Christianity: Dialogue within and between religions and non-religious beliefs

Question 1

What does establishment mean?

Answer 1

The Church has strong links with the state

Question 2

In the UK, who is head of state and Defender of the Faith?

Answer 2

The Queen

Question 3

State three roles of the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Answer 3

1) approves the appointment of senior clerics
2) opens new sessions of the General Synod
3) keeps the coronations vow to maintain the Church

Question 4

Give examples of Christian services that may be used to mark key events.

Answer 4

1) baptism
2) marriage
3) funerals

Question 5

List the four Christian events that are marked by public holidays.

Answer 5

1) Good Friday
2) Easter Monday
3) Christmas Day
4) Boxing Day

Question 6

Outline the humanist attitude towards church schools

Answer 6

If churches want faith schools, they should fund them themselves

Question 7

What is secularisation?

Answer 7

The idea that religious beliefs, practices and organisations are becoming less important in society

Question 8

What evidence suggests secularisation is increasing in the UK?

Answer 8

1) religious teachings and organisations are no longer respected
2) we can rely on material comforts for our happiness and so have less need to believe in supernatural ideas
3) religion has become a private matter and has less influence in public life
4) people are increasingly less committed to religious values and practices such as prayer and worship
5) religion has become a ‘leisure pursuit’ rather than a deep commitment

Question 9

List some processes that occur in the modernisation of society that have a direct influence on the decline of religion

Answer 9

1) rationalisation
2) differentiation
3) decline of community

Question 10

Describe why some people do not agree that secularisation is occurring.

Answer 10

1) even though tradition beliefs and organisations have lost their appeal, most people still hold religious beliefs
2) religion is very important in many social groups, particularly minority ethnic groups
3) some new religious movements and eastern religions have experienced considerable popularity
4) even if religion observance is waning in Western Europe, it is still strong in other parts of the world

Question 11

Outline the three principles of humanism.

Answer 11

1) a scientific view of the universe that rejects supernatural beliefs
2) a concern for the welfare of other human beings and animals based on reason, not divine authority
3) the need for each person to create meaning in their own life without a belief in life after death