Evaluation Of A Year 12 Major Examination

Religion is a pivotal aspect in society to date with a diverse array of religions known to be practised in Australia, creating opportunities to embrace individuality though also sparking social divisions. French sociologist, Emile Durkheim described religion as “a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden -- beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community”(Jones, 2011). So how does religion influence Australian society? With a vast incline in religions practised in Australia, it is extremely feasible to presume that it does affect Australia significantly. It is through cultural diversity, morality and ethics and laws in which the true relevance of religion in Australian society can be identified.

In his introduction to “World Religions in Dialogue,” Pim Valkenberg writes that it is imperative that one does not only “learn about these religions but also from these religions and their adherents” (13). When discussing various religious practices, it is easy to make hasty judgments concerning the validity of traditions. When the traditions of a particular religion differ significantly from one’s own practice, it is easy to dismiss traditions as strange or invalid due to their differences. Particularly in the Saint Mary’s College community, Valkenberg’s assertion holds true that many individuals will approach this topic with perceptions that “are often shaped by Western, often Christian, influences” (14). However, when one is able to acknowledge and avoid the biases they bring to their studies, it is easier to see the value that each religious tradition holds.

Bruilly, E., O'Brien, J., Palmer and Palmer, M. (1997) Religions of the World, Great Britain: Macdonald Young.

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Molloy, M. (2012). Experiencing the World’s Religions. Tradition, Challenge, and Change (6th ed.)Chapter 5. Retrieved from https://newclassroom3.phoenix.edu/Classroom

**Describe and explain the continuities and changes in religious beliefs and practices in ONE of the following regions from 1450 to the

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The religions discussed in this article where Catholicism, Judaism, and the Church of the Latter Day Saints, however the main religion focused on in this article is Islam. This article lacked the ability to effectively portray its information to readers that did not have an understanding of the Islamic faith. For example in the story of Sana Khan, and Yusuf Siddiquee, the author mentions the Koran which some readers may not know about. The author also fails to give any insight on why the teachings of the Islamic faith like arranged

Neighboring Faiths a Christian Introduction to World Religions. 2nd ed. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2012. Print. Dashti, Naseer.

What expert and professional sources have you found in these first three weeks that aid your efforts in this Religious Quest? The internet has served as a great help in performing research for this class. Since the beginning of this course, not a single day has gone by, that I have not used the internet as a source or reference for a posting or a class assignment. The book used in the course of our study, The Sacred Quest: An Invitation to the study of Religion, has been the most valuable book reference during this first half of the course. With its insight and user friendly approach, it is a book that tends to make the challenging task of religion not such a difficult quest to endure.

TRADITION?. Religion & Theology, 11(3/4), 313-330. Retrieved March 4, 2013,

Religion is a fundamental element of human society. It is what binds a country, society or group of individuals together. However, in some instances it destroys unity amoungst these. Religion is a belief in a superhuman entity(s) which control(s) the universe. Every religion has its differences but most strive for a just life and the right morals. The three major groups are the primal regions which consist of African, Aboriginal and Native American religions, Asian which consist of South Eastern Asian religions and Abrahamic religions which consist of Middle Eastern religions. The foci of this essay are the differences between the Abrahamic religion, Christianity, and the Asian region Buddhism as well as making reference to the Islamic

Religion has existed for countless centuries. Christianity is one of the major religions in this world, which had people be criticized, battle in wars, and killed for, but it still survived to this day. The purpose of this paper is to study the source of the religion, recognize the teachings, observe its spread throughout the world, and to identify how it stands among people today. Approaching this paper by a factual report I will explain these major points and why we need to know about this religion and other religions that existed before our generation.

Religion, as defined by the High Court of Australia, is ‘a complex of beliefs and practices which point to a set of values and an understanding of the meaning of existence’ (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2005) and can be studied either substantively or functionally (Berger 1974:126). Substantive studies of religion fall predominantly in the realm of theology and are more concerned with defining religious beliefs; their historical accuracy; and the existence of supernatural entities (Holmes, Hughes & Julian 2007:425). Sociology however, concerns itself primarily with the relationship between religion and society, examining religion as a social construction (Van Krieken et al. 2010:350-1) and concerned only with the substance of

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