Question 1

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.

Accepted Answer

The 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.

Question 2

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   impersonal (monistic) , personal (theistic) 
B)   impersonal (theistic) , personal (monistic) 
C)   personal (monistic) , impersonal (theistic) 
D)   personal (theistic) , impersonal (monistic)  D

Question 3

This text employs the __________ methods for the study of religion.

Accepted Answer

A)   comparative, functional, and religious
B)   comparative, historical, and phenomenological
C)   comparative, historical, and philosophical
D)   functional, historical, and philosophical
E)   functional, phenomenological, and religious B

Question 4

Which of the following terms is a synonym for "ultimacy" in this study?

Accepted Answer

A)   god
B)   life
C)   nothingness
D)   sacred
E)   symbol

Question 5

Symbolic actions that create sacred space and time are called __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   eschatological myths
B)   magic
C)   origins myths
D)   religious images
E)   religious rituals

Question 6

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?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are three possible ways that one...

Question 7

The author asserts that we can see the influence of religion in many aspects of the contemporary world, including the __________ arenas.

Accepted Answer

A)   artistic, economic, and political
B)   artistic, political, and social
C)   economic, political, and scientific
D)   economic, individual, and social
E)   political, economic, and military

Question 8

The author of this text defines the term "religion" as __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   belief in a transcendent, personal deity
B)   emotional escape from the troubles of daily life
C)   faith in Jesus Christ
D)   human transformation in response to perceived ultimacy
E)   something one believes in or follows devotedly

Question 9

The general term for belief in one or more personal gods is __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   agnosticism
B)   atheism
C)   monotheism
D)   polytheism
E)   theism

Question 10

The term "indigenous religions" refers to __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   extinct religions
B)   the earliest and most basic form of religion
C)   religions of Southeast Asia
D)   religions of the Middle East
E)   new religions

Question 11

Religious "myth" refers to __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   false stories that bolster people's unscientific views of the universe
B)   fictional stories that teach pseudo-science
C)   foundational stories that reveal how life is to be understood
D)   stories from primitive (and now dead)  religions

Question 12

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the term "ritual" and describe the...

Question 13

The key elements of the author's working definition of religion are __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   belief, human, transformation
B)   belief, community, ethics
C)   community, ethics, human
D)   ethics, human, ultimacy
E)   human, transformation, ultimacy

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

A)   comparative
B)   functional
C)   historical
D)   phenomenological
E)   philosophical

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

A)   comparative
B)   functional
C)   historical
D)   phenomenological
E)   philosophical

Question 16

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the specialized meaning of "myth"...

Question 17

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)?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the basic characteristics of a...

Question 18

Evaluate the pros and cons of stipulating a working definition of "religion" when beginning the academic study of religion.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Evaluate the pros and cons of stipulating...

Question 19

Science and religion can be viewed as relating to each other in one of three different ways: __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   complementary, enemies, or non-competing
B)   confused, enemies, or friends
C)   confused, friends, or functionally equivalent
D)   enemies, friends, or functionally equivalent

Question 20

__________ is the belief in an impersonal ultimacy characterized by absolute unity.

Accepted Answer

A)   Henotheism
B)   Monism
C)   Monotheism
D)   Pantheism
E)   Polytheism

Exam 1: An Introduction to Religion and the Study of Religion

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.