Final: Religion

Question 1

Richard Dawkins

Answer 1

A well-known atheist, argues that atheists are oppressed in many societies because they are forced to accept or endure ideas that they disagree with.

Question 2

Religion

Answer 2

A system of meaning for interpreting the world. It is a unified system of beliefs with a supernatural referent.

Question 3

Cults

Answer 3

Subcultures to dominate religions. Cults often focus on the leader and die with the leader. In other words, they tend to be quite short-term.

Question 4

Effects of religion

Answer 4

Suggests our existence has a greater meaning.

Question 5

Humanist Perspectives

Answer 5

Human centered, and often science-based. States that “like has no meaning, we have to give it meaning.

Question 6

Professor Reginald Bibby

Answer 6

Argues that despite Alberta having a low amount of people who have religious affiliation, Albertans and Canadians in general, are still trying to figure life out. He adds that traditional religion does not seem to connect some people with the spirituality they need.

Question 7

Marx, belief of religion.

Answer 7

1) Religion/God is a human creation.
2) Religion is the “opium of the people”.
3) Religion maintains an unequal, exploitative society.
4) It delays the inevitable transition to communism.
5) Religion will eventually fade away.

Question 8

Durkheim and “Holey” Answers

Answer 8

1) Religion is a social/human construction.
2) Religion contributes to the collective conscience.
3) Religion identifies this as sacred and profane.
4) Religion will continue to impact people and their behaviour.

Question 9

Functions of religion, according to Durkheim.

Answer 9

1) Fosters the creating of wholeness within society/communities.
2) Offer support during crises.
3) Addresses ultimate questions
4) Provides social services.
5) Legitimizes political authority.
6) Influences social change.

Question 10

Weber and “Spirit”

Answer 10

1) Weber wrote the Protestant Ethic, and the Spirit of Capitalism.
2) We should examine religion in terms of how it affects the ways in which we behave.
3) Religion has been instrumental in shaping modern day capitalism.
4) Religion creates power for some leaders.

Question 11

What did Dawkins believe to be the source of religious failure in Canada?

Answer 11

The failures of religious leaders.

Question 12

What did Weber believe in terms of religion?

Answer 12

He did not care if there was a god, but believed that it was the fact that people believed in a god that mattered; it is the belief that affects society.

Question 13

What did Weber believe the Protestant Ethic did?

Answer 13

Weber stated that capitalism was the result of the protestant ethic.

Question 14

What are the four dimensions of religion that Bibby stated we should consider to assess religion’s impact upon us?

Answer 14

1) Belief (in God)
2) Practice (i.e. Prayer)
3) Experience (see or speak directly to God)
4) Knowledge (knowledge of the Bible etc.)

Question 15

“Organizational approach”

Answer 15

According to Bibby, we should assess religion in terms of:

1) The sources of members.
2) The goals of the group.
3) Norms and roles used to establish purpose.
4) Sanctions to ensure conformity.
5) Its overall “success”.

Question 16

Conflicting findings.

Answer 16

On a individual level, religion appears to be doing well, although on the collective level, it appears to be in jeopardy.

Question 17

What are the supposed sources of religiosity, and why are they wrong?

Answer 17

1) Reflection. Very poor source of religiosity, considering 88% of Canadians already reflect without the use of religion.
2) Socialization. Almost necessary for people to be socialized into it, though just because one is socialized into religion, does not mean they will remain dedicated to it.
3) Deprivation. Actually not a predictor of religiosity.

Question 18

Religion in Canada

Answer 18

1. High degrees of religious tolerance and separation of church and state.
   2) Catholics and Protestants have the most followers, but numbers are now declining.
   3) Islamic, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist followers are increasing due to immigration.

Question 19

Fragmented Gods

Answer 19

Bibby claims that the fate of religion depends upon the ability of religious groups to meet the needs and interests of Canadians. Canadians are turning to “fragments” of traditional religions.

Question 20

What are the differences of the perspectives on religion between Marx, Durkheim, and Weber?

Answer 20

Marx, very critical or religion.
Durkheim, believed it was quite functional.
Weber, simply interested in its effects on society.