Explain How the Following Have Influenced the Growth of New Religious Expressions and Spiritualities

 Explain how the following have influenced the growth of newreligious expressions and spiritualities: -the rise of materialism -scientific progress -growth of ecological awareness -disenchantment with ‘traditional’ religious practice and guidance The rise of materialism Contribute to social/religious dissatisfaction  Today, Aus’ns are experiencing greater affluence & owning more material things.    Scientific progress     Growth of ecological awareness    Denial of the spiritual dimension Wealth. Possessions not satisfying for many people, are a priority over the spiritual Disintegration of traditional values(family, marriage) Have no place of a spiritual explanation Technologies have endangered species Some results of science seen to be a threat to humanity (genetic engineering) Pure science difficult to understand, not accessible for many people Abuse of natural resources Threat of pollution, global warming, lack of water Consequences of over population in some geographic regions Provide support for new religious expressions/spiritualities  Realising that owning a lot of things is not satisfying            A return to organised religious traditions, for many others this means looking at New Age options. Recognise that material prosperity is not necessary for personal fulfilment Appreciating values of the human person Encourage followers to seek holistic health techniques Humanity needs to remain independent from technologies Acknowledging the limitation of science and the existence of a supernatural realm Acceptance of co-dependency between humans and nature Developing lifestyles that avoid pollution and environmental damage Acceptance of responsible stewardship New Age movement put much importance on taking care of the earth. Emphasise the naturalism (attachment to what is natural)     Today. The increasing no: of Hindus & Buddhists settling into Aus is also an influence. there is still little room for women in the Catholic & Orthodox hierarchy. while New Age spiritualities value feminism & the contribution of women. secular humanism & Christianity. . as people exploring New Age spirituality often incorporate elements of these religious traditions in their practices. Some find environmental awareness & their increasing understanding of ecological degradation draws them towards alternative spiritualities & some find traditional religious practices do not fulfil their spiritual needs. ethnic minorities. partly because of the growing tolerance of differences.Disenchantme nt with traditional religions     o Traditional ethical ideas are seen as restrictive Rituals Lacking inclusiveness (youth. New ethical responses Creation of rituals that are seen to complement modern views/lifestyles Inclusiveness New Age spiritualities began to grow in popularity in Aus in the 1970s. Other New Age followers are disillusioned by materialism of a consumer society & by scientific progress which some believe is removing the spiritual element from life. o o o o Reasons for the growth of people with ‘no religion’ - people no longer accepted an inherited religious identification without question many rejected having one particular construction or form or religion people perceived hypocrisy in the church more socially acceptable Materialism meant that people were less interested in religion because they were more interested in earning money & buying material goods. Adherents were also disillusioned by the western establishment. The media have also played a part in the spread of info about New Age practices – such as the internet. women Traditional ethical systems that gave rules instead of allowing individual responsibility & choice  disenchanting(disappointing) to an Aus’n public that was increasingly educated & articulate. Based not on reward or punishment by a higher being but on the individual’s own reasons for their actions Ethical assistance and guidance will be sought outside of religious traditions and may be baced on the knowledge brought by science In lacking a belief in a life after death a person will view the present life as the best and only opportunity to achieve their goals     Aspirations-ambitions. guide a person to what is the right thing to do 3. Law With no direct assistance from a god/supernatural source. it is important not to be too materialistic. the individual use their own resources to achieve their own goals Ethical behaviour: . Non-believers say that for the sake of a peaceful. fair and environmentally sustainable world. Logic ‘common sense’. points for/against Behaviour Religious people think agnostics have no morals or guidance in their lives. how they want to be treated 2. environmentally sustainable world important not to be too materialistic 2 aspects to take into account: the outcomes desired for oneself and the desires for the kind of the world one wants to live in. desires to achieve something For a peaceful. Differentiations between atheists. make up for any harm they do to other people or the environment A non-believer believes that the following guides their behaviour: 1. Consciencepersons ideas about pleasure and pain. Discuss how Agnosticism. agnostics & humanists are:  Agnostic believes there might be a god live their life in the best way just in case there is a god to judge them after they die. fair.identify issues.determined by individuals own understanding of what is good/bad . Atheism and Humanism determine the aspirations and behaviour of individuals Discuss. Agnostics believe it is up to people to repair. . want to do some good things for other people & for the planet Humanists most emphasis on doing good things for people & planet.   reasons to do good things to other people & the environment atheist  no god. believe humans are the highest life form--:have a responsibility to each other .