Question 1

How did Durkheim come to his conclusion that religion is the worship of the group?

Accepted Answer

Durkheim spent a lot of time analyzing totemism in Indigenous Australian societies and concluded that religious practices were a means of promoting group solidarity and preserving social order. He argued that the totem was the symbol of the clan and through worshipping the totem, people were reaffirming their bonds with their groups. Therefore, Durkheim's concept of religion as the worship of the group is based on his analysis of totemism.

Question 2

The famous 1956 book,The Functions of Social Conflict,was written by whom?

Accepted Answer

The famous 1956 book, The Functions of Social Conflict, was written by Lewis Coser.

Question 3

According to Robert Wuthnow,why don't we see more religious conflict?

Accepted Answer

People often lack detailed knowledge about religions other than their own, which can reduce the likelihood of conflict arising from religious differences.

Question 4

As discussed in the conflict and cohesion chapter,using our sociological imagination,when religious groups clash,sociologists should

Accepted Answer

When religious groups clash, it is important for sociologists to focus on studying the groups as opposed to the characteristics of individuals within the groups. This allows for a deeper understanding of the societal factors at play, such as power and inequality. By studying the groups, sociologists can also identify potential solutions to reduce conflict and increase cohesion.

Question 5

In the Civil Religion of the United States,who are the most important theologians/religious scholars?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the Civil Religion of the United...

Question 6

Under what social arrangement is it most likely that religious violence will arise?

Accepted Answer

Religious violence is most likely to arise when there are concentrations of roles, where members of one religion belong to a specific ethnic or cultural group and members of another religion belong to a different ethnic or cultural group. This is because religion becomes more closely aligned with cultural identity, and any conflict between the two religions can quickly escalate into violence between the two groups. This is particularly true when one group perceives the other as a threat to their cultural identity or their way of life. In contrast, when there are multiple fundamentalist groups holding strong beliefs, there may be more ideological differences rather than ethnic or cultural differences, and violence may be less likely to occur. Monotheistic religions alone do not necessarily lead to violence. Finally, divergences of roles may create tension between religions, but it does not necessarily lead to violence.

Question 7

As the chapter on cohesion and conflict makes clear,when religion leads to conflict,it

Accepted Answer

When religion leads to conflict, it can often result in increased solidarity and cohesion within the religious group, potentially leading to benefits such as stronger group identity and increased support from members.

Question 8

The books says that a main function of Civil Religion is to

Accepted Answer

Civil Religion serves to unify people from diverse religious backgrounds by providing a shared set of beliefs and values that are tied to the nation's identity, allowing for a sense of national unity despite individual religious differences.

Question 9

The conflict and cohesion chapter asked,"Can't we all just get along?" Which of the following best captures the chapter's answer?

Accepted Answer

The chapter presents evidence and arguments for both sides of the question, ultimately concluding that while conflict and cohesion can coexist and have varying degrees of influence depending on the situation, achieving full and lasting unity among diverse groups is a complex and ongoing challenge that requires continued effort and negotiation.

Question 10

In the example of Father Giuseppe Puglisi and the Sicilian Mafia,Father Puglisi chooses

Accepted Answer

Father Puglisi stood up against the Mafia and worked for justice, even at the risk of his own life. He did not compromise or collaborate with the criminal organization, but instead worked to expose their wrongdoings and bring about change. This choice aligns with ethical principles of standing up against wrongdoing and promoting the greater good, even in the face of opposition.

Question 11

The God of the Civil Religion of the United States is most especially concerned with

Accepted Answer

The God of the Civil Religion of the United States is primarily concerned with values like democracy, individual freedom, the pursuit of happiness, and economic gain. These values are considered almost sacred in the American culture and are aligned with the God of the Civil Religion. While obeying laws and following the Bible may be important to some Americans, they are not the primary focus of the Civil Religion.

Question 12

What is the definition of Civil Religion?

Accepted Answer

Civil religion refers to beliefs and rituals related to a nation that are understood in transcendent terms. It is a concept that originated in the United States, where it has been used to describe a set of beliefs, symbols, and practices that serve to bind the country together as a national community. Civil religions may draw on elements of institutional religions, but they are not typically organized around sacred texts or institutions. Instead, they tend to be centered on civic virtues such as patriotism, sacrifice, and service to the common good.

Question 13

According to the textbook,the BEST definition of religious conflict is

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the textbook,the BEST definition of...

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT required for religious conflict?

Accepted Answer

While a fundamentalist religious group with strong views may contribute to religious conflict, it is not an absolute requirement. There have been conflicts between moderate or liberal religious groups, as well as conflicts between religious and secular groups. Therefore, the absence of a fundamentalist group does not preclude the possibility of religious conflict.

Question 15

Why is it possible that a non-religiously motivated conflict is often attributed to religion?

Accepted Answer

Religion often serves as a marker for other divisions between groups, leading to the attribution of non-religiously motivated conflicts to religion. For example, conflicts along ethnic, national, or political lines can be characterized as religious if one of the groups involved is associated with a particular religion.

Question 16

What is the Holy Book of the Civil Religion of the United States?

Accepted Answer

The Civil Religion of the United States is a set of beliefs, values, and symbols that unify Americans and provide a sense of national identity. While it is not an official religion, it has been described as the "public religion" of the United States. The Constitution is a central document to this religion, as it outlines the principles and values upon which the country was founded. It is often treated with reverence and is seen as a symbol of the country's democratic values and aspirations. While the Bible may have a significant influence on American culture and values, it is not considered the Holy Book of the Civil Religion of the United States. Similarly, the Qu'ran is not considered a central text to this religion, although it may be influential to some Americans. Finally, there is not a specific Holy Book associated with the Civil Religion of the United States, although certain texts and symbols may hold particular significance to Americans.

Question 17

In terms of a religious group's social cohesion,it is in its best interest to

Accepted Answer

The answer of In terms of a religious group's social...

Question 18

When Durkheim concluded that religion is the worship of the group,which of the following did he NOT mean by that conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Durkheim did not mean to imply that religion is solely invented by the powerful to serve its interests, as this is too simplistic of an explanation for the diverse and complex phenomenon of religion. Rather, he saw religion as a social institution that serves to unify and symbolically represent collective beliefs and values, thereby contributing to social cohesion. Options A, C, and D are all accurate interpretations of Durkheim's conclusion.

Question 19

According to the chapter on cohesion and conflict,to maximize resource mobilization (that is,get members to devote more time and resources to the group and to make sacrifices for the group),a religious group should

Accepted Answer

Engaging in conflict with outside groups can create a sense of urgency and solidarity among members, motivating them to commit more resources and make sacrifices for the group's cause.

Quiz 4: Cant We All Just Get Along