Question 1

Your textbook author suggests one way of promoting objectivity in studying the religions of the world is to __________.

Accepted Answer

Using comparisons allows for a more objective analysis of the religions of the world by identifying similarities and differences between them, rather than simply focusing on one religion's faults or inconsistencies. Criticizing or searching for faults and inconsistencies can actually inhibit objectivity, while reducing complex beliefs to simple ideas can oversimplify and distort their meaning.

Question 2

When we seek to study truth by using more than one source we are involved in __________.

Accepted Answer

When we use multiple sources to study truth, we engage in dialogue. This involves an exchange of ideas and perspectives from different sources, which encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. Monologue refers to a single person speaking without interruption or feedback, while myth refers to a traditional story that may or may not be true. Interpretation involves analyzing and making sense of information or texts.

Question 3

Your textbook author opens the chapter wondering whether his preference for the ________ qualifies as a religion.

Accepted Answer

The Steelers are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which aligns with the context of the question implying a sports team preference. The Bulls (NBA), Pistons (NBA), and Dolphins (NFL) are also sports teams, but the question does not specify a sport, making the Steelers a valid choice without specific context to indicate otherwise.

Question 4

Making comparisons based on data will help promote __________.

Accepted Answer

Making comparisons based on data allows for a more objective approach as it relies on concrete evidence rather than subjective opinions or beliefs.

Question 5

All sacred places have one thing in common. They are __________.

Accepted Answer

All sacred places are holy, as they hold religious or spiritual significance for the communities that worship or visit them. Insomuch as the other options may also be true, they are not necessarily universal qualities of all sacred places.

Question 6

Religions often serve to provide people with shared experiences and __________.

Accepted Answer

Religions often provide people with shared emotional experiences, such as feelings of reverence, awe, compassion, or gratitude towards a higher power or towards fellow believers. While religions may also provide guidance on career or financial matters, these are not necessarily their primary focus. Similarly, while religions may define moral or ethical boundaries, they do not necessarily require an external enemy for cohesion.

Question 7

Religions may not share many of the same beliefs, but there are some basic categories of things common to all, such as myth, doctrine, and ritual.

Accepted Answer

While religions may differ in their specific beliefs, most have some form of myth explaining their beliefs, a set of doctrines outlining their principles, and rituals or practices that are important to the faith.

Question 8

Your textbook author encourages you to study religion from a biased point of view.

Accepted Answer

Your textbook author encourages you to approach the study of religion with an open mind and without preconceived biases. They believe that a more objective and non-judgmental perspective can lead to a better understanding of different religions and their beliefs and practices.

Question 9

A Steelers fan waving a towel might be involved in a __________.

Accepted Answer

A ritual is a repeated pattern of behavior with a specific purpose or meaning, often associated with religious or cultural traditions. Waving a towel is a common ritual performed by Pittsburgh Steelers fans during games to show support for the team.

Question 10

Rituals help to __________ within a religious tradition.

Accepted Answer

Rituals are a set of actions, words, and symbols practiced within a religious tradition. They help to define life within the tradition by providing a sense of order, purpose, and meaning. Rituals can also deepen the spiritual connection between believers and their faith, helping them to understand their place within the larger context of the community and the universe. While rituals may be used to control believers in some cases, this is not their primary purpose within a religious context. Similarly, rituals are not intended to explain superiority or help earn money, although they may be co-opted for these purposes in some situations.

Question 11

The effort to seek a genuine understanding is __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The effort to seek a genuine understanding...

Question 12

A myth is __________.

Accepted Answer

A myth is a sacred story that typically explains the origins of a people or a natural phenomenon and underlies the beliefs and practices of that culture. It often involves supernatural beings or events and reflects the values, morals, and worldview of its society. A statement of belief (A) could refer to any kind of belief, not necessarily a myth. An event of profane significance (C) does not relate to the concept of myth, which is typically associated with sacred stories. An account of everyday activities from the perspective of nonbelievers (D) does not capture the religious or spiritual nature of myth.

Question 13

An explanation designed to help believers understand the world and know how to behave is a __________.

Accepted Answer

A doctrine is a set of beliefs and principles that explain the world and give guidance on how to behave.

Question 14

A ritual is a __________.

Accepted Answer

A ritual is a repeated action with meaning, often performed in a religious or spiritual context. It is different from a habitual action without meaning or a statement guiding behavior, as it has a specific significance or symbolism. While a story illustrating basic truths may be used in a ritual, it is not the defining characteristic of a ritual.

Question 15

When we seek to study truth by using only one source we are involved in __________.

Accepted Answer

Monologue refers to a conversation or a discourse in which only one person speaks or expresses an opinion. When we seek to study truth by using only one source, we are engaged in a one-sided conversation or monologue, which limits our understanding and perspective. It is important to engage in dialogue and consider multiple sources of information to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the truth.

Question 16

Any repeated action is a ritual.

Accepted Answer

A repeated action can be a habit or routine, but it becomes a ritual when it is performed with intention and is imbued with meaning, often in a ceremonial or symbolic context.

Question 17

Which of the following is a definition of "truthiness"?

Accepted Answer

"Truthiness" refers to a claim or statement that is presented as true or factual, despite lacking supporting evidence or verifiability. It is often used to describe statements that are repeated so often that they become accepted as true, even if they are not actually accurate or valid.

Question 18

Doctrines are statements which explain the nature of the world.

Accepted Answer

Doctrines are statements or beliefs which explain the nature of the world, often in the context of religion, philosophy or politics.

Question 19

An open conversation in search of truth is a __________.

Accepted Answer

An open conversation in search of truth involves a back-and-forth exchange of ideas, perspectives, and insights between at least two people. This is known as a dialogue, which encourages critical thinking, inquiry, and collaboration. A monologue, on the other hand, involves one person speaking without interruption or response from others, and thus does not promote the same level of intellectual engagement. Scholarship is a term used to describe the pursuit of knowledge in a particular field or subject, often through systematic study or research. Mythology refers to a collection of myths and stories that are used to explain natural phenomena, cultural traditions, and religious beliefs. While these terms may relate to the concept of truth-seeking in different ways, they do not fully capture the nuanced and dynamic nature of an open conversation in search of truth.

Question 20

Being a fan of a sports team has nothing in common with being a member of a religious group.

Accepted Answer

Being a fan of a sports team and being a member of a religious group both involve communal experiences, shared rituals, and a sense of belonging to a larger community, highlighting similarities in social and psychological aspects.

Quiz 2: Talking About Religion