REL 134 Week 1 Knowledge Check

Concept: PATTERNS AMONG RELIGIONS

Materials on the concept

• The Sacred
• Speculations on the Sources of Religion
• Second Pattern: Focus of Beliefs and Practices

1.

The prophetic orientation in religion emphasizes

ceremonies.

feelings of oneness with the universe.

traditions.

beliefs and moral codes.

2.

A mystical orientation in religion is characterized by

an emphasis on mysterious happenings.

the seeking of a union with something greater than oneself.

the extensive use of holy water and statues.

a belief in alien origins of life forms.

3.

A sacramental orientation in religion is characterized by

daily prayer.

the use of silent meditation.

the extensive use of bells and powders.

a belief that certain rituals and ceremonies help one achieve salvation.

4.

Pantheism is the belief

that all reality is divine.

in the ancient Greek religion that believed the god Pan was the source of cosmic order.

in endless reincarnation.

in a timeless realm of happiness at the top of the universe.

5.

Among many reasons for the existence of religions, religions exist to help people

deal with the certainty of death.

find ways to express themselves in art.

select careers that are socially redeeming.

have valuable texts to study.

Concept: INDIGENOUS RELIGIONS

Materials on the concept

• The Modern Recovery of Indigenous Religions
• Past Obstacles to the Appreciation of Indigenous Religions

6.

Which of the following has been of special value in the new appreciation for and understanding of indigenous religions?

the study of newly discovered sacred texts

the use of electricity and battery power

the ready availability of cameras and recorders

the worldwide spread of television

7.

The teachings of indigenous religions are typically conveyed by all of the following except

sand paintings.

sacred scripture.

masks and dance.

memorized chants.

8.

In a holistic culture,

written manuscripts have a special place.

children play a prominent role in ritual.

religions express truths through symbolism.

virtually every object and act may have religious meaning.

Concept: RELIGIOUS DEFINITIONS

Materials on the concept

• The Sacred

9.

In religious studies, the word myth means

a story that is historically true.

a story that is historically untrue.

a story that is psychologically meaningful and may be either historically true or not.

a story that is found in similar form in many religions.

Concept: STUDYING RELIGION

Materials on the concept

• Speculations on the Sources of Religion

10.

The early anthropologist who saw religion as rooted in a belief in spirits and the worship of them was

1. B. Tylor.

James Frazer.

Sigmund Freud.

Carl Jung.