Religion Study Notes for Abitur 2025

Key Competencies for Religious Education in a Globalized World

• Focus Theme II: Assuming Responsibility in a Globalized, Religiously Plural World.

• Key Biblical Texts and Terms must be taken into consideration for the following competencies:

  • Formulate criteria for constructive engagement with truth among diverse religions.

  • Unpack biblical justice in relation to ethical issues on globalization and commodification.

  • Examine two ethical argumentative models: deontological and teleological ethics.

  • Investigate a recurring challenge for the church (relationship with the state) using historical examples.

  • Assess the role and significance of churches in a plural society concerning their missions (social and political engagement, education).

  • Develop perspectives for a sustainable church focusing on justice, mercy, life accompaniment, and resistance.

Formulating Criteria for Constructive Dialogue

• Reality & Perception: Our understanding of the surrounding world is shaped by our perception, not the inherent reality of things.

• Truth Verification: We can only assert truth by verifying it through various senses or by consensus with others; truth is subjective based on perception.

• Constructive Dialogue: Requires acknowledgment that others may also perceive truth differently. Dialogue only flourishes when both parties respect differing truths.

• Diversity in Worldviews: A constructive relationship between faith-based and scientific perspectives requires recognition of their distinct questions: science addresses the material world; religion engages with existential and ethical inquiries.

Interfaith Dialogue Principles (Adapted from Leonard Swidler)

1. Engage to learn, not to convert.

2. Ensure space for quiet voices in discussions.

3. Honesty and openness are paramount.

4. Respect self-definition of religious experiences.

5. Avoid proselytizing in dialogue.

6. No single person represents their entire faith tradition.

7. Avoid preconceptions on points of agreement or contention.

8. Be prepared for self-critique.

9. Strive for empathy and understanding in religious experiences.

10. Trust must be established among participants.

Ethical Frameworks: Deontological and Teleological Ethics

• Definition of Ethics: A collective inquiry into right actions for a just society, while Morality refers to prevalent values within a group.

• Deontological Ethics: Actions are judged against duty and rules; grounded in biblical commandments (e.g., Ten Commandments).

• Teleological Ethics: Decisions based on the outcomes of actions, aiming for the greatest happiness (Utilitarianism).

Utilitarianism: A Closer Look

• Focus on maximizing happiness for the greatest number. Challenges include quantifying happiness and potential neglect of minority rights.

• Apply this lens to recognize that ethical norms evolve from society's experiences of consequences.

Biblical Understanding of Justice (Zedakah)

• Justice in the Old Testament comprises:

  • Commutative Justice: Equity in transactions (equal retribution).

  • Distributive Justice: Based on individuals' needs and societal roles.

• Biblical texts (e.g., Matthew 20:1-16) illustrate these principles within community interactions.

• Social Ethics: Promotes justice, especially for the vulnerable, as paramount for true worship and relationship with God.

Role and Responsibilities of Churches in Society

• Churches, while viewed as marginal, play vital roles in community life

  • Social services (e.g., Diakonie and Caritas) employ over 1.5 million people.

  • Continue to be major public institutions, shaping societal values despite declining membership.

• Original functions derived from the New Testament:

  • Evangelism, community service, fellowship, moral guidance.

• Ongoing challenges in maintaining relevance amidst secularization and pluralistic perspectives.

Historical Context of Church-State Relations

• Historical tensions between church authority and state power from early Christianity to contemporary governance.

  • Instances of persecution, state-sanctioned religious practices, and the evolution of church doctrine over time.

  • Important milestones include:

  • The Edict of Milan (313): Christianity recognized.

  • Reformation: Split from Catholic Church, emergence of Protestantism.

  • Weimar Republic: Shift to a separate yet legally privileged status.

Future Directions for Churches

• Acknowledge declining membership: need for adaptation.

  • Embrace community roles: focus on justice, mercy, and existential support.

  • Engage with contemporary society in an open and collaborative spirit.

  • Foster genuine relationships and support systems based on trust and respect.

• Churches as hope-oriented communities, guiding congregations with respect to their foundational missions.

Conclusion

The upcoming exam emphasizes understanding key concepts of ethical responsibilities and the church's role in a diverse society. Reviewing the principles of inter-religious dialogue, various justice concepts, and ethical frameworks will be critical for answering exam questions, highlighting the importance of active engagement with these themes in contemporary society.