Religion and its effects on modern society

How is religion used to establish ethical principles for the basis of society?

Case study: Sharia governments and secular governments.

Background - What do the following terms mean?

Key term Republic Republic Dictatorship Dictatorship Democracy Democracy definition a state or country that is not led by a hereditary monarch, but in which the people (or at least a part of its people) have impact on its government Absolute rule by leadership unrestricted by law, constitutions, or other social and political factors A form of government in which the supreme power is held completely by the people under a free electoral system

Absolute monarchy A monarchical form of government where the king and Absolute monarchy queen have absolute power over everything. Constitutional monarchy Constitutional monarchy A form of constitutional government, wherein either an elected or hereditary monarch is the head of state, unlike in an absolute monarchy, wherein the king or the queen is the sole source of political power, as he or she is not legally bound by the national constitution

Test your knowledge (for fun!)

Match the countries with the types of rule

UK
Vatican Zimbabwe Spain Ireland

Republic
Dictatorship Democracy Absolute monarchy Constitutional monarchy

Answers-

UK
Vatican Zimbabwe Spain Ireland

Constitutional monarchy
Absolute monarchy Dictatorship Democracy Republic

Secular government

In modern societies many western states are secular. A secular state is a state or country that is officially neutral in matters of religion, neither supporting nor opposing any particular religious beliefs or practices. A secular state also treats all its citizens / subjects equally regardless of religion, and does not give preferential treatment for a

Should the government be secular?

1.

What problems, do you think, may arise with having a secular government? What difficulties, do you think, can arise with the existence of different religious beliefs (even in one type of religion) in one country?

2.

Watch the following clip

The most hated family in America What do you think? 1) Should people be allowed to voice their opinion? 2) Is this discrimination? 3) Was it a good way to get their point across?

Non secular government

Many Muslim countries have a religious form of government. The Islamic Law (Sharia) they follow is a legal system which regulates many aspects of Muslim life including marriage, divorce, customs and dress and leisure. Sharia also deals with handing out of penalties in the resolution of disputes.

Do you think that more religious beliefs be incorporated into our legal system?

Conflict between religion & politics

In 2008 the Archbishop of Canterbury appeared to approve the use of Sharia law the UK. Listen to the comments he makes to the BBC: Archbishop of Canterbury discusses the use of Sharia law in the UK Look at the document on Sharia law

After listening to the interview and reading the document, list some of the complications and benefits of introducing parts of Sharia Law into the UK law
COMPLICATIONS
E.g. Different rules apply to men and women, therefore not compatible with equality

BENEFITS