Religion LAQ

Question 1

Define secularisation

Answer 1

• the process through which the influence of religion is removed from many institutions in society and dispersed into private and personal realms (e.g. sects and cults)
• disassociation or separation from religious or spiritual concerns.

Question 2

Significance of religious institutions and beliefs

Answer 2

• Enhances social solidarity by establishing and reinforcing fundamental cultural values; people can maintain a sense of common identity and shared purpose
• Provides meaning for people’s lives and purpose to their existence
• Supports and interprets important life events and transitions; how to behave

Question 3

Key characteristics of religion

Answer 3

• Binds natural and supernatural; the here and now w that which is beyond, in order to make the now meaningful
• Through faith and ritual, the effort of living is made purposeful and part of a larger order
• Diffused all over the world (stronger in particular areas)
• Important part of cultural conquest

Question 4

Challenges of religious diversity

Answer 4

• Cultural norms and values are embodied and legitimated by native religions
• Opposing values/priorities (e.g. public prayer, eating certain animals)
• Exclusivist (only one religion contains the truth) or universalist (superficial differences aside, all are essentially the same) approaches

Question 5

Impacts on health

Answer 5

• Positive and negative depending on individual experience
• E.g. Johovah’s witness refusing life-saving blood transfusions and vaccines
• Can help them accept/peacefully transition into death
• According to Te Whare Tapa Wha model of health, it is essential to one’s well-being