REL 212--Final Milestone Unit 1

Which of the following best describes what is meant by the term "impulse?" A feeling of complete dependence. A non-rational drive or desire. A religious ritual, usually done in groups. The act of converting to a new religion.

A non-rational drive or desire.

What is a social convention? The "natural" state of human beings, defined by social and psychological drives rather than culture. A societal or group custom, belief, or tradition that is widely practiced. The process by which children learn the norms and accepted practices of their culture. Any belief or practice that sits outside of the mainstream worldview of a particular group.

A societal or group custom, belief, or tradition that is widely practiced.

Nearly all religions are rich with narratives. What does the term "narrative" refer to? A story or an approach that uses storytelling to make larger points. The entire history of a tradition up until the present. A person who tells a sacred story. Lists of important points of doctrine.

A story or an approach that uses storytelling to make larger points.

Which of the following is the best definition for the philosophy of religion? A scholarly field that aims to address individual religious experience A discipline that cannot be practiced by believers, as it holds an objective viewpoint on the topic of religion An academic discipline that considers religious questions from a broad, scholarly standpoint The study of religious mythologies for the purpose of comparing philosophy of religions against each other

An academic discipline that considers religious questions from a broad, scholarly standpoint

Based on your study of Buddhism, which of the following is an accurate description of the religion's outlook on god/gods? All Buddhists believe in many gods/goddesses. Buddhists believe that Buddha was the one true God. Buddhists believe in a creator god. Buddhism is non-theistic.

Buddhism is non-theistic.

Which of the following is a central claim of Judaism? Claims that Jews are the chosen people of God It is one of the world's oldest polytheistic religions Claims to have been founded 2,500 years ago Claims that Jesus of Nazareth, while not the Messiah, is an important prophet

Claims that Jews are the chosen people of God

Which of the following accurately describes Confucianism? Confucianism is a religion that stresses release from this world and is incompatible with other religions. Confucianism is a monotheistic religion that attracts the status quo and current norms but limits social or political control. Confucianism is a religion that stresses surrender to God's will and is compatible with other religions. Confucianism is principally an ethical, moral, and philosophical system that stresses loyalty to family, society, and government.

Confucianism is principally an ethical, moral, and philosophical system that stresses loyalty to family, society, and government.

Which of the following best describes the religious origin of "cursing?" Cursing was the act of saying socially unacceptable words in God's presence. Cursing referred to any action that upset the divine. Cursing was originally a request for God to intervene by helping someone, later known as "blessing." Cursing was a request for God to harm the person being cursed.

Cursing was a request for God to harm the person being cursed.

Who of the following was a pioneer in the sociology of religion? Otto Durkheim Van der Leeuw Eliade

Durkheim

Which of the following sentences correctly describes Hinduism? Hinduism originated in east Asia and aims to reconcile individuals to their lives. Hinduism is a henotheistic religion that has liberation from the world as its main goal. Hinduism is a clearly defined religion with an identifiable founding. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion with a single sacred text.

Hinduism is a henotheistic religion that has liberation from the world as its main goal.

Who among the following is NOT considered a prophet in Islam? Moses Ibn Sina (Avicenna) Muhammad Jesus

Ibn Sina (Avicenna)

Which of the following is a Western religion? Buddhism Shinto Jainism Islam

Islam

Which of the following correctly describes a way in which religion has been intertwined with society over time? It has been easy to define It is what makes us "human" It has been regarded as law It has been too difficult for most to understand

It has been regarded as law

Select the true statement about the key scholars in the field of the phenomenology of religion. M Eliade wrote about the sacred and profane. M. Eliade emphasized power as an element of religion. G. Van der Leeuw considered "the holy" to be the proper focus of religion studies. R. Otto focused on the universality of religious experience.

M Eliade wrote about the sacred and profane.

Which of the following is true of Shinto? Originates from Korea Originates from China Originates from Japan Originates from India

Originates from Japan

What does it mean to try to be "objective" when studying religion? Devoting an equal amount of time to studying every religion. Only studying one religion. Determining which religions are most true. Refraining from judging the religion being studied.

Refraining from judging the religion being studied.

Which of the following describes theology? Seeks to ask and answer questions related to the underlying reality of the unseen. Takes as its subject matter the way in which religion manifests itself as a phenomenon. Seeks to bracket unanswerable questions. Seeks to understand how a religion has changed over time.

Seeks to ask and answer questions related to the underlying reality of the unseen.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between religion and society? Parasitic, religions take advantage of society. Parasitic, societies take advantage of religion. Symbiotic, they are related, but function independently. Symbiotic, they often serve each other's needs.

Symbiotic, they often serve each other's needs.

Which of the following is the correct definition of comparative religion? The scholarly examination and comparison of the beliefs, rituals, customs, and traditions of two or more religions The comparative study of religions and the objective search for which one is most true The comparison of only the texts within religions in order to point out similarities and difference The study of multiple religious traditions in order to prove the existence or non-existence of God

The scholarly examination and comparison of the beliefs, rituals, customs, and traditions of two or more religions

What does the term "phenomenology" refer to? A method of reducing religious experience to something natural, also known as reductionism. A branch of psychology that describes the function of religion. The most general study of all human phenomena, including religion. The science of the experience of consciousness.

The science of the experience of consciousness.

Which of the following best describes a person that claims to be an atheist? They believe that God does not exist. They believe that God exists, but religions are a human construction. They believe that God is not personal (i.e. has relationships with humans). They believe that the answer to God's existence can never be known.

They believe that God does not exist.

Which of the following is NOT part of the Christian Trinity? Son Father Holy Spirit Virgin Mary

Virgin Mary

Is it possible to understand religion without a clear definition of what religion is? No, we need an explicit definition or we don't know what we are studying. Yes, because religious scholars can pick anything and label it "religion." No, and a clear definition is impossible. Yes, because we can still find similar features in religions that tie them together.

Yes, because we can still find similar features in religions that tie them together.

Which of the following correctly defines "myth?" Something that cannot be true, due to the absence of empirical data to support it A rational and cohesive account of human origins A claim or narrative that is believed to be true, despite the absence of empirical data An antiquated story that cannot be proven to be true with or without empirical data

A claim or narrative that is believed to be true, despite the absence of empirical data

Which of the following is the etymology (origin) of the word "religion?" It is derived from the Greek word for "life" It is derived from the Latin word for "divine" It is derived from the Latin word for "piety" It is derived from the Hebrew word for "all-knowing"

It is derived from the Latin word for "piety"