Question 1

The process by which people in society become more concerned with worldly than with spiritual matters and religious organizations lose their influence over social life is called:

Accepted Answer

Secularization refers to the decline in the influence of religion and the increasing importance of secular (non-religious) values and institutions in society. It is characterized by a shift away from religious authority and toward rationality and scientific progress as the dominant values in society. This trend is often associated with modernization and industrialization. Charisma (A) refers to a personal quality that inspires devotion and loyalty in others. Millenarianism (B) refers to the belief in a coming millennium or utopian age, often associated with religious or political movements. Profanity (D) refers to language or behavior that is considered disrespectful or offensive, especially in a religious context. Shamanism (E) refers to a range of traditional beliefs and practices involving communication with the spirit world through a shaman or spiritual leader.

Question 2

The theorist who saw religion as a potential source of social transformation was:

Accepted Answer

Max Weber saw religion as a potential source of social transformation, particularly through his work on the Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, where he argued that religious ideas could influence economic behavior and societal change.

Question 3

In the classification of religious organizations based on early theories of Max Weber,Ernst Troeltsch,and Richard Niebuhr,_______________ were considered to be most established and conventional whereas _______________ were placed at the opposite end of the continuum.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the classification of religious organizations based...

Question 4

______________ are a form of religious revival,whereas ______________ are a form of religious innovation.

Accepted Answer

Sects are groups that break away from established religious institutions in an effort to restore what they believe to be the original values of the faith, representing a form of religious revival. Cults, on the other hand, introduce new beliefs and practices, representing a form of religious innovation.

Question 5

According to Émile Durkheim,the social function of religion is that it:

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim believed that the social function of religion was to provide coherence or solidarity to society by ensuring that people met regularly to affirm common beliefs and values. He argued that religion played an important role in creating a shared sense of purpose and identity among members of a community. This, in turn, helped to maintain social order and promote the stability of society.

Question 6

On September 11,2001,U.S.citizens attended church in tremendous numbers.This exemplifies the understanding of religion by:

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim believed that religion provided a sense of collective consciousness and social integration for individuals. The fact that U.S. citizens attended church in large numbers after 9/11 suggests that religion played a role in bringing people together during a time of crisis, which aligns with Durkheim's ideas.

Question 7

Max Weber considered the source of the capitalistic outlook found in the modern West to be:

Accepted Answer

Max Weber argued that the Protestant Reformation, particularly Calvinism, played a crucial role in the rise of capitalism in the West. Weber believed that the Protestant work ethic, which emphasized hard work, thrift, and self-discipline, created a mindset that valued efficiency and rationality in economic activities. This mindset, in turn, paved the way for the development of modern capitalism. Therefore, according to Weber, the source of the capitalistic outlook found in the modern West is Protestantism.

Question 8

Max Weber wrote an extensive study of worldwide religions.These writings differ from those by other theorists in that the focus is on religion:

Accepted Answer

Weber's writings on religion differ from other theorists in that they focus on the relationship between religion and social transformations. Weber explored how religious beliefs and practices can influence economic and political systems, and how changes in these systems can in turn impact religious beliefs and practices.

Question 9

The religious economy model is adapted from:

Accepted Answer

The religious economy model is adapted from the business world, applying economic concepts to analyze and understand religious behavior, competition, and the market dynamics of religions.

Question 10

_______________ the classical theorists,religious economists argue that competition with other religious and secular viewpoints ______________ religion in society overall.

Accepted Answer

Religious economists argue that competition with other religious and secular viewpoints actually strengthens religion in society overall, contrasting with classical theorists who might not see competition in the same positive light for religion.

Question 11

_______________ that survive over time become institutionalized as _______________.

Accepted Answer

Sects that survive over time and gain a significant number of followers often become more established and organized, transitioning into denominations. This process involves formalizing doctrines, practices, and organizational structures.

Question 12

To assess the extent of secularization,sociologists examine all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Sociologists do not typically examine an individual's personal beliefs in the existence of a single god, as this is more of a theological question than a sociological one. Instead, they focus on observable trends and patterns in religious participation, social influence, and other measurable factors.

Question 13

The theorist who would support the idea that after initially tolerating or endorsing slavery,church leaders eventually played a significant role in abolishing it was:

Accepted Answer

Max Weber argued that religion played a role in social change, including the abolition of slavery. He believed that Protestantism in particular, with its emphasis on individualism and equality, helped to foster a climate of social change that eventually led to the abolition of slavery. Therefore, Weber would support the idea that church leaders eventually played a significant role in abolishing slavery.

Question 14

The most likely to assert that "capitalism and industrialization expanded faster in those countries where Protestantism,rather than Catholicism,dominated the country" was:

Accepted Answer

Max Weber is known for his theory on the relationship between Protestantism and capitalism. He argued that Protestantism, particularly Calvinism, supported the development of capitalism due to its emphasis on hard work, thrift, and personal responsibility. Catholicism, on the other hand, emphasized obedience and traditional values, which Weber argued hindered the growth of capitalism.

Question 15

Secularization is:

Accepted Answer

Secularization refers to the decreased influence and power of religion in society. It does not necessarily imply a rejection of religion or the adoption of rational thinking, but rather a shift towards a more secular and diverse society.

Question 16

Of the following theorists,the one who was most interested in the world's religions was:

Accepted Answer

Max Weber was known for his interest and study of world religions. He wrote extensively on religion, including his famous work, "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism." Weber was interested in how religion influenced society and believed that different religions played a crucial role in shaping various cultures and societies.

Question 17

A religious organization that forms by breaking away from an established church,relies on people joining rather than being born into the group,and generally rejects or tries to change the surrounding society would be termed a:

Accepted Answer

A sect is a religious organization that forms by breaking away from an established church or denomination and generally rejects or tries to change the surrounding society. Sects often rely on people joining the group rather than being born into it. The term "cult" has negative connotations and implies extreme or dangerous beliefs or practices, so it is incorrect to use it to describe all sects.

Question 18

Because the terms sect and cult have negative connotations today,sociologists now prefer to call such groups:

Accepted Answer

While churches and denominations are specific types of organized religious groups with established beliefs and practices, "new social movements" is a broader term that includes other types of collective action beyond just religious organizations. "New Age religions" is a specific type of spiritual movement, while "cult" and "sect" carry negative connotations and are not neutral or unbiased terms. "New religious movements" is a neutral and precise term preferred by sociologists to refer to a wide range of non-traditional religious groups that have emerged in modern times.

Question 19

In a society with a great deal of pluralism in religion,such as the United States,different religious groups use marketing techniques to package an appealing product to attract buyers in a competitive market.The approach in the sociology of religion that uses this type of description was:

Accepted Answer

The description of different religions using marketing techniques to attract followers in a competitive market is a key concept in the theory of religious economy. This approach views religion as a market, where different religions compete for consumers based on their marketing strategies, appeal, and perceived benefits. The theory of religious economy is mainly associated with sociologists such as Rodney Stark and William Bainbridge.

Question 20

Max Weber regarded Christianity as a salvation religion in which human beings can be "saved" if they follow its moral tenets.According to him,eastern religions differ from Christianity in that they:

Accepted Answer

According to Weber, eastern religions tend to lack emotional dynamism and cultivate an attitude of passivity or acceptance, which is different from Christianity's focus on salvation through following moral tenets. Choice B is partially correct in that Christianity does demand a constant struggle against sin, but it does not necessarily lead to revolt. Choices C, D, and E are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect Weber's views on the differences between Christianity and eastern religions.

Quiz 17: Religion In Modern Society