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RELIGION
1) ‘Religion is incompatible with modern life.’ What is your view?
2) ‘Religion is meant for the weak.” Is this a fair statement?
3) ‘Religion has lost its significance in today’s world.’. Discuss
4) To what extent should we limit the influence of religion on politics?
5) ‘Religion is incompatible with modern life.’ What is your view?
6) Religion is nothing more than an escape from reality. How true is this?

QN ‘Religion is incompatible with modern life.’ What is your view?

Requirements of Key Terms

▪ Students need to show understanding of what the terms ‘religion’ and ‘modern life’ mean.
▪ The question proposes that the role and values of religion do not reconcile/ are not in harmony with
features/aspects of modern life.
▪ This is a direct argumentative question that allows students to either agree or disagree with the
proposition.
▪ To agree with the proposition, students need to show knowledge of the atheists’ arguments against
religion and justify them with evidence from aspects of modern life that contradicts the relevance
and value of religion.
▪ Similarly, to disagree with the proposition, arguments to defend the value and relevance of religion
to modern life need to be surfaced and
proved.
▪ For balance, students must consider opposing viewpoint and counter them effectively.

What to prove when you disagree:

1. Moral Ambiguity/Corruption of Modern Life

– Religion used to serve, and still serves very useful functions in our past and modern society.
– Acts as a moral check on many secular issues e.g. capital punishment, drugs, abortion,
cloning.
– Without this moral check, the world might very well degenerate into a world with no regard
for moral values whatsoever.
2. Spiritual Emptiness/Vacuum
– It helps man to search for meaning and answers to many fundamental questions that plague
many that science and technology still cannot answer e.g. issues on the human condition and
human suffering, the purpose of human existence on earth, the existence of good versus evil,
questions on creation, afterlife etc
– Provides emotional security and spiritual fulfilment in troubled times, provides direction and
assurance in an age of uncertainties and constant changes. Thus it has value and relevance to
modern living.

3. Incompatibility results from the misinterpretation and short-sightedness of so-called religious people.
- religions evolve from one stage to another, like other things in nature / life.
- It is not static and entombed in the interpretation of past centuries and mentality.
- A broader and more open interpretation allows for more inclusion, acceptance and
understanding of diversity and differences thereby proving compatibility.

What to prove when you agree:

1. Unquestioned faith vs knowledge through discovery, tests and proof.

– With the advent of science and technology, man does not need to be so dependent on
religion for previously unexplained ‘mysteries’ or ‘miracles’.
– Therefore the existence of religion, which is about faith in a particular system of belief,
might be at odds with the presence and progress in the scientific field which looks at facts
and logic. In fact the existence of religion might only complicate our understanding of the
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scientific world, since technology appears to be the antithesis of religion.

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2. Religious extremism sees Secularism as the evil of modern life. Hence secularism is under threat in many
parts of the world by religious zealots because of its inability to foster social cohesiveness and stem moral
decadence in many societies which some argue is a natural outcome of human evolution. Osama Bin Laden
and his Al Qaeda’s Holy War or “Jihad” against Western powers specifically, USA, clearly proves this.

QN “Religion is meant for the weak.” Is this a fair statement?

Question Interpretation
• Students should consider whether religion really is meant for the weak.
• What does the word “weak” mean? This must be explained. Does it mean physically weak? Mentally
& emotionally weak? This has to be clearly outlined.
• Students should assess whether the statement is indeed fair? If fair, how so? If it is not fair, why?

Approach
• Generally most students would take the stand that religion is not meant for the weak and that the
statement “Religion is meant for the weak” is not a fair statement.
• Provide clear and logical reasons why religion is not meant for the weak.

Possible Points
• Religion is not meant for the weak. Scores of people around the world subscribe to a formalized
religion. They are working, functioning members of society with jobs, responsibilities, leadership
roles, etc. There are so many people out there who are successful, rich, accomplished, famous etc
and they subscribe to a religion.
• It must be noted that religion here is taken to mean the formalized and accepted religions like
Christianity / Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism / Sikhism / Jainism, Buddhism. Not cults
certainly.
• There seems to be this assumption that people use religion as a crutch and as such they are weak.
This is not true. How can these people be considered weak just because they have a religion? Human
beings are weak and we are all mere mortals. To depend on religion when we go through the trials /
challenges in life does not mean that we are weak. If anything, religion allows people to make
changes, resolve to do better, gain perspective and be better. This is strength – to be able to change,
learn & adapt in life.
• Religion might very well be the one aspect of their lives that allows them to be strong, be steadfast
and face up to all the pressures and challenges of modern life. (Work related stress, health problems,
marital breakdown, family problems, financial issues etc) To deal with all these problems, using
religion shows strength of mind and spirit.
• Religion guides people in almost all aspects of life. From how one behaves, relates to others,
maintain relationships & socialize, maintain successful marriages to dealing with disappointments,
death, grief, illnesses etc – it takes discipline and commitment for anyone to subscribe to a religion.
This shows strength.
• Religion strengthens a person – gives meaning to one’s existence, provides hope and faith – all of
which increases the internal strength of one’s core being.
• It is the weak who are tempted by all the many vices that we are exposed to in the world today.
These are the irreligious people who do not have the internal strength to stave off these temptations.

Pitfalls
• Students make the mistake of assuming that the word “weak” is meant for the physically weak.
• Students tend to discuss specific religions and go on to describe the main features or tenets of these
particular religions. That should not be the focus of the essay.
• Students may even be preachy about their respective religions. This is not answering the question.
• There is also a tendency to bring in very narrative examples, using personal anecdotes to prop up
their essays. This is not recommended.

QN ‘Religion has lost its significance in today’s world.’. Discuss These notes are shared on

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Question Interpretation

• The key terms in this question are “religion”, “lost its significance” and “today’s world”.
• Religion can be broadly defined to mean beliefs in a god or gods and should include systems of
belief that are manifest in activities, worship and related institutions. For the purpose of this paper,
there is no need for the candidate to specifically define this term. However, the candidate should use
relevant examples that would indicate an appropriate use of the term.
• There is an implied “absolute” in the word “lost”, which can be taken to mean that a function or
importance, or even a particular period no longer exists.
• “Today’s world” indicates the nature of modern society. This encompasses characteristics of
urbanization, importance of science and rationality in explaining natural and social phenomena. It
must also consider the nature of modern lifestyles (which are hectic, fast-paced, with emphasis on
individualism) and attitudes towards work, relationships, consumerism and concepts of life and
death.

Possible rephrase:
The importance, relevance and functions of religions all over the world have completely disappeared in
the face of modern lifestyles and attitudes.

To pass

Candidates need to demonstrate basic understanding of how the following have affected the way people view
religion:
• The advent of science and its comcomittant mode of using empirical observation to explain natural
phenomena.
• By contrast, the relegation of myths and legends (which were used to understand the life in the past)
to merely stories of childhood, make-belief and even superstition.
• The increasing majority of people who have been exposed to Western modes of education and
philosophical inquiry.
• The decrease in the number of people who profess a religion.
• Declining attendance in places of worship.

The Balance

Balance here can be achieved by pointing out how the importance of religion has NOT completely
disappeared. This can be evidenced by looking at:
• Existing places of worship.
• Importance of certain religious festivals still celebrated world-wide, like Christmas, Ramadan,
observance days in Buddhism.

To score

Candidates would have to point out that “lost” is too absolute a stand to take. They would also need to
• Observe that religion has diminished rather than completely lost its importance in the world.
• Connect the decrease in religion’s importance to the characteristics of today’s urbanized society,
which tends to be self-centred and focuses a lot on hedonistic, material modes of consumption, rather
than on pursuits of a more spiritual, God-centred nature.
• Observe the notion that people find religion inadequate in solving the problems brought about by
modern society.

However, to balance out the points above, candidates may also note that the increasing threat of terrorism
since the 9/11 incident and the economic woes and uncertainties of present day have compelled them to
return to their religious roots for comfort and security.

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• Candidates must NOT list out the major religions festivals and observations and pass them off as
Reasons/Arguments, or proof that religion has/has not lost its relevance to the modern world.
• Ignoring the “today’s world” component of the question, as it is actually an integral part of the
answer.

QN To what extent should we limit the influence of religion on politics?

Verification of key terms:

▪ ‘limit’: to regulate, restrict something deemed negative
▪ ‘influence of religion’: religious leaders participating and having a say in politics, leaders and nations
aligning their decisions / laws / ways of governing with religious teachings and beliefs
▪ ‘politics’: issues related to governing and managing a state or any political entity; activities or affairs
engaged in by a government, politician, or political party; domestic & international affairs

Assumptions:
▪ The influence of religion on politics should be limited.
▪ Too much religious influence on politics is dangerous.

Possible Approaches:
▪ We should limit the influence of religion on politics to a large / small extent.

Possible Points:

The influence of religion on politics should be limited.
Society as religiously pluralistic
▪ Religion as a personal, private matter, not reflective of
the needs, preferences of the majority; also not the
only basis for morality
▪ Often leaning towards absolute views, leaving little
room for inter-faith dialogue and exchange, therefore
threatening to divide believers and non-believers /
minority faiths
▪ Opposes the ideals of freedom and equality promoted
by democracy – founded on basic freedoms, including
freedom of religion – if religious beliefs are imposed
on others (e.g. Malaysia and establishment of Islamic
law)
▪ Morality not solely defined by religious precepts and
beliefs – can be based on intuitive and sensible
opinions about right and wrong
The influence of religion on politics should not be limited.
▪ Citizens with religious beliefs cannot be expected to
lay aside their religious convictions – not possible to
“compartmentalise completely the minds of voters
into secular and religious halves, and to ensure that
only the secular mind influences voting behaviour”
▪ Both religion and politics concern public affairs and
the welfare of people i.e. how they behave and govern
their lives
▪ Serving as an important moral guide and basis for
decisions on public matters which impact the citizens’
welfare

Examples of religion intervening in politics: teaching of the evolution theory in schools, stem-cell research,
euthanasia, abortion, homosexuality, the tudung / casino issues in Singapore, social institutions such as the
family, marriage, divorce etc.

QN Religion is nothing more than an escape from reality. How true is this?

Clarification of terms :
• ‘Religion’ – a set of beliefs concerning the origins and nature of the universe and the purpose of
mankind’s existence.
• ‘Escape from reality’ – an unhealthy diversion/distraction from reality

Possible stands :
• Religion is merely an escape from reality These notes are shared on

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• Religion is an escape from reality, but it is also other things
• Religion is not an escape from reality
Escape from reality
Marxist view: Religion is seen as an opiate for the
masses, that which is able to divert people’s attention
away from their oppressive conditions and make
them accepting of their lot in life. (esp. through the
false hope of salvation, supernatural intervention and
the reward of the virtuous)
Deconstructionist view: Religion is seen as an
ideological/social construct which provides man with
a false sense of security and solace through an
association with higher supernatural forces.
Scientific view: Religion is an irrational rejection of
empirical evidence and objective reality, and a
substitution of it with blind faith.
Most religions such as Christianity and Islam
emphasize the recognition of life as a temporal
reality, as compared to the permanent reality of
eternity. Hence religion serves as a means to distance
oneself mentally and emotionally from the physical
reality at present to focus on an external, spiritual
dimension. Even Eastern religions such as Buddhism
encourage a transcendence of this reality to attain
nirvana (a state that is free from the external world).
In this sense, an ‘escape from reality’ implies a
liberation from reality rather than an abject denial of
it.
Not an escape from reality
Religions is not a hollow construct or a mere
psychological mechanism that allows people to
escape from reality or deny their existing
circumstances, but to provide them with the means
of responding positively and coping with the given
situation.
The basic function of religion in society is to
provide an explanation of man’s primal origins, the
nature of life, the function and aims of life and
reasons for living. Many religions make sense of the
existential question, "why am I here?"
Most religions provide guidelines for daily living
and serve as moral compasses—they tend to instill a
sense of moral conscience and inculcate morally
upright/responsible behavior. This is important for a
postmodern society plagued by moral
confusion/relativism/degradation.
From a sociological point of view, religion
represents a set of behavioural rules that bring order
and harmony to the society, allowing it to function
in a systematic and organised way. Adherents
confront real societal issues rather than escape from
it.
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