Question 1

The term "ecstatic" - which is one way the shaman makes contact with the spirit world - means what?

Accepted Answer

The term "ecstatic" is derived from the Greek word "ekstasis," which means "to stand outside" oneself, often referring to an altered state of consciousness.

Question 2

For what reason, traditionally, have rituals concerning animals been performed in many societies?

Accepted Answer

Rituals concerning animals have traditionally been performed to appease their spirits, often as a way to show respect and gratitude for the animals' sacrifice and to ensure successful future hunts or harmonious coexistence.

Question 3

What do various ancient hunting rituals show about the beliefs of people in those societies?

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is D because ancient hunting rituals often involved rituals to appease the spirit of the killed animal, showing that they believed the spirit survived death.

Question 4

What did many ancient cultures believed about uninhabited areas?

Accepted Answer

Many ancient cultures believed that uninhabited areas were guarded by resident spirits, often considering them sacred or dangerous due to the presence of these spirits.

Question 5

What was traditionally one way to deal with unfriendly spirits, according to many ancient cultures?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What was traditionally one way to deal...

Question 6

People in the Neolithic era went to extraordinary lengths to do what?

Accepted Answer

During the Neolithic era, people went to extraordinary lengths to create sacred areas, as evidenced by the construction of monumental structures like Stonehenge and Göbekli Tepe, which were likely used for religious or ceremonial purposes.

Question 7

What was one very important function of Neolithic-era priests?

Accepted Answer

Neolithic-era priests played a crucial role in tracking the seasons, which was important for agricultural societies to determine the best times for planting and harvesting crops.

Question 8

What is an axis mundi?

Accepted Answer

The axis mundi is a concept representing a symbolic connection between the earth and the sky, often seen as the center of the world in various religious and mythological traditions.

Question 9

The Hindu goddess Durga is often depicted riding which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Durga is traditionally depicted riding a lion or a tiger, symbolizing her power and courage.

Question 10

What animal has frequently been associated with the most powerful male deities in religious traditions?

Accepted Answer

The bull has often been associated with powerful male deities in various religious traditions due to its symbolism of strength, fertility, and dominance.

Question 11

Ancient Indo-European culture included a social system that divided people in which way?

Accepted Answer

The ancient Indo-European culture, particularly as seen in the Vedic society of ancient India, was divided into four main varnas or classes: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (middle-class commoners), and Shudras (servants).

Question 12

What does the word "prophet" mean?

Accepted Answer

A prophet is traditionally understood as someone who is believed to speak on behalf of a deity, often conveying messages or teachings, and may also have the ability to foresee future events.

Question 13

At which famous site did virgin priestesses deliver prophetic messages from the god Apollo?

Accepted Answer

The temple of Delphi in ancient Greece was where the Pythia, or the Oracle of Delphi, delivered prophecies believed to be inspired by the god Apollo.

Question 14

Zarathustra (or Zoroaster) wrote a collection of poems to the wise lord known by what name?

Accepted Answer

Zarathustra, or Zoroaster, is the prophet of Zoroastrianism, and he composed hymns known as the Gathas dedicated to Ahura Mazda, the supreme god in Zoroastrianism.

Question 15

Which religion played an important part in the early development of monotheism?

Accepted Answer

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions and influenced the development of other monotheistic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Question 16

What idea of the divine developed in contrast to a personal, interactive, human-like God emerged around 2,500 years ago?

Accepted Answer

The concept of "The Energy God" emerged as a more abstract, impersonal understanding of the divine, contrasting with anthropomorphic deities. This idea aligns with philosophical and spiritual traditions that view the divine as an all-encompassing energy or force.

Question 17

What does the term "mystery religion" refer to?

Accepted Answer

Mystery religions were ancient religious groups in the Greco-Roman world that required initiation to learn their secret teachings and rituals.

Question 18

Which of the following may be the oldest of the mystery religions?

Accepted Answer

The Eleusinian Mysteries were a religious festival held in ancient Greece in honor of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone. The festival was one of the most important in the Greek religious calendar, and it is believed to have been celebrated for over 2,000 years.

Question 19

What is an avatar?

Accepted Answer

An avatar is traditionally understood in Hinduism as the descent of a deity to earth in an incarnate form or some manifest shape, often as a human.

Question 20

Which gods walk on the ground, sweat, get hungry, sleep, and are hungry in every way?

Accepted Answer

Avatars are incarnations of deities in human form, and they experience human conditions such as hunger, sleep, and other physical needs.

Quiz 1: About Religion