← Studies of Religion syllabus

NSWStudies of Religion

Religion and Non-Religion (Studies of Religion II)

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is new atheism, and how does it challenge religious worldviews?

Examine the development and principal ideas of new atheism as a non-religious worldview, and evaluate its challenge to religious belief
A focused answer to the new atheism dot point of the Religion and Non-Religion study in Studies of Religion II. Covers the rise and principal ideas of new atheism, its leading figures and arguments, and its challenge to religious belief, treated fairly and respectfully.
6 min answer →

Why has non-religion risen, and how have religious traditions responded?

Examine the reasons for the rise of non-religion in the contemporary world and analyse the responses of religious traditions to non-religious worldviews
A focused answer to the rise of non-religion dot point of the Religion and Non-Religion study in Studies of Religion II. Covers secularisation, science, individualism and disaffiliation, and analyses how religious traditions have responded to non-religious worldviews.
6 min answer →

How do religious and non-religious worldviews differ in the human search for meaning?

Examine the human search for ultimate meaning, the difference between religious and non-religious worldviews, and the response of new religious expression and non-religious worldviews to the search for meaning
A focused answer to the Religion and Non-Religion study in Studies of Religion II. Covers the human search for ultimate meaning, the difference between religious and non-religious worldviews, new religious expression and New Age, and non-religious responses such as secular humanism, atheism and scientific materialism.
6 min answer →