Religions in the Modern World 9) Where do the majority of Christians live today? __ 10) What is now the second largest religious group? __ 11) What is Taoism dedicated to? (2 marks) __ 12) What does Islam lay great stress on?(2 marks) __ 13) Why do some religions reject the scientific theories all together? __ (4) For many people what do the answer given by science fail to address? __ 15) Where does the idea that religion should have nothing to do with politics come from?(2 marks) __ 16) How do many communities view religion, life and politics? __ 17) Why were the early Christians seen as dangerous to the Roman Empire? (2 marks) __

9) The majority of Christians today live in the Americas (North and South America), Europe, and Africa, with significant populations also in Asia and Oceania.<br /><br />10) Islam is now the second largest religious group.<br /><br />11) Taoism is dedicated to **living in harmony with the Tao**, which is understood as the underlying principle of the universe, and **achieving a natural balance** in life.<br /><br />12) Islam lays great stress on **submission to the will of God (Allah)** and **following the Five Pillars of Islam**: the declaration of faith (shahada), prayer (salat), almsgiving (zakat), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj).<br /><br />13) Some religions reject scientific theories altogether because they perceive them as contradicting their core beliefs and sacred texts. This can stem from differing interpretations of the origin of the universe, the nature of humanity, and the meaning of life.<br /><br />14) For many people, the answers given by science fail to address fundamental questions about **purpose, meaning, morality, and the spiritual dimension of existence**. Science primarily focuses on explaining the *how* of things, while religion often seeks to answer the *why*.<br /><br />15) The idea that religion should have nothing to do with politics comes from several sources, including the **Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and separation of church and state**, as well as historical experiences of religious persecution and conflict. The concept of secularism, advocating for a public sphere free from religious influence, also contributes to this idea.<br /><br />16) Many communities view religion, life, and politics as interconnected and inseparable. Religious beliefs often inform their values, ethics, and social norms, which in turn influence their political views and actions.<br /><br />17) The early Christians were seen as dangerous to the Roman Empire for several reasons: they **refused to worship the Roman gods and emperor**, which was considered an act of treason, and their **belief in one God and universal brotherhood** challenged the social and political hierarchy of the Roman Empire. Their growing numbers and close-knit communities were also perceived as a threat to Roman authority.<br />