Studies of ReligionStudies of Religion

HSC preparation seminarHSC preparation seminar

Session 1 Session 1

Extended Extended ResponseResponse

Extended response Extended response

SOR 1 and 2SOR 1 and 2

The extended response The extended response section of the 1 and 2 unit section of the 1 and 2 unit paper acts as a discriminator. paper acts as a discriminator.

For SOR 2- The Religion and For SOR 2- The Religion and Peace essay also acts as a Peace essay also acts as a discriminator.discriminator.

Extended response Extended response SOR 1 and 2SOR 1 and 2

It is this section in which It is this section in which students aiming for higher students aiming for higher bands have the chance to bands have the chance to

excelexcel..

WHY is the extended WHY is the extended response the response the

“discriminator” “discriminator” question?question?

The average mark for the The average mark for the multiple choice is 7/10multiple choice is 7/10

The average mark for The average mark for Question 11 is 3.5 out of 5Question 11 is 3.5 out of 5

WHY is the extended WHY is the extended response the response the

“discriminator” “discriminator” question?question?

The average mark for the The average mark for the short answer response is short answer response is 11/1511/15

THEREFORE, students wanting THEREFORE, students wanting BAND 5 or 6 have to aim for BAND 5 or 6 have to aim for 18/20 for the extended 18/20 for the extended response question.response question.

Extended ResponseExtended Response

An example of how to write an An example of how to write an answer to section 3 – extended answer to section 3 – extended response using:response using:

Christian EthicsChristian Ethics

ExplainExplain

Explain the meaning of the Explain the meaning of the topic. For example:topic. For example:

What are Christian Ethics?What are Christian Ethics?

ExampleExample

Give an example of a Christian ethic. Give an example of a Christian ethic. Make sure you have a statement Make sure you have a statement

prepared on the basis of Christian prepared on the basis of Christian Ethics and use this to link the Ethics and use this to link the Scriptures and the beliefs and values Scriptures and the beliefs and values which come from the scriptures with which come from the scriptures with their application in moral and ethical their application in moral and ethical issues.issues.

Example of a Example of a statementstatement The Christian ethical system is The Christian ethical system is

based on the Christian’s based on the Christian’s understanding of their relationship understanding of their relationship with God. For a Christian, their God with God. For a Christian, their God calls them to follow the teachings of calls them to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ which are found in the Jesus Christ which are found in the sacred scriptures especially the Ten sacred scriptures especially the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, as Commandments, the Beatitudes, as well as the Golden Rule. well as the Golden Rule.

SourcesSources

It is not sufficient to just use It is not sufficient to just use ScriptureScripture as your basis for as your basis for Christian ethics. Christian ethics.

You need to refer to other sources You need to refer to other sources that discuss your ethical issue such that discuss your ethical issue such as:as:

– Vatican DocumentsVatican Documents

– Catechism of the Catholic Church Catechism of the Catholic Church

– Statements from other Christian variantsStatements from other Christian variants

VariantsVariants

You will also need to use variants You will also need to use variants in your answers. in your answers.

Note any possible similarities or Note any possible similarities or differences that the variants hold differences that the variants hold on your chosen ethical issue. on your chosen ethical issue.

RememberRemember

NO BAND 5 OR 6 NO BAND 5 OR 6

WITHOUT REFERRING TO WITHOUT REFERRING TO VARIANTSVARIANTS IN YOUR IN YOUR ANSWERANSWER

In particular make the clear In particular make the clear distinction between a Catholic distinction between a Catholic “Natural Law” approach to ethical “Natural Law” approach to ethical reasoning and the more reasoning and the more scripturally based protestant scripturally based protestant response.response.

Specimen questionSpecimen question

Christianity (20 marks)Christianity (20 marks)

Describe Christian ethical teachings Describe Christian ethical teachings on ONE of the following:on ONE of the following:– BioethicsBioethics– Environmental ethicsEnvironmental ethics– Sexual ethicsSexual ethics

ScaffoldScaffold

Prepare a general statement on Prepare a general statement on Christian ethicsChristian ethics

The Christian ethical system is based on The Christian ethical system is based on the Christian’s understanding of their the Christian’s understanding of their relationship with God. For a Christian relationship with God. For a Christian their God calls them to do “good” and their God calls them to do “good” and to follow the moral teachings of their to follow the moral teachings of their faith. These teachings are based on…faith. These teachings are based on…

Define Environmental Define Environmental ethicsethics Environmental ethics refers to…Environmental ethics refers to…

……. relationship between human beings and the environment in which they live. It exerts influence on a large range of disciplines including law, sociology, theology, economics and geography. There are many ethical decisions that human beings make with respect to the environment.

or

…the search for moral values and ethical principles in human relations with the natural world.

Explain the Christian Explain the Christian Churches’ teachings on Churches’ teachings on one ethical issueone ethical issue Explain the moral issues involved Explain the moral issues involved

and the source of the teaching – and the source of the teaching – use quotes.use quotes.

… … Give one example e.g. pollutionGive one example e.g. pollution

Explain the Christian Explain the Christian teaching on a second teaching on a second issue – in the same wayissue – in the same way Deforestation is another Deforestation is another

environmental issue…environmental issue…

Global warming is another Global warming is another environmental issue……environmental issue……

include in your discussion whether include in your discussion whether there is agreement or differences there is agreement or differences in the response of Christian in the response of Christian variants on either issue and why variants on either issue and why these differences occur.these differences occur.

…….okay, so HSC Studies of Religion is serious stuff

…but Religion can have its lighter moments

Natural Law: that law implanted in nature by the Creator that human beings can discern by the light of their natural reasoning.

Because of humankind’s sinful nature it is often hard to discern and obey the natural law, making it difficult to reach moral certainty on specific issues (e.g. nuclear warfare, genetic engineering, birth control).

According to some Christian churches natural law can also be discerned through tradition. Because Jesus established his church and gave it authority, the church was able to formulate church moral law. Church moral laws are based on the natural law, scripture, the person, life and teachings of Jesus Christ and on tradition.

Christian Ethical System

The role of Christian ethics is to provide a guide for Christians, so that their daily living supports the purpose and value of this world and, in particular, so that the way they live helps bring about God’s reign.

The sources for Christian ethics are found in

The Scriptures The Natural Law

Human Experience

Catholic Ethics: drawn from basic principles of ethics from the natural law. Catholics are taught a way of arriving at moral truths that are not simply personal opinions or subjective impressions.

Protestant Ethics: The Protestant reformers saw the Bible (revealed law) as the sole authority for Christian living. Emphasis is placed on Jesus’ command of love.