Referring to the changing patterns of religious adherence, explain the current religious landscape in Australia.

In
your answer, you may refer to the source on the previous page. (5 marks)
Religious traditions are constantly changing in Australia with a major decline in the most followed denominations.
For example, in 1947, Anglicanism was the most dominant Christian faith (39.0%), however it has steadily
decreased to (17.1%) in 2010, allowing Catholicism to be the most followed faith (25.3%). Another change in
Australias religious landscape is the dramatic decline in Christianity. In 1947, Christianity was followed by 87.3%
and now only 61.1% follow this tradition. This decline can be attributed towards an increase in the non-Christian
faiths - Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism. These non-Christian faiths have increased because of immigration,
changing views of spirituality, increase in scientific understanding, rise in New Age religions and more access to
religious knowledge which also could have led to the increase in secularism.
(a)
(i) Practices and rituals are ways Christian adherents express their beliefs.
Referring to a significant practice in Christianity, explain the above statement. (5 marks)
The practice of baptism is an important rite in most denominations of Christianity. It holds a central place as a rite
of initiation and expresses many significant beliefs of the Christian tradition.
The use of water as the central symbol of baptism reflects the belief in God as creator and humankind's
dependence on God. It calls to mind images of the accounts of creation (Genesis 1:2), the flood (Genesis 7-8) and
the Exodus. (Exodus 14).
The image of water also calls to mind the image of the womb and the discussion of rebirth in water and the Spirit
in John's Gospel (John 3). This imagery of this story closely parallels the Christian understanding of baptism as a
rebirth from original sin into the life of the Spirit.
The act of repentance proclaimed in baptism expresses the idea of turning away from sin which is integral to the
practice of baptism. Christians believe that in baptism they are turning away from or renouncing sin and evil and
turning in a positive way to live the life of the Spirit.
The practice of baptism in the Christian tradition also expresses the belief of Christians in the Church as the body
of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). In a spiritual sense, the believer is able to participate through the body of Christ in
the mystery of Jesus' dying and rising.
The early Church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles regarded baptism as a necessary element of
salvation (Acts 2:38). It was a sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forgiveness from sin and allowed them to
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The symbols used during the rite of baptism also express significant beliefs of the Christian tradition. The most
obvious of these is the sign of the cross which is used in a number of places in the rite. This simple symbol and
ritual action expresses the Christian belief in the triune God which is at the heart of the Christian faith.
The symbol of water reflects the belief in rebirth and in cleansing from sin which are at the heart of the Christian
gospel. The anointing with the oil of Chrism is another important symbol. Oil is a traditional symbol for healing and
strength. In baptism, Christians are anointed with oil as a sign of their mandate to share in the ministry of Jesus.
The use of a white garment symbolises the purity of the baptised person and expresses the idea that in baptism
the individual is cleansed from original sin.


(ii) Outline the significance of the practice referred to in part (a). (4 marks)
Baptism is a significant practice followed by most Christian denominations. It is used as a rite of initiation for
people wishing to join the Christian community. The rite of baptism is significant adherents of Christianity in a
number of ways.
Firstly it can be regarded as significant because of its ties with the earliest Christian communities and indeed with
Jesus' life and ministry itself. Secondly, it can be regarded as significant for the theological reflection that if offers
to both the individual and the community. Thirdly, it has enormous significance in the saving action of God and the
formation of a Christian community. Finally, it has all the significance of an authentic rite of passage for both the
individual and the community.
The fact that baptism is an ancient ritual is significant for the individual because they walk the same path and share
the same rite that has been practiced among Christians since the earliest days of the Church. It is also important
for the Christian community as a whole because in celebrating each rite of baptism they are perpetuating the
ancient tradition and honouring the intention of Jesus and the early disciples.
The rite of baptism has great possibilities for theological reflection. The richness of this reflection is very significant
for the individual. There are abundant opportunities for prayerful reflection and spiritual development in the rite
of baptism. For the community, the theological richness provides a source of constant reflection and renewal.
Further significance of the practice of baptism can be seen in the theological dimension of its place in the economy
of salvation. This is significant for the individual who, through their baptism, receives the assurance that they have
received the forgiveness of the sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit . Through baptism they are now a member of the
body of Christ. The rite of baptism is a profound marker in the life of the community. It marks both their growth
through the new member of the community and also is witness to their mission to bring the gospel to others.
Baptism is also an authentic rite of passage, for the individual there is significance in the sense of belonging
experienced, the sharing with a community of common mind and faith. The community is invigorated when it is
engaged in the task of the gospel and enriched by the presence of a new member of the community.
(b)
Analyse the Christian ethical teachings regarding ONE of the following areas: (6 marks)
- Bioethics
- Environmental ethics
- Sexual ethics
Christian ethical teaching on environmental ethics is drawn principally from a biblical tradition which highlights the
fact that God is the creator of all things and that human beings have a responsibility to work in partnership with
God to ensure that the fragile environment is nurtured and protected. This rich tradition has been embraced at
various times throughout history but it is only in recent decades that a considerable, consistent emphasis has been
placed on this teaching.
It is evident that the growing social awareness of the ecological crisis has prompted Christian Churches to reflect
seriously on their responsibility in this area.
Even as recently as fifty years ago there was little emphasis given to environmental ethics in Christian teaching.
Increasingly today, however, there is an urgent call for Christians to act responsibly towards the created world and
to guard against its exploitation.
The biblical tradition of Christianity shows that there is a special relationship between humankind and the
environment because they are both created by God. Christian ethical teaching also shows that both reflect the
glory of God and convey the image of God. It also recognises that God has commanded human beings to live in
fruitful relationship with the earth and that humankind has a requirement of stewardship of the earth.

In recent decades, Christian theologians have identified links between areas such as feminism, justice, peace and
ecology. Many initiatives in the field of environmental ethics are based on exploring the connection between these
social issues. Other theologians have focused on the spiritual and mystical element which draws people to view
the environment more as a tangible expression of God rather than something separate from God.

Despite the considerable development in emphasis in recent times, it is clear that, in the Western world,
environmental ethics is yet to truly become a significant focus of most Christian communities at the local level.

It is evident that there is a richness in the tradition of Christian teaching on environmental ethics and a clear
rhetoric calling for action in recent times. However, there remains a considerable challenge in education and
action to engage significant numbers of local Christian communities in significant environmental actions.