Question 1

Only in China is the birthday of Confucius celebrated today.

Accepted Answer

The birthday of Confucius is celebrated in several East Asian countries, not just in China. Countries like Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan also observe ceremonies or have cultural events related to Confucius' birthday.

Question 2

Confucianism was established as a system of moral observance and ritual performance in the sixth century bce by Master D'ao.

Accepted Answer

Confucianism was established by Master Kong (Confucius) in the sixth century BCE, not by Master D'ao.

Question 3

It was in the "Formative Era," from 1122 BCE to 220 CE, that the great sages arose whose teachings would strongly influence the entire region of East Asia.

Accepted Answer

The Formative Era is recognized as the period when great sages arose and their teachings influenced East Asia, from 1122 BCE to 220 CE.

Question 4

A common belief in the "diffuse religion" of East Asia is that there is a natural hierarchy in the world that extends to one's departed kin.

Accepted Answer

In many East Asian religions, such as Confucianism and Taoism, there is a belief in a natural hierarchy in the world, including within the family and even among one's ancestors. This belief is sometimes referred to as ancestor veneration, and it is an important part of the religious practice in this region.

Question 5

The term "diffuse religion" refers to the dispersal of a specific religious tradition.

Accepted Answer

Diffuse religion refers to religious beliefs and practices that permeate all aspects of life, often in societies without formal religious institutions, rather than the dispersal of a specific religious tradition.

Question 6

Oracle bone divination is an East Asian ritual from postmodern times.

Accepted Answer

Oracle bone divination is actually an ancient divination ritual from China's Shang dynasty (ca. 16th to 11th century BCE). It involved using turtle shells or animal bones to write questions and then heating them to produce cracks, which were interpreted by diviners to provide answers.

Question 7

In religious Daoism, shen refers to "spirit."

Accepted Answer

In religious Daoism, shen is indeed used to refer to "spirit."

Question 8

According to Daoism, "yin" stands for male, bright, and spring.

Accepted Answer

According to Daoism, "yin" stands for female, dark, and winter.

Question 9

Ancestor worship is the worship, feeding, and petitioning of the souls of dead ancestors.

Accepted Answer

Ancestor worship is a common religious practice in many cultures around the world where the belief is that the souls of deceased ancestors can continue to influence the living and grant them blessings or protect them from harm.

Question 10

The Daodejing is attributed to an anonymous "Old Baby," or Lao Zi.

Accepted Answer

The Daodejing is traditionally attributed to Laozi, also spelled Lao Tzu, although some scholars believe that the text is a compilation of teachings from various authors.

Question 11

Lightning Deng's most widely distributed book, Lightning from the Orient, proclaims itself the Word of God.

Accepted Answer

According to the statement, Lightning Deng's book, Lightning from the Orient, proclaims itself the Word of God, making the answer true.

Question 12

The Chinese people have a history of having accorded great respect to past traditions.

Accepted Answer

The Chinese culture places great importance on the preservation and continuity of past traditions, including honoring ancestors, following cultural customs and beliefs, and respecting cultural artifacts and sites.

Question 13

The early Daoists agreed with the Confucians that imposing rules and artificial practices on people was good for society.

Accepted Answer

The early Daoists disagreed with the Confucians on this point, arguing that rules and artificial practices create unnecessary complexity and hinder people from living in harmony with nature. They advocated for naturalness and spontaneity instead.

Question 14

In the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake, people turned to Shinto rituals performed by priests to restore the balance between the human and the divine, bless the construction sites, and pacify the local kami.

Accepted Answer

This is a true statement. After the 2011 earthquake, many people in Japan turned to Shinto rituals performed by priests to restore the balance between the human and divine and pacify the local kami (spirits or gods). These rituals were also used to bless construction sites and ensure safety during rebuilding efforts.

Question 15

The practice of alchemy is not associated with early Confucianism.

Accepted Answer

Alchemy was not a practice associated with early Confucianism, but with other traditions such as Taoism and Hermeticism. Confucianism focused on ethics, morality, and social relationships.

Question 16

Early on, the Confucian worldview established the self as a center for multiple relationships determined by gender, generational location in the family, and status in the empire.

Accepted Answer

This is true. In the Confucian worldview, the self was seen as a center for multiple relationships based on factors like gender, age, and social status. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of proper behavior and respect within these relationships, which would contribute to social harmony and stability.

Question 17

The Analects are a compilation of Master K'ung's teachings, anecdotes, and sayings.

Accepted Answer

The Analects, also known as the Lunyu, are a collection of Confucius' teachings and sayings compiled by his disciples after his death. Master K'ung is another name for Confucius himself.

Question 18

Buddhism was imported into China in the seventh century.

Accepted Answer

Buddhism was introduced to China in the first century C.E., during the Han dynasty, much earlier than the seventh century.

Question 19

Confucianists viewed the Buddhist ideal of monastic retreat as antisocial behavior.

Accepted Answer

Confucianism emphasizes social responsibility and encourages individuals to contribute to their society. Therefore, the idea of retreating from society to pursue personal enlightenment is considered antisocial behavior.

Question 20

East Asia's belief in karma originated in the Shinto tradition of Japan.

Accepted Answer

Karma originated in Hinduism and Buddhism, which were not part of the Shinto tradition in Japan. Shintoism does not have a concept of karma.

Quiz 8: East Asian Religions: Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto, Buddhism