Question 1

The Judaic and Christian myth of the Fall is a religious effort to explain how

Accepted Answer

The myth of the Fall, found in the Judaic and Christian traditions, primarily seeks to explain the origin of sin and suffering in the world, positing that an originally perfect creation was marred by the first humans' disobedience to God.

Question 2

The concept of "Atman is Brahman" is a(n)

Accepted Answer

The concept of "Atman is Brahman" is a fundamental principle in Hindu philosophy, particularly in Vedanta, which posits that the individual soul (Atman) is identical to the ultimate reality or cosmic soul (Brahman). This idea emphasizes the unity of all existence and the spiritual connection between the individual and the cosmos.

Question 3

According to our text, the idea of a monistic Ultimate Being is most consistent with the belief that

Accepted Answer

The idea of a monistic Ultimate Being, where all is one and indivisible, aligns with the belief in merging into this Ultimate Being, similar to how water merges into a lake, losing individual distinction to become part of a greater whole. This concept is often found in certain Eastern philosophies and mystical traditions, where the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey is to become one with the Ultimate Reality or Being.

Question 4

Nirvana as a salvation concept is

Accepted Answer

Nirvana is a concept in Buddhism and some other Indian religions that represents a state of perfect peace and freedom from suffering, ignorance, and the cycle of rebirth. It is not a physical place like heaven but rather a state of enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara).

Question 5

The concept of orthodoxy continues to play an important role in the doctrines of this chapter because

Accepted Answer

The concept of orthodoxy is significant in the doctrines discussed because it encompasses interconnected beliefs about the self, suffering, and the afterlife, as well as the idea that religious beliefs are often intertwined and not easily separated.

Question 6

In the epilogue to Part 1, the author argues that

Accepted Answer

The author suggests that while religions may have incompatible beliefs, there's more to them than just their truth claims, indicating a broader perspective on the role and value of religions beyond their doctrinal differences.

Question 7

Matching: The letter of the correct definition is given in the space provided.
-Atman

Accepted Answer

C) The Atman in Hindu philosophy refers to the inner self or soul, which is seen as eternal and beyond the ego or personal identity. This concept is central to various Hindu traditions, emphasizing the spiritual goal of realizing one's true self beyond the physical and psychological constructs.

Question 8

Matching: The letter of the correct definition is given in the space provided.
-Empirical Self

Accepted Answer

The empirical self refers to our self-concept or the way we perceive and experience our own identity and individuality, which is what option F describes.

Question 9

Matching: The letter of the correct definition is given in the space provided.
-Imago Dei

Accepted Answer

Imago Dei refers to the concept in Judeo-Christian theology that humans are created in the image and likeness of God, implying that human beings have a spirit or mind that reflects God's qualities.

Question 10

Matching: The letter of the correct definition is given in the space provided.
-Fall of Adam

Accepted Answer

The Fall of Adam refers to the Judaic myth explaining why human life is no longer perfect as initially created by God, often associated with the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Question 11

Matching: The letter of the correct definition is given in the space provided.
-Theodicy

Accepted Answer

Theodicy is an effort to explain why a good, omnipotent God permits the manifestation of evil, thus making it compatible with divine goodness.

Question 12

Matching: The letter of the correct definition is given in the space provided.
-Trickster

Accepted Answer

A trickster is a common figure in Native American mythology who often plays tricks or otherwise disobeys normal rules and conventional behavior, sometimes causing problems or chaos.

Question 13

All religions share the same idea of the self as an immortal soul.

Accepted Answer

Different religions have varying beliefs about the self and its immortality. Some religions, like certain branches of Hinduism and Buddhism, believe in the concept of an immortal soul or spirit that undergoes reincarnation. Others, like certain interpretations within Christianity and Islam, believe in an immortal soul that faces judgment after death. Meanwhile, some religious or philosophical views, such as certain interpretations of Buddhism (e.g., Anatta in Theravada Buddhism), reject the notion of an enduring, unchanging soul.

Question 14

Hearing our own thoughts is already the beginning of a discussion of the nature of the self.

Accepted Answer

Hearing our own thoughts is a form of internal dialogue, which is a key aspect of self-reflection and introspection. This process allows individuals to examine their own beliefs, feelings, and identity, thus engaging in a discussion of the nature of the self.

Question 15

The "Self" as "impersonal essence" means somehow my "soul" is different from the "I" that I think I am.

Accepted Answer

The concept of the "Self" as an "impersonal essence" suggests that there is a deeper, more fundamental aspect of our being that is distinct from the ego or the conscious "I" that we identify with in our daily lives. This view posits that the "soul" or true self is not merely the sum of our personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences, but something more universal and unchanging.

Question 16

Thinking of ourselves as being made "in the image of God" goes best with an idea of Ultimate Being as personal and relational.

Accepted Answer

The concept of being made "in the image of God" implies a personal and relational aspect to the divine nature, suggesting that humans reflect certain attributes of a personal and relational Ultimate Being.

Question 17

The concept of karma is logically connected to the idea of reincarnation.

Accepted Answer

Karma, a concept found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other spiritual traditions, posits that one's actions in this life affect one's future lives. This inherently implies reincarnation, as the consequences of one's actions are believed to unfold in subsequent lives, creating a logical connection between the two ideas.

Question 18

The story of Job is a Hindu parable.

Accepted Answer

The story of Job is from the Bible, specifically the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament, not from Hindu scripture.

Question 19

Confucians believe that humans are good by nature, even though corruptible by bad society.

Accepted Answer

Confucianism posits that humans are fundamentally good, a belief rooted in the idea that human nature is teachable, improvable, and perfectible through personal and communal endeavor, especially self-cultivation and self-creation. However, it also acknowledges that a person can be led astray through bad societal influences.

Question 20

In tribal religions, people can join their ancestors in the afterlife, in a kind of spiritual existence.

Accepted Answer

Many tribal religions believe in an afterlife where individuals join their ancestors in a spiritual existence, emphasizing the continuity between the living and the dead.

Quiz 6: Miscellaneous Doctrines: the Truth of Self, Suffering and Salvation and Epilogue