2011 HSC Studies of Religion
Exam solutions
Section IV — Religion and Peace
20 marks Attempt Question 1 Allow about 35 minutes for this section
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding relevant to the question
- incorporate significant aspects of religion to illustrate your answer
- communicate using language and terminology appropriate to the study of religion
- present ideas clearly in a cohesive response
Question 1 (20 marks)
Analyse the distinctive response of TWO religious traditions to the issue of peace by linking their relevant sacred texts to their principal teachings.
Sample answer
In both Christianity and Islam, sacred texts are vital sources of information on all aspects of peace. They demonstrate principal teachings about peace, and teachings on inner peace as well as supporting the ultimate aim of world peace.
In the Christian sacred text, the bible, Jesus’ ‘Golden Rule’ is “do unto others as you would have done unto you”; which in relation to peace infers that one must act peacefully to receive peaceful treatment in return. One of the key teachings regarding peace is to respect all humans; as everyone is equal, this includes one’s enemies. As stated in Matthew 5 “love your enemies and pray for your prosecutors”. The core belief of Christianity is the belief in one God, the creator. As the instigator of creation, God commands humanity to live in peace. This also leads to living peacefully within the environment, as stated in Genesis; as stewards of the earth it’s our duty to respect and care for the earth and all aspects of creation. Another principal belief is that the peace of God is beyond this world and will be achieved in heaven; hence, it is imperative for one to live peaceably to achieve peace in heaven. The principal teaching to live in peace is again outlined in 2 Corinthians; “live in peace and the God of love and peace will be with you”. The bible outlines the most prominent principal teachings regarding peace.
The bible also offers guidance on the importance of inner peace and how to achieve it. Jesus taught to seek reconciliation and forgiveness of God, which can be done through a variety of ways. One way in the Catholic variant for example, is through confession to the priest or pastor, who is then able to guide an individual to the bible as a way to help one find inner peace. For all Christian variants, another way is through personal prayer, which is outlined in Matthew 6; “whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret”. This demonstrates the importance of personal prayer as a way to be alone with God, which enables one to gain a sense of peace. Another way to achieve inner peace is thorough meditation. Although the act of meditation is not outlined specifically in the bible, the idea of clearing your mind of all distractions in order to focus on one’s inner self and relationship with God is encouraged. The Taize movement for example, is an ecumenical movement that promotes personal and communal peace through prayer and meditation. The movement would use the sacred texts to help individuals achieve a sense of inner peace. The bible outlines the importance of inner peace, as a way to become more connected and form a stronger relationship with God.
Christian world peace organisations base their mottos and mission statements on the teachings in the bible. Since such organisations have the aim to promote awareness and understanding about peace, they demonstrate how sacred texts are used to give an understanding of peace. Many of these organisations surround the commandment, “love your neighbours as yourself” which encourages human beings to treat others how they treat themselves. The National Council of Churches Australia launched an ‘Act for Peace Campaign’, which aims to reduce poverty, protect refugees and empower communities. As Exodus 23:6 states “do not deny justice to your poor”; this passage is consistent with what the NCCA stands for, which is helping people help themselves as humanity works for peace. During Jesus’ arrest he asked his followers to not fight when he was arrested: “put your sword away” (John 18:11) – this clearly demonstrates the importance of peace even among those who disagree. Another way that world peace is aimed for is through care for the environment, which is heavily emphasised in the bible. For example in Genesis chapter 1 it reads that “God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work in it and take care of it”. Care for the environment is again outlined in Matthew 6:28 “God so clothes the field...will he not much more clothe you”. The bible gives adherents an understanding of the importance of caring for the poor and disadvantaged and the environment in an attempt to achieve world peace.
In the Islamic sacred text the Qur’an references to peace are made 67 times, which demonstrates the importance of sacred texts for an adherents understanding of peace. The Hadith is also used to give adherents an understanding of peace and the importance of peace in Islam. The principal beliefs about peace are all outlined in these sacred texts. The first is the core belief of the religion: that Allah is the one and only creator of humankind. In the Hadith (1625) it states that “if anyone harms others, God will harm him” – this clearly states that peace is the way one must live, as that is how Allah made it. Since Allah created everything, everything deserves to be treated with the respect one would show Allah. The common origin of Adam and Eve means that all people share an inherent unity which is to be expressed through harmonious relationships, as outlined in the Hadith (13) “he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself”. This reinforces the ideal of treating all people peacefully. The five pillars are part of the basis of Islamic religion and each one relates to a principal teaching concerning peace, and are all outlined in the sacred texts of Islam. For example, Shahada, is the declaration of faith – this means that Muslims must honour Allah’s wishes, which as stated before are to maintain peace. During Swam it is imperative that Muslims read from the Qur’an, as doing this causes them to read about peace, reinforcing their understanding of peace as expressed in the sacred text.
Inner peace is also important in Islam, as a Muslim strives to be in submission of Allah. One of the pillars of faith is Salat, which is the prayers that are carried out five times a day, individually. Although they may be carried out in groups of people, it is important that the individual is thinking only of bonding with Allah and hence creating peace within themselves. These prayers also remind an adherent of their commitment to Allah, and his commandments for all human kind. It is believed that the patient and peaceful will be rewarded as outlined in sura 61:14 “the patient man is the helper of God”. This gives adherents an understanding of the importance of being peaceable by being tolerant. The Sufism movement is a path of mysticism that causes one to have an intimate relationship with God in one’s “quest for inner peace”. As a part of the Islamic tradition the movement would encourage reading and reflecting upon what the sacred texts say about peace and achieving peace. The sacred texts of Islam encourage an individual to seek inner peace, and give adherents an appreciation of the importance of finding this inner peace.
It states in the Qur’an verse 14:35 “make this city one of peace and security”, this teaching gives a clear outline of what Allah wanted for the world, which was a city of peace. This verse demonstrates how the sacred texts give adherents an understanding of world peace. The five pillars of faith are again referred to in relation to world peace. Zakat is an individual’s commitment to charity, which includes helping people help themselves in an attempt for a just and equal world. While Hajj, the pilgrimage that all Muslims are encouraged to take strengthens the worldwide commitment of Muslims to the religions, and also encourages equality and peace. During the Hajj, Muslims are required to pay off debts, or apologise for any wrongdoing. This in itself is important on the path to world peace, through common understanding and forgiveness.
There are a number of Islamic organisations in Australia striving to promote peace and harmony as expressed through the Islamic sacred texts and principal teachings. The NSW Islamic council states that “The Qur’an clearly declares…saving a single life is as if one has saved the life of all humanity”. This organisation is largely associated with bringing about religious peace through promoting understanding of the Islamic religion and what it stands for, which as stated before is peace for the world. The sacred texts give adherents a better understanding that world peace is also important, and it is an ultimate aim for the religious tradition. The Affinity Intercultural Foundation was established in 2001 by Australian Muslims, founded to meet the needs of the Muslim community, as well as to raise the general public’s awareness of the Muslim religion, culture and community. The foundation is ‘on the endeavour of creating and sustaining enduring affinity and relationships with people through inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogue and understanding’ (Affinity Intercultural Foundation Website). Affinity has embarked on a number of interfaith dialogue projects between Muslims and many Christian denominations including Catholics, Anglicans and Protestants. Muslim Peace Fellowship is an organisation dedicated to the theory and practice of non- violence in Islam. The Muslim Peace Fellowship is a gathering of Muslims from all backgrounds who are peace and justice orientated to display Islam as a peaceful religion. More recently the organisation ISRA (Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia) was formed to promote cooperation between Australian Muslims and educational institutions in Australia. Its very first conference in 2009 was focused on Peace Justice and Interfaith Dialogue.
In conclusion, it is clear that both the sacred texts and principal teachings of Christianity and Islam outline the importance of peace in oneself and the world. They bring about greater understanding of various forms of peace, so that all adherents have access to the laws and morals regarding peace.
Cambridge University Press