In this unit, students explore how people seek, explore and express beliefs and practices through the living systems of world religions and spiritualities, including the world’s indigenous peoples. Religions and spiritualities support dynamic and complex expressions of world views, beliefs, values, culture and community. By exploring a variety of community contexts, students investigate how religions and spiritualities influence and shape the experiences and interactions of individuals and communities. Students seek to know how understanding and respecting religions and spiritualities can help to foster a more harmonious society. This unit allows for the study of principles and practices across the diverse religions and spiritualities of the world. For example, students might consider: • key beliefs, teachings and ritual practices of world religions and spiritualities • teachings from founders, prophets, spiritual leaders and sacred stories in guiding and shaping communities’ beliefs and practices • the diversity and adaptability of religions and spiritualities across different contexts, times and places. Students can consider the role of community-based events that contribute to an understanding of religious and spiritual diversity. Unit objectives 1. Explain religious, spiritual and ethical principles and practices related to world religions and spirituality. 2. Examine religious, spiritual and ethical information related to world religions and spirituality.
Students will know religious, spiritual and ethical principles and practices related to World Religions and Spiritualities.
Students will know religious, spiritual and ethical information related to World Religions and Spiritualities.
Students will inform religious, spiritual and ethical views about World Religions and Spiritualities.
Students will explain their own understanding of religious, spiritual and ethical principles and practices related to World Religions and Spiritualities.
Students will examine religious, spiritual and ethical information related to World Religions and Spiritualities.
Students will apply knowledge to inform religious, spiritual and ethical views about World Religions and Spiritualities.
Religion and spirituality, though often intertwined, have distinct differences. Religion is typically organised, involving a set of beliefs, practices, and rituals upheld by a community or institution. It often includes worship of a higher power and adherence to specific doctrines and texts.
Belief Systems: Each religion/spirituality typically has a set of beliefs about the nature of existence, the divine (or lack thereof), and the purpose of life.
Sacred Texts: Most traditions have foundational texts or scriptures that outline beliefs, rituals, and moral teachings.
Rituals and Worship: Rituals such as prayer, meditation, ceremonies, and sacraments are common ways of expressing faith and connecting with the divine.
Ethical Guidelines: Many religions provide moral frameworks that guide personal conduct and relationships with others.
Community and Fellowship: Participation in religious communities provides support, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
Spiritual Practices: Beyond rituals, practices like mindfulness, fasting, pilgrimage, and charity are often emphasised to deepen spiritual life.
Cosmology and Creation Stories: Religions often have stories or explanations about the origin and nature of the universe.
Diversity and Unity: While practices and beliefs vary, many religions advocate for tolerance, compassion, and understanding among different faiths.
Life Cycle Rituals: Birth, initiation, marriage, and death are often marked by special ceremonies or rites of passage.
Cultural Influence: Religious beliefs and practices often influence art, music, literature, and societal norms.
Transformation and Enlightenment: Many spiritual paths aim for personal transformation, enlightenment, or connection with a higher reality.
Interpretation and Adaptation: Religions and spiritualities evolve over time, adapting to cultural changes while maintaining core teachings.
Demographic data about people and their belief systems from across the world are not always comparable and often vary. Some of the factors contributing to these variances include:
Some governments do not collect data about the religious beliefs and affiliations of their citizens.
Individuals may identify as an adherent of more than one belief system (ex: Buddhist and Atheist), or as a member of more than one recognised religion (ex: Some Jains identify as Hindus).
Surveys and studies often group data on belief systems in different ways (ex: African folk religions are not included in all studies across the globe).
The demographic data on belief systems presented here represent vetted estimates, gathered from a variety of established sources on the topic of religious diversity across the globe
The range of adherents is noted where appropriate. The belief systems are listed by number of world adherents.
There are a range of ways to categorise religious beliefs and practices, and a range of ways people identify their own beliefs. Thus, believers/adherents (and non-believers/non-adherents) may self-identify or be described by others in a number of ways including non-practicing, secular, modern, reformist, moderate, observant, conservative, orthodox, fundamentalist and/or extremist.
World: Approximately 2 billion adherents (29.5% of the world population)
Christianity is one of three monotheistic, Abrahamic religions. Abrahamic religions trace their origin to Abraham, who is a figure in the Old Testament, New Testament and the Qur’an. Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as they appear in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. Christianity emerged during the First Century C.E., initially as a sect that grew out of Judaism. In the centuries that followed, diverse interpretations and practices developed so that, today, there are many different groups that follow the teachings of Jesus and fall under the umbrella of Christianity.
Major branches in Christianity are Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox and Protestantism. For Christians, Jesus is:
· the Son of God and Messiah as prophesized in the Hebrew scriptures;
· the savior of humanity;
· is considered both fully human and fully divine.
Christianity also teaches that Jesus’ death and resurrection paved the way for humans to overcome sin and be reconciled with God. The way Jesus lived his life serves as a model for Christians; together with scripture, especially the New Testament and the Ten Commandments, his life serves as the basis for Christian morality.
The cross is a symbol of the death of Jesus, and how he overcame death and sin.
Christianity is currently the largest and most practiced religion in the world.
World: Approximately 1 – 1.6 billion adherents (15% – 24% of the world population)
Islam is one of three monotheistic, Abrahamic religions. Abrahamic religions trace their origin to Abraham, who is a figure in the Old Testament, New Testament and the Qur’an. There is great diversity within Islam. It is the second-largest religion in the world today, and its followers are known as Muslims. The word Muslim means “One who submits to God” and Islam means “submission,” referring to the complete surrender to God, Allah (Arabic). The holy text of Islam is called the Qur’an, which Muslims believe was revealed to Muhammad (who lived in the seventh century) as the direct words of God. Muhammad is considered the Messenger and the final Prophet of God (others include Moses, Elijah and Jesus). The Five Pillars of Islam are its most fundamental beliefs and practices: belief in the Oneness of God and belief that Muhammad is His last messenger; ritual prayer five times a day; concern for and almsgiving to the needy; self-purification through fasting during the holy month of Ramadan; and making a pilgrimage to Mecca (the Hajj) in one’s lifetime by those who are able. Many Muslims keep a halal diet and pray five times a day facing the direction of Mecca. Mecca is in Saudi Arabia, and it is believed that Muhammad designated it as the holy city of Islam.
World: Approximately 1 billion adherents (15% of the world population)
Hinduism is generally considered the world’s oldest organised religion, and is the third largest religion in the world. Many forms of Hinduism recognise a single major deity, Brahman, and see a variety of gods and goddesses as expressions of a Supreme God that can all be worshipped in many different ways. Therefore, Hinduism is considered by some to be monotheistic, and by others to be polytheistic. Unlike many religions, Hinduism does not attribute its foundations to a single individual or text, but rather acknowledges its variety of influences, possibly dating as far back as prehistoric times in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism also does not have a single theology, or central religious organisation or declaration of faith. It teaches that no particular religion has exclusive rights to salvation; rather, it views all genuine religious paths as facets of God. Hinduism is largely driven by a vast and rich scriptural body which has been developed throughout its history. Of these texts, the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Tantras hold the most authority for most Hindus. Central ideas in Hinduism include Dharma (ethics and duties), Karma (law of cause and effect), Samsara (the ongoing reincarnation cycle of life, death and rebirth) and Moksha (the release from Samsara). In some practices of Hinduism, worship is very important, ranging from daily prayer rituals to ceremonial worship or puja. In addition, many Hindus maintain vegetarian diets, often derived from one of its core principles, ahimsa, the principle of nonviolence.
World: Approximately 1 billion adherents/non-adherents (15% of the world population)
Each belief system and non-belief system in this category is distinct from each other. They are perhaps similar in that in each group, individuals are not attached to any religious practice, belief or culture, and members of these groups are unified in the lack of relationship to a higher power or scripture.
Many people cross-identify within these groups, and as such, demographic research does 3 not usually differentiate between these different groups of respondents. Often, agnostics end up being classified in the same category as atheists and/or other non-religious people.
How these groups are distinct:
Atheism is the absence of belief in any God, gods or spiritual beings. Atheists don't use God to explain the existence of the universe and believe that humans can – and do – establish moral codes to live by without the aid of Gods or scriptures. Many atheists are also secularists and are not supportive of any special treatment given by the state to those adhering to an organized religion. However, it is possible to be both atheist and an adherent of a religious tradition. Many Buddhists identify as such, as do some adherents of other traditions like Humanistic Judaism and Non-Realism or Christian Atheism.
Agnosticism is the view that the existence or non-existence of God or any deity, and other religious and metaphysical claims, are unknown and/or unknowable. Further, agnostics are generally committed to the idea of “not knowing.”
Non-Religiousness is the lack of religious principles or practices and being uninvolved with religious matters. World views and values of the non-religious are generally derived from epistemological systems with no religious affiliation.
Secularism is primarily based in belief in the separation of church and state. Most secularists find religious schools problematic. Secularists support the right of individuals to have a religious faith and are entirely opposed to discrimination against people because of their religious, or nonreligious, beliefs. While most secularists are atheists, some are believers in a faith. Secularists in the UK stress that privileges should not be afforded to religious individuals and entities, and call for, among other things, the elimination of representation of religion in Parliament (i.e. bishops) and the disestablishment of the Church of England. Additionally, UK secularists believe that laws should not prohibit reasonable but strong criticism of religions or religions in general.
World: Approximately 600 million+ adherents (9+% of the world population)
Folk religion is an umbrella term for local, indigenous practices that are tied to local lifestyles. This category is defined in different ways by different theorists but often includes: • African traditional religions, which cover the various religious practices in Africa before the arrival of Islam and Christianity.
Folk religions of the Americas such as the Aztec religion, Inca religion, Maya religion, and modern Catholic beliefs such as devotion of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico.
Native traditions that are practiced across a continent, including Australia.
Folk associations with more organised religions. A characteristic of some of these folk religions is religious syncretism, which is the blending or incorporation of two or more religious belief systems into a new system, as with the melding of African Folk Religion and Christianity. Demographics on Folk Religions are difficult to find and verify due to varied definitions and interpretations of what is, and is not, a folk religion.
World: Approximately 400 million adherents (6% of the world population)
Buddhism is a Dharmic (referring to duty, or the opportunity to act virtuously), non-theistic religion that follows the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha or the “Awakened One.” Buddhism originated in the Indian subcontinent about 2600 years ago and spread into Asia and Eastern Europe after the passing of the Buddha. There are many branches of Buddhism, including Mahayana Buddhism, Southern or Theravada Buddhism, Eastern or Chinese Buddhism and Northern or Tibetan Buddhism. The main Buddhist texts, interpreted differently by followers of different branches, are: the P li Canon (which includes rules for discipline, discourses and philosophy), Mahayana Sutras (original teachings of the Buddha), and the Dhammapada (Buddha’s direct scriptures).
Among the doctrines of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths. These truths are:
1. all living beings (people, animals) suffer
2. the cause of suffering is selfish desire
3. one can stop the suffering;
4. the way to stop the suffering is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path (guidelines stated by the Buddha for leading a righteous life).
Another guiding principle in Buddhism is called the Middle Way, which suggests that life is to be lived in moderation without extremes, avoiding harm to others while cultivating good-will toward all.
Many Buddhists are vegetarians and believe in reincarnation.
World: Approximately 400 million adherents (6% of the world population)
Chinese Traditional Religions refers to a diverse and complex collection of many religious and philosophical traditions, including Chinese Folk Religion, Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, which have been in existence for much of China’s history. For many religious Chinese, these traditions combine to form a composite religious culture and world view.
Chinese Folk Religion refers to the local, tribal religious beliefs and practices that have existed in China for thousands of years. They vary widely among followers and may include beliefs in mythical figures and various gods and goddesses, ancestor veneration and communication with celestial bodies and animals, in addition to a wide range of other beliefs. Taoism took shape as a distinct tradition around 550 B.C.E. It is believed to be founded by Lao Zi, who authored the Tao-te-Ching, a central text for Taoist thought.
The “Tao” is generally translated into “the path” or “the way,” and refers to a particular rightful way of living one’s life. In Taoism, several concepts are often emphasized. These include wu-wei (” without action,” a term that signifies knowing when to act and when not to act, in accordance with natural forces) and opposition, the idea that everything is composed of opposing forces (hot and cold, high and low, yin and yang), which must be balanced.
Through the ages, Taoism has involved god and ancestor worship as well as alchemy and medicine-making. Ultimately, however, the goal of the Taoist believer is to harmonize the self with the Tao, or “path.”
Confucianism was also founded in approximately 550 B.C.E., by Chinese philosopher Kong Qiu (Confucius) but did not become an established tradition until the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.E. Confucius believed the “ultimate reality” was beyond human comprehension. Therefore, Confucianism has no deities or teachings about the afterlife and instead urges individuals to concentrate on doing the right thing in this life. It emphasizes learning from the past, humanness, filial piety (respect for parents and ancestors), honesty, reciprocity, righteousness and loyalty, among other elements. Confucius believed in the sacredness of daily rituals (the routines of everyday life) as a way to unite people and strengthen the community, and therefore shaping rituals is central to the Confucian system.
World: Approximately 4 million – 100 million adherents (.06% – 1.5% of the world population)
Shinto is the ancient, native religion of Japan, and often considered a type of animism (the belief that many beings, living or non-living, have souls) or shamanic tradition. Shinto obtained its name from the combination of Chinese words “shin” and “tao” meaning “The Way of the Gods.”
There are several types of Shinto, including Shrine, Sect, Folk and State Shinto, which focus on different aspects of the tradition. Shinto followers worship the kami, who are localized gods or spiritual beings that reside in particular places, natural processes, or objects such as the sun, lakes, or shrines. Shinto does not have a specific set of prayers, holy buildings or holy people/kami that takes precedence over any other. Many Shinto venerate Ameratsu, the sun kami, and there are certain texts that while not sacred, have a type of “privileged” status.
Many Japanese people don't think of Shinto specifically as a religion, but more as an aspect of Japanese life. At the end of World War II, Japanese leaders declared that Shinto was no longer the state religion of Japan, but many people still practice its rites and rituals. Conversely, since Shinto was once the state religion, many Japanese citizens are counted as Shinto though they do not practice. In addition, Shinto is often practiced alongside other religions like Buddhism or Confucianism, making the number of its followers difficult to estimate.
World: Approximately 25 million adherents (0.4% of the world population)
Sikhism originated in Northern India in the 15th century. The teachings of Guru Nanak (the religion’s founder) and of nine other gurus (enlightened leaders), as well as its holy text, the Guru Granth Sahib, are central to the tradition. The word “Sikh” originates from a Sanskrit root which translates into “disciple” or “learning.” Thus, Sikhs focus on attaining salvation through the continual learning of God by way of personal meditation and rightful living. The central messages of Sikhism are that there is one God (who is the same for all religions); that life should focus on the dedication and remembrance of God at all times; that Sikhs should be generous to the less fortunate and serve others; that the human race is equal regardless of gender or race; and that truthful living that renounces worldly temptations and sins should be sought.
Some Sikhs may choose to make a unique form of commitment called Amrit, which includes observing special rules, such as wearing the five articles of faith, or the five K’s.
These are:
Kesh (hair): Leave hair uncut
Khanga (comb): Keep a comb in the hair, representing cleanliness
Kirpan (sword, and also a combination of the Punjabi words kirpa which means an act of kindness, and aan which means honor): Wear a steel sword, a constant reminder of the duty to seek justice and fight oppression
Kara (iron bracelet): Wear a bracelet that acts like a wedding ring, indicating the bond between God and the wearer
Kachera (long underpants): Wear a specific undergarment signifying self-discipline.
Many Sikh men and women wear a turban to cover their long hair. Sikh temples are called gurdwaras.
World: Approximately 15 million adherents (0.2% of the world population)
Judaism is the earliest of the three monotheistic, Abrahamic religions. Abrahamic religions trace their origin to Abraham, who is a figure in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), New Testament and the Qur’an. 6 Tradition teaches that the origins of Judaism are found in the covenant (divine agreement) between Abraham and God, dated to 2000 B.C.E. There is a wide spectrum of observance among contemporary Jews, generally described as Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Reconstructionist.
The central sources of authority in Judaism are both the writings and traditions. Judaism also has a rich history that is central to its traditions and heritage. One of its prominent beliefs is that there is one omnipotent, omniscient creator God and that, according to tradition, God made a covenant with the Jewish people to whom He gave commandments and laws to follow. These laws are recorded in the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible), which was given to Moses, who brought the Jews out of slavery from Egypt) and the Talmud. Many Jews place an emphasis on the Jewish religion as a way of life and community. Core values include Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Tzedakah (charity), peace, family, community, justice, and living life in a holy manner. A Jewish temple is called a synagogue. Many Jews also keep a kosher diet.
Humans are inherently spiritual beings seeking expression through diverse religions. Major world religions like Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam have unique cultural origins and expressions, each addressing fundamental questions about life's purpose and the divine. Despite differences, their core aims are often harmonious.
The video discusses the diversity of religions and their expressions, which help answer fundamental questions about the human experience. It explores how major world religions like Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam have unique cultural influences, yet share a common core of spiritual exploration. The video emphasizes the need to understand different religions to promote peace and avoid judgment, while recognizing the richness and potential for hope that religion can bring to daily life.
The website "Sacred Places, Sacred Ways" explores Jerusalem, an ancient city housing holy sites for Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. It details the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians, the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims, and the Western Wall for Jews. Through interactive maps, photos, and historical narratives, it highlights the city's spiritual significance and complex history. The story map offers a comprehensive view into the religious and cultural fabric that has shaped Jerusalem over millennia
Stimulus: The Casketeers
Five world religions (Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam) all mark the important events in a person's life such as birth, marriage and death in different ways, but there are often similar concepts. Death sees the close of a human life on earth, and the ritual and beliefs linked to death and the funeral are an important way for the family and friends of the deceased to express their grief and acknowledge the passing. It is often seen as an opportunity to celebrate a person’s life and mark their transition to another life or stage, whatever that may be.
Christianity covers a broad variety of cultures, crossing all continents. It is estimated that there are up to 220 different Christian denominations and funeral rituals may differ between denominations.
Essentially, the Christian belief is one of resurrection and the continuation of the human soul, which is usually dependent on how life on earth has been lived. Many people call themselves 'Christian' but may not be actively linked with a church, and some churches may decline to hold a funeral service for someone who has not been an active member.
Many churches have specially written funeral services, as well as special readings, prayers and hymns (songs). These will include readings from the holy book, the Bible. Some funerals may include a special service called Holy Communion, Eucharist or Mass which recalls the last supper that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before his death. At the end of the service, special prayers are said either when the mourners are standing around the grave or if it is a cremation, when the coffin disappears from view.
In some cultures, it is traditional to wear dark clothes to funerals and black ties with suits, but sometimes, people prefer to wear bright clothes as a celebration of life and resurrection. A memorial service may follow some funeral services at a later date particularly if the family prefer a simple, private funeral. The memorial service provides the opportunity to celebrate the life of the deceased with a wider group of friends and colleagues. White has also been traditionally considered a colour for Christian funerals. The Pall (cloth to cover the coffin) is always white. See: Christian burial
Jewish funerals are governed by a set of rituals and traditions that particularly apply to the seven immediate family members: the spouse, mother, father, son, daughter, brother or sister.
Some of the rituals may differ according to the different Jewish communities. Every Jewish community has a burial society called a Chevra Kadisha who prepare the body for burial and help make the funeral arrangements. Jewish burials are usually held within 24 hours of death, but may be delayed if immediate family members have to travel long distances. Most Jews are buried in a cemetery and some communities consider cremation a desecration of the body. At the cemetery, the family and friends congregate in a room with the coffin. A symbolic small tear (Keriah) may be made in the mourner's clothes which represents a broken heart. A eulogy (hesped) is given by the rabbi or close family friend. The Kaddish, an ancient prayer for the dead, is recited in Hebrew and again after the coffin has been interred.
The coffin is taken to the gravesite and it is considered an honour to help shovel in the earth. There is a symbolic washing of hands by everyone and then everyone returns home. In the evening, the first shiva will take place. This is the time when the mourners stay at home and will be visited by friends and acquaintances. A year of official mourning follows and certain communities will have specific customs associated with the year. See: Jewish burial
For Hindus, death represents the transition of the soul from one embodiment to the next and is the means by which the spirit can ascend its journey. Hindus believe in reincarnation and a Hindu funeral should be as much a celebration as a remembrance service.
Hindus cremate their dead and the burning of the dead body signifies the release of the spirit. The flames themselves are important as they represent the presence of the god Brahma, the creator. The vast majority of Hindus come from the Indian subcontinent and it is often regretted that a loved one has died far away from their homeland and its traditions.
As with all religions, ritual plays an important part. Ideally a Hindu should die while lying on the floor, in contact with the earth. Family members will perform prayers and although touching the corpse is considered polluting, many mourners will need to do so to say farewell.
White is the traditional colour for mourners. If you are attending the funeral of a Hindu friend, it may be as well to ask what is appropriate to wear.
Prayers are usually said at the entrance to the crematorium and may be offered en-route. Offerings such as flowers or sweetmeats may also be passed around and noise is also part of Hindu rituals, which may include horns and bells. The chief mourner, usually the eldest son or eldest male in the family represents the whole family in saying goodbye to the deceased. They and sometimes all the male members may shave their heads as a mark of respect. Scriptures are read and then the chief mourner will push the button to make the coffin disappear, as well as going below to ignite the cremator.
After the cremation, the family may come together for a meal and prayers and begin a period 13 days mourning, when friends will visit and offer condolence. See: Antyesti – Hindu funeral rites
There are two major groups of Muslims: Sunni Muslims and Shi'ite Muslims. Funeral traditions tend to have developed over the centuries, rather than being set out in the religion's holy book - The Qur’an.
Muslims try to bury the body within 24 hours of death if possible. They believe that the soul departs at the moment of death. The deceased is placed with their head facing the Muslim holy city of Mecca.
Ritual washing is performed usually by family members or close friends, usually according to the gender of the deceased. The body is wrapped in a shroud of simple, white material. Afterwards, salat (prayers) will be said for the deceased.
Funerals should be kept simple and respectful and it is forbidden to cremate the body of a Muslim. Muslims are buried with their face turned to the right, facing Mecca and it is customary not to use a coffin. Mourners may throw earth onto the body in the grave. The grave may be raised above ground level and the gravestone should be simple.
There is an official mourning period of three days (longer for a remaining spouse) and this may include a special meal to remember the deceased. See: Islamic funerals
It is estimated that there are up to 570 different varieties of Buddhism. There are few formal traditions relating to funerals and they are essentially seen as non-religious events.
The simple approach and emphasis on the person's state of mind leading up to death have led to a marked increase and interest in Buddhist funerals in the West. Most Buddhist schools of thought concentrate on the spirit or mind of the deceased and agree that the physical body is just a shell. Many also share the Tibetan belief that the spirit of the deceased will undergo rebirth, usually after a period of 49 days.
Cremation is the generally accepted practice in Asia - the Buddha himself was cremated. A simple service may be held at the crematorium chapel at which Buddhist readings may be recited.
Indigenous Australian funerals, also known as "Sorry Business," are deeply rooted in cultural traditions, spirituality, and community. The practices vary significantly among the many different Indigenous groups of Australia, but there are some common elements that are often observed:
Common Elements
Spiritual Beliefs:
Indigenous Australians have various spiritual beliefs surrounding death, often involving the return of the spirit to the ancestral land or the Dreamtime.
Sorry Business:
The term "Sorry Business" encompasses the entire mourning period, which can often extend beyond the funeral itself to include mourning rituals, ceremonies, and the handling of practical matters following a death.
Ceremonies:
Ceremonies may involve singing, dancing, storytelling, and traditional rituals. These ceremonies are usually aimed at helping the deceased's spirit on its journey and providing comfort to the grieving community.
Smoking Ceremonies:
A smoking ceremony is a common purification ritual where native plants are burned to ward off bad spirits and cleanse the area where the deceased lived or passed away.
Body Preparation:
The preparation of the body can vary; in some traditions, the body is painted or adorned with specific symbols and accessories. It might also be laid out and attended by relatives.
Burial and Cremation:
Practices differ widely; some communities prefer burial, while others opt for cremation. The location and method of interment are often chosen based on traditional beliefs and clan customs.
Graves and Memorials:
Graves might be marked with tombstones, wooden posts, or other natural markers. In some cultures, the site might be decorated with personal belongings or items significant to the deceased.
Feasting and Sharing:
A communal feast often follows the funeral ceremony, serving as a gathering to share food, stories, and memories of the deceased.
Mourning Period:
The mourning periods can last from weeks to months. During this period, specific symbols or signs of mourning might be observed, such as certain types of clothing or body paint.
Avoidance Practices:
There might be taboos around the name or likeness of the deceased. These practices are meant to respect the spirit of the deceased and can include the removal of photos or avoidance of speaking the person's name.
The customs and practices can vary extensively based on the region:
Northern Territory: A “Home-going” ceremony is often performed to send the spirit back to its ancestral lands.
Torres Strait Islanders: They might have elaborate ceremonies involving drumming, singing, and ceremonial dances.
Central Australia: In some communities, bodies might be placed on elevated platforms for a period before being cremated.
With the influence of contemporary lifestyles, many Indigenous Australians now incorporate elements of Western funerals, such as church services or the use of funeral homes, while maintaining traditional practices. A key aspect of Indigenous funerals is the involvement of the community and the emphasis on the connection to the land, known as "Country." This is symbolic of the deep ties between the people, their heritage, and the environment they live in. Understanding and respecting these practices is essential when interacting with or supporting Indigenous communities during times of loss and grieving.
Charism is a special gift or grace of the Holy Spirit. It enables and motivates a person to live out a Christian life for the good of all and to build church community through service and outreach.
At Unity College, the charism of ecumenism and its narrative of Celtic Christian Spirituality provides us with six virtues to express our understanding of how everything is connected by Christ, with Christ and through Christ.
In the Celtic Christian tradition, there is a real sense of the sacredness of another person. The way that you met someone was through blessing.
An initial greeting would begin with "God be with you" and a farewell with "May God come to your assistance and keep you."
There is a recognition that the divine is present in others. We encourage all to welcome the ordinary and extraordinary moments in life.
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me." Matthew 10:40
‘I welcome each day and the gifts it brings knowing I am exactly where God wants me to be.’
Wherever early Celtic Christians lived, they saw Christ in their neighbour. They had a great sense of reverence and friendship to all those who lived around them.
They were obligated to GIVE ~ RECEIVE ~ RECIPROCATE.
"Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend." Luke 10:35
‘I offer Christ’s hospitality through service.’
Real moments of awe and wonder connected people to God the Creator, to each other and to nature.
When we take time to be truly present, to listen deeply to God speaking and to stand in awe of our surroundings and those people within it, then our way of being in the world is transformed.
Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen strange things today.” Luke 5:26
‘I am in awe and wonder of how every person is made in the image and likeness of God.’
For the Celtic Christians, human solitude and contemplation were a source of nourishment and restoration. They believed that if we find time to pray and contemplate, to be fully aware of our place in time, then God’s revelation would not come as a surprise.
“Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
‘I find God in my stillness and prayer.’
For the Celtic Christians, nature was a pure gift from God and a gift that required respect, reverence and attention. Creation was a reflection of God’s sense of beauty and God’s creative act was extremely sacred for them.
“The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.” Psalm 19:1
‘The world around me is sacred. I see God’s creativity in the beauty of nature.’
We acknowledge the infinite love of God with no beginning and no end – the alpha and omega.
The circle, so prevalent in Celtic artwork, emphasises a deep sense of connectedness with God, each other and creation.
“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, Creator of the earth. He never gets weary or tired; his wisdom cannot be measured.” Isaiah 40:28
‘God’s love is infinite. I am blessed in this circle of love.’
Beliefs, throughout history, have often been depicted through artistic mediums.
Learn about religious iconography in art, and about eight of the most sacred artworks throughout various faiths and cultures around the world by studying the 8 Most Famous Sacred Art Pieces.
Completed in 1498, da Vinci created and utilised a new technique of using tempera paints on stone for this mural, hoping that this would protect the work against moisture as it was painted on an exterior wall. Unfortunately, the technique proved less resilient than da Vinci had believed. When the artwork quickly began to deteriorate, the church built protective walls around the mural. Sadly, by the 17th century many considered the work to be ruined and a door was cut through the middle of the mural. Since its recovery, several major restorations have been made to The Last Supper, the last completed in 1999.
Michelangelo believed that it was a sculptor’s responsibility to discover and reveal the statue from within the stone. At the age of 23, he was commissioned by Jean de Billheres, a French cardinal who served the church in Rome, to create “the most beautiful work of marble in Rome, one that no living artist could better.” Billheres wanted the most extravagant pietá for his tomb. The resulting statue was the only piece of artwork that Michelangelo ever signed. In the 18th century Pietà was moved to the St. Peter’s Basilica, where it currently resides.
Lorenzo Velázquez was considered one of the best portrait painters in Spain and was the official painter of Philip IV who served as King of Spain and Portugal. One of the few religious works in Velázquez’s oeuvre, Christ Crucified, completed sometime in the 17th century, depicts one of the most realistic human forms of Christ. Prior to the work, Velázquez completed several nude studies in Rome which would inform his later works.
The Leshan Giant Buddha located in the Sichuan province in China is the largest stone Buddha in the world, standing at 233 feet tall. The sculpture was carved on a cliff face at the junction of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers. Led by Chinese monk, Hai Tong, construction started in 713. He had hoped the sight of the Buddha would calm seamen experiencing turbulent waters. When construction was in danger of halting due to funding, Hai is said to have gauged out his eyes to show his piety and sincerity. The stone sculpture was eventually completed nearly 100 years later by Hai’s disciples in 803.
The symbol of the Mandala can be seen across cultures and religions, but is most prevalent in Indian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. A mandala represents the universe and generally depicts a square with four gates and a circular centre point. Mandalas were created to aid in meditative rituals and as markers for sacred spaces. Tibetan Buddhists spend days creating mandalas with sand, which are then destroyed shortly after their completion in order to teach impermanence.
Calligraphy is considered to be the main art form of Islamic art and has been heavily translated into a religious context as Islamic religious art forbids the depiction of icons. The Qur’an is the central religious text of Islam and is a great source of inspiration for Islamic art. The Qur’an is never decorated with figurative images, but the script within the pages has become increasing more decorative over time. The calligraphy within the Qur’an has also been incorporated into other art forms such as pottery, metal works, and decorative architecture.
Named by Michelangelo, The Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti comprise the east doors of the Florence Baptistery. After competing against artists such as Filippo Brunelleschi and Donatello to complete the north doors of the baptistery, Ghiberti was commissioned to create the east doors in 1425. The gilded 10-panel doors depicting the Old Testament would take Ghiberti 27 years to make.
In 1508, Michelangelo was in the midst of creating Pope Julius II’s marble tomb, when the Pope asked him to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo was disinterested in painting the ceiling as he considered himself a sculptor. But as funding diminished for the tomb, Michelangelo was forced to turn his attention to the ceiling. Michelangelo was deeply unhappy and became increasingly uncomfortable creating the masterpiece, claiming he “was not in the right place – I am not a painter.” The most famous panel, The Creation of Adam, depicting God and Adam reaching out towards each other, is one of the most recognisable and referenced works in the world.
Art serves as a visual language, communicating meaning beyond words. Historically, it was intertwined with religion, often avoiding direct depictions of the divine to prevent idolatry. Today, art's public appreciation has shifted, with museums offering a new context. This change allows us to see art as a continuous conversation reflecting our evolving world.
P367 Religion and Ethics- Peta Goldburg.