HSC Studies of Religion Notes
HSC Studies of Religion Notes
HSC Studies of Religion Notes
STUDIES OF RELIGION 1 UNIT HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE NOTES
Topics:
Ceremonial life
● Through the Dreaming events occurred in the remote past, it is believed to happen in the present (via ceremonial
activities) it is LIVING
● Generally recreated, via ritual, eternal movement of the Dreaming
● In partaking in such, they are fulfilling their duty/obligation to the land
● Obliged to take part in such to acknowledge the Dreaming creation even and show the ongoing metaphysical
presence of the parallel Dreaming world
● Art - very important way of communicating the Dreaming because it illustrates the actions of the ancestral spirit
beings in the land
● Story - The Dreaming is primarily expressed through stories that describe how the ancestral spirits, often in the form
of animals or people, moved through the land creating rivers, lakes and mountains and other natural phenomena
● Ritual - Ceremonies and rituals, which are derived from important aspects of the Dreaming, are important because
they are understood as a moment of reliving in the present moment, the creative activities of the ancestor spirits
● Totems - Totems carry with them, ceremonial responsibilities commonly known as balance rites
● Skin names - indicates a person’s bloodline. Also conveys information about how generations are linked and how they
should interact.
● Moieties - very important as people who share the same moiety are considered siblings, so individuals cannot marry
within their moiety. They are determined by their mother’s side - matrilineal or their father’s side - patrilineal, and
can alternate between each generation
Aboriginal spirituality has been destroyed overtime, driving them to negative, on-going, long-term problems such as
alcoholism, drug abuse, lack of educational achievement, economic opportunity, lowered living standards, lower life
expectancy and higher infancy rates
Wik 1996
● However in areas of dispute, leasehold titles would override
∴ again, not entirely beneficial, but a step nonetheless
● Pivotal in providing security to the inherent rights of Aboriginal people to their land
● A religio-political movement, the Land Rights movement is characterised by the cases of Native Title, Mabo and Wik,
each prompting a positive shift towards achieving the aims of the Land Rights movement, which is to preserve the
Aboriginal culture and heritage
● The Mabo decision of 1992 led to a High Court ruling the related rights of Indigineous people in the Torres Strait →
The decision is critical to the Land Rights movement as it declared Terra Nullius as being legal fiction, whilst the
Supreme Court decision proved that indigenous Australians could attain Native Title Rights
● This case then led to the Native Title Act of 1993, of which enabled for the recognition of Native Title under Australian
Federal Law and the Native Title Rights of Aboriginal people. Such was critical to the Land Rights Movement given that
it was enabled the Indigenous to legally claim under Native Title.
● The Wik Decision of 1996 the High Court ruled that native title could coexist with pastoral leases. This had begun in
1993 with the Wik people which were later joined by Thaayorre people which claimed Native Title over traditional
lands on the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland.
● The Dreaming has an INEXTRICABLE link to the land and is the foundation of Aboriginal religion culture, spirituality
and the land is the medium by which Aboriginals are able to reconnect with their land
∴ The Dreaming had and still holds high esteem in terms of motivation for the Land Rights movement (the Dreaming
itself is a metatemporal → it incorporates the past, present and future as a complete and present reality)
● The land is their source of identity through language, sacred sites and balance rites → must be thesis through which I
use to attack the 5 marker question
● Today, Aboriginal Dreaming still motivates calls for Land Rights in Australia, however, with limited success.
GROWTH →
● Religious growth primarily seen outside of Christianity, specifically in traditions where high rates of immigration
increase populations
1. NO - RELIGION = 30.1%
↳ Increased growth due to the decline of traditional religions and more non-religious schools of thought →
SECTARIANISM
2. HINDUISM = 1.3% in 2011 → 1.9% in 2016 = 0.6% increase = Fastest growing religion
↳ Attributed to high immigration from South East Asia
3. ISLAM = 2.2% in 2011 → 2.6% in 2016 = 0.2% increase
↳ Attributed to high immigration from Middle Eastern nations
4. SIKHISM = 0.3% in 2011 → 0.5% in 2016 = 0.2% increase
● TOTAL NON-CHRISTIAN = 0.7% in 1996 → 7.8% in 2016 = 7.1% increase
DECLINE ←
1. CHRISTIANITY = 61.1% in 2011 → 52% in 2016 = Decrease
a. Catholicism = 25.3% in 2011 → 22.6% in 2016, however still remains as the dominating branch of Christianity
b. Anglicanism = 17.2% in 2011 → 13.3% in 2016, biggest decline in adherence
c. Eastern Orthodox = 8.4% in 2011 → 8.2% in 2016
d. Uniting Church = 5% in 2011 → 3.7% in 2016
e. Presbyterian = 2.8% in 2011 → 2.3% in 2016
2. BUDDHISM = 2.5% in 2011 to 2.4% in 2016
↳ 1972 → 2011 Buddhism experienced growth in line with immigration / abolition of White Australia Policy.
CONSTANT =
● Judaism, which remains 0.5% throughout Australian census data.
Immigration
● Post WW2 European immingration = Larger number of Orthodox Christians, establishment of new Protestant group
and growth in terms of Catholic diversity
● Immigration has increased the ethnic diversity of Christianity → Filipino immigration = Increase in Catholic diversity
Denominational Switching
● Refers to the transfer of followers from one Christian denomination to another
● Pentecostalism is increasing due to denominational switching
● Social mobility (due to changes in income, promotion in a job or change in a career) adds to the movement of people
from one denomination within a religious tradition to another
● Switching in australia is associated with concepts of increased cultural individualism associated with religious
voluntarism → how adherents ‘shop around’ for a denomination that best suits their perceptions of Christianity and
thus a relationship with God.
● Protestant denominations are losing members while evangelical sections are gaining members → what is the reason
as to why this is happening - connected to what has been said in the previous point above.
Secularism
● Principle of separation of state from religious institutions
● DUE TO: Disillusionment with traditional religions, increasing materialism + individualism, scepticism towards the
supernatural
● Increase in ‘No Religion’ seen synonymous to the introduction of ‘No Religion’ in the 1976 census
● Reasons for reduced membership of religions or attendance at church are many and varied but can be classified under
broad headings
○ 1. Church process - boring or unfulfilling church services
○ 2. Beliefs - disagreement with the Churches beliefs and moral views
○ 3. Alternatives - no need to go to Church, other things I prefer doing, I have too many other commitments
○ 4. Personal attitudes - I do not have strong beliefs, I feel uncomfortable with Church people, my family or
friends don’t like church
○ 5. Technical - no churches of my denomination or good churches nearby, poor health, no transport
● These different reasons support the concept of individuality and following one’s personal ideas rather than of a group
or organisation.
FURTHER NOTES
- Uniting Church was formed in June of 1977 → Consisting of the Methodist, Presbyterian Churches within Australia
- Increase in ‘No Religion’ sees synonymous to the introduction of ‘No Religion’ in the 1976 census
- In contemporary society, loyalty to a particular community has to be earned. Ith the contemporary ethos of
individualism people focus on their personal needs rather than the needs of their traditional communities
Ecumenism: Movement among Christian Churches to restore Christian unity → (UNITY not uniformity !!!)
● Via ecumenism the Christian Churches are able to unite and address areas of social concern and injustices
● The ecumenical movement has played and continues to play an important role in Australian society with
relation to targeting issues such as political actions + encouragement of sociality, morality and integrity among
Christians and being prominently active on issues such as the rights of minority groups, especially that of
Aboriginal people.
Interfaith Dialogue: Refers to the interaction between faith traditions, focussing on tolerance and understanding + serving a
united voice on areas of social justice e.g. Muslims and Christians
● The importance of Interfaith dialogue in Australia is highlighted by the increasing rates of non-Christian religions
within the Australian population
● “With all the talk of clashes of civilizations and religious differences, it is time we get together and understand each
other” - Dr Ameer Ali, Australian Federation of Islamic Council
● Religious dialogue has been of benefit to multi-faith Australia providing a greater sense of peace, appreciation,
understanding and respect among a range of traditions and denominations.
∴ Is instrumental to promoting religious tolerance + social cohesion within Australian society
★ Relationship between Aboriginal Spiritualities and religious traditions in the process of Reconciliation
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES = Christian tradition → launched a major campaign in 2006 = the “Make Indigenous
Poverty History” of which promoted reconciliation, education and various other Indigenous issues → ultimately providing a
scope for the development of Aboriginal spirituality and theology and recognising their innate spirituality.
14 June 2012 at the Canberra Baptist Church, two of the Christian community’s biggest voices on social justice for Indigenous
Reconciliation examples:
● 1986 – Pope John Paul II apologised
● 1997 – Christian churches formed Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTAR) which advocates for
indigenous rights and organises the annual Sea of Hands display promoting reconciliation and justice.
● Jewish groups hold an annual week of prayer (reconciliation week), which they see as a human rights issue
● 2018 – schools of all traditions hold assemblies during Reconciliation Week May 27-June 3 each year, some of which
incorporate smoking ceremonies into their services as a sign of respect and reconciliation
○ Examples include:
■ Jewish Three point plan
■ The land
■ The cross
NOTE: Some Aboriginal Christians reject the Christianity imposed on them by the missions, while some combine Christianity
with Aboriginal Spirituality (e.g. Rainbow Spirit Theology, Catholic Reconciliation Church at La Perouse) through the adoption
of smoking ceremonies, Aboriginal colours, Our Father recited in native language, etc.
Topic 2: Depth Study 1 - Judaism
★ Contribution and development to the expression of Judaism other than Abraham or Moses
○ The Hasidism
Contribution to Development:
● Significance of the Torah was reduced, emotion over intellect is emphasized
● Characterized by an extraordinary sincerity and simplicity, the Besht knew how to gain an insight into the spiritual
needs of the masses. He taught them that true religion consisted not only of religious scholarship, but also of a
sincere love of God combined with warm faith and belief in the efficacy of prayer; that the ordinary person filled with
a sincere belief in God, and whose prayers come from the heart, is more acceptable to God than someone versed in
and fully observant of Jewish law
● Many felt that most expressions of Jewish life had become too “academic” , and that they no longer had any
emphasis on spirituality or joy
● Stressed inner conversion, personal piety, humility, charity, mystical and ecstatic experience of the Divine Presence, a
joyful attitude towards life rather than traditional learning and fixed doctrine
● Primarily sought the re-education of Jewry concerning issues that included the value of the individual, irrespective of
his learning and status, as well as genuine service of God
● Believed that every detail of daily life, from getting up in the morning to going to bed at night, should be performed in
a spirit of joy and worship
● It aimed to change not the belief, but the believer
Contribution to Expression:
● Aspects of Hasidic life that sharply differentiate it from mainstream American culture. One is a palpable tightness of
community, an almost ever-present consciousness of the group. Another is the extent to which men and women live
in different spheres and assign themselves, by custom and by religious law, very different roles. Throughout and
overall, there is a high degree of ritual, and religious observance permeates almost every corner of the day
● Learning and Torah study is extremely important in Hasidism, but piety is always meant to come first
● Hasidism stresses joy. With Hasidism, the whole Jewishness comes with a happiness, with dancing and with singing
● Generally, Hasidism includes two main tendencies, which may be described as the emotional and the philosophical.
These two outlooks are reflected in cultural expression and stylistic differences between Hasidic sects
● Songs for example, originating from the first branch of Hasidism, are generally more ecstatic
● Hasidism think of dance as an integral part of life, an act that permits every part of the body to serve God. Rikud songs
are sometimes repeated for several hours until the dancers and singers are exhausted, or a new melody is introduced.
These songs are sometimes, at a wedding for example, accompanied by Klezmer musicians
★ Bioethical Principles
Human life has infinite “And God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and they shall rule over the
value fish of the sea and over the fowl of the heaven and over the animals and over all the earth and
over all the creeping things that creep upon the earth” - Genesis 1:26
Bodies belonging to God “The land the fullness thereof are the Lord’s; the world and those who dwell therein” - Psalms
24:1
There should be a constant The family and friends of a sick person are required to visit them or communicate with them in
commitment to improving their time of illness - Babylonian Talmud: Tectrate Nedarim 40a
an ill person’s life
Health professionals are required to show great professionalism and compassion to saving the
life of a patient, or making them as comfortable as possible
“We should do our best to enhance the quality of life and to use whatever means modern
sicence has placed at our disposal for this purpose. We need not invoke ‘heroic’ measures to
prolong life, nor should we hesitate to alleviate pain, but we cannot also utilise a ‘low quality’
of life as an excuse for hastening death” - CCAR Responsum, 1985
IVF
● According to the Talmud, the soul does not enter the embryo until 40 days after conception. Furthermore, we all have
an obligation to have offspring and to “be fruitful and multiply.”
● IVF is absolutely obligatory when it is medically indicated in order for a couple to have children.
● Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) represents no moral or ethical risk, because the soul has not yet entered the
embryo.
● Selective reduction of a multiple pregnancy is acceptable if its goal is to enhance the possibility of life.
● In orthodox Judaism, which is otherwise a “right to life” and anti-abortion religion, the early embryo does not yet
have a soul and so is not yet a person.
● Nonetheless it cannot be just discarded for no reason, because it is a step toward the commandment “be fruitful and
multiply.” But it would not be considered murder to utilize an early embryo for research that might eventually save
lives.
● Cultural, legal and religious features combine to create the Jewish marriage ceremony.
○ Typically, the couple will be separate for about a week prior to the ceremony, not seeing each other or not
communicating
● Often, the bride and groom will fast on the wedding day until the ceremony arrives
● Synagogues, home, public venues or the great outdoors are all places where Jewish marriage ceremonies can take
place
● Rebecca was veiled before Isaac, so often brides will wear veils (Genesis 24:65). The groom will lift the veil in a
ceremony called bedecken
● The bride approaches the groom and circles him.
○ The bride and groom stand together under a chuppah (canopy) as a way of symbolising their living together.
○ Blessings are recited over wine
● Rings are used in ceremony
○ The most important is the ring that the groom gives to the bride to declare “You are consecrated to me with
this ring according to the law of Moses and Israel”
● Ten people must attend the wedding at least, and they must be adults, in order to form the minyan
○ The blessing will proceed in their presence
● The groom will smash a glass under his right foot to symbolise the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem
○ A meal usually follows
● Divorce is permitted if a man initiates it
● Marriage is focused around, love companionship and intimacy
○ Procreation is one gift of marriage, and children are considered a blessing, and celibacy is not encouraged
● Marriage between Jews and non-jews is generally permitted amongst progressive Jews but not amongst Orthodox
Jews
● “Any man who has no wife is no proper man; for it is said, male and female created He them and called their name
Adam”(Babylonian Talmud: Tractate Yebamoth, Folio 63a).
○ The Tanakh does not specifically talk about Jewish marriage, but this does not mean it is not a great
celebration in Judaism
Marriage is a contract
● Other couples will have their own vows reminded and refreshed
● The marriage may be fruitful and result in procreation which will expand the Jewish community
● Marriage is a public commitment to one another but also to faith
● The marriage ceremony is a public practice that reaffirms the beliefs and rituals to the entire Jewish community
● Some consider marriage to be the beginning of a deeper connection to the needs and survival of the Jewish
community
● The requirement of minyan at the wedding (the quorum of 10 men) is an indication of the social significance of
marriage
● The creation and maintenance of the family is an important aspect of continuing the Jewish community and faith
traditions - many rabbis will not preside over interfaith marriages
tOPIC 3: Depth Study 2 - Christanity
★ Contribution and development to the expression of Christianity other than Jesus
○ Paul of Tarsus
- Paul of Tarsus, a theologian and missionary, has greatly contributed and had a profound impact in his own times of
which continues to be central to the continual development of Christianity today.
- As an individual, Paul reflected upon, agitated for and initiated changes that have shaped Christianity and its
expression of faith ultimately responding to the needs of Christian adherents in changing contexts throughout the
religion’s existence.
- This being ultimately achieved via his missionary work and theological and ethical teachings as contained
within his writings, which have been monumental in the construction of Christian doctrines and practices
- Hence it is through his commitment, perseverance and dedication to knowing God, that his position as a significant
figure is cemented and is recognisable as a figure of great faith and love in God
3) Ethics / Agape
- He emphasises that love does not seek its own interest, but leads the faithful to hold everything in common.
- He formalised principles (Golden Rule) and guidelines which dictate the daily life and worship of adherents, still
followed today.
- To ultimately live a life modelled by Christ = An unconditional love
- In his letters to the Philippians, Paul discusses suffering to encourage Christians to preserve their faith in Christ / It is a
critical part of being Christian. → Suffering grants both suffering
- and joy
- Philippians 1:29-30 – “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to
suffer for his sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me”
- Ultimately developing the teaching of surrendering one’s life to Christ → “for they will enter the kingdom of
God”
- Laid foundations for the modern day ecumenical movement → Acknowledged as a pivotal figure → e.g. Week of
Studies of Religion HSC 2018 / 19 Notes 13
Prayer for Christian Unity held in St Paul’s Basilica
- Opened Christianity expanding Christianity to being beyond a Jewish sect → Making it somewhat inclusive and
accessible to all people
- Cemented the importance of Baptism to attain salvation
- Changed Mosaic law → altering the requirements to receive God’s grace → through faith alone rather than through
acts and adherence to laws
- Through his Pauline discussion on morality → expression → making transparent the necessary actions for adherents
to lead a moral life.
- His actions not only established the Early Christian Church but has influenced they way the religious tradition has
established and revitalised itself within contemporary society through his works as a missionary and as a theologian.
- Paul of Tarsus’ contribution to the Christian Church has prompted an extremely progressive impact upon the
development and expression of Christianity
SOURCES
- Sacred Texts / Scripture
- Beatitudes
- Golden Rule
- Decalogue
- Significant schools of thought/figures
a) REVEALED
- Taken place through the life of Christ and through Scripture
- Golden Rule
- Beatitudes
- Decalogue
- Supports Natural Law
b) NATURAL
- Given by God
- Discovered by human reason and freedom of choice
- It is INHERENT, FUNDAMENTAL and INNATE
- Based on the belief that the human person is an image of God → “Made in the likeness and image of God” → ‘
perfect creation’ → “Imagio Dei”
c) CHURCH LAW
- Various popes and great Christian thinkers have interpreted what it means to be fully Christian (E.g. Paul’s epistles,
Thomas Aquinas)
- Magisterium (teaching authority of Roman Catholic Church
- Churches believe that thinkers were inspired by the Holy Spirit
CORE BELIEFS
- Humankind is created in God’s image and likeness
- God sustains all life
- Human beings are temples of the Holy Spirit
- Marriage has both a procreative and unitive purpose
THEOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES
a) Human dignity
- Each person is born with a God-Given dignity of which cannot be erased.
- Intrinsic
- “Catholic social teaching believes that human beings, created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27),
have by their very existence an inherent value, worth, and distinction”.
b) Sanctity of Life
- All life holds an immeasurable value
- Sacred!
- As such all life should be protected accordingly
- To be created in the likeness of God = each human bears His image and with it, a value beyond our unique
characteristics or individual attributes. Nothing else in God's created order has the distinction of reflecting
- His image; it's a privileged status reserved only for humankind.
c) Stewardship
- Human beings are considered as stewards rather than owners of their own lives as God is creator of them.
- Human beings are subject to the will of God, including the nature of their birth and death.
- To actively defend human life, above all when it is wounded by illness, is a duty of love that God entrusts to all
- Sustain human life: No obligation if act is futile/No obligation if act is overly burdensome
- As co-creators with God, human beings are morally bound to promote the fullness of life.
- Exploitations and manipulations that would destroy natural balance or degrade God’s created world are to be
prohibited.
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
a) Lesser of two evils
- It is right to do something bad if it is less evil than something else one might do
- Good outweigh the bad ?
Abortion
● The debate often regards when life begins (i.e. at conception, after gestation, or birth)
● The Catholic Church opposes abortion under any circumstances
● It is believed that life is given by God and should only be taken by God
● The Uniting Church is more lenient for cases of deformities, health reasons and rape.
● Many people believe that abortion is murder and therefore directly goes against the commandment not to kill.
● The problem occurs because of the question as to when an embryo becomes a human. Ist it at the point of
conception or is it at the point of birth.
● All Christians believe that abortion is wrong but the reasoning behind this believe is different for different groups,
again this is because of the different weighings different groups give to the different ethical teachings.
Abortion Evidence:
● Sixth Commandment: “Thou shall not kill”
● Exodus 21: 22 - 25 is often seen as a condemnation of abortion
● Catholic Papal Encyclical: Donum Vitae (1987)
● Genesis 2 : 7
IVF
● This procedure bypasses the natural role of the father and mother, and also leads to the problematic aspect of the
disposal of fertilised embryos that are considered by some to be human lives
● IVF can cause havoc on a woman’s reproductive system because it is not naturally made to handle hyper-ovulation
● It is seen as a questioning of God’s sovereignty and rebelling against God’s plan
● Is opposed to most kinds of IVF.
● Previous Anglican primate Peter Carney in 2000 released a statement condemning the use of IVF for same sex
couples. He affirms the right of the child to have a mother and a father
● In 2002, the Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen called on Assisted Reproductive Technology centres around
Studies of Religion HSC 2018 / 19 Notes 15
Australia to develop technology to freeze sperm and eggs separately. This, he said, would avoid the stockpiling of
human embryos, over which he expressed concern.
● Some Christian churches uphold the principle that the conception of life by any means is justified as long as it is in the
context of a married relationship.
Summary of the speech delivered by the previous Anglican Primate, Peter Carnley, in 2002:
● He expresses concern over the loss of fertilised ova in the IVF process
● He puts forward the notion that perhaps conception does not occur due to a nature or God-given reason.
● He asks “In theological terms are we unwittingly thwarting the good purpose of God?” He raises the question of
whether we have the right to enter into such a field
● He supports the notion that we are co-creators with God through IVF and stem cell research
● He views the notion of when human life begins to be a physiological one, not a theological one. If life does not begin
at fertilisation (which he argues is the case), there are less ethical concerns when considering the loss of fertilized ova
in the IVF process
IVF Evidence:
● “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” ~ Psalms 139: 13
● “Bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit” ~ 1 Corinthians 6: 19
● “Techniques that entail the dissociation of husband and wife, by the intrusion of a person other than the couple
(donation of sperm or ovum) are gravely immoral… These techniques … infringe upon the child’s right to be born of a
father and mother” ~ 2376
● “Fertilisation achieved outside the bodies of the couple remains by this very fact deprived of the meanings and the
values which are expressed in the language of the body and in the union of human persons” ~ Donum vitae II, 4
Euthanasia
● It is seen as God’s prerogative to take life, not the role of any human
● The NCCA rejects active euthanasia, butl felt that passive euthanasia was more acceptable
● In 1998, the Christian Research Association analysed the results of the Australian community survey questions on
euthanasia and found that 70% of Australians in general (and 84% who do not attend church regularly) were in
support of euthanasia
● Some churches also emphasise the main importance of not interfering with the natural process of death
● Responses centre on humanity being created in the image and likeness of God and therefore has dignity; in this life is
sacred.
● The Orthodox Church accompanies its faithful from even before birth, through all steps of life to death and beyond.
All of life and death are drawn into the realm of the life of the Church. The Church has a very strong pro-life stance
which is expressed in its opposition to euthanasia.
1998 Lambeth Conference Resolution (Global Anglican Conference) - this conference
● Affirms that life is God-given and has intrinsic sanity, significance and worth;
● Resolves that euthanasia, as precisely defined, is neither compatible with the Christian faith nor should be permitted
in civil legislation
● Distinguishes between euthanasia and withholding, withdrawing, declining or terminating excessive medical
treatment and intervention, all of which may be consonant with Christian faith in enabling a person to die with
dignity. When a person is in a permanent vegetative state, to sustain him or her with artificial nutrition and hydration
may be seen as constituting medical intervention
2010 Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney - this synod
● Reaffirms that all human life is precious in God’s sight, and that the Bible’s clear prohibition of killing innocent
humans has the positive effect of creating communities that love and care for others at their weakest and most
vulnerable
● Calls upon NSW State and Federal parliamentarians to oppose euthanasia intiatives and increase funding to pain
management and palliative care services.
Euthanasia Evidence:
● Deuteronomy 32:29
● Sixth Commandment: “Thou shall not kill”
● Genesis 2:7
● “So always treat others as you would like them to treat you” ~ The Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12
● “Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be
● Formal acceptance into the Church. Others is a public statement of faith by themselves or their parents
● Generally defined as a ritual of purification by water but it is more than this
● Origins of this ritual - activities of John the Baptist
● Variations of practice - full immersion (Baptism) to simple symbolism of tracing the shape of the cross with a wet
finger on the forehead of the baby
● Most Christians encourage infant baptism. Baptists - prefer adult baptism allowing for the informed agreement and
active decision of the person being baptised
● Three main types of baptism:
○ Aspersion - simple sprinkling of water over the head
○ Affusion - more extensive pouring of water over the head. Usually the aspersion of affusion method are used
with infants (called paedo-baptism) and their parents make any promises or statements
○ Immersion - involves the complete lowering of the entire body into a pool of water. Often represents the
dying of of the person before being brought back to life as a member of God’s church. Full immersion is
usually for adults (called credo-baptism) as the person being baptised makes the decision
● Usually done in public as full acknowledgement and testimony to others in the community of the acceptance by the
person being baptised of the Grace of God bestowed on them
● Actual words of baptism are simple and invoke the triune God (triune relating to the Trinity of God the Father, God
the Son - Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit) which is the base of belief structure for Christians:
○ I baptise you in the name of the father, and of the Son and the Holy Spirit.
● Is again used after the baptism when a sign of the cross is traced on the forehead of the child to the words:
○ From this day the sign of the cross is upon you. From this you are received into the Holy Catholic Church
according to Christ’s command
● Follows the instructions of Jesus, sometimes called the Great Commission, which is described in the gospel of
Matthew. Because it is a ritual directly relating back to instructions of Jesus, it is carried out with his authority and
therefore the authority of God
● The meaning of baptism is not consistent through Christendom. E.g. some denominations state that baptism is
necessary for the individual to be part of the Church and therefore a prerequisite for salvation. Others - accept that
baptism is following the instructions of Jesus. Again, others accept that it is a reaffirmation of faith for the family
concerned and whole congregation
● Orthodox Christian view - baptism is a necessary requirement for salvation - entry into the holy church, and cleansing
of sins i.e. complete rebirth
● Positive concept of an individual submitting to the concepts and the will of the particular group, in this case
community of Christians.
Studies of Religion HSC 2018 / 19 Notes 17
● According to Paul, all differences disappeared after baptism - concept of salvation of the individual soul. Emphasis
should be on the individual becoming one with Christ. Within the group of baptised people is the establishment of a
common concept of identity i.e. the community of faith who are baptised.
● Baptism unites all individuals with Jesus’ death and resurrection. Through baptism Christians are born to new life with
Jesus
● Christians believe that as individuals they are separate and unique but by being baptised they are part of a
community of believers that extend to the past and into the future.
● All adherents are welcomed through the Paschal candle