1.
Which of the following groups has posted on it's website " .... works for the separation of religion and state and equal respect for everyone's human rights so that no one is either advantaged or disadvantaged on account of their beliefs"?
Correct Answer
A. The National Secular Society
Explanation
The correct answer is The National Secular Society. The explanation is that the National Secular Society, as indicated by its name, is an organization that advocates for the separation of religion and state. Their website statement further emphasizes their commitment to equal respect for everyone's human rights, regardless of their beliefs. This aligns with the idea of not advantaging or disadvantaging individuals based on their beliefs.
2.
The British Social Attitudes Survey, published in May 2015, shows that the proportion of people in Britain who say they belong to a religion had increased steadily over the last 30 years.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The given statement is False. The explanation for this is that the British Social Attitudes Survey, published in May 2015, actually shows that the proportion of people in Britain who say they belong to a religion had decreased steadily over the last 30 years, not increased.
3.
Which of the following groups has posted on it's website " .... are people who shape their own lives in the here and now, because we believe it's the only life we have. We make sense of the world through logic, reason, and evidence, and always seek to treat those around us with warmth, understanding, and respect."?
Correct Answer
B. Humanists UK
Explanation
Humanists UK is the correct answer because the statement mentioned in the question aligns with the principles and beliefs of humanism. Humanism emphasizes the importance of reason, evidence, and treating others with respect. The statement reflects these values and is likely to be found on the website of an organization that promotes humanist ideals.
4.
ONE of the follow answers DOES NOT describe what Humanists believe. What is it?
Correct Answer
D. A national conversation should be launched across the UK by leaders of faith communities and ethical traditions to create a shared understanding of the fundamental values underlying public life.
5.
The first schools in England were founded by the church and attached to cathedrals and monasteries.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that historically, the church played a significant role in education in England. The first schools were indeed founded by the church and were often connected to cathedrals and monasteries. These schools were primarily established to educate members of the clergy and to provide religious instruction. Therefore, it is true that the first schools in England were founded by the church and attached to cathedrals and monasteries.
6.
The Church of England was responsible for most of the educational establishments that existed in Britain until the 1830s when the state became involved in the education of children.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the Church of England played a significant role in the establishment and operation of educational institutions in Britain until the 1830s. Before the state's involvement, the Church was responsible for providing education to a large extent. However, in the 1830s, the government started to take on a more active role in the education of children, leading to a shift in responsibility from the Church to the state.
7.
What do we call a school that has formal links with a faith organisation (e.g. SDA, Church of England) though most of them are almost entirely funded by the government?
Correct Answer
A. A school with a religious character
Explanation
A school with a religious character refers to a school that has formal links with a faith organization, such as the Seventh-day Adventist or the Church of England. These schools are primarily funded by the government, even though they maintain their religious affiliations and teachings. This term encompasses a broader category of schools beyond specific denominations like Roman Catholic or Church of England schools.
8.
One in six schools with a religious character selects some or all of their pupils by their religion.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
One in six schools with a religious character selects some or all of their pupils by their religion. This means that out of every six schools with a religious character, at least one of them chooses their students based on their religious beliefs.
9.
Of the 7000 faith primary and secondary schools in England and Wales, 98 percent have a Christian character.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement states that out of the 7000 faith primary and secondary schools in England and Wales, 98 percent of them have a Christian character. This means that the majority of faith schools in these countries follow the Christian faith. Therefore, the answer "True" is correct as it aligns with the information provided.
10.
Local councils are responsible for deciding the RE syllabus, but faith schools and academies can set their own.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Local councils have the authority to determine the religious education (RE) syllabus in their respective areas. However, faith schools and academies have the autonomy to establish their own RE curriculum. This means that while local councils have the power to dictate what is taught in non-faith schools, faith schools and academies have the freedom to design their own syllabus based on their religious beliefs and values. Therefore, the statement is true as local councils are responsible for deciding the RE syllabus, but faith schools and academies can set their own.
11.
Which of the following is NOT an aim or belief of The National Secular Society?
Correct Answer
E. The universe is a natural pHenomenon with no supernatural side, and we can live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity
Explanation
The National Secular Society aims to protect the right to practice religious belief as long as it does not infringe on the rights and freedoms of others. They also advocate for equal application of freedoms of thought and conscience for both believers and non-believers. Additionally, they support the right of individuals to publicly express their beliefs, as well as the notion that religious beliefs, ideas, and organizations should not receive privileged protection from freedom of expression. However, the belief that the universe is a natural phenomenon with no supernatural side, and that ethical and fulfilling lives can be lived based on reason and humanity, is not specifically mentioned as an aim or belief of The National Secular Society.
12.
The British Social Attitudes Survey, published in May 2015, shows that the proportion of people in Britain who say they belong to a religion had fallen over the last 30 years.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the correct answer "True" is that the British Social Attitudes Survey, published in May 2015, revealed a decrease in the proportion of people in Britain who identify with a religion over the past three decades. This indicates a decline in religious affiliation among the population.
13.
The British Social Attitudes Survey, published in May 2015, shows that religions other than Cristianity have grown over the last 30 years.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement is supported by the British Social Attitudes Survey published in May 2015. This survey indicates that religions other than Christianity have experienced growth over the past three decades. Therefore, the statement is true.
14.
The British Social Attitudes Survey, published in May 2015, shows that the fastest growing group of citizens in Britain over the last 30 years, and particularly during the last decade, are those who say they have no religion.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the British Social Attitudes Survey, published in May 2015, indicates that the number of citizens in Britain who identify as having no religion has been steadily increasing over the past 30 years. This trend has been particularly pronounced in the last decade. Therefore, it can be concluded that the statement "the fastest growing group of citizens in Britain over the last 30 years, and particularly during the last decade, are those who say they have no religion" is true.
15.
Which of the following is NOT often used as evidence that religion has decreasing power and authority in our society?
Correct Answer
F. Some new religious movements and eastern religions have experienced considerable popularity
Explanation
The popularity of new religious movements and eastern religions suggests that religion still holds power and authority in society, contrary to the claim that it is decreasing. This indicates that there is still a significant interest and following for religious beliefs and practices outside of traditional institutions like the Church.
16.
Everyone agrees that secularisation is taking place in British society.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement suggests that everyone agrees on the secularisation taking place in British society. However, this cannot be true as there are diverse opinions and perspectives on the topic. Secularisation is a complex and debated concept, and there are individuals and groups who argue against the idea of secularisation in British society. Therefore, the statement is false as it overgeneralizes the consensus on secularisation.
17.
Sociologists Wilson and Bruce have argued that the three processes that lead to the decline of religion occur as society develops and modernises.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Wilson and Bruce, sociologists, argue that as society develops and modernizes, three processes lead to the decline of religion. The question asks if this statement is true or false. The correct answer is true because Wilson and Bruce indeed argue that the decline of religion is a result of societal development and modernization.
18.
What am I? I am one of the three processes that Sociologists Wilson and Bruce argue leads to the decline of religion. I am the term used to describe what happens when people use science to explain the universe and the place of human beings in it. When I occur, people reject religion, which cannot be proved.
Correct Answer
C. Rationalisation
Explanation
Rationalisation is the correct answer because it refers to the process of using science to explain the universe and the role of human beings in it. This process leads to the rejection of religion, as religion cannot be scientifically proven. Sociologists Wilson and Bruce argue that rationalisation is one of the three processes that contribute to the decline of religion.
19.
What am I? I am one of the three processes that Sociologists Wilson and Bruce argue leads to the decline of religion. The Church used to control or influence huge sections of people's lives e.g. education government, even hospitals. Today, these are all run by different non-religious organisations. What am I?
Correct Answer
B. Differentiation
Explanation
Differentiation is the correct answer because it refers to the process where various aspects of society, such as education, government, and hospitals, are no longer controlled or influenced by the Church. This process leads to the decline of religion as it separates religious institutions from other societal domains, resulting in a decrease in the Church's power and influence over people's lives.
20.
What am I? I am one of the three processes that Sociologists Wilson and Bruce argue leads to the decline of religion. as the means by which we communicate and exchange information have improved, people no longer live in small communities, which used to be held together by the Church. What am I?
Correct Answer
A. Decline of community
Explanation
The correct answer is "Decline of community". The explanation for this answer is that Sociologists Wilson and Bruce argue that one of the three processes that lead to the decline of religion is the decline of community. As the means of communication and information exchange have improved, people no longer live in small communities that used to be held together by the Church. This decline in community has weakened the social bonds and support systems provided by religious institutions, leading to the decline of religion.
21.
The rise of Humanism: In 1689, John Locke, an English Philospher published his book An Essay Concerning Human Understanding in which he argued that human knowledge came through experience of the world, not from some outside truth.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement is true. John Locke, an English philosopher, published his book "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" in 1689, where he argued that human knowledge is acquired through experience of the world rather than from some external truth. This perspective aligns with the rise of Humanism, which emphasized the importance of human reason, experience, and individualism. Locke's ideas had a significant impact on the Enlightenment period and influenced the development of modern philosophy and psychology.
22.
Although the first humanists challenged the authority of the Church, many still maintained their Christian faith.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that even though the first humanists questioned the power and influence of the Church, they still held on to their Christian beliefs. This implies that their criticism of the Church was not a rejection of Christianity as a whole, but rather a desire for reform and a more personal interpretation of the faith. Thus, the answer is true.
23.
In 1967, several humanist organisations in Britain merged to become the British Humanist Association.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because in 1967, multiple humanist organizations in Britain joined together to form the British Humanist Association. This merger allowed for a stronger and more unified voice for humanism in the country.
24.
The British Humanist Association supported a 2008 campaign to promote the idea that God does not exist.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the British Humanist Association indeed supported a campaign in 2008 to promote the idea that God does not exist. This suggests that the organization aligns with humanist beliefs, which reject the existence of a higher power.
25.
Friedrich Nietzsche once said "God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers..." What did he mean?
Correct Answer
A. Christian beliefs and teachings no longer have relevance in society.
Explanation
Friedrich Nietzsche's statement "God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him" is not meant to be taken literally, but rather metaphorically. He believed that the decline of traditional Christian beliefs and teachings had rendered them irrelevant in society. Nietzsche argued that the advancements in science, reason, and human understanding had made people question the existence and significance of God. This statement reflects his belief that society had moved beyond the need for religious explanations and could find ethical and fulfilling lives based on reason and humanity alone.
26.
When Peter Berger argues that Modernity "is necessarily pluralising. Modernity is characterised by an increasing plurality within the same society, of different beliefs, values, and world views. Plurality does indeed pose a challenge to all religious conditions..." he means ALL the following EXCEPT
Correct Answer
D. Modernisation of society results in secularisation
Explanation
Peter Berger argues that modernity is characterized by increasing plurality within the same society, with different beliefs, values, and worldviews coexisting. This plurality poses a challenge to all religious conditions. The correct answer, "Modernization of society results in secularization," is not supported by Berger's argument. He does not claim that modernization necessarily leads to the decline or disappearance of religion. Instead, he acknowledges that modernization can bring about a large number of different, perhaps smaller, religious groups in competition with each other, and that religion may become a private matter with individuals developing their own spiritual beliefs and practices.
27.
In non-faith state schools, Religious Education must be taught according to a locally agreed syllabus that should do ALL the following EXCEPT
Correct Answer
C. Teach non-religious and humanist world views alongside religions
Explanation
The correct answer is "teach non-religious and humanist world views alongside religions." This is because, according to the given information, Religious Education in non-faith state schools should reflect the fact that the religious traditions of Great Britain are mainly Christian, take into account the teaching and practices of other principal religions in Great Britain, and provide daily acts of collective worship that are mostly of a broadly Christian character. However, it does not explicitly state that non-religious and humanist world views should be taught alongside religions.
28.
Christian faith schools are clear that some of the aims of religious education are designed to reinforce the faith of pupils and promote a Christian world view. the word used to describe this approach is
Correct Answer
A. Confessional teaching
Explanation
Confessional teaching is the word used to describe the approach in Christian faith schools where the aims of religious education are to reinforce the faith of pupils and promote a Christian world view. This approach involves teaching the religious beliefs, doctrines, and practices of Christianity, with the intention of deepening the students' understanding and commitment to the Christian faith. It is different from Christian teaching in general, as it specifically focuses on reinforcing and promoting the faith within a religious educational setting. It is also different from indoctrination, as it aims to educate and inform rather than impose beliefs on the students.
29.
The National Secular Society believes that non-religious and humanist world views should be taught alongside religions and no religion or world view should have greater importance than any other.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The National Secular Society supports the idea that non-religious and humanist perspectives should be given equal importance to religious views in educational settings. They believe that no single religion or worldview should be privileged over others. This means that they advocate for a balanced and inclusive approach to teaching about different belief systems, promoting tolerance and understanding among students. Therefore, the correct answer is true.
30.
The British Humanist Association opposes religious worship in state schools.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The British Humanist Association opposes religious worship in state schools. This means that they are against the practice of holding religious ceremonies or rituals in schools that are funded or supported by the government. They believe that schools should not promote or favor any particular religious beliefs, but instead should provide a secular education that is inclusive of all students, regardless of their religious or non-religious backgrounds. By opposing religious worship in state schools, the British Humanist Association advocates for a more neutral and inclusive educational environment.
31.
Since 2004, schools in France have had to display posters that contain a number of principles designed to keep religion out of schools.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because since 2004, it has been a requirement for schools in France to display posters containing principles aimed at maintaining secularism and keeping religion separate from educational institutions. This measure was implemented to uphold the principle of laïcité, which is a fundamental value in French society. The posters serve as a reminder to students and staff about the importance of religious neutrality in the school environment.
32.
According to sociologists Bryan Wilson and Steve Bruce, which of the following IS NOT observable evidence that secularisation is happening in Britain?
Correct Answer
F. If religious families are wealthy, they must pay higher taxes and contribute more than most people to state education.
33.
Secularisation is the idea that religious beliefs, practices and organisations are becoming less important in society.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Secularisation refers to the process where religious beliefs, practices, and organizations gradually lose their significance and influence in society. This means that religion is becoming less important and is being replaced by other aspects of life. The statement "True" accurately reflects this concept by affirming that secularisation is indeed the idea that religious beliefs, practices, and organizations are becoming less important in society.
34.
Humanism is a way of seeing and reacting to the world using ALL of the following EXCEPT
Correct Answer
D. Religious beliefs and ideas
Explanation
Humanism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the importance of science, logic, and reason in understanding and interpreting the world. It rejects the reliance on religious beliefs and ideas as a basis for knowledge and decision-making. Instead, humanism promotes critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and a focus on human values and well-being. Therefore, religious beliefs and ideas are not included in the framework of humanism.
35.
A central principle for humanism is the need for each person to use divine authority to create meaning in their own life.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
A central principle for humanism is the need for each person to create meaning in their own life without a belief in life after death.
36.
A central principle of humanism is a concern for human beings and animals based on reason, not divine authority.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that humanism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the value and worth of human beings, as well as the importance of using reason and evidence to understand the world. Humanism rejects the notion of divine authority or supernatural beliefs, and instead focuses on human potential and the promotion of human well-being. Therefore, a central principle of humanism is indeed a concern for human beings and animals based on reason, not divine authority.
37.
A central principle of humanism is the need for each person to create meaning in their own life without a belief in life after death.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement aligns with the central principle of humanism, which emphasizes individual autonomy and the importance of finding meaning in one's own life. Humanism rejects the belief in an afterlife and instead encourages individuals to focus on their present existence. Therefore, it is true that humanism promotes the creation of personal meaning without relying on the concept of life after death.
38.
Some Christians believe that they have had experiences of God, e.g. visions, through which He has revealed more of Himself to them personally.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Some Christians believe that they have had personal experiences of God, such as visions, where they feel that God has revealed more of Himself to them. This suggests that they have a direct and personal connection with God, which strengthens their faith and understanding of Him. These experiences can be seen as a form of divine communication and confirmation of their beliefs, making the statement "True" accurate.
39.
The Church of England has been in decline for over 30 years and that decline appears to have accelerated over the last decade.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer, True, is that the statement accurately states that the Church of England has been experiencing a decline for more than 30 years and this decline has been even more pronounced in the last decade. This suggests that the Church of England's influence and membership have been decreasing over time.