Why do people view of religion as a belief system (positive)

- provides answers to the questions people have about meaning and purpose

- Religions bring about fundamental change in people.​

How does religion provide answers to the questions people have
(belief system)

Religions provide answers to the questions people have about meaning and purpose
- people experience important life events, → birth,death, development into adulthood and marriage, → ,may turn to religious beliefs for answers to questions they have about meaning and purpose. → supports them through challenging times.

what are some quotes that shows that religion provides answers to questions people have about M and N

• Catholics believe that the search for meaning is only found in knowingand relating with God- CCC.27-30 The desire for God is written on thehuman heart, man is created for God by God.​

• Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know full well the plans I have for you, plans foryour welfare and not for your misfortune, plans that will offer you a futurefilled with hope.”​

How does religion bring about fundamental change in people?

Most religions have organised behaviours, morals and ethics(ie. The Ten Commandments) that when acted upon/lived outhave the power to bring about positive and negative fundamental change in people. ​
This change should be positive but sometimes can lead to religious extremism.

what is a quote that shows that religion brings fundamental change in people?

John 13:31-35 – At the Last Supper Jesus gave a new commandment –“Love one another as I have loved you.

How can religion brining about fundamental change in people be negative

- potential to lead to religious extremism, where individuals or groups interpret faith in a radical manner
→ engage in violence to defend or embrace their faith. This disregards other perspectives and practices. ​
On 9/11, 2001, al-Qaeda hijacked planes, hitting the Twin Towers and Pentagon. Nearly 3,000 died, leading to global security changes and the War on Terror.

what are some examples of extremism (fundamental changes)

Eg: Al-Qaeda and ISIS interpret Islamic teachings in a way that justifies acts of violence against perceived “enemies” of Islam. They engage in terrorist acts to establish their vision of an Islamic state. ​

Christian Identity Movement interprets Christianity as a tool to promote white supremacy and justify violence against racial minorities. They believe that the bible supports their notion of a chosen race and vi and view ethnically diverse people as inferior.

What is the view of religion as a functional agency

Assumes that religions, whether of human origin or not, are a universal phenomenon and therefore must serve a useful purpose. Aspects of this category include:​

Religions are organised systems that promote the stability of society (Catholic Church response to current issues)​

Religions are good for health and wellbeing ( Abortion griefcounselling, social services etc.)​

Religious ideals fulfil the need for a stable frame of reference(provides a moral compass)​

How can religion being a functional agency being viewed as positive or negative

Social Welfare Outreach (Positive / Negative)
Helps people cope with illness and other stress (Positive)
Promotes Conflict (Negative)

How does religion being a functional agency have social welfare outreach (positive)

The social welfare outreach of religious organizations is an area that many Australians view as positive

Agencies Society of St Vincent de Paul , The Salvation Army, are well supported by Australians in their work with the poor and disadvantaged.

What are some examples of social welfare outreach in australia

The Bishops Conference​

•  Deals with a range of issues in society such as Asylum Seekers,Poverty, the elderly, Family, Ecumenism and Health and CommunityServices.​

• It produces Australian Catholic Bishop statements setting out Catholicteachings and beliefs related to issues and is not afraid to criticisegovernment policy e.g. Asylum seekers.​

How does religion being a functional agency have social welfare outreach (NEGATIVE)

The religious nature of the agency may not be relevant for many people as non-religious charitable agencies such as the Smith Family Foundation also receive support from the Australian public.​

How is catholic education positive for society in australia?

Catholic schools enrol 764,000 students in 1,746 schools 

- students at universities such as Notre Dame Australia and the Australian Catholic University.​

21 per cent of all secondary school enrolments in Australia.​

Catholic schools have a strong social justice mission to form well-rounded individuals who make a positive contribution to their local communities.​

It is one of the largest employers in Australia, (2%) of the Australian workforce spread across a range of dioceses,congregations and agencies.​

How does religion being a functional agency help cope with illness and stress (positive

Religious/spiritual beliefs and practices are used by both medical and psychiatric patients to cope with illness and other stressful life changes → gives them meaning

- contributes to social solidarity and integration and adds value to people's lives.​

- Religion is a conservative force and that this is a positive functionfor society and for individuals. Religion helps to create socialorder and maintains the value consensus.​

how does religion being a functional agency promote conflict (negative)

Conflicts can arise within or between religions, highlighting the challenge of giving any one religion political influence.

Secularisation suggests religion is less relevant today, performing fewer societal functions — so it shouldn't play a major role in politics.

• Religion can be dysfunctional, especially when:

Fundamentalist groups use it to justify violence

Religious institutions abuse their power (e.g. Catholic Church sexual abuse scandals in schools and orphanages)

what is the view about religion as a political agency

Assumes that religions, whether of human origin or not, represent groups of people with common interests. Aspects of this category include:​

Religions are influential (Pope Francis, Mother Teresa, Political parties- Christian Democratic Party)​

Religions have values​

Religions have traditions (Sanctity of Marriage)

What is the positive view about religion as a political agency

Churches support neglected groups, especially when government services fall short (e.g. refugees on temporary protection visas who can't work or access healthcare).

Modern Australia values tolerance and compassion, which means respecting people of all religions — and atheists — to avoid religious prejudice.

Faith-based organisations handle major public services, including:

• Commonwealth employment services (worth hundreds of millions)

• Public hospitals

• Aged care and disability services

What is the negative view about religion being a political agency

In a democracy, parliamentarians must represent all citizens, not just those who share their religious beliefs.

Healthy democracies rely on debate and compromise, but fundamentalist religions often promote absolutes that leave little room for negotiation.

• The Australian Democrats express concern over:

The growing influence of the conservative neo-liberal religious right on public policy

The shift of government services to religious organisations

They believe this trend threatens core democratic values like freedom, equality, and tolerance.

Without a clear separation of church and state, the government’s ability to treat all citizens equally and remain neutral is compromised.

how is religion being a political agency viewed as negative and positive

The Australian Constitution calls for separation of church and state, but in practice, there is ongoing interaction between religion and government.

Religious groups lobby governments on key issues like medical ethics, Indigenous rights, abortion, refugees, and marriage.

In some areas, religious influence hasn't prevailed — e.g., abortion laws, refugee policy, and marriage equality.

What are social factors?

​

• The world in which a person lives creates a range of social factors that have potential to either support, hinder or obstruct how a person and religion interact​

What are the 5 categories of social factors

cultural, influential people, social attitudes, political ideologies historical event

What is an example of a cultural social factor

Culture of Consumerism
The preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods.​

What are the benefits of consumerism?

Consumerism has been expressed in economic terms as being vital to the success of businesses and their products and the economic growth of countries.

- Increases people QoL as they get basic needs and wants

What are issues of consumerism

Treating material consumption as the primary goal of life—that is, focusing on having instead of being—is seen as detrimental to human dignity

- Consumerist culture creates an unjust global economic structure that leaves the poor behind, ( pref option for the poor)

what is some evidence for consumerism from the bible

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

What is an example of a historical event as a social factor

Vatican II 11 October 1962 → informed and changed how people viewed and interacted with the Catholic Church. → both supported/hindered/obstructed a person's interaction with religion based on their person context. ​

EXPLANATION:
Vatican II supported by reinforcing their belief → changes were guided by the Holy Spirit, encouraging greater involvement in Church life.
Hinders as changes like the mass being into local lang other than latin caused disconnection and loss of long term pracs (ST ANNES) belmont → practice secretly
Obstructs fundamentalists who like traditional ways of mass and so they have stopped interacting

What is an example of a social attitude social factor

Secularism (choice to be religious or not religious is in the constitution).​

Explanation: This hinders people interaction with religion as there is more choice to be religious or not.​

Evidence: Increase of Australians stating they have “no religion”.  Illustrated by increase from 6.7% in 1971 to 30.1% in 2016 to 38.9% in 2023

The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion (Section 116)

What is an example of a social factor under the category of Political Administrations

Theocracy is a government led by divinely guided officials, often clergy, with laws based on religious principles.

how does a social factor under political idealogy and admin support/ hinder

• Supports interaction with religion:

  • Integrates faith into daily life

  • Reinforces religious values

  • Provides a sense of spiritual guidance

• Hinders interaction with religion:

  • Enforces strict religious laws

  • Limits personal beliefs and interpretations

• Restricts religious freedom for minority faiths
  Obstructs → strict polices suppress other religious practices
  (North Korea)

What is the category of influential people

people who influence others based on religion
such as the pope

origin

Format
Location
Author
Date
if not specified you need to say not specified

purpose

inform, educate, inspire, provoke thought and entertain - about what?
target audience

context

religious political and social
historical and contemporary
anything past 2015 is historical

additionally anything that speaks about religion but doesnt come from religious person/ talks negatively about religion it is social

reliability/validity

trusted? → author, up to date , format (blog), . org . gov
Bias?
backed by research?

usefulness

is it relevant?
up to date?
helpful in understanding a given topic?

contestable

Are multiple view points addressed (nuanced)
bias?
Backed by research?
Is there any left out info
Are sample sizes appropriate

point of view

social , religious , political
positive / negative/ neutral
about what ?

Why does the church use structures and processes?

Designed to support the work and mission of the church
- Teach and Safeguard the Christian Message
- Provide for the growing holiness of believers
- Governing the Church is Jesus’ Name

How does the Church Teach and safeguard the Christian message?

Recent examples r like Popes and bishops providing Church teachings including the documents of the Second Vatican Council, to bring aggiornamento and other statements on other issues