Grade 12 Exam Notes - Religion PDF

Unit 1 Key Terms: ​ Discipleship: Following Jesus through daily decisions and actions. ​ Christian Success: Living according to Gospel values, not wealth. ​ "Blessed" = "Happy": In the Beatitudes, "Blessed" means "Happy." ​ Hermeneutics: Interpreting texts. ​ Exegesis: Studying...

Unit 1 Key Terms: ​ Discipleship: Following Jesus through daily decisions and actions. ​ Christian Success: Living according to Gospel values, not wealth. ​ "Blessed" = "Happy": In the Beatitudes, "Blessed" means "Happy." ​ Hermeneutics: Interpreting texts. ​ Exegesis: Studying scripture in its original context. ​ Apocalyptic Literature: Writing about crises; questioning God's presence or tests. ​ Parousia: The second coming of Christ. ​ Society: A group sharing traits and goals. ​ Utilitarianism: Actions judged by the happiness they bring to the majority. ​ Naturalism: The universe is shaped by physical and social processes. ​ Agent: A person accountable for actions or omissions. ​ AI: Human-like behavior mimicked by technology. ​ Autonomism: Emphasizes personal freedom and will over reason. ​ Religious Determinism: Belief that God predetermines events (e.g., predestination). ​ Social Determinism: Society shapes behavior. ​ Discerning Believer: Someone who lives morally and celebrates God's presence. Key Concepts: 1.​ Story of the Rich Man: ○​ A man refused to give up possessions for Jesus and felt unfulfilled. ○​ Material wealth didn’t bring true joy or salvation. 2.​ The 8 Beatitudes: (Summary, not for memorization) ○​ Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven ○​ Blessed are the meek; for they shall possess the land ○​ Blessed are they who mourn; for they shall be comforted ○​ Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after Justice; for they shall have their fill ○​ Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy ○​ Blessed are the clean of heart for they shall see God ○​ Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God ○​ Blessed are they that suffer persecution for Justice’s sake, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven 3.​ 4 Elements of Society: 4 Elements of Society (eg. Communication - Written, Bodily etc.): Organization: Social Institutions: Communication: Wealth: Every society must Social institutions are the Communication is Every society must have a sense of groups of people in a necessary within a have a form of wealth. organization society that have specific society. It deals with Not all wealth is Ex. There must be identities. verbal and non-verbal money. a sense of order Ex. Family, Church, ways of communication Ex. Canada's wealth within households, Education, Government. -​ Bodily is natural resources. small twins, cities, Each of these institutions communication: Wealth is important and countries. has a certain purpose Body language, because it allows the Everything within a and values. These Sign language, society to work society must work purposes and values are and verbal independently from together, therefore, what hold each group speaking other countries and needing together. -​ Written be self-sufficient. organization. communication: Books, Letters, Newspapers, etc. -​ Technological communication: TV, Internet, mass media, etc. "Harmful Effects from the Self Discovery of the Self as Free Agent" (eg. Growing Atheism): Growing Atheism: The isolation of the Autonomism: individual: -​ Reflects loss of -​ Increases focus on Emphasizes personal freedom direction self-discovery, which and can result in moral -​ Society has “killed” God may lead to doubtfulness -​ Western culture unfulfillment promotes agnosticism -​ Disconnection from -​ Lack of shared values -​ Private belief in God the community as despite public well as tradition indifference ​ Both spiritual and material need to coexist to allow for collective leadership  Political Theories of 4 Philosophers (eg. Hobbes - humans would act like "wolves toward each other.") Hobbes: Locke: Rousseau: Rawls: Life Property Freedom Justice = Freedoms In their pursuit of We hold all resources and People are good. But The government must power, people are land in common. However, we compete when protect naturally given evil. Therefore we human labor translates into resources are scarce. freedoms of life, must have a a right to ownership. The The social contract property, speech, government to government must function ensures equality assembly, etc. Economic protect us. to protect individual among all people inequalities can only be property in this respect. regardless of class. justified if they benefit all ​ “Humans ​ “He is willing to join ​ “To give up of society. are in society with freedom is to wolves, others for the give up one’s towards mutual preservation human each of their lives, quality; to other.” liberties, and remove estates, which I call freedom from by the general one’s will is to name, property.” remove all morality from one’s actions.” 4.​ Freud’s Superego: ○​ Superego: The part of you that makes you feel guilty or ashamed for breaking rules taught by parents and society ○​ Internal voice of guilt shaped by society. ○​ Human behavior is often driven by unconscious impulses based on repressed memories and desires. 5.​ Holistic Formation: ○​ Formation means that someone is shaped into the person they are going to become. (mind, body, soul) ○​ Intellectual: Decision-making and reasoning. ○​ Religious: Living by faith and moral values. ○​ Human: Emotional and physical growth. UNIT 2 Key terms 1.​ Ethics: Having the intent to do good behavior; derived from the Greek word Ta Ethika. 2.​ Morality: The distinction between right and wrong; from the Latin word Moralitas. 3.​ Consumerism: An attitude that prioritizes material goods and personal appearance over inner development and true relationships. 4.​ Moral Relativism: The belief that values are subjective and depend on individual or cultural perspectives; no absolute moral truths. 5.​ Decalogue: A Latin word that translates to “ten words” which relates to The Ten Commandments, a foundational set of moral laws. 6.​ Narcissism: Excessive self-focus, (self absorption) often at the expense of others. 7.​ Conscience: An inner sense that guides moral decision-making. 8.​ Temperance: Self-control in regulating desires and appetites. 9.​ Maxim: A general truth or rule of conduct. 10.​Norms: Guidelines for behavior, including laws and ethical standards. 11.​Common Good: The general well being of the community as a whole. 12.​Natural Law: The inherent moral order discernible through reason. 13.​Passions: Emotions or desires influencing moral actions; morally neutral in themselves. 14.​Individualism: Can be described as the exaltation of the individual self over all other considerations. It is an attitude that glorifies personal needs at the expense of other people. 15.​Amoral: It is an action or judgment that has nothing to do with right or wrong 16.​Immoral: Is an action or judgment considered wrong or bad (Making a mistake on your math test is not immoral) The opposite of moral 17.​Chastity: The virtue of sexual purity and self-control. 18.​Secularism: A worldview that excludes religious considerations in public life. 19.​Eschatological: Pertaining to end of time 20.​Superego: Doing what were are doing which is driven by guilt 21.​Law of Talion: A principle of retributive justice ("an eye for an eye"). Revenge 22.​Paradoxical Commandment: Instructions that challenge conventional moral logic. 23.​Solicitude: An anxious concern for the well-being of others. Key Concepts: S.T.O.P. Method for Decisions: ​ S: Search for facts. ​ T: Think about alternatives and consequences. ​ O: Consider how Others are affected. ​ P: Pray for guidance. Ethical Theories: ​ Deontology (Kant): Focus on duty over outcomes. ​ Teleology (Aristotle): Morality based on outcomes and the pursuit of a "good life." ​ Ethics of the Face (Levinas): Emphasizes ethical responsibility to others in relationships. Sermon on the Mount: ​ A collection of Jesus' teachings that emphasizes love, humility, and moral integrity. Sums up his ethical teachings. Structure of a Call Story: ​ Divine confirmation, a word from God, commissioning from God, objection by the called upon, reassurance, and a sign from God. Nature of Modern Culture: ​ Secularism: Religion is separate from government; all beliefs are treated equally. ​ Consumerism: Focus on material success and wealth. ​ Individualism: Personal goals are more important than group needs. ​ Moral Relativism: Morals depend on context; no universal truths. 6 Philosophies of Life: 1.​ Hedonism: Seek pleasure. 2.​ Nihilism: Life is meaningless. 3.​ Existentialism: You create your path. 4.​ Collectivism/Communism: Group needs come first. 5.​ Secular Humanism: Humans can act without God. 6.​ Christianity: Life is about serving God. Christian Philosophy of Life: 1.​ Material-Spiritual Beings: Humans are both body and soul. 2.​ Belonging to Each Other: We are interconnected and need love. 3.​ Made in God’s Image: Humans are inherently good. 4.​ Sin and Forgiveness: God forgives, and we should too. 5.​ Vocation to Love: Love for God, self, and others is central. Unit 3 Key Terms: 1.​ Horizontal Relationships: Relationships with those on Earth, such as parents, grandparents, siblings, or even pets. 2.​ Vertical Relationships: Relationships in Heaven, including connections with God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. 3.​ Transitional Period: Moving from one life stage to another (e.g., infancy, early childhood, adolescence). 4.​ Affirmation: Publicly expressing belief or trust, often in something divine (e.g., “I believe in God the Father, Almighty”). 5.​ Grace: The gift of God’s love through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 6.​ Legalism: The belief that salvation can be earned through good works or obedience to the law. 7.​ Pelagianism: A belief denying original sin and emphasizing free will. 8.​ Indissolubility: The unbreakable bond of marriage under God; divorce is not permitted. 9.​ Sacrament: A sacred religious act, like baptism or receiving the Eucharist, that draws people closer to God. 10.​Consecration: Making someone or something sacred for religious purposes. 11.​School of Life: A secular approach addressing gaps left by the decline of religion in modern society. Key Concepts: Human Relationships (e.g., Complementarity of Male & Female): ​ Social Beings: Humans need interaction and cannot thrive in prolonged isolation.  ​ Male and Female: Complement each other due to physical and psychological differences. ​ Vertical and Horizontal Relationships: Horizontal relationships meet natural needs (e.g., family), while vertical relationships fulfill spiritual needs (e.g., connection with God). 8 Stages of Life: 1.​ Infancy (0 – 1 years) 2.​ Early Childhood (1 – 3 years) 3.​ Play Age (3 – 4 years) 4.​ School Age (4 – 12 years) 5.​ Adolescence (13 – 19 years) 6.​ Young Adulthood (19 – 24 years) 7.​ Adulthood (25 – 64 years) 8.​ Mature Adulthood (65+ years) Conversion & Story of St. Paul (Basic Plot Details): ​ Saul, a devout Jew, persecuted Christians On the road to Damascus, he was blinded by heavenly light and heard Jesus ask, “Why are you persecuting me?” ​ After three days, disciple Ananias healed and baptized him. Saul became Paul, a passionate Christian preacher who wrote many New Testament letters. ​ His conversion symbolizes redemption and faith’s transformative power. "The Truth Will Set You Free" - Connection to St. Paul & Dead Man Walking: ​ St. Paul taught that accepting Jesus’ truth brings freedom from sin and leads to a new life close to God. ​ In Dead Man Walking, a death row inmate finds peace and redemption by admitting his crimes, reflecting how truth fosters inner freedom. ​ Both St. Paul and the film show that truth can lead to inner freedom, even in difficult situations Vocational Awareness & Consecration (Marriage & Family Life): ​ Marriage: A sacred bond where spouses dedicate themselves through vows to each other and God, striving to be loving partners and parents. The Healthy Family (e.g., Open Communication): 1.​ Open communication - communication is not limited to positive or negative or limited to wants and needs 2.​ Affirmation - positive action to a family member as they have done something good 3.​ Trust - build self-esteem 4.​ Sense of tradition - they build families closer and closer 5.​ Responsibility - everyone does their role and the family relationship strengthens 6.​ Shared leisure time - spending time together by playing cards and such 7.​ Sense of right and wrong - healthy families teach each other key values and what is right or wrong 8.​ Shared religion - a family that shares a religious vision grows closer together Cognitive and Moral Development (Erik Erikson & Lawrence Kohlberg): ​ Cognitive Development - Erik Erikson Growth in thinking, learning, and problem-solving over time. ​ Moral Development: Kohlberg proposed that moral reasoning evolves through life stages. Family as a Domestic Church (e.g., Apostolic): 1.​ One: Unique and distinct. 2.​ Holy: Focused on wholesomeness. 3.​ Catholic: Open to all cultures. 4.​ Apostolic: Preserving tradition. The Christian Family Grows Together in Faith (e.g., Relational Emphasis): 1.​ Strengthen relationships. 2.​ Promote social responsibility. 3.​ Become a family in Christ. 4.​ Include the excluded. 5.​ Be ethical and moral. UNIT 4 What is Society? (Know & Understand All 8 Points) 1.​ Cultural and Social Organization: ○​ Culture: Everything about people’s lives, including beliefs, knowledge, art, and customs. ○​ Social Organization: How these elements work together to form a society. 2.​ Socialization: ○​ Passing culture to the next generation through family, schools, clubs, and social media. 3.​ Stratification: ○​ Society is divided into groups or “strata” (e.g., rich, middle, poor). 4.​ Division of Labor: ○​ Work is divided into specific tasks, with individuals specializing in different jobs. 5.​ Minorities: ○​ Smaller groups within society that are often mistreated or discriminated against. 6.​ Deviance: ○​ Breaking social norms (e.g., same-sex marriage). 7.​ Social Institutions: ○​ Groups or systems that help organize society. 8.​ Social Change: ○​ Cultures can persist or evolve over time. Human Rights & The Common Good (Both Are Related to Human Responsibility) ​ Common Good: ○​ The shared needs and values of a community, such as food, water, shelter, and education. ○​ Achieving the common good often requires sacrifices (e.g., paying taxes for parks). ​ Human Rights: ○​ Rights are tied to responsibilities in society. By fulfilling responsibilities, we ensure human rights for ourselves and others. The Just War Tradition & The Catholic Perspective on War 1.​ Just Cause: ○​ There must be a morally good reason for war.  2.​ Just Intent: ○​ The goal must be to establish peace. 3.​ Last Resort: ○​ All peaceful solutions must have been tried and failed. 4.​ Legitimate Authority: ○​ Only proper authorities can declare war. 5.​ Reasonable Hope for Success: ○​ War is only permissible if there is a chance of success. Catholic Teaching on War: ​ War should be a last resort and never motivated by anger or hatred. The Church supports a “Just War” under strict moral conditions to protect life and promote peace. Four Steps to Racism 1.​ Stereotyping 2.​ Prejudice 3.​ Discrimination 4.​ Racism The Five Levels of Discrimination 1.​ Antilocution: ○​ Not speaking to or about someone. 2.​ Avoidance: ○​ Deliberately avoiding someone. 3.​ Political, Social, and Economic Discrimination: ○​ Excluding someone from opportunities, such as employment. 4.​ Physical Attack: ○​ Causing physical harm to someone. 5.​ Extermination: ○​ Killing individuals or groups. Embryonic Stem Cell Research 1.​ Embryos Cultivated: ○​ Created by combining an egg and sperm in a lab (in vitro fertilization) and grown in a dish. 2.​ Destroyed: ○​ Stem cells are extracted, stopping further development of the embryo. Therapeutic Cloning: ​ Cloning stem cells to heal or grow new tissue. In Vitro Fertilization: ​ Fertilizing an egg with sperm in a lab to create an embryo. Master Cells: ​ Another name for stem cells because they can become any type of cell in the body. Moral Viewpoint: ​ The Church believes embryos are early human lives with a right to life, making their destruction morally wrong. Organ Donation Connection to the Common Good & Sermon on the Mount (6 Key Dimensions): 1.​ An Ethics of the Kingdom of God. 2.​ An Ethics That Calls Us to Perfection. 3.​ An Ethics That Makes Us Righteous. 4.​ An Eschatological Ethics. 5.​ An Ethics Stating That to Be Right With God, We Must Be Right With One Another. 6.​ A Gospel Ethics. Moral Perspective: ​ Organ and tissue donation promote charity (Agape love) and follow the “Golden Rule” (“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”). UNIT 5 Key terms 1.​ Globalization - The world becoming more connected, where people, ideas, and things move easily between countries often leading to shared values and challenges, including religious and moral issues. 2.​ Stewardship - Taking care of the earth, its resources, and life because they are gifts from God. 3.​ Prophetic Awareness - Seeing problems like injustice or unfairness in the world and speaking out to promote truth, justice, and change. 4.​ Justice - Treating everyone fairly and giving people what they deserve. 5.​ Global Village - Seeing the whole world as one big community where everyone is connected and affects each other emphasizing unity, shared responsibility, and empathy. 6.​ 7.​ Repentance - The act by which a person recognizes his/her sinfulness & asks for God's forgiveness 8.​ Reconciliation - The forgiving of a sin by a Priest. 9.​ Social Reconciliation - Bringing peace and understanding back to a large community after conflict or unfairness. 10.​Vengeance - Taking revenge or hurting someone back when they’ve hurt you. 11.​Solidarity - Standing together with others, especially to support those who are suffering or in need. 12.​Vice - Bad or sinful actions, habits, or behavior. 13.​Forgiveness - Letting go of anger and resentment toward someone who hurt you. 14.​Restorative Justice - Making things right after harm has been done by focusing on healing for everyone involved. Key Concepts Globalization Issues: ​ Poverty: Unequal resource distribution between nations. ​ Workplace Injustice: Companies cut costs by creating unsafe work environments (e.g., sweatshops). ​ Child Labour: Children are exploited for cheap labor due to supply and demand pressures. Types of Justice: ​ Individual Justice: Fairness between individuals. ​ Legal Justice: Following laws and contributing to society. ​ Social Justice: Responsibilities to communities and society.  ​ Distributive Justice: Fair distribution of resources. ​ Ecological Justice: Respecting and caring for all creation. Dominion vs. Domination ​ Dominion: Leading through love and care for creation. ​ Domination: Ruling through force, which harms the environment (e.g., natural disasters). Anthropocentrism vs. Theocentrism ​ Anthropocentrism: Greek for anthropos meaning man. Seeing humans as the center of the universe. ​ Theocentrism: Greek for theos meaning God. Recognizing God as the center of everything. Liberation Theology, Exodus Story, & Apartheid ​ Exodus Story: God cared for the oppressed, freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt; and inspired movements like civil rights, anti-Apartheid, and liberation theology. ​ Liberation Theology: A Roman Catholic movement focused on helping the poor and fighting injustice. Loving your neighbor is the same as loving God ​ Apartheid: South Africa’s system of racial segregation (1948-1994) ended with Nelson Mandela’s leadership to end it. -​ 1970: protest turned violent -​ 1980: The government jailed leaders and enforced strict laws -​ 1990: Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years in prison for speaking out -​ 1994: Became the first black president in South Africa Oscar Romero & El Salvador ​ Oscar Romero: Became an archbishop in 1977 who defended the poor and criticized violence in El Salvador. ​ After seeing his friend Father Rutillo Grande killed he spoke out against the government ​ Romero's courage symbolized hope, and his calls for peace and dignity were heard worldwide ​ Assassinated in 1980 but remains a symbol of justice.  ​ El Salvador's Power Structure: ○​ The Class Warfare: Controlled wealth and the military. ○​ The Military: Suppressed the poor. ○​ The Church: Divided; some supported the poor, while others stayed neutral. ○​ The Poor: Romero became their advocate after witnessing injustices. Sin & Types of Sin ​ Sin: Acting against God’s will. ​ Sin of Omission: Failing to do what is right. ​ Sin of Commission: Doing what is forbidden. ​ Social Sin: when personal sin gives rise to social situations. ​ Mortal Sin: A grave sin. ​ Venial Sin: A less serious sin. Forgiveness & Reconciliation ​ Steps to End Injustice: 1.​ Stop violence. 2.​ Restore laws and justice systems. 10 Major Themes of Catholic Social Teaching 1.​ Dignity of the Human Person: All people are sacred and deserve respect. 2.​ Common Good & Community: Support families and ensure participation in society. 3.​ Rights & Responsibilities: Protect fundamental human rights (e.g., food, shelter, education). Rights, duties and responsibilities work together 4.​ Option for the Poor: Society’s moral test is how it treats its most vulnerable. 5.​ Global Solidarity: Work together across national and cultural differences. 6.​ Promotion of Peace: Peace comes from justice and mutual respect. 7.​ Stewardship of Creation: Care for the Earth as God’s gift to all. 8.​ Dignity of Work: Workers deserve fair wages and safe conditions. 9.​ Role of Government: Governments must promote dignity and the common good. Everyone has the right to vote 10.​Free Markets & Economic Limits: Markets must serve justice and respect human dignity.