Religion, faith and belief - patterns and trends

Question 1

What is the definition of religion?

Answer 1

A system of beliefs and practices related to the sacred and the divine.

Question 2

True or False: Secularization refers to the process by which religious institutions lose their social significance.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The theory that religion serves as a means of social cohesion is known as _______.

Answer 3

functionalism

Question 4

What is the main focus of the sociological study of religion?

Answer 4

To understand the role and impact of religion in society.

Question 5

What term describes a decline in religious adherence in modern societies?

Answer 5

secularization

Question 6

Multiple Choice: Which sociologist is known for his work on the ‘sacred’ and ‘profane’ in religion? A) Karl Marx B) Emile Durkheim C) Max Weber

Answer 6

B) Emile Durkheim

Question 7

What is the difference between a church and a sect?

Answer 7

A church is a large, established religious organization, while a sect is a smaller, more radical group that has broken away from a larger church.

Question 8

True or False: Religion has no impact on social change.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The belief in a single deity is known as _______.

Answer 9

monotheism

Question 10

What does the term ‘pluralism’ refer to in the context of religion?

Answer 10

The coexistence of multiple religious groups within a society.

Question 11

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT considered a major world religion? A) Buddhism B) Zoroastrianism C) Scientology

Answer 11

C) Scientology

Question 12

What is meant by the term ‘religious pluralism’?

Answer 12

The acceptance and coexistence of diverse religious beliefs and practices.

Question 13

True or False: Fundamentalism is a response to modernity and seeks to return to traditional values.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

What role does religion play in identity formation?

Answer 14

Religion can shape individual and group identities through shared beliefs and practices.

Question 15

What is the ‘religious economy’ model?

Answer 15

A theoretical framework that views religion as a market where different faiths compete for followers.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: The sociologist who analyzed the relationship between religion and capitalism is _______.

Answer 16

Max Weber

Question 17

What does the term ‘religiosity’ refer to?

Answer 17

The intensity of religious belief and practice among individuals.

Question 18

Multiple Choice: Which sociologist is associated with the concept of ‘religious experience’? A) Karl Marx B) William James C) Emile Durkheim

Answer 18

B) William James

Question 19

True or False: Women have historically played a lesser role in religious institutions compared to men.

Answer 19

True

Question 20

What is the term for a religious group that has broken away from a larger church?

Answer 20

sect

Question 21

Fill in the blank: The belief in many gods is known as _______.

Answer 21

polytheism

Question 22

What is the significance of the term ‘sacred’ in religion?

Answer 22

It refers to things set apart and forbidden, inspiring awe and reverence.

Question 23

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of a cult? A) Established leadership B) Charismatic leader C) Large membership

Answer 23

B) Charismatic leader

Question 24

What is the relationship between religion and social class?

Answer 24

Religion often reflects and reinforces social class divisions, with different classes exhibiting varying levels of religiosity.

Question 25

True or False: The New Age movement is characterized by a rejection of traditional religious beliefs.

Answer 25

True

Question 26

What does the term 'religious fundamentalism' imply?

Answer 26

A strict adherence to specific theological doctrines and a resistance to modern interpretations.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: _______ refers to the phenomenon where individuals adopt elements from multiple religions.

Answer 27

syncretism

Question 28

What is the impact of globalization on religion?

Answer 28

Globalization has led to the spread of religious ideas and practices across cultures, increasing pluralism.

Question 29

Multiple Choice: Which factor is often cited as contributing to the decline of religious authority? A) Increased education B) Economic growth C) Both A and B

Answer 29

C) Both A and B

Question 30

What is the term for the religious movement that seeks to reform society according to religious principles?

Answer 30

religious revivalism

Question 31

True or False: The majority of the world's population identifies with a religious group.

Answer 31

True

Question 32

What is the significance of the 'secularization thesis'?

Answer 32

It posits that modernity leads to a decline in religious belief and practice.

Question 33

Fill in the blank: The concept of _______ describes the idea that religion can serve as a source of conflict.

Answer 33

religious conflict

Question 34

What is meant by 'religious socialization'?

Answer 34

The process by which individuals learn and adopt the beliefs and practices of their religion.

Question 35

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a primary function of religion according to sociologists? A) Providing social control B) Offering psychological comfort C) Both A and B

Answer 35

C) Both A and B

Question 36

What is 'civil religion'?

Answer 36

A set of beliefs, symbols, and rituals that relate to the nation and are treated with the same reverence as traditional religion.

Question 37

True or False: Religious affiliation is static and does not change over time.

Answer 37

False

Question 38

What does the term 'spiritual but not religious' refer to?

Answer 38

Individuals who identify as spiritual but do not adhere to organized religion.

Question 39

Fill in the blank: The study of the relationship between religion and politics is known as _______.

Answer 39

political sociology

Question 40

What role does religion play in social movements?

Answer 40

Religion can motivate individuals to participate in social movements and provide a moral framework.

Question 41

Multiple Choice: Which sociologist emphasized the role of religion in social change? A) Karl Marx B) Emile Durkheim C) Max Weber

Answer 41

A) Karl Marx

Question 42

True or False: All religions have a similar structure and set of beliefs.

Answer 42

False

Question 43

What is the term for the study of the nature and purpose of religion?

Answer 43

theology