SOR2 YEAR 11

SOR 2
GLOSSARY
Word Definition Word Definition
Animism The belief that Indus Ancient River in
spirits or souls south asia known its
exist in nature, urban culture
including
animals, plants,
and inanimate
objects.

Adherent A person who Secular Refers to things that

supports a are not religious.
specific belief,
religion or
leader.

NATURE OF RELIGION
●​ Religion is the way we conduct ourselves towards each other.
●​ A system of beliefs and practices that are relative to superhuman beings
●​ Religion provides its followers with a source of meaning to its life and how
they live with it.

HOW DOES RELIGION HELP PEOPLE TO FIND MEANING IN LIFE?

Religion provides answers to big life questions, giving people direction. It helps
people feel connected to something larger than themselves. It teaches its
followers to distinguish right from wrong through religion and especially in times
of difficulty. It shows faith can provide guidance and hope. It promotes values and
xteaches how to live a good life. Religion also brings people together, creating a
sense of belonging.

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Hinduism and Dharma: In Hinduism, the concept of dharma (moral order) helps
individuals find meaning in life by guiding their actions in accordance with divine
law.

THE SUPERNATURAL DIMENSION

NATURAL DIMENSION
It is ‘natural’ in the sense that it makes no reference to any divinities or divine
revelation from god or gods. Purely emerges from the unaided human reason.

SUPERNATURAL DIMENSION
It is the belief in the existence of beings or powers beyond the realm of the
natural world. The dimension exceeds the ordinary limits of human existence and
is sometimes described as abnormal, and even miraculous.
●​ The belief in the supernatural dimension is central to ALL religions
●​ Significant element = Belief in the divine power or being
●​ The dimension is responsible for providing a moral framework for human
life and to understand the destiny of a person at the end of their mortal life.

HOW DIFFERENT RELIGIONS EXPRESS THE SUPERNATURAL

Monotheism = Belief that the supernatural dimension is held by a single divine
being or power (Belief in one god)
●​ Semitic Religions​
○​ Judaism
○​ Christianity
○​ Islam
Polytheism = Belief in multiple gods
●​ Eastern Religions
○​ Hinduism
○​ Buddhism

A moral framework is a system of beliefs, values, and principles that guide

individuals and communities in determining what is right and wrong. Ethical
guidance for decision making and behaviour.

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●​ Monotheism (Christianity): Christianity’s belief in one God as the ultimate

supernatural being gives a clear moral framework, teaching followers to
live in accordance with God's will.
●​ Polytheism (Hinduism): In Hinduism, belief in multiple gods and
goddesses shapes a diverse moral framework, where followers seek
guidance from different deities for various aspects of life (e.g., Goddess
Lakshmi for wealth, Lord Shiva for transformation).

How do different religious traditions express their understanding of the

supernatural dimension, and what role does this belief play in shaping their
moral frameworks and views on human destiny?

RELIGIOUS WORLDVIEW
DEFINITION
The way of understanding life, the universe, and human existence based on
religious beliefs, traditions, and teachings. It shapes how people see their
purpose, moral values, and relationship with the divine or spiritual dimension.

TRANSCENDENT WORLDVIEW
Belief in a higher divine being or power whose existence goes beyond human
limitations. A supernatural force, a superior power.
●​ Belief in God - Christianity
●​ Belief in Allah - Islam

IMMANENT WORLDVIEW
Holds the belief that the supernatural powers dwell WITHIN each human on
earth. It is believed to find divinity within yourself awaiting discovery to
peace(heaven) with God if followed on the prescribed path.
●​ God is present through Jesus as well as the Holy spirit which is found
within a human through prayers and purifying the soul

Transcendent (Hinduism): In Hinduism, Brahman is the ultimate, a formless

reality that transcends the material world, beyond human perspective. Many
Hindus seek (moksha) by realizing their unity with this divine power.

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Immanent (Buddhism): Buddhism teaches that oneness is attainable within

oneself through practices like meditation and mindfulness, showing the presence
of Buddha-nature in all beings. This inner potential allows individuals to achieve
liberation (nirvana) through personal effort and wisdom.

How do religious worldviews shape an individual's understanding of the

divine, and what are the key differences between a transcendent and an
immanent worldview?

CHARACTERISTICS OF RELIGION
WHAT MAKES A RELIGION? (BRES)
●​ Beliefs
●​ Rituals/Ceremonies
●​ Sacred Texts and Writing
●​ Ethics

Religion is sustained by its beliefs, ethics and sacred texts. Both present past
and future can contribute to the belief structure
Beliefs and ethics are driven from sacred texts.

SACRED TEXTS AND WRITINGS

ALL religious traditions have a sacred text and some oral tradition as a part of its
structure.
The sacred texts enable its followers to receive guidance and learn how to live a
life properly according to the religion’s “criteria”.
●​ Bible = Christianity
●​ Quran = Islam
●​ Bhagavad Gita = Hinduism

ETHICS
Ethics are central to any religion as it focuses on morality. Ethics tend to assist a
person from clarifying what right is and what wrong is.
●​ Honesty

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●​ Respect
●​ Integrity

RITUALS AND CEREMONIES

Rituals and Ceremonies connect the present day believers with the tradition of
the religion. In this form of a “characteristic of religion” they can also be linked to
the supernatural dimension of the faith.
●​ Weddings – A marriage ceremony where vows are exchanged, often
involving cultural or religious traditions, such as the exchange of rings in
Christian weddings.
●​ Baptism – A Christian ritual where a person, typically an infant, is baptized
with water to symbolize purification and entry into the faith community.

Sacred Texts: The Bible in Christianity, the Quran in Islam, and the Bhagavad
Gita in Hinduism provide moral guidance, ethics, and rituals that define how
followers live.
Rituals and Ceremonies: Baptism in Christianity, Eid prayers in Islam, and
Diwali rituals in Hinduism are vital in connecting individuals to their religious
traditions and beliefs.
Ethics: Christianity’s emphasis on the Ten Commandments, Islam’s Sharia law,
and Hinduism’s ahimsa (non-violence) provide moral frameworks for behavior.

What are the key characteristics that define a religion, and how do sacred
texts, ethics, and rituals contribute to sustaining religious traditions?

DYNAMIC AND LIVING RELIGION

DYNAMIC AND LIVING RELIGION DEFINITION
Dynamic = Evolving and changing nature of religious beliefs, practices, and
traditions over time.
Living Religion = Faith or belief system that is actively and continuously
practiced, experienced, and evolving by its followers. It involves not just historical
or traditional teachings but also ongoing engagement.
●​ A dynamic religion is one characterised by energy, ambition, new ideas
and practical achievements
●​ Religion also evolves to meet the needs of the people as society develops
over time yet retains the main principles of faith

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5 Characteristics of Religion
1.​ Ethics
2.​ Beliefs
3.​ Symbols
4.​ Sacred texts and Writings
5.​ Rituals and Ceremonies

How does a religion demonstrate its dynamic nature in response to social,

cultural, or technological changes?

CONTRIBUTION OF RELIGION
PERSONAL SEARCH FOR MEANING
Human experience is characterised by a search for understanding of the great
questions of life.
●​ Where do we come from?
●​ What happens when we die?
●​ Why are we here?

People tend to look towards religion for answers to these questions especially
during times during personal crises. There are strong desires to join a religion
due to the human experience to feel a sense of belonging. Church communities,
sacraments, prayer groups, and worship services create a sense of unity and
support

Seeking Purpose in Life – People may join religious groups to find meaning and
direction. For instance, many individuals enter monasteries, seminaries, or
missionary work because they feel called to serve a higher purpose.​

During a Personal Crisis – Someone struggling with illness, financial hardship,

or a difficult life decision might pray, seek guidance from religious leaders, or
engage in faith-based counselling. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous
incorporates spiritual principles and the idea of a "Higher Power" to support
recovery from alcohol.

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RITUALS AND PERSONAL EVENTS

A ritual or event usually marks an important moment in human experiences. For
example they have weddings in a church, baptism often done immediately after
birth and schools wearing gowns at graduation to mark a celebration. Such
rituals are vital elements in the contribution of religion towards individuals.

ETHICAL GUIDANCE
Ethics are concerned with the reasoning behind moral decision making in today's
society. Acting in a morally correct way or manner.

BIOETHICS
Study of moral implications of new biological discoveries.

Religion also offers guidance in social concerns however there are some moral
religious practices that disallow social concerns yet are ignored.
●​ Euthanasia
●​ Abortion
●​ AI in Medicine
●​ Organ Donation

INTERACTION BETWEEN RELIGION AND CULTURE

Religion is influenced by its cultural context because religion does not exist in
isolation instead is constantly shaped by the culture in which it is practiced. -
INFLUENCES HOLIDAYS, Easter, Diwali and Christmas.

●​ Religion is about faith, beliefs, and worship of a higher power. It

includes prayers, rituals, and moral teachings.
○​ Example: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism.
●​ Culture is about traditions, customs, and ways of life in a society. It
includes food, clothing, language, music, and celebrations.
○​ Example: Australian culture, Indian culture, Western culture.
●​ Culture shapes how religion is practiced in different places.

RELIGION AS A CONSERVATIVE INFLUENCE ON SOCIETY

Religion is often seen to influence a conservative impact on society in areas
regarding sexual morality, bioethics. Many religious groups debate on social

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issues such as euthanasia, sexual morality, homosexuality and stem cell

research.
Religion is often seen to prevent society from moving away from core traditional
principles and values.

RELIGION AS A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON SOCIETY

Religion with its emphasis on human dignity, can be seen as proactive in areas
such as the freedom of refugees and indigenous rights and protection of the
environment.
This is because religion consists of values such as “a sense of justice” that
enable a new approach to change community perspectives.

Christianity teaches ethical values through the Ten Commandments or

Beatitudes, such as "Thou shalt not kill" and "Honor your father and mother."
These help guide Christians on how to live morally, promoting respect for life and
relationships.

Islam encourages giving to those in need. Through the practice of Zakat

(charity), Muslims contribute to helping the poor and supporting community
welfare, reflecting Islam’s emphasis on social justice and helping others.

In what ways do religious festivals like Easter, Diwali, and Christmas reflect
cultural traditions?

AUS. ABORIGINAL BELIEFS AND

SPIRITUALITIES

DREAMING
The Dreaming in Aboriginal culture refers to the time of creation, where
ancestors formed the world, and it represents the spiritual connection to the land
and all living things.
●​ METATEMPORAL CONCEPT = Past, Present and Future
●​ living reality

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●​ Kinship
During the Dreaming, ancestral spirits traveled across the earth, shaping the
landscape, establishing natural laws, and giving life to all living creatures.

It emphasises the importance of maintaining balance and order and

understanding one's role in the world.

The Rainbow Serpent: One of the most well-known Dreaming stories, the
Rainbow Serpent is believed to have created the landscape, rivers, and
mountains as it slithered across the earth. The serpent is also a symbol of fertility
and creation and is often associated with water, rain, and storms.

Tiddalik the Frog: In this story, Tiddalik the frog drinks all the water in the world,
causing a great drought. The animals must work together to make him laugh so
the water can be released and restore balance to the land. This story teaches
lessons about sharing resources and the importance of community.

AUS. BELIEFS OF DREAMING

INTRO
Acknowledgement of land/country is vital to the FN people. Interconnectedness
with nature is SACRED. Every living being is ANIMISTIC

ORIGIN OF UNIVERSE
First Nations peoples believe the universe was created during the Dreaming, a
sacred time when powerful Ancestral Beings shaped the land and brought life
into existence. These spirits formed the stars, rivers, mountains, and all living
things, establishing the laws of nature and culture. The Dreaming is an ongoing
spiritual force that connects people, land, and the universe.

SACRED SITES
Places that are created by Ancestral beings, formed during the creation of the
land. - Burial Grounds, Trees, Rock, Land, Seas. Rivers. They are also significant
because of their different uses

The dreaming creation stories are the origin of important landscape features,
where vital events occurred during the dreaming.

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The government has also protected many sacred sites in order for the wider
community to access it. This is to protect the site from its cultural heritage and
divine power from being damaged or exploited.

Lake Mungo, NSW – This site is significant to the Paakantji, Mutthi Mutthi, and
Ngiyampaa peoples. It is home to some of the oldest human remains found in
Australia, including Mungo Man and Mungo Lady, making it an important place
for both spiritual and archaeological reasons.

Uluru is a sacred site for the Anangu people, who believe it was shaped by
ancestral beings during the Dreaming. The Australian government has protected
Uluru by banning climbing to preserve its cultural and spiritual significance.

TOTEM
Particular tribes have their own totem

Belief where humans have kinship or a mystical relationship with a living being.
= Totemism

Eagle: In some tribes, the eagle is considered a powerful totem, symbolizing

strength, courage, and connection to the divine.
Kangaroo: A totem for certain Aboriginal groups, the kangaroo represents
aspects of survival, strength, and adaptability.

SYMBOLISM AND ART

Aboriginal Art forms:
●​ Body art
●​ Dot Painting
●​ Rock art
●​ Bark painting
Artists = Custodians of knowledge and dreaming
Artworks often teach as well as display stories(dreaming stories) and
maps(Travel of their totem).Often incorporate western styles in artworks(can be
negative as they neglect themselves with core principles of art)

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DIVERSITY OF THE DREAMING

DIVERSITY OF THE DREAMING

1.​ LOCATION
2.​ LANGUAGES
3.​ DREAMING STORIES
4.​ RITUALS AND CEREMONIES

KINSHIP
Human relationships based on ties of blood, marriage, or adoption or even social
ties

Each Aboriginal tribe has its own:

●​ Dialect - Language is important in order to understand their version of the
dreaming
●​ Different Dreaming stories
●​ Own boundaries
​
The ATSI people identify themselves as:
●​ Their land areas
●​ Relationship to others
●​ Language and stories
Sign of respect = Acknowledgement of country(Respect and Honour)

JUDE BARLOW - CASE STUDY

Jude Barlow is a Ngunnawal Elder and Chief of Staff at AIATSIS. She works to
revive the Ngunnawal language, helping create new words to keep it alive. She
also leads Welcome to Country ceremonies, ensuring respect for traditional
lands. Barlow contributes to policy discussions to protect Indigenous culture
and advises on government decisions. Through her work, she helps preserve
and promote Ngunnawal heritage in Australia.

IMPORTANCE OF THE DREAMING

IMPORTANCE OF THE DREAMING
There are many layers of meaning in FN rituals and ceremonies, their art and
their stories
1.​ 1st Layer = All can understand

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2.​ 2nd Layer = Needs a degree of experience with FN people and culture
3.​ 3rd Layer = Sacred/Secret ceremonies and stories, only available to
elders. The knowledge is only kept to Aboriginal elders.

DREAMING STORY
It contains of:
●​ Ethical behaviour
●​ How to craft things
●​ Information on performing rituals
●​ Lives of ancestors
●​ Reasonings of why the land is there and looks like it?

In aboriginal spirituality there is no basis for such divisions, everything is alive

and connected. Interrelated and sacred
●​ IF they lose this connected with their sacred land, the DREAMING is
broken.

ABORIGINAL UNIVERSE = DREAMING = EACH LIFE IS SELF - GOVERNED​

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ↑
​ ​ ​ ​ ORGANIC HARMONY

​ Connectedness
Of the Dreaming

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HOW THEY ARE INTERRELATED?

LAND
●​ “I care for land, the land cares for me”
●​ Way of communicating the dreaming
●​ Ancestral beings roamed the land
●​ Used in rituals and ceremonies in order to remember dreaming stories

IDENTITY
●​ Sense of belonging
●​ LAND gives each FN language group an identity
●​ Sacred sites relate to their identity

DREAMING
●​ Forms their identity (HOW?)
○​ Culture
○​ Language
○​ Spirituality Connection
●​ PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE - METATEMPORAL

INEXTRICABLE
Everything is connected and impossible to separate.

The Dreaming, land, and identity are deeply connected in First Nations
cultures. The Dreaming shapes their laws and traditions, while the land holds the
spirit of Ancestral Beings, making it sacred. First Nations peoples see
themselves as custodians of the land, and their identity is tied to their connection
with Country.

LIFE OF ABRAHAM
●​ Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions (belief in one God).
●​ It is based on a covenant (agreement) between God and the Jewish
people.

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●​ The Torah (first five books of the Bible) is the most sacred text.

STORY OF ABRAHAM

1.​ God’s Call (Genesis 12)

○​ God tells Abraham to leave his home and go to Canaan.
○​ God promises to make him the father of a great nation.
2.​ Covenant & Circumcision (Genesis 17)
○​ Sign of the covenant: circumcision for all Jewish males.
○​ His wife, Sarah, will have a son, Isaac.
3.​ Test of Faith – Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22)​
God tells Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as a test.
○​ Abraham obeys, but an angel stops him.
○​ A ram is sacrificed instead.

Why is Abraham Important?

●​ He is the father of the Jewish people.

●​ His story teaches faith and obedience.
●​ He is also important in Christianity and Islam.

ORIGINS OF COVENANT
Definition of Covenant

●​ A covenant is a sacred agreement between God and humans.

●​ In Judaism, the covenant is central to the relationship between God and the Jewish
people.

Why is the Covenant Important?

●​ Forms the foundation of Jewish identity.

●​ Establishes the laws and responsibilities of the Jewish people.
●​ Shows God’s faithfulness and the role of Israel in God’s plan.

ORIGIN OF COVENANT

1.​ Edenic Covenant (Genesis 1-2)

○​ God established human responsibility to care for creation
2.​ Adamic Covenant (Genesis 3)

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○​ God cursed the ground, introduced pain and death, but promised redemption
through the seed of woman.
3.​ Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9)
○​ Between God and Noah (all humanity) after the flood.
○​ God promised never again to destroy all life with a flood, signified by the rainbow
and established human government
4.​ Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17)
○​ Between God and Abraham.
○​ God promised Abraham, land and numerous descendants and all nations would
be blessed through him.
5.​ Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24, Deuteronomy 5)
○​ Between God and Israel (through Moses) at Mount Sinai.
○​ God gave law to Israel through Moses, outlining their responsibilities and curses
for disobedience.
6.​ Palestinian Covenant (Deuteronomy 30:1-10)
○​ A land covenant for Israel.
○​ God promised Israel restoration to land after dispersion
7.​ Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17)
○​ Between God and King David.
○​ God promised David his lineage would endure prosperity and one of his
descendants would rule forever.
8.​ New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Luke 22:20, Hebrews 8:6-13)
○​ Between God and all believers (through Jesus Christ).
○​ God promised a new covenant through Christ, where law is written on hearts,
and sins are forgiven and there is a new direct relationship with God.

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