Deck 1: Defining Religion

Question 1

What is the definition of the following term:
-elements (of religion):

Answer 1

The various specifiable contents of religion in general.

Question 2

What is the definition of the following term:
-functional equivalents (of religion):

Answer 2

Ways of life that function for people like a religion functions, but which are not religions.

Question 3

What is the definition of the following term:
-functions (of religion):

Answer 3

Specifications of what religions do, the effects they have in human life.

Question 4

What is the definition of the following term:
-phenomenology (as a study of religion):

Question 5

What is the definition of the following term:
-reductionism:

Question 6

What is the definition of the following term:
-religion (this text's proposed definition):

Question 7

What is the definition of the following term:
-too broad:

Question 8

What is the definition of the following term:
-too narrow:

Question 9

What is the definition of the following term:
-transmundane:

Question 10

In class, it was said that we take a "phenomenological approach" to the study of religion. This means

A) we try to study a religion the way the followers themselves understand and practice it.
B) we try to see within the world's religions how they are all alike and can get along better.
C) we try to see how religion fulfills people's psychological needs, even if they do not know it.
D) we try to analyze the world's religions philosophically in hopes of seeing which one is true.

Question 11

The approach to the study of religion in this textbook is known as

A) the sacred approach.
B) the mystical approach.
C) the evolutionary approach.
D) the phenomenological approach.

Question 12

Three basic elements of religion that are the focus of this text are

A) God, freedom, and immortality.
B) thought, feeling, and action.
C) faith, hope, and love.
D) Moe, Larry, and Curly.

Question 13

The book and lecture suggest that

A) we should try to find a definition of religion because then we can decide who is right and who is wrong.
B) we should not try to find a definition of religion because everyone is different.
C) we should try to define religion in a way that is justifiable and helpful, in order to have a reasoned discussion of what we are studying.
D) we can try to define religion if we find it entertaining, but it does not really matter.

Question 14

According to the author, "Religion is a set of personal beliefs" is

A) too broad for a definition of religion.
B) too narrow for a definition of religion.
C) a perfect definition of religion.
D) just so clearly false it is unworthy of consideration.

Question 15

According to the author, "Religion is a belief in Jesus as savior" is

A) too broad for a definition of religion.
B) too narrow for a definition of religion.
C) a perfect definition of religion.
D) just so clearly false it is unworthy of consideration.

Question 16

In defining "religion," the author uses the example of

A) trying to define "god" or "spirit" to an atheist.
B) trying to define "nirvana" or "enlightenment" to a non-Buddhist.
C) trying to define "tire" or "hubcap" to a mechanic.
D) trying to define "party" or "game" to an alien.

Question 17

According to the author, a dialectic

A) advances our understanding of religion by having a dialogue between people of various religions.
B) advances our understanding of religion by comparing definitions to examples.
C) causes confusion when trying to understand religion by reducing religion to one of its elements.
D) seeks to avoid religious conflict altogether.

Question 18

According to the author, reductionistic definitions of religion

A) are insufficient because they reduce many elements of religion to a single function.
B) are insufficient because they are Marxist.
C) are insufficient because they tell us nothing at all about religion.
D) are useful for truly intelligent people who understand religion's real nature.

Question 19

A functional equivalent of religion might be

A) the older gentleman who plays golf "religiously" to help him cope with his fear of dying.
B) someone joining a club to find friends and a supportive community.
C) devoting oneself to helping the poor to feel that one's life is useful.
D) all of the above

Question 20

According to the author, Sigmund Freud saying "Religion is a projection of a father figure into the heavens" is an example of

A) reductionism.
B) hypersensitivity.
C) the transmundane.
D) religious pluralism.

Question 21

Schleiermacher's and Tillich's definitions of religion as given in the text focus on what elements of religion?

A) beliefs
B) practices
C) feelings
D) all of the above

Question 22

Immanuel Kant's definition of religion as given in the text focuses on what elements of religion?

A) beliefs
B) practices
C) feelings
D) all of the above

Question 23

Which of the following is the author's proposed definition of religion?

A) A complex set of beliefs, behaviors, and experiences rooted in some notion of transmundane reality thought of as Ultimate Being.
B) Belief in a divine or superhuman power or powers to be obeyed and worshiped as the creator(s) and ruler(s) of the universe.
C) A set of rituals, rationalized by myth, which mobilizes supernatural power.
D) The recognition of our moral duties as divine commands.

Question 24

According to the author, a key element that separates religious from nonreligious functions is

A) a deep and abiding feeling that one's life is important.
B) true concern for humanity.
C) belief in a single, absolute God.
D) the presence of some notion of Ultimate Being.

Question 25

The author's proposed definition of religion includes

A) some elements that deal with religious belief.
B) some elements that deal with religious actions.
C) some elements that deal with religious feelings.
D) all of the above

Question 26

Matching: The letter of the correct definition is given in the space provided.
-Function

A) The defining content of what religion is about, the "stuff" of religion.
B) The nature of a definition of religion that is so general that it includes items that are not religion.
C) The nature of a definition of religion that specifies too much content and so omits some religions.
D) A tendency to interpret a complex phenomenon (like religion) in terms of only one of its functions.
E) The various social and psychological effects of religion, for example, how it helps people respond to suffering.

Question 27

Matching: The letter of the correct definition is given in the space provided.
-Reductionism

A) The defining content of what religion is about, the "stuff" of religion.
B) The nature of a definition of religion that is so general that it includes items that are not religion.
C) The nature of a definition of religion that specifies too much content and so omits some religions.
D) A tendency to interpret a complex phenomenon (like religion) in terms of only one of its functions.
E) The various social and psychological effects of religion, for example, how it helps people respond to suffering.

Question 28

Matching: The letter of the correct definition is given in the space provided.
-Substance

A) The defining content of what religion is about, the "stuff" of religion.
B) The nature of a definition of religion that is so general that it includes items that are not religion.
C) The nature of a definition of religion that specifies too much content and so omits some religions.
D) A tendency to interpret a complex phenomenon (like religion) in terms of only one of its functions.
E) The various social and psychological effects of religion, for example, how it helps people respond to suffering.

Question 29

Matching: The letter of the correct definition is given in the space provided.
-Too Broad

A) The defining content of what religion is about, the "stuff" of religion.
B) The nature of a definition of religion that is so general that it includes items that are not religion.
C) The nature of a definition of religion that specifies too much content and so omits some religions.
D) A tendency to interpret a complex phenomenon (like religion) in terms of only one of its functions.
E) The various social and psychological effects of religion, for example, how it helps people respond to suffering.

Question 30

Matching: The letter of the correct definition is given in the space provided.
-Too Narrow

A) The defining content of what religion is about, the "stuff" of religion.
B) The nature of a definition of religion that is so general that it includes items that are not religion.
C) The nature of a definition of religion that specifies too much content and so omits some religions.
D) A tendency to interpret a complex phenomenon (like religion) in terms of only one of its functions.
E) The various social and psychological effects of religion, for example, how it helps people respond to suffering.

Question 31

There are many distinct but interwoven elements of religion.

Question 32

It is important to find a definition of religion that is neither too narrow nor too broad.

Question 33

It is simply impossible to define "religion" adequately, and so it is best that we just leave it undefined.

Question 34

It is important to use examples of religions we recognize to help us clarify our definition of religion.

Question 35

We can use examples of ideals and practices that are not religions to help us clarify our definition of religion.

Question 36

According to the author, reductionism and functional equivalence offer a sufficient definition of religion.

Question 37

Psychological and sociological studies of religion can never be useful.

Question 38

It is probably best for defining a difficult term like "religion" just to consult the dictionary.

Question 39

The author suggests that a useful definition of religion should include a variety of elements.

Question 40

The author suggests that an adequate definition of religion should include a reference to some general notion of something beyond the world.

Question 41

Ultimately, our definition of religion has to satisfy everyone.

Question 42

Once we define the word "religion," we do not have to consider redefining it.

Question 43

Choose an example of a definition of religion from the text, or one you suggest yourself, and evaluate it using a dialectic of definition and examples.

Question 44

Explain in your own words the elements of "Beauty, Truth and Goodness" and describe how they are all part of religious life. Do you think this threefold list is adequate? Explain why or why not.

Question 45

Describe the "phenomenological approach" to religion, perhaps in contrast to a reductionistic one, and explain why the author thinks the former is best. Argue for or against this point.

Question 46

In our text, playing golf or following Elvis were noted as a possible functional equivalent of religion. In class we noted others, such as club membership, political or economic systems, and maybe even atheism. Briefly explain what "functional equivalent of religion" means. Then pick an example and illustrate the concept, showing, for example, what makes it like religion but not religion.

Question 47

Choose three definitions of religion that you think are, respectively, too broad, too narrow, and most useful. Explain these evaluations of the definitions and ultimately defend the one you think is most useful.