Question 1

Hassan's research shows a decline in religious belief and involvement among young people,weakening the social and political power of religious organizations.Sociologists refer to this process as

Accepted Answer

Secularization is the process by which religion loses its influence over various spheres of social life, including politics and culture, often leading to a decline in religious belief and involvement.

Question 2

The term religious economy refers to

Accepted Answer

Religious economy refers to the concept that religious organizations operate in a competitive environment, vying for followers, similar to businesses in a market economy.

Question 3

The theorist who saw religion as having the potential to bring social change was

Accepted Answer

The answer of The theorist who saw religion as having...

Question 4

Max Weber believed that _____ was the source of the capitalistic outlook found in the modern West.

Accepted Answer

Max Weber believed that Protestantism was the source of the capitalistic outlook found in the modern West. He argued that the Protestant ethic, which emphasized hard work, thrift, and self-discipline, created a culture that was conducive to the development of capitalism.

Question 5

Émile Durkheim's theory of religion is a good example of the _____ tradition in sociology.

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim's theory of religion is a good example of the functionalist tradition in sociology, as it emphasizes the role of religion in maintaining social cohesion and stability.

Question 6

Why did Max Weber believe Christianity contained possibilities for social change that Eastern religions did not?

Accepted Answer

Weber believed that Christianity's emphasis on the struggle against sin and its call for transformation could inspire social change, unlike Eastern religions, which he viewed as promoting acceptance and passivity.

Question 7

Hugo notes in his research that religiously inspired movements have often produced dramatic social transformations.His views most closely resemble those of

Accepted Answer

Max Weber's work often explored the impact of religious ideas on social change, particularly in his study of the Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, which aligns with Hugo's observation about religiously inspired movements leading to social transformations.

Question 8

Ella thinks that the rise in science,technology,and rational thought threatens religion.Some sociologists refer to this as

Accepted Answer

Secular thinking refers to a worldview that emphasizes science, technology, and rational thought, often seen as being in contrast to religious beliefs.

Question 9

Why did Émile Durkheim believe that religion was useful for human societies?

Accepted Answer

Durkheim believed that religion was useful for human societies because it served to cohere a society by ensuring that people meet regularly to affirm common beliefs and values, thus promoting social solidarity.

Question 10

Emma believes religious ceremonies and rituals are essential to unifying the members of groups.Her view most closely resembles that of

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim emphasized the role of religion in maintaining social cohesion and unity through shared rituals and ceremonies.

Question 11

Joe's family has a candle that they light for particular religious ceremonies.It is seen as a special object,apart from everyday life,that is to be treated with special respect.Émile Durkheim would refer to this object as

Accepted Answer

Durkheim's concept of the sacred refers to objects, symbols, and beliefs that are set apart from the ordinary and treated with reverence and respect. In this case, the candle is seen as a special object that is used for religious ceremonies and is treated with special respect, making it an example of the sacred.

Question 12

Adhira thinks that religion serves a function in society by cohering social groups under some common ideas and morals.Her views most closely resemble those of

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim believed that religion plays a crucial role in creating social cohesion and maintaining social order by uniting people under shared beliefs and practices.

Question 13

Omar thinks that Christianity demands a constant struggle against sin and so can stimulate revolt against the existing order.His views most closely resemble those of

Accepted Answer

Max Weber's views on religion, particularly in "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism," suggest that religious beliefs can lead to social change and influence economic systems, aligning with Omar's view of Christianity stimulating revolt against the existing order.

Question 14

Stephen thinks that the presence of numerous religions means that there is likely to be something for just about everyone.This view reflects the idea of

Accepted Answer

The idea that the presence of numerous religions means there is something for everyone aligns with the concept of religious economy, which suggests that religious diversity allows for a marketplace of religions catering to different preferences and needs.

Question 15

Why did Max Weber largely disagree with Karl Marx's ideas on religion?

Accepted Answer

Weber believed that religion could be a catalyst for social change, as seen in his work "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism," where he argued that religious ideas could influence economic behavior and societal transformations.

Question 16

The owner of a small but thriving software company decides to sell her business and devote herself to meditation and spiritual awakening.According to Weber's theory of religion and commerce,which religious tradition does this decision represent?

Accepted Answer

Weber's theory suggests that Hinduism, with its emphasis on spiritual goals and detachment from material wealth, aligns with the decision to leave a business for spiritual pursuits.

Question 17

Religion has the function of uniting a society by ensuring that people meet regularly to affirm common beliefs and values.This is most closely connected to the work of

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim is known for his work on the social functions of religion, emphasizing its role in uniting society and reinforcing collective beliefs and values.

Question 18

Why was Karl Marx critical of religion?

Accepted Answer

Marx believed that religion was a way for people to escape their reality and that it represented human self-alienation, as it distracted them from addressing the real issues in their lives, particularly those related to economic and social conditions.

Question 19

Émile Durkheim defined religion in terms of a distinction between the _____ and the _____.

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim defined religion as a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, which are set apart and forbidden, as opposed to the profane, which are the ordinary elements of everyday life.

Question 20

In Connie's family,bowls are just routine,everyday parts of life.Émile Durkheim would refer to these objects as

Accepted Answer

Durkheim would classify everyday, routine objects as "profane," distinguishing them from "sacred" objects, which hold special significance.

Quiz 12: Education and Religion