reading quiz 1

Question 1

why is religious studies a recent development ?

Answer 1

before the European enlightenment of the 18th century, religion was not separate from other aspects of culture

Question 2

who conceived religion as something separate from the various phenomena the human min dis capable of perceiving?

Answer 2

Immanuel Kant

Question 3

why is religion not theology?

Answer 3

theology is doing/being religious; religious studies is based on the analysis of empirical data

Question 4

outcome of the enlightenment

Answer 4

impulse toward separating religion from other aspects of culture = the attempt to produce a universal definition of the term

Question 5

A religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden- beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them.

Answer 5

Emile Durkheim

Question 6

Religion is the feelings, acts and experiences of individual men in their solitude, so far as they apprehend themselves to stand in relation to whatever they may consider the divine.

Answer 6

William James

Question 7

The religious aspect points to that which is ultimate, infinite, unconditional in man’s spiritual life. Religion, in the largest and most basic sense of the word, is ultimate concern.

Answer 7

Paul Tillich

Question 8

problem with Durkeim’s definition

Answer 8

reduces religion to an effect of societal forces formed by societal needs to promote social unity

Question 9

problem with James’ definition

Answer 9

emphasizes the individual nature of religion; lacks social nature

Question 10

problem with Tillich’s definition

Answer 10

ultimate concern is too broad and includes people who are “spiritual” but not religious

Question 11

Harper Collins Dictionary of Religion

Answer 11

a system of beliefs and practices that are relative to superhuman beings

Question 12

Bruce Lincoln’s definition

Answer 12

religion always consists of four “domains”: discourse, practice, community, institution

Textbook uses this definition!

Question 13

Marx’s beliefs on religion

Answer 13

Religion functions as an opiate that deters the suffering individual from attending to the true cause of the struggle

Question 14

Freud’s beliefs on religion

Answer 14

Religion is an unhealthy but soothing buffer against inner terrors of psyche