Religion post-1945, Aboriginal spirituality and Moses Mendellsohn

What is the role of Kinship in Aboriginal Spirituality

It defines relationships, roles, and responsibilities within the community, ensuring unity and support (e.g. caring for your siblings' child)

How does ceremonial life connect to Aboriginal Spirituality

Ceremonial life recreates eternal moments of the Dreaming, allowing spiritual connection to spirit ancestors (e.g. male initiation ceremony)

Why is obligations to the land important in Aboriginal Spirituality

Aboriginal people view the land as a life provider and believe caring for it prevents the degradation of the land, which could lead to disasters such as fires.

How did dispossession affect Aboriginal Spirituality

It severed connections to the land, culture, and kinship networks, leading to a loss of language, spiritual practices and identity.

What are some consequences of dispossession on Aboriginal communities

Intergenerational trauma, health disparities, socio-economic challenges, and spiritual disconnection.

What social factors contributed to the rise of new-age religions?

individualism and mental health awareness promoting alternative spiritualities.

How did cultural trends influence new-age religions?

Globalisation and the popularity of practices like meditation fostered interest in non-traditional spirituality

How does the census data reflect a shift towards secularism and new-age beliefs?

Christianity dropped from 86.2% (1971) to 43.9 (2021), while “No Religion” increased form 6.7% (1971) to 38.9%

What percentage of Australians identified as Christian in 2021?

44%

What are the largest Non-Christian religions in Australia?

Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.

How do religious demographics vary by age?

Young adults (25-39) are more likely to report as “Non-religious”, while older generations (75+) are more likely to identify as Christians.

What is the goal of ecumenical movements in Australia?

To promote unity and cooperation among Christian denominations to address social issues.

What is the role of the NSW ecumenical council?

To provide a shared voice for churches and run initiatives with greater social impact

How does the Australian Churches Refugee taskforce contribute to ecumenism?

It unites Christian denominations to advocate for refugees, providing a moral perspective on their suffering.

What is the primary roles of interfaith dialogue in Australia?

It promotes social cohesion, cultural respect, and religious harmony in a diverse society.

How does interfaith dialogue reduce discrimination?

By fostering understanding and encouraging positive relationships, as seen in initiatives like the Affinity Intercultural Foundation (dialogue between Christians and Muslims)

How does interfaith dialogue honour Indigenous traditions?

Through events such as National Sorry Day, which supports reconciliation and strengthens Australia’s multicultural identity.

What is the role of the Parliament of the World’s Religions in interfaith dialogue?

It fosters unity by bringing faith communities together to collaborate on shared concerns.

Who was Moses Mendelssohn and why was he significant?

Moses Mendelssohn was a key figure in the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah) who modernised Jewish thought by balancing Jewish teachings with Enlightenment ideals.

What did Moses advocate for in his book ‘Jerusalem’

He encouraged Jews to embrace modern education without abandoning their faith, paving the way for Progressive Judaism.

How did Mendelssohn’s translation of the Torah impact Jewish communities?

By translating the Torah into German, he reduced isolation, promoted unity, and enabled Jews to engage with broader cultural contexts.

How did Mendelssohn encourage Jews to fulfill the commandment “to love the Lord your God and to walk in His ways”?

By promoting engagement with broader society while maintaining devotion to God through education and cultural integration

What was the significance of Mendelssohn’s translation of the Torah into German?

It made Jewish texts accessible to German-speaking Jews, bridging Jewish tradition with European culture.

What was the purpose of ‘Frieschule’ Mendelssohn founded?

To combine secular subjects like science, math and art with Jewish studies, enabling Jews to navigate modern life while staying grounded in their faith

What was the role of ‘Ha-Meassef’, the Hebrew language magazine Mendelssohn supported?

It spread Enlightenment ideas and Jewish culture, promoting the integration of religious and secular education