Understanding Diversity and Worldviews

Posted on Apr 27, 2025 in Religion

Key Terms & Definitions

A. Tolerance

The ability to accept and respect differences in opinions, beliefs, and behaviors, even if they are not aligned with your own.
Example: Respecting someone’s religious dietary restrictions, even if you don’t follow them yourself.

B. Agnostic

Someone who believes that the existence of God or the divine is unknown or unknowable.
Example: An agnostic person might say, “There may be a God, but there’s no way to prove it.”

C. Discrimination

The unfair or unjust treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or sexuality.
Example: A company refusing to hire someone because of their ethnicity.

D. Stereotype

A generalized belief about a group of people that ignores individual differences.
Example: “All teenagers are lazy” is a stereotype that unfairly groups all teens together.

E. Culture

The way of life, customs, traditions, and beliefs shared by a group of people.
Culture includes language, food, clothing, values, and art.
Example: Different cultures have unique wedding traditions (e.g., white dresses in Western culture, red dresses in Chinese culture).

F. Multiculturalism

The presence, acceptance, and support of multiple cultural traditions within a single society.
Canada is known for multiculturalism because it embraces diverse ethnic groups and religions.

G. Worldview

A person’s fundamental beliefs about life, reality, and existence.
Worldview affects how people interpret events and make decisions.

H. Religious Pluralism

The idea that multiple religions can coexist peacefully and should be respected.
Example: A country where Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Hindus all worship freely without persecution.

I. Faith

Strong belief in something without needing proof, often related to religion or spirituality.
Example: Having faith that a difficult situation will improve, even without immediate evidence.

J. Systematic Discrimination

When discrimination is built into the laws, policies, or institutions of a society.
Example: Apartheid in South Africa, where laws segregated Black citizens and denied them rights.

Diversity & Its Latin Root

The word diversity comes from the Latin diversitās, meaning “to tie together.”
It reflects how different cultures, beliefs, and identities exist together within a society.
A diverse society includes people of different backgrounds, traditions, and viewpoints.

What Is Unknowable by Science?

Science is based on observation, evidence, and experimentation. However, some things are beyond scientific proof, such as:

The existence of God – Science cannot confirm or deny God’s existence.
The afterlife – No scientific way to prove what happens after death.
The ultimate purpose of life – Philosophy and religion explore this question, but science does not provide a definitive answer.

Why Study Other Religions?

Increases Understanding – Learning about different religions helps break down stereotypes.
Encourages Respect – Respecting others’ beliefs leads to a more peaceful society.
Enhances Critical Thinking – Comparing different religions helps individuals reflect on their own beliefs.
Improves Global Awareness – Understanding different cultures helps in travel, business, and relationships.

Types of Worldviews

1. Theocentric (God-centered)

Belief that God or a higher power is the most important part of life.
Example: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism all emphasize a relationship with God.

2. Cosmocentric (Nature-centered)

The universe and natural order are the most important forces.
Example: Many Indigenous spiritualities and Eastern religions (like Taoism) focus on living in harmony with nature.

3. Secular (Human-centered)

Focuses on human reasoning, ethics, and science rather than religion.
Example: Many laws in modern societies are based on human rights rather than religious teachings.

What Is an Atheist?

Someone who does not believe in any god or divine being.
Atheists rely on reason, science, and evidence rather than religious faith.

The Ladder of Discrimination

Discrimination does not happen all at once; it usually progresses through stages:

1. Stereotyping

Forming an oversimplified belief about a group.
Example: “All Asian students are good at math.”

2. Prejudice

A negative opinion or judgment based on stereotypes.
Example: Assuming someone is rude just because of their nationality.

3. Discrimination

Taking action based on prejudice.
Example: A landlord refusing to rent to someone because of their race.

4. Systematic Discrimination

Discrimination built into laws, policies, or institutions.
Example: Women not being allowed to vote in many countries in the past.

5. Violence & Genocide

Physical harm or mass killing based on discrimination.
Example: The Holocaust, Rwandan Genocide, ethnic cleansing.

Application Question on Discrimination

You may be asked to analyze a scenario where discrimination occurs and explain:

What type of discrimination is happening?
How does it impact the victim(s)?
What could be done to prevent or stop it?

Example Question & Answer

Scenario: A Muslim student is bullied at school for wearing a hijab. She is called names and excluded from group activities.
Answer:

Type of Discrimination: Religious discrimination.
Impact: The student may feel isolated, unsafe, and discouraged from expressing her faith.
Prevention: Schools should enforce anti-bullying policies, educate students about religious diversity, and create an inclusive environment.

Extra Tips for the Test

Use real-life examples when explaining discrimination.
Make sure you understand each worldview; there may be a question asking you to apply them.
Review historical examples of systematic discrimination (e.g., segregation in the U.S., Indian Residential Schools in Canada).