Beliefs

Complete the following three activities to explore some of the issues around religion and belief today.


Activity 1: Belief and religion

Belief and religion have played important roles in all societies at all times.  Watch the following video where Ed answers the question: Do non-religious people still have beliefs?

watch the video of Ed

  • Do you agree with Ed's perspective?  Why or why not?

Now watch Ben answer the question: How is religion relevant to the world today?

watch the video of Ben

  • How would you answer the same question?

These videos are from the Difference Differently Diversity Q and A section, where 14 people answer questions about diversity.  You may like to explore the Q&A to hear more opinions about belief and religion by clicking the green button (at left).


Activity 2: World religions

There are numerous religions practised in the world today, and they share similarities and differences.

Complete the following quiz which explores world religions through a focus on quotations from ancient religious texts.  The button below will take you to a new page. When you have finished, you will be brought back here.

  • Were you surprised to discover where any of the quotes you related to came from?
  • For you, did this activity highlight the similarities or the differences between religions?
  • Were there ideas expressed in these quotes that would also be shared by non-religious people?
  • What do you think are some of the questions common to all humanity?
  • The quotes are all from ancient texts, do you consider them to be relevant today?


Activity 3: Difference of belief

When people hold different beliefs, tensions can sometimes arise.  An example of this is the ongoing conflict about Jerusalem, which is an area of great significance to Jews, Muslims and Christians.  Watch this video in which a Jewish Rabbi and Muslim Imam from Australia discuss Jerusalem and how they manage their relationship despite their difference of belief.

Show transcript

  • How do the Rabbi and the Imam navigate their relationship despite their differing beliefs and perspectives about Jerusalem?
  • What does the Rabbi mean when he says that they need to learn to be "comfortable with being uncomfortable"?
  • Can you think of other areas or issues that have divided people in the way that Jerusalem has?

Finish