Exam #1 Flashcards
TRUE/FALSE: Religions differ because all religions emerge independently out of specific cultures, geographies, and historical periods and represent different though-worlds.
True
TRUE/FALSE: According to Myhre, the fruitful study of religion involves learning all the answers.
False
TRUE/FALSE: According to Myhre, arriving at a single universe definition that applies to all religions is less important than increasing our understanding of the diverse human practices that are lumped under the category of religion.
True
TRUE/FALSE: According to Armstrong the first person to formulate the Golden Rule, as far as we know, was the Chinese sage, Confucius.
True
TRUE/FALSE: As Armstrong describes it, the emergence of sentient beings inclined to protect, nurture, and nourish a creature other than themselves was one result of the evolution of larger and more complex brain systems.
True
- What are the four “FS” that Armstrong frequently refers to as the basic instincts present in
all animal life forms including humans? (Hint: feel free to substitute “reproduction” for Armstrong’s fourth “F”)
- Feeding
- Fighting
- Fleeing
- Reproducing
What are the four “immeasurable minds of love” that the Buddha offered for meditation as a means of breaking free of self-centeredness and selfishness?
- friendship
- compassion
- joy
- even-mindedness
In a world that even today seems ruthlessly self-destructive, what is the one thing that all great sages, prophets, and mystics of the past insisted was in the capacity of every person to bring about change for the better?
every person has the ability to reform herself or himself and become an icon of kindness and selfless empathy.
How does the “academic” study of religion differ from the “devotional” study of religion?
The academic study of religion relates to the study of how beliefs and practices in different religions illustrate religion as a universal phenomenon, whereas the devotional study of religion relates to acquiring the beliefs and taking on the practices of a particular religion.
The chief focus is the network of relationships that can transform an individual into a member of a group and that can then serve as a basis for that individual’s identity. Demonstrates a willingness to understand a tradition from the believer in that tradition’s perspective. Considers the lived realities of the individuals who practice religion as vital for understanding a religion’s functions.
E. sociological approach to the study of religion
Extends intellectual space for a variety of discourses on African American women and draws scholars who intentionally challenge “the Christological centrality” that sometimes minimized African American religiosity. Brings African American women into the center of the intellectual enterprise as both subjects and actors, and examines what their religious “authorities” say about and to them.
G. womanist approach to the study of religion
Attempts to distinguish between the essence of religion and its diverse forms. Claims that the essence of religion is the experience of the sacred or holy – an experience that is unlike any other. Assumes the existence of a “general” pattern in religion, with definable elements, and seeks to analyze features such as prayer, giving and revelation.
C. Phenomenological approach to the study of religion
Sees religion as a treasure cove of material for the study of human emotions and behaviors. Deals with conflicts between belief and unbelief as it explores religious consciousness. Attempts to separate the “sacred” from the “profane”, to better understand reality beyond appearances.
D. Psychological approach to the study of religion
Assumes that religious rituals and institutions are observable. Promotes an examination of a religious body by exploring its beliefs institutions, and the behavior of followers, and allowing these findings to guide interpretations. Most concerned with how cultures create and transform religious symbols, myths, and the religious imaginations of particular groups.
A. anthropological approach to the study of religion
Interprets the role of women in religious traditions, as well as their encounters with God, or other forces considered sacred. Draws attention to what has been lost to humanity through the subjection of women and what new humanity might emerge through the affirmation of the full personhood of women.
F. feminist approach to the study of religion
Believes that humans interact with their environment in intentional ways and therefore believes that religion can best be understood by analyzing the natural factors and environment that shape faith. Central is how people adapt their religious practices to their environments.
B. ecological approach to the study of religion
TRUE/FALSE: According to Armstrong, if we are truly going to live and practice the great commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” we must first develop a healthy love and appreciation of ourselves.
True
TRUE/FALSE: According to Armstrong, we often attack other people precisely for those qualities that we most dislike in ourselves.
True
TRUE/FALSE: According to our textbook religious explanations give rise to practices and beliefs that satisfy our human need for meaning and belonging
True
TRUE/FALSE: The practices of a particular religion are often strongly influenced by its cultural location.
True
TRUE/FALSE: Religion is such a universal concept that virtually every language has a word that can mean religion.
False
TRUE/FALSE: Rudolf Otto’s emphasis on the distinction between the divine and the material, the sacred and the profane applies equally well in all religions.
False
TRUE/FALSE: In Mahatma Gandhi’s understanding religion has to do much more with how we act than how we believe.
True
TRUE/FALSE: Since something called religion can be found in all cultures and societies everywhere, all people in these cultures and societies are necessarily religious.
False
