Tayla Saab – Prelim SOR 2
Nature of Religion
With reference to at least two religious traditions, explain the ways in which the characteristics of religion describe a
religious tradition as a whole. (marked)
Characteristics of religion enable religious traditions to be shaped as a whole, whilst also providing individuals with
purpose and guidance. These characteristics refer to the beliefs and believers, sacred texts and writings, rituals and
ceremonies, and ethics developed by a religion according to their customs. Beliefs are based on the life and teachings
on the founder and are sourced through sacred writings and stories. This can be seen through the Christian faith, with
the belief in Jesus as the Son of God. However, each religion develops their own set of different beliefs, with Hindu’s
believing in Brahman as God. Therefore, it is clear that beliefs help to shape one aspect of a religious tradition. In
addition, sacred texts and writings help shape religions as they contain the traditions truths and beliefs, helping to
explain an individual’s understanding. This can be seen through the Bible, which provide Christians with key teaching
and answers to questions. Furthermore, rituals and ceremonies describe religious traditions, as they allow believers to
deepen their individual faith and remember key historic events, as well as personal stages in life. An example of this
can be seen through the Jewish celebration of Bat Mitzvah, a rite of passage for young boys and girls. Lastly, ethics
describe and justify the accepted norms of behavior within a tradition, as reflected through the 10 Commandments,
which provide Christians with guidelines which they are encouraged to live by. Therefore, it can be seen that each
characteristic helps contribute to a religion, however all four must be present in order to describe a religious tradition
as a whole.
“Religion can be a cohesive force in society, and at the same time, a source of division’
Explain the contribution of religion to society and culture with reference to this statement.
Religion changes, shapes and develops human culture to sustain a society. Throughout human history, religion can be
seen a cohesive force in society, providing adherents with a world view. This is evident through the integration of
Islamic Prayer in society, specifically during the time of Ramadan. As seen through the YouTube video ‘The Power of
Prayer’, the multitude of believers praying in Egypt whilst buses and trains frequently drove past, demonstrated how
religion has been included as a driving force in the society and everyday life in Egypt. However, religion can also be a
source of division in society, as seen through historical events such as the Crusades. This series of religious wars
between Christian and Muslim adherents in an attempt to secure control of the Holy Sites demonstrates how religion
can also cause conflict, thereby resulting in social incoherence. Therefore, it is evident that although religion can be
seen as a cohesive force in society, which draws and unites individuals with common adherence and worldview, it can
also be a source of conflict and division between people of differing religious traditions.
Explain the significance of religions to individuals and society (marked)
Religions are considered extremely significant to individuals and society due to their major contributions they offer
about everyday life. Religions provide individuals with complex belief systems, from which they can draw guidance
and understanding about their thoughts and actions. As religions are based off certain characteristics, including ethics
and sacred texts, this allows adherents to strengthen their character based off the teachings of their faith. It also
provides believers with answers to questions regarding humanity, such as is there a supreme being, and does life after
death exist? This can be seen through Catholics, who look to the Bible and sacred texts such as the 10
Commandments in order to establish their individual character, and gain a better understanding about the
unanswerable questions of life. As well as this, religion offers powerful motives for believers to partake in right
conduct, driven by their belief in afterlife. This is evident through Hindu’s who believe in Karma, which motivates them
to act well in their current life, in order to decide good fate of their future existence. In addition to this, religion is
significant to society due to its contribution to multiculturalism and social justice initiatives. Due to different religious
beliefs, interfaith dialogue allows for a diverse society to be developed. This results in a dynamic living environment,
where people of varying worldviews are able to contribute different understandings about the meaning of existence.
In addition, religion helps to address issues in society with a common voice through the development of various social
Tayla Saab – Prelim SOR 2
justice initiatives, such as charities and organizations. This can be seen through the St Vincent de Paul Society, who
aspires to live out the Gospel message by serving the less fortunate in society. Therefore, the significance of religion to
individuals and society has been demonstrated through their contribution to the understanding and functioning of
life.
Investigate the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, land and identity (NOT YET FINISHED)
Dreaming refers to the past, present and future meanings of life, in relation to stories of creation and how the land
came to be. Aboriginal’s connection with the land forms the basis of their ethical beliefs and representations of life,
and provides the fundamental expression of the Dreaming. Through the inextricable connections to the land in all
aspects of life and spirituality, this allows the identity of Aboriginal’s to be confirmed within their culture, and provides
a notion of self-love and dignity. Aboriginal’s relationship to the land in terms of protection, such as only taking what
you need, also provides adherents with a responsibility and purpose to live by. In addition, connections to identity
have enabled Aboriginal’s to develop social structures which have been deeply regarded and integrated into their
culture.
Religions of Ancient Origin
Outline the principal beliefs of one religion of ancient origin and analyse the individual and communal influence of
these beliefs.
Shinto refers to the indigenous religion of Japan, although today it is considered to be more a way of life. Shinto
people are of polytheistic culture and their principle beliefs are based upon four common factors. Festivals and
ceremonies, traditionally referred to as Matsuri, have a communal influence over society, as they promote harmony
and balance in the surrounding world. Rites of passage, such as wedding, are also considered ceremonies as they aim
at strengthening the faith of adherents, hence influencing their relationship with religion. The second fundamental
belief is based upon physical cleanliness. Shinto teachings state that ablutions are necessary before ritual worship or
prayer, contributing to a person’s spiritual purity. Therefore, through this act of cleanliness, adherents faith is
influenced relation to strengthened individual beliefs. These practices also influence communal faith within groups of
society, specific to the Shinto religion. Reverence for nature is considered extremely significant, as Kami, which relate
venerated spirits within the religion, are believed to reside in nature. Consequently, this has a communal influence
over the treatment of the environment, as adherents aim to protect their surrounding natural world as it is apart of
their beliefs. In addition, this reverence for nature strengthens individuals faith through shrines, which influence them
to worship natural formations such as groves and waterfalls. Finally, the Shinto belief in tradition and family has a
significant influence over both individuals and communal people. Shinto teaches that ancestors become Kami, hence
it is believed that individuals must demonstrate respect for the family elders, in according to religious tradition, hence
influencing the individual understanding and beliefs of Shinto. As well as this, tradition within families has a communal
influence, as shared beliefs can be worshiped, taught and passed down to generations. Therefore, the four principal
Shinto beliefs have a both an individual and communal influence, as they affect they way people practice and
understand their religion.
Explain the relationship between the Celtic religion and its society
The Celtic religion has an inherent relationship with its surrounding society, through the Celctic social structure as well
as various other beliefs. The Celctic social structure was centered around tribal units that were overseen by a King,
followed by three lower social classes: The novels knights and warriors at the top, followed by Druids (religious
leaders), and lastly farmers and commoners. This social structure adopted by the Celtic religion had a significant
impact over society, as it governed the responsibilities of each class, such as protection, education and production of
food for society. The Celtic belief about the natural world also had a strong relationship with the reverence for land
and the King within society. The King was believed to be linked to prosperity of the land, hence people were expected
to obey his ruling, leading to the social hierarchy. As well as this, society was dictated through the druids (religious
leaders) as they conducted ritual sacrifices and administered justice and punishment, as well as passing on knowledge
Tayla Saab – Prelim SOR 2
about nature and the after life through oral tradition. Therefore, the Celtic social structure and beliefs regarding the
land and the King influenced the behaviour and education of individuals within society.
Outline how the beliefs of the Nordic people influenced their lives.
The beliefs of the Nordic people were fundamentally based upon their village and military life, hence having a large
influence over their lives. The Nordic belief in Ragnarok, a teaching referring to the end of the world after apocalyptic
events of war with Ice Giants impacted the understanding and behavior of adherents. The idea that Ragnarok
presented the Nordic people with beliefs about how to best live their lives impacted their actions whilst also
representing a cycle of order streaming from chaos. Therefore, Nordic people aimed to live a life in according to the
expectations and teachings of Ragnarok. Nordic belief in Valhalla – the afterlife – also influenced the life of the people.
It was believed that one’s work was crucial to the culmination of their life, hence individuals should act in specific ways
to eventually gain entry into the afterlife. This was demonstrated through the warrior culture of the Nordic people,
where people dying bravely and with honour would be escorted to Valkyries and Valhalla. Therefore, Nordic belief in
Ragnarok and Valhalla influenced the actions and work in the life of adherents.
Describe the Nordic creation story and demonstrate how it reflects the Nordic people’s belief about the world.
The Nordic creation myth focuses on the creation of the world through making order out of chaos and nothingness. It
demonstrates the world is part of a greater series of existences that are connected by the “World tree”. This reflects
the Nordic’s belief about the world as it encompasses their belief about how people move to the afterlife. Through
honor and work, adherents who died bravely would be escorted to Valhalla. The Norse believed that their were three
regions of creation, the chaotic void Ginnungagap, the northern ice realm of Nilfheim and the southern fire realm of
Muspelheim. This reflects the Nordic belief of the world in relation to chaos and order, hence establishing their aim of
maintaining a positive and productive balance of agriculture and war, fertility and battle, and life and death, because
of their respect for nature. In addition, the Nordic creation story influenced their belief system, leading to their
framework where the brutal and warlike culture of the Viking people would be justified through continuous victory.
Therefore, the creation story reflected the Nordic‘s beliefs of chaos and peace, and war and afterlife in the world.
Judaism
Outline the meaning of the Covenant. (3 marks)
The Abrahamic Covenant was one made between God and Abraham, which established the relationship between God
and the people of Israel. God promised to make Abraham the father of great people, however his descendants must
obey God. The meaning of the Covenant requires the people to live in according to the law as prescribed by God and
in return they are assured of God’s blessing and protection.
Explain why Abraham is regarded as the father of the Jewish people. (6 marks)
In Jewish tradition, Abraham is called Avraham, translating to “Our father Abraham.” Abraham is considered as the
father of the Jewish people because he promoted the fundamental idea that there is only one God in the Jewish faith.
This differed from the polytheistic beliefs of people at this time, who typically worshipped many gods. Abraham also
entered into a Covenant with God, which consisted of three essential elements, the people, a land and blessings. The
promise of people saw the birth of Isaac, Abraham’s son, who then bore twelve sons referred to as the Twelve Tribes
of Israel. Due to this, Abraham is seen as the father of Jewish people as the Jewish people descended from his son
Isaac. God also promised that Abraham’s “seed” would inherit the land. Based off Judaist teachings, this promised
offspring is believed to be the Jewish descendants of Isaac, who inherited the Biblical land of Canaan which is the
modern day state of Israel and other Palestinian territories. Through Abraham, they Jewish people were able to come
into possession of the sacred land, hence leading to Abraham’s title as father of the Jewish people. Finally, the
Abrahamic Covenant promised blessings upon the Jewish people. This led to Jewish people being referred to as the
Chosen People of God. Therefore, Abraham is regarded as the father of the Jewish people as he himself was the first
Jew and founder of monotheism, and through his covenant with God, the Jewish religion was established.
Tayla Saab – Prelim SOR 2
Assess the significance of Abraham’s life on the Jewish people. (6 marks)
Abraham’s life is of great important to the Jewish people, as through him the Jewish religion was established.
Abraham was the first person to recognize that there was only one God in Judaism and therefore became the first
Jewish adherent. Abraham aimed at promoting the fundamental monotheistic teaching, which differed from the
polytheistic beliefs of people at this time. Through this, Abraham established and encouraged the fundamental belief
in Judaism, that there was only a single God, one which is still regarded by Jewish people today. By entering into the
Covenant with God, Abraham also formed a special relationship between God and the Israelite people, which has
continued through to the present day. This is evident through the strong faith of Jewish adherents and their belief
that Jewish people are the chosen people. Abraham also demonstrated a life of obedience to the will of God
regardless of the obstacles he faced. Despite powerful rulers such as the Pharaoh threatening his life and family
(Genesis 12), Abraham continued in his mission of abiding by the Covenant. As a result, Abraham’s life and actions
serve as a role model for present day Jews. Abraham also founded the fundamental aspects and traditions of the
Jewish culture which are deeply engrained in the Jewish faith today. Rituals such as circumcision which are regarded
as the sign of the Covenant are still practiced by adherents in accordance to the expectations of the Covenant.
Therefore, Abraham’s life is of great significance to the Jewish people as through him that fundamental aspects of the
Jewish religion were established and still practiced today. Abraham’s life also serves as a role-model for the faith and
actions of Jewish adherents today.
Outline Abraham’s life
Abraham was born in South Mesopotamia in around 1900-1800BCE. Growing up, Abraham assisted his father Terach
in making a living by selling idols of various God’s. Abraham was married to his wife Sarai, who was unable to bear
children. When Abraham was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him, announcing that, “I’ll establish my
covenant between me and you.” (Genesis 17) From this, Abraham entered into a Covenant with God, with a promise
