Option theme 2: Religion and politics: allies or foes

In this theme, students explore the complexity of the relationship between religion and politics. They examine the intricacies of how the constructs of power use various types of diplomacy to win public support. Students further analyse how the relationship between religion and politics benefits and undermines people and power.

The four inquiry questions are:

1. To what extent do religious organisations influence politics?
2. How far is freedom of religion politically protected in Australia?
3. Does Australia have a complete separation of church and state?
4. Does religion both divide and unite the world?

In addressing inquiry question 1: ‘To what extent do religious organisations influence politics?’, students may consider:

• religious organisations in Australia, and their political goals
• interest groups and their political influence
• representation and religiosity
• a case study of religious groups and Australian political parties.

Students explore religion as an instrument in politics. Students analyse laws in relation to the concepts of moral obligation and freedom of religious expression. They examine the political influence of interest groups and the church, and their influence in shaping the political views of the government or acting as partners in implementing government policies. Students explore religiosity, a concept which is highly fluid in relation to self‑identification and representation.

In addressing inquiry question 2: ‘How far is freedom of religion politically protected in Australia?’, students may consider:

• legislative protections for religion and expression
• conventions and protections of religion
• freedom of — or from — religion
• the current religious protections.

Students may examine Australia’s efforts to promote and protect freedom of religion and belief by analysing issues such as the sources and nature of religious intolerance, the extent of religious freedom, implications of intolerance, and measures for improvement. Students may explore the benefits and shortcomings of religious freedom in the wake of current legislative protection for religion, anti‑religious, and discrimination laws and in the Australian Constitution. They analyse the role of the Australian government and non‑government organisations in promoting and protecting religious freedom and belief.

In addressing inquiry question 3: ‘Does Australia have a complete separation of church and state?’, students may consider:

• the separation of church and state
• outcomes of a secular parliament
• religion and Australian politicians
• a comparative overseas case study.

Students explore the importance of separating church and state and the implications for governmental policies and the community. Students may examine the extent that the government’s inclusivity approach delivers religious freedom and fairness or otherwise, using one of the following lenses: secularism, disestablishmentarianism, religious liberty, or pluralism. Students consider the struggle between secularism and religious freedom in multicultural Australia. They evaluate the outcomes of a secular parliament in relation to equity, diversity, xenophobia, racism, and marginalisation of communities. Students analyse how politicians’ beliefs might mould their political personas and stances.

In addressing inquiry question 4: ‘Does religion both divide and unite the world?’, students may consider:

• religious homogeneity in Australia
• religion and ethics
• religion as a source of both unity and division in Australia
• religion as a source of global harmony and discord.

Students explore the connection between religious diversity and Australia’s growing cultural diversity. Students examine how social and political systems navigate freedom of religion and speech, and analyse the spectrum of views about how religion and ethics are related. Students examine religion as a source of division or unity in Australia, and explore the renewed interest in religious extremism and the security issues that lead to global conflict.