Chapter 15

Question 1

animism

Answer 1

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

Question 2

atheism

Answer 2

the belief in no deities

Question 3

cults

Answer 3

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

Question 4

denomination

Answer 4

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

Question 5

ecclesia

Answer 5

sects that last but do not become denominations

Question 6

liberation theology

Answer 6

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

Question 7

megachurch

Answer 7

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

Question 8

monotheism

Answer 8

a religion based on belief in a single deity

Question 9

polytheism

Answer 9

a religion based on belief in multiple deities

Question 10

religion

Answer 10

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

Question 11

religious beliefs

Answer 11

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

Question 12

religious experience

Answer 12

the conviction or sensation that one is connected to “the divine”

Question 13

religious rituals

Answer 13

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

Question 14

sect

Answer 14

a small, new offshoot of a denomination

Question 15

totemism

Answer 15

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