Hey, this is an essay response to the 2005 HSC I prepared for my trial. I was just unsure what i should change to knock it up a few marks. Am I missing anything crucial? Or do i just generally need to make my response more sophisticated. For this question I dont think I answer the "evaluate its significance for individuals and for groups." part enough? agree? If you can be bothered reading it any advice would be greatly arrpreciated.
Cheers.
Question 13 — Religious Rites (20 marks)
For TWO religious traditions, outline the nature of ONE religious rite, and evaluate its
significance for individuals and for groups.
Note: The rite chosen must be the same for each tradition.
A Religious Rite is defined as any established ceremony prescribed by a religion. It is a process by which a person is enabled to conduct a religious ceremony and is able to celebrate, symbolise or make present his or her own central beliefs. Religious rites can be divided into three different categories. That is, rites of passage, Rites of personal devotion and rites of Public worship. I have chosen to focus on the rite of passage of marriage. Within the lives of all Christian and Jewish believers marriage is a rite of passage considered to hold utmost significance and importance. It holds a substantial place in both spiritual and everyday lives of almost all Jews and Christians. Marriage, for these people is a way to unite two people in love and to form a family unit by which a husband and wife become responsible for both each other and their children.
In a Christian marriage a couple decides to fulfill God’s desire for their life. The Bible states that marriage is the reflection of the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. Marriage is seen to be a life-long relationship in which the couples are to be completely committed to each other. In the eyes of the church marriage has three ‘causes’; they are the procreation of children, a remedy against sin and for help and comfort through times of adversity and prosperity. According to Roman Catholic and orthodox churches, marriage is a sacrament.
Traditionally Christian wedding ceremonies take place in a church, before the eyes of God. The ceremony takes place before a priest, God’s representative. The couple make vows to each other forever pledging their love and faithfulness for one another, a pledge made before god. Traditionally a wife is to wear white, symbolic of a woman’s purity. At the service a witness is required, usually this comes in the form of the ‘best man’ and bridesmaids. A traditional marriage ceremony usually contains many rituals such as; an opening song, giving the bride away, readings from the bible, a rite of consent to marriage, an exchange of rings, a special blessing for the couple, a kiss, prayers for marital love and faithfulness, a closing song and walking back up the aisle as a united couple.
A Jewish marriage shares many similarities with a Christian marriage. In Judaism marriage provides physical fulfillment, characterised through the Hebrew word Kiddushin meaning sanctification. Judaism gives similar reasons for marriage. That is the procreation of children, physical fulfillment, sexual pleasure and to express and deepen love for one another.
The Jewish Talmud states that without a wife a man is incomplete, marriage is seen as a commandment from god, thus there is more pressure to marry in a Jewish society than a Christian one. A Jewish marriage is a cause for great celebration. Most weddings take place in a Synagogue, but it is not compulsory. In this ceremony the proceedings are made in front of a Rabbi rather than a priest, acting as God’s representative. Preceding the wedding ceremony a Ketubah is prepared, this is a marriage contract that elucidates the rights and responsibilities of the husband and wife. The marriage ceremony always takes place under a Chuppah, a canopy that is symbolic of the home the couple will live in, or of a Jewish temple. In a Jewish marriage the husband is the Chassan and the wife is called the Kallah. Traditionally the couple share a glass of wine, the groom gives the bride a ring, the Ketubah is read, seven blessings are pronounced over the couple, another glass of wine is drunk and the glass is smashed at the feet of the bride and groom’s feet symbolizing the destruction of the temple. At the end of the proceedings the audience shout ‘Mazel tov!’, meaning, good luck, then a time of celebration and feasting begins.
One significant difference between Jewish and Christian marriage is the way in which divorce is dealt with. In a Christian marriage divorce is not spoken of and is not an advent of the church but rather by the courts. Jewish marriage on the other hand has clear rules regarding divorce. Divorce is considered sad and unfortunate but it is not difficult to obtain a divorce. No grounds are needed in order to divorce, under Jewish Law a man can divorce his wife for any reason. If the wife commits a sexual transgression the husband is forced to divorce her even if he chooses to forgive her. A Jewish divorce court exists, called the Bet Din, it involves a scribe and at least three judges. Both partners may approach the Bet Din for divorce. Once divorced the man may marry as soon as they wish but the wife must wait 90 days. Jewish Law frowns upon divorce but it does accept it.
In a Christian marriage the scriptures are central to the marriage ceremony, they focus on marriage as a lifelong, sacred commitment, instituted by God. A Christian marriage makes present the central beliefs of the Christian faith. Scriptures make clear that the parents have an obligation to raise their children in a loving, Christian environment. At the wedding the priest delivers a homily, elaborating on the Scripture readings giving further insight into the meaning of a Christian marriage. Symbols present at the wedding such as marriage vows and the ring also help to emphasise that marriage is a lifelong commitment. The location of the marriage, a church highlights the presence of god at the ceremony. All these aspects help to preserve Christian values and ethics within the marriage.
Likewise a Jewish wedding also presents central Jewish beliefs. Sacred texts provide a basis for ethical teachings about marriage. Sacred texts such as the Torah and Talmund help to reinforce many aspects of the marriage. As well as these sacred texts rituals present at the ceremony help to reinforce the belief that God intended marriage to be for life, but it is better for a couple to divorce if they are unhappy. Symbols such as the Chupah emphasise the centrality of the home and the roles of the wife. The Ketubah and seven blessings praise god and reinforce that marriage is a holy covenant. The smashing of the wine glass at the end of the ceremony is also symbolic and gives links to the history of Israel. These traditions help to preserve Jewish values and morals preserved in marriage.
A Christian marriage has an immense effect on the lives of those involved. Marriage elevates the mundane to the supernatural, it expresses the transcendent nature of the couple. Marriage gives a sense of structure to the couple, it gives them a sense of responsibility no longer just for themselves but for both partners and their children. Marriage gives a sense of identification as a Christian and their ultimate purpose to grow spiritually through the relationship. It acknowledges, supports and encourages the human condition of suffering joy and sorrow.
In the same way a Jewish marriage has a significant if not more significant effect on the lives of the couple. It gives structure and assigns clear roles to the partners. For example the wife is expected to take responsibility of the home, while the husband is responsible to provide and protect the family. Marriage is considered a way of holiness, it increases ones relationship with God. It too gives the couple a sense of identification with the Jewish faith. It also acknowledges the human conditions of suffering, joy and sorrow.
The Rite of passage of marriage is a significant stage of life for both Christian and Jewish believers. It creates a new era in each partner’s life and fulfills the wishes of God in marriage and procreation, providing a stable society in which the community is strengthened and the couple is united not only with each other but also with God.
Cheers.
Question 13 — Religious Rites (20 marks)
For TWO religious traditions, outline the nature of ONE religious rite, and evaluate its
significance for individuals and for groups.
Note: The rite chosen must be the same for each tradition.
A Religious Rite is defined as any established ceremony prescribed by a religion. It is a process by which a person is enabled to conduct a religious ceremony and is able to celebrate, symbolise or make present his or her own central beliefs. Religious rites can be divided into three different categories. That is, rites of passage, Rites of personal devotion and rites of Public worship. I have chosen to focus on the rite of passage of marriage. Within the lives of all Christian and Jewish believers marriage is a rite of passage considered to hold utmost significance and importance. It holds a substantial place in both spiritual and everyday lives of almost all Jews and Christians. Marriage, for these people is a way to unite two people in love and to form a family unit by which a husband and wife become responsible for both each other and their children.
In a Christian marriage a couple decides to fulfill God’s desire for their life. The Bible states that marriage is the reflection of the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. Marriage is seen to be a life-long relationship in which the couples are to be completely committed to each other. In the eyes of the church marriage has three ‘causes’; they are the procreation of children, a remedy against sin and for help and comfort through times of adversity and prosperity. According to Roman Catholic and orthodox churches, marriage is a sacrament.
Traditionally Christian wedding ceremonies take place in a church, before the eyes of God. The ceremony takes place before a priest, God’s representative. The couple make vows to each other forever pledging their love and faithfulness for one another, a pledge made before god. Traditionally a wife is to wear white, symbolic of a woman’s purity. At the service a witness is required, usually this comes in the form of the ‘best man’ and bridesmaids. A traditional marriage ceremony usually contains many rituals such as; an opening song, giving the bride away, readings from the bible, a rite of consent to marriage, an exchange of rings, a special blessing for the couple, a kiss, prayers for marital love and faithfulness, a closing song and walking back up the aisle as a united couple.
A Jewish marriage shares many similarities with a Christian marriage. In Judaism marriage provides physical fulfillment, characterised through the Hebrew word Kiddushin meaning sanctification. Judaism gives similar reasons for marriage. That is the procreation of children, physical fulfillment, sexual pleasure and to express and deepen love for one another.
The Jewish Talmud states that without a wife a man is incomplete, marriage is seen as a commandment from god, thus there is more pressure to marry in a Jewish society than a Christian one. A Jewish marriage is a cause for great celebration. Most weddings take place in a Synagogue, but it is not compulsory. In this ceremony the proceedings are made in front of a Rabbi rather than a priest, acting as God’s representative. Preceding the wedding ceremony a Ketubah is prepared, this is a marriage contract that elucidates the rights and responsibilities of the husband and wife. The marriage ceremony always takes place under a Chuppah, a canopy that is symbolic of the home the couple will live in, or of a Jewish temple. In a Jewish marriage the husband is the Chassan and the wife is called the Kallah. Traditionally the couple share a glass of wine, the groom gives the bride a ring, the Ketubah is read, seven blessings are pronounced over the couple, another glass of wine is drunk and the glass is smashed at the feet of the bride and groom’s feet symbolizing the destruction of the temple. At the end of the proceedings the audience shout ‘Mazel tov!’, meaning, good luck, then a time of celebration and feasting begins.
One significant difference between Jewish and Christian marriage is the way in which divorce is dealt with. In a Christian marriage divorce is not spoken of and is not an advent of the church but rather by the courts. Jewish marriage on the other hand has clear rules regarding divorce. Divorce is considered sad and unfortunate but it is not difficult to obtain a divorce. No grounds are needed in order to divorce, under Jewish Law a man can divorce his wife for any reason. If the wife commits a sexual transgression the husband is forced to divorce her even if he chooses to forgive her. A Jewish divorce court exists, called the Bet Din, it involves a scribe and at least three judges. Both partners may approach the Bet Din for divorce. Once divorced the man may marry as soon as they wish but the wife must wait 90 days. Jewish Law frowns upon divorce but it does accept it.
In a Christian marriage the scriptures are central to the marriage ceremony, they focus on marriage as a lifelong, sacred commitment, instituted by God. A Christian marriage makes present the central beliefs of the Christian faith. Scriptures make clear that the parents have an obligation to raise their children in a loving, Christian environment. At the wedding the priest delivers a homily, elaborating on the Scripture readings giving further insight into the meaning of a Christian marriage. Symbols present at the wedding such as marriage vows and the ring also help to emphasise that marriage is a lifelong commitment. The location of the marriage, a church highlights the presence of god at the ceremony. All these aspects help to preserve Christian values and ethics within the marriage.
Likewise a Jewish wedding also presents central Jewish beliefs. Sacred texts provide a basis for ethical teachings about marriage. Sacred texts such as the Torah and Talmund help to reinforce many aspects of the marriage. As well as these sacred texts rituals present at the ceremony help to reinforce the belief that God intended marriage to be for life, but it is better for a couple to divorce if they are unhappy. Symbols such as the Chupah emphasise the centrality of the home and the roles of the wife. The Ketubah and seven blessings praise god and reinforce that marriage is a holy covenant. The smashing of the wine glass at the end of the ceremony is also symbolic and gives links to the history of Israel. These traditions help to preserve Jewish values and morals preserved in marriage.
A Christian marriage has an immense effect on the lives of those involved. Marriage elevates the mundane to the supernatural, it expresses the transcendent nature of the couple. Marriage gives a sense of structure to the couple, it gives them a sense of responsibility no longer just for themselves but for both partners and their children. Marriage gives a sense of identification as a Christian and their ultimate purpose to grow spiritually through the relationship. It acknowledges, supports and encourages the human condition of suffering joy and sorrow.
In the same way a Jewish marriage has a significant if not more significant effect on the lives of the couple. It gives structure and assigns clear roles to the partners. For example the wife is expected to take responsibility of the home, while the husband is responsible to provide and protect the family. Marriage is considered a way of holiness, it increases ones relationship with God. It too gives the couple a sense of identification with the Jewish faith. It also acknowledges the human conditions of suffering, joy and sorrow.
The Rite of passage of marriage is a significant stage of life for both Christian and Jewish believers. It creates a new era in each partner’s life and fulfills the wishes of God in marriage and procreation, providing a stable society in which the community is strengthened and the couple is united not only with each other but also with God.
