Chat with AIExam 1: An Introduction to Religion and the Study of Religion
On the basis of the four criteria of clarity, inclusivity, specificity, and utility, evaluate the adequacy of each of the following definitions of religion for an academic study of the subject.
a. Religion is something one believes in or follows devotedly.
b. Religion is faith in Jesus Christ.
c. Religion is human transformation in response to perceived ultimacy.
(37) 
Answered by Examlex AI CopilotThe definition "Religion is something one believes in or follows devotedly" lacks clarity and specificity. It is too broad and does not provide a clear understanding of what religion entails. It also lacks inclusivity as it does not consider non-devotional or non-belief-based religious practices. In terms of utility, this definition may not be adequate for an academic study of religion as it does not provide a clear framework for analysis.
B: The definition "Religion is faith in Jesus Christ" is specific but lacks inclusivity and clarity. It excludes non-Christian religions and does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse religious traditions around the world. In terms of utility, this definition may not be adequate for an academic study of religion as it is too narrow and does not encompass the full scope of religious beliefs and practices.
C: The definition "Religion is human transformation in response to perceived ultimacy" is clear, inclusive, and specific. It acknowledges the diverse ways in which individuals and communities engage with religious beliefs and practices. In terms of utility, this definition may be more adequate for an academic study of religion as it provides a framework for understanding the transformative aspects of religious experiences across different traditions.
When speaking of spiritual ultimacy, Western religious traditions (e.g., Judaism, Christianity, Islam) tend to use __________ terms, whereas Eastern traditions (like Buddhism and Daoism) tend toward __________ language.
(32) 
VerifiedD
This text employs the __________ methods for the study of religion.
(36) VerifiedB
Which of the following terms is a synonym for "ultimacy" in this study?
(37) Symbolic actions that create sacred space and time are called __________.
(28) What are three possible ways that one may view the relationship between science and religion? Explain each position, comparing it with the other two. Which do you think is the best understanding? Why so?
(26) The author asserts that we can see the influence of religion in many aspects of the contemporary world, including the __________ arenas.
(38) The author of this text defines the term "religion" as __________.
(31) The general term for belief in one or more personal gods is __________.
(38) Define the term "ritual" and describe the key features of religious ritual. What role does ritual play in a religious system? Choose at least one example to illustrate how this works.
(35) The key elements of the author's working definition of religion are __________.
(40) Which of the terms best fits each of the descriptions of different approaches to the study of religion?
-Examining the role(s) religion plays in particular human contexts
(35) Which of the terms best fits each of the descriptions of different approaches to the study of religion?
-Describing how a religion has come into existence and developed through time
(37) What is the specialized meaning of "myth" in the study of religion? Name and describe at least two the types of myths. What role does myth play in a religious system? Choose at least one example to illustrate how this works.
(33) What are the basic characteristics of a phenomenological approach to the study of religion? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method versus the other approaches mentioned in this text (religious, philosophical, functional, historical, and comparative)?
(34) Evaluate the pros and cons of stipulating a working definition of "religion" when beginning the academic study of religion.
(32) Science and religion can be viewed as relating to each other in one of three different ways: __________.
(26) __________ is the belief in an impersonal ultimacy characterized by absolute unity.
(37) 
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