SOR 2 Assessment Task Drafts on Aboriginal Spirituality PDF
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Red Bend Catholic College
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This document discusses the continuing effect of dispossession on Aboriginal spiritualities in relation to separation from land and kinship groups, the stolen generations, and the present religious landscape in Australia. It analyzes the influence of increasing religious diversity, secularism, and immigration on Australia's religious landscape, providing examples of religious changes.
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SOR 2 - assessment task drafts - Discuss the continuing effect of dispossession on aboriginal spiritualities in relation to - Separation from the land - The separation from the land caused by dispossession has had a profound and lasting impact on Aboriginal spiritualities, disrupting their connecti...
SOR 2 - assessment task drafts - Discuss the continuing effect of dispossession on aboriginal spiritualities in relation to - Separation from the land - The separation from the land caused by dispossession has had a profound and lasting impact on Aboriginal spiritualities, disrupting their connection to the Dreaming and cultural identity. Aboriginal people view the land as Country, a living entity deeply tied to their spiritual beliefs, cultural practices, and Dreaming stories. Dispossession has denied many Aboriginal communities access to sacred sites, which are central to ceremonies and maintaining spiritual obligations. This forced separation has caused significant spiritual disconnection, as the inability to access sacred places prevents the continuation of cultural traditions and the passing down of Dreaming stories to younger generations. Additionally, being removed from their land has disrupted traditional ways of life and contributed to intergenerational trauma, as communities lose a sense of identity and belonging. Therefore, the separation from the land has deeply affected Aboriginal spiritualities, highlighting the importance of land reclamation in preserving their cultural and spiritual heritage. Separation from kinship groups - The forced separation from kinship groups because of dispossession has had a long-lasting impact on Aboriginal spiritualities by breaking down connections to culture and the Dreaming. Kinship groups are a big part of Aboriginal life. They’re not just family; they help pass down traditions, Dreaming stories, and responsibilities. During the Stolen Generations, Aboriginal children were taken from their families, which completely disrupted these systems. Being taken away meant many people lost their cultural identity and connection to spiritual practices. Without their kinship groups, they couldn’t learn about their Dreaming stories or take part in ceremonies. This disconnection has caused trauma that’s still felt today, as it’s made it harder for future generations to reconnect with their culture and spirituality. This shows how the separation from kinship groups has had a massive impact on Aboriginal spiritualities, making cultural healing and family reconnection so important. The stolen generations - The Stolen Generations have had a huge and lasting impact on Aboriginal spiritualities by separating children from their families, culture, and connection to the Dreaming. Between the late 1800s and 1970s, thousands of Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in institutions or foster homes. This meant they were taken away from their kinship groups, where spiritual practices, traditions, and Dreaming stories were taught and passed down. Without their families and communities, many of these children lost their connection to their culture and spirituality. They were often raised to reject their Aboriginal identity and weren’t allowed to speak their language or learn about their Dreaming. This caused a huge loss of cultural knowledge and created intergenerational trauma, as families and communities were broken apart. The effects of the Stolen Generations continue today, with many Aboriginal people still working to reconnect with their spiritualities, families, and cultural heritage. SOR 2 - assessment task drafts - account for the present religious landscape in Australia in relation to - Christianity as the Major Religious Tradition Christianity is still the major religion in Australia, but its influence is changing due to increasing religious diversity and secularism. As of the 2021 Census, 43.9% of Australians identified as Christian, a significant drop from 87.3% in 1947. This decline reflects a broader trend of people moving away from traditional religious beliefs and practices, with fewer Australians attending church regularly. The decline is particularly noticeable in specific Christian denominations. For example, Anglicans made up 39.0% of the population in 1947 but only 9.8% in 2021. Similarly, the proportion of Catholics has decreased from 27.0% in 1971 to 20.0% in 2021. At the same time, the number of people identifying as having "No Religion" has risen dramatically, from just 0.3% in 1947 to 38.4% in 2021. These trends indicate a shift away from Christianity as Australia's dominant religion, while the overall religious landscape becomes more diverse and less religious. Immigration Immigration has played a major role in reshaping Australia’s religious landscape. Many immigrants have brought new religions, contributing to significant growth in non-Christian faiths. For example, the Hindu population rose from 0.4% of the total population in 1996 to approximately 2.7% in 2021, while Muslims increased from 1.1% in 1996 to about 3.2% in 2021. Similarly, Buddhism grew from 1.1% in 1996 to approximately 2.4% in 2021. This diversity has enriched Australian society with a variety of religious practices and traditions, now seen in schools, workplaces, and public events. While Christianity remains the most common religion, immigration has ensured that Australia is home to vibrant Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist communities, reflecting the multicultural nature of the country. Secularism Secularism has significantly influenced Australia's religious landscape, with a growing number of people choosing not to follow any religion. According to the 2021 Census, 38.4% of Australians reported having "No Religion," compared to just 6.8% in 1971. This rapid growth in secularism reflects broader cultural changes, with younger generations increasingly distancing themselves from traditional religious institutions. The growing acceptance of diverse worldviews and personal beliefs has contributed to a decline in religious influence on public life and government. Australia is becoming a more secular and inclusive society, where religion plays a smaller role in many people’s daily lives. This shift aligns with global trends, as individuals prioritise personal values over traditional religion.