Religion

Question 1

A set of organized beliefs about the supernatural or spiritual worlds that guide behaviours and joins people into communities of believers

Answer 1

religion

Question 2

a belief system based on conviction that does not require objective evidence to substantiate its claims

Answer 2

faith

Question 3

a belief that all things possess a spirit

Answer 3

animism

Question 4

belief in many gods; can be diffuse, with all gods considered equal, or hierarchal, with gods ranked in importance of power

Answer 4

polytheism

Question 5

Belief in a single, all powerful, all knowing God

Answer 5

monotheism

Question 6

Exists when scared symbols are integrated into the broader society regardless of their individual religious affiliations

Answer 6

Civil Religion (Secular Religion)

Question 7

An informal group without defined structure; generally emerges around authoritarian and charismatic leaders who suppress rational thought to isolate members from the larger society

Answer 7

New Religious Movement

Question 8

A small religious body with exclusive or voluntary membership that is aloof from or hostile to the larger society

Answer 8

Sect

Question 9

An institution that brings together a moral community of believers in formal worship and integrates itself within the larger secular world

Answer 9

Church

Question 10

A system in which many religious coexist and often compete with one another for members

Answer 10

religious pluralism

Question 11

A system in which a church and the state have a formalized relationship

Answer 11

ecclesia

Question 12

Weber’s term for religions that seek HARMONY with the natural world, other people, and human body

Answer 12

mysticism

Question 13

weber’s term for religions that seek MASTERY over the natural world, other people, and the human body

Answer 13

asceticism

Question 14

A religious orientation that focuses on the TANGIBLE world and our own creature comforts and aspirations

Answer 14

inner-worldly

Question 15

A religious orientation that focuses on SEPARATION from the everyday world and finding spiritual enlightenment

Answer 15

other-worldly

Question 16

A form of gov’t in which a god or other supernatural being is seen as the supreme civil ruler

Answer 16

theocracy

Question 17

the moral responsibilities and guidelines that define an entire way of life

Answer 17

dharma

Question 18

reincarnation, where the soul undergoes a series of births and deaths

Answer 18

samsara

Question 19

the hindu state of spiritual perfection

Answer 19

moksha

Question 20

the belief in cause and effect in a person’s life; you reap what you sow

Answer 20

karma

Question 21

the buddhist state of spiritual perfection

Answer 21

nirvana

Question 22

a movement designed to revitalize faith by retuning to traditional religious practices

Answer 22

fundamentalism

Question 23

someone who thinks it is impossible to know whether gods exists, but DOES NOT deny the possibility

Answer 23

agnostic

Question 24

someone who denies the exsistence of any supernatural beings or forces

Answer 24

atheist

Question 25

elements of the everyday world that do not inspire or motivate

Answer 25

profane

Question 26

things or activities that are set apart. ritualized, and at times inspire emotional reactions

Answer 26

sacred

Question 27

an object that has special significance and meaning for a group of believers

Answer 27

totem

Question 28

the doctrine that God alone chooses (or elects) who is saved

Answer 28

predestination

Question 29

one’s work believed to be an expression of God’s will, particularly if that work brings fanancial success

Answer 29

calling

Question 30

a movement by religious fundamentalists who advocate for a literal interpretation of the Bible to promote greater social equality

Answer 30

liberation theology

Question 31

the process by which developed societies move away from explanations based on religion to ones based on science, rationality, and logic

Answer 31

secularization