Chapter 15. Religion

Which perspective most emphasizes the ways in which religion helps keep the social system running smoothly? 1. Functional perspective 2. Symbolic interactionist perspective 3. Conflict perspective 4. Feminist perspective

1. Functional perspective

Which of the following do the functionalist and conflict perspectives share? 1. Position that religion relates to social control, enforcing social norms 2. Emphasis on religion as providing social support 3. Belief that religion helps explain the mysteries of life 4. None of the above

1. Position that religion relates to social control, enforcing social norms

Some controversial groups that may be mislabeled as cults include: 1. Scientology and the Hare Krishna 2. the Peoples Temple and Heaven's Gate 3. the Branch Davidians and the Manson Family 4. Quakers and Pentecostals

1. Scientology and the Hare Krishna

List some ways that you see religion having social control in the everyday world.

15.1

What are some sacred items that you're familiar with? Are there some objects, such as cups, candles, or clothing, that would be considered profane in normal settings but are considered sacred in special circumstances or when used in specific ways?

15.1

Consider the different types of religious organizations in the United States. What role did ecclesia play in the history of the United States? How have sects tended to change over time? What role do cults have today?

15.2

In U.S. society, do you believe there is social stratification that correlates with religious beliefs? What about within the practitioners of a given religion? Provide examples to illustrate your point.

15.2

What is your understanding of monotheism versus polytheism? How might your ideology be an obstacle to understanding the theism of another religion you're unfamiliar with?

15.2

Do you believe the United States is becoming more secularized or more fundamentalist? Comparing your generation to that of your parents or grandparents, what differences do you see in the relationship between religion and society? What would popular media have you believe is the state of religion in the United States today?

15.3

Which of the main theoretical perspectives would approach religion from the micro-level, studying how religion impacts an individual's sense of support and well-being? 1. Functionalism 2. Symbolic interactionism 3. Conflict theory 4. Feminism

2. Symbolic interactionism

The Protestant work ethic was viewed in terms of its relationship to: 1. evolution and natural selection 2. capitalism 3. determinism 4. prejudice and discrimination

2. capitalism

A cultural universal is something that: 1. addresses all aspects of a group's behavior 2. is found in all cultures 3. is based on social norms 4. may or may not be of value in meeting social needs

2. is found in all cultures

A sect: 1. has generally grown so large that it needs new buildings and multiple leaders 2. often believes it must split from the larger group to return to important fundamentals 3. is another term for a cult 4. All of the above

2. often believes it must split from the larger group to return to important fundamentals

In what part of the world have Confucianism and Taoism been primarily practiced? 1. India 2. Europe 3. China 4. The Middle East

3. China

Which socialist perspective most emphasizes the ways in which religion helps to maintain social inequalities within a society? 1. Functional 2. Symbolic interactionist 3. Conflict theory 4. Feminist perspective

3. Conflict theory

The main difference between an ecclesia and a denomination is: 1. the number of followers or believers is much larger for denominations 2. the geographical location varies for ecclesia versus denominations 3. ecclesia are state-sponsored and considered an official religion 4. there are no important differences; the terms are interchangeable

3. ecclesia are state-sponsored and considered an official religion

Social scientists refer to the use of a church to combat social injustice in the political realm as: 1. the protestant work ethic 2. conflict management 3. liberation theology 4. justice work

3. liberation theology

Many stories in the sacred text of Judaism are: 1. referred to as the Apocrypha 2. oral traditions only because Judaism has no sacred text 3. shared by Christianity and Islam 4. no longer part of the Torah

3. shared by Christianity and Islam

In what ways does religion serve the role of a social institution? 1. Religions have a complex and integrated set of norms. 2. Religious practices and beliefs are related to societal values. 3. Religions often meet several basic needs. 4. All of the above

4. All of the above

What are some denominations of the Christian Protestant church? 1. Catholic and Jewish 2. Jehovah's Witnesses and Presbyterians 3. Scientology and Hare Krishna 4. Methodist and Seventh-day Adventist

4. Methodist and Seventh-day Adventist

What do Christianity and Islam have in common? 1. Both believe in a single supreme god. 2. Both share many of the same stories in their central religious texts. 3. Both believe in an afterlife 4. all of the above

4. all of the above

Megachurches tend to have: 1. a variety of male and female clergy 2. numerous buildings in which to meet 3. high attendance for only a limited time 4. large arenas where services are held

4. large arenas where services are held

megachurch

a Christian church that has a very large congregation averaging more than 2,000 people who attend regular weekly services

denomination

a large, mainstream religion that is not sponsored by the state

monotheism

a religion based on belief in a single deity

polytheism

a religion based on belief in multiple deities

ecclesia

a religion that is considered the state religion

sect

a small, new offshoot of a denomination

religion

a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what a person holds to be sacred or spiritually significant

religious rituals

behaviors or practices that are either required for or expected of the members of a particular group

cults

religious groups that are small, secretive, and highly controlling of members and have a charismatic leader

established sects

sects that last but do not become denominations

religious beliefs

specific ideas that members of a particular faith hold to be true

totemism

the belief in a divine connection between humans and other natural beings

atheism

the belief in no deities

religious experience

the conviction or sensation that one is connected to "the divine"

animism

the religion that believes in the divinity of nonhuman beings, like animals, plants, and objects of the natural world

liberation theology

the use of a church to promote social change via the political arena