Secularism

Question 1

Secularism

Answer 1

The process from separating religion from state affairs and conducting acts based on non religious views

Question 2

The new atheists

Answer 2

A group including Richard Dawkins who says we must be more critical of religion and promote a more scientific world view

Question 3

Charles Taylor on secularism

Answer 3

It is not simply declining beleif but a mixture of many complicated factors such as a shift in conditions of beleife with religion no longer being the only accepted non challenged view making it compete for beleife

Question 4

Freud on religion

Answer 4

Freud argues that these wishes originate from childhood experiences of
helplessness and the need for parental protection. As adults, we project these
desires onto a divine figure and it helps immature adults cope with life’s uncertainty’s

Question 5

Freuds components of wish fulfilment

Answer 5

1. The desire for a coherent explanation of existence
2. The need for protection and guidance from a benevolent force
3. The wish for clear moral guidelines and rewards for good behavior
4. The longing for immortality
5. The craving for unconditional love

Question 6

Dawkins on religion

Answer 6

Religion should not be imposed on children and they should be free to make their own choices saying religious indoctrination in children is child abuse as it stops children making their own decisions and science offers better awnsers

Question 7

Critics on Dawkins view

Answer 7

His view oversimplifies the role of religion in a persons life and ignores positive aspects of a religious upbringing

Question 8

Jo marchant and benefits of religion

Answer 8

Marchant is a mix between secular and religious views she uses empirical science based study alighting with secular views and says in hiv patients cases with increased beleife and religious views showed a slower decline in health however not always beneficial as those who beleived in a angry judgmental god showed more stress and worsened

Question 9

Arguments for and against separation of church and state

Answer 9

For : promotes rational decision making, no religion means no religion can be favoured
Against : moral guidance and erodes cultural heritage

Question 10

Arguments for and against education being secular

Answer 10

For -promotes scientific and critical thinking and helps avoid indocrtination
Against - academic excellence as religious schools do better and add sense of community