RLGN FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
Study of religion - Answer-is inextricably linked to other aspects of our existence such as politics, social
interactions, and economic systems
Polytheism - Answer-Belief in more than one god
Monotheism - Answer-Belief in one God
High Places - Answer-Sacred areas located on hill- or mountain tops; such places existed throughout the
ancient Near East.
Shaman - Answer-The single person who takes on the roles of priest, counselor, and physician and acts
as a conduit to the supernatural world in a shamanist culture.
Three Worlds - Answer-Sky (uppermost and harbour the greatest deities), Earth ( intermediate level
where human beings reside), Underworld (harbours serpent spirits and reptilian spirits)
,Sacred Places - Answer-Locations in nature or human constructions
Spirits - Answer-Embodied in natural phenomena or animals ex. spiritual/divine emnities
Death and Burial - Answer-Important for transition into the afterlife. Traditions such as Obon , Day of
the Dead , All Saints Day and Halloween
"Religion" - Answer-may have the following elements or characteristics: belief in the supernatural,
ritual, sacred scripture/text, social function, moral imperatives, behavioural rules, particular
understanding of history, ideas on the origins of the universe and humanity, judicial precepts,
mythologies about the divine, etc. (No definitive definition)
Religion can explain - Answer-The purpose of human existence, good/evil, natural phenomena, and
origins of the universe.
Shamanism - Answer-Practice which involves a ritual specialist-shaman (priest)
Why is it difficult to define "religion"? - Answer-Religion changes with time and experience. It is
embedded within personal and social/communal experience and as such we cannot take religion as a
"norm" in a particular time. Religion is however an aspect of humanity embedded deep within its
history; it is human nature.
Connecting to the Cosmos - Answer-Building of structures like the stonehenge- a public space for rituals
essential to society (weddings, puberty rites, funerals). A mechanism to track seasons.
Temple religion (beginning ~3000ya) - Answer-Larger temples, elaborate sacrificial rituals and
Development of the priestly class. Judaism, chinese religion and hinduism.
,Prophetic Religion (beginning ~700BCE) - Answer-Leadership under a prophet; a person who speaks on
behalf of a deity (Abrahamic religions, Zoroaster)
The Energy God (emerged ~2500ya) - Answer-God is described not as a human-like entity but as energy
from the cosmos. The divine "underlies" everything that exists yet doesn't change its course. (Daoism)
Purity and Monasticism (beginning ~2500ya) - Answer-India- Followers are typically seeking spiritual
enlightenment through asceticism (intense bodily discipline), non-violence, and perfect mind purity.
(religions around the Ganges river)
Mystery Religion - Answer-Core teachings are kept secret from outsiders (Greek and Roman tradition)
Avatar: God on Earth - Answer-Sanskrit for "coming down" to earth of a god. The avatar is a god in truly
human form. Avatar god is a saviour figure. Typically born from non-sexual conception (rustic setting,
surrounded by miracles). (i.e Hinduism- Krishna. Buddhism- Amitabha Buddha, Jews in the rise of
Christianity)
Scriptural Religion - Answer-Came much later than the previous examples. They came from the idea
from different groups that their particular scriptures were the literal words of God. (Judaism, Christianity
and Islam)
Importance of Studying Religion - Answer-Religions grow from human experience whether it be
personal or communal. It may be a result of "fear of death," the hope of a good afterlife, the uncertainty
of natural events and to gain a sense of control over nature. Religion also has emotional and intellectual
dimensions.
Insider vs. Outsider - Answer-Many learn from their parents and are told what they are taught about
religion is inherently correct. When outsides challenge our beliefs or suggest that the history of our
religion may not be exactly as we have been taught we may find it disturbing.
, Methodologies of Studying Religion - Answer-Philosophy of Religion (Phenomenology), the study of
religious communities (Functionalism), and the study of all aspects of the beliefs, practices, and
experiences of the followers of a particular religion (Lived Religion).
Five General Characteristics of Religion - Answer-1. There is distinction between the devotional
expression of a religious belief and the study of diverse devotional expressions.
2. Religions are always evolving and
3. Religions are internally diverse.
changing.
4. Religions are enmeshed in virtually
all dimensions ofhuman agency and
expression.
5. Religions are historically embedded
Difference between Academic and Theology Study of Religion - Answer-The academic study of religion
is fundamen- tally an anthropological enterprise. That is, it is primarily concerned with Studying people,
their beliefs, behaviors, and institutions, rather than as-sessing"the truth" or"truths"oftheir various
beliefs or behaviors.
Traditionally, the term "theology" refers to specifically Christian discourses on God, though the term
now generally applies either to any religion's own articulate self-study or to its study of another religion.
8 Developments of Religion - Answer-1. Shamanism: characteristics, role, ritual
2. Connecting to the Cosmos: cosmic cycles, link between animals & gods
3. Temple Religion: physical structure, centralized authority, significance of ritual
4. Prophetic Religion: transmits divine revelation
5. The First Principle: Greek Philosophy before Socrates - causal principle underlying all things
6. Mystery Religions: groups that required initiation rites and were secretive about their ritual practices
CORRECT ANSWERS
Study of religion - Answer-is inextricably linked to other aspects of our existence such as politics, social
interactions, and economic systems
Polytheism - Answer-Belief in more than one god
Monotheism - Answer-Belief in one God
High Places - Answer-Sacred areas located on hill- or mountain tops; such places existed throughout the
ancient Near East.
Shaman - Answer-The single person who takes on the roles of priest, counselor, and physician and acts
as a conduit to the supernatural world in a shamanist culture.
Three Worlds - Answer-Sky (uppermost and harbour the greatest deities), Earth ( intermediate level
where human beings reside), Underworld (harbours serpent spirits and reptilian spirits)
,Sacred Places - Answer-Locations in nature or human constructions
Spirits - Answer-Embodied in natural phenomena or animals ex. spiritual/divine emnities
Death and Burial - Answer-Important for transition into the afterlife. Traditions such as Obon , Day of
the Dead , All Saints Day and Halloween
"Religion" - Answer-may have the following elements or characteristics: belief in the supernatural,
ritual, sacred scripture/text, social function, moral imperatives, behavioural rules, particular
understanding of history, ideas on the origins of the universe and humanity, judicial precepts,
mythologies about the divine, etc. (No definitive definition)
Religion can explain - Answer-The purpose of human existence, good/evil, natural phenomena, and
origins of the universe.
Shamanism - Answer-Practice which involves a ritual specialist-shaman (priest)
Why is it difficult to define "religion"? - Answer-Religion changes with time and experience. It is
embedded within personal and social/communal experience and as such we cannot take religion as a
"norm" in a particular time. Religion is however an aspect of humanity embedded deep within its
history; it is human nature.
Connecting to the Cosmos - Answer-Building of structures like the stonehenge- a public space for rituals
essential to society (weddings, puberty rites, funerals). A mechanism to track seasons.
Temple religion (beginning ~3000ya) - Answer-Larger temples, elaborate sacrificial rituals and
Development of the priestly class. Judaism, chinese religion and hinduism.
,Prophetic Religion (beginning ~700BCE) - Answer-Leadership under a prophet; a person who speaks on
behalf of a deity (Abrahamic religions, Zoroaster)
The Energy God (emerged ~2500ya) - Answer-God is described not as a human-like entity but as energy
from the cosmos. The divine "underlies" everything that exists yet doesn't change its course. (Daoism)
Purity and Monasticism (beginning ~2500ya) - Answer-India- Followers are typically seeking spiritual
enlightenment through asceticism (intense bodily discipline), non-violence, and perfect mind purity.
(religions around the Ganges river)
Mystery Religion - Answer-Core teachings are kept secret from outsiders (Greek and Roman tradition)
Avatar: God on Earth - Answer-Sanskrit for "coming down" to earth of a god. The avatar is a god in truly
human form. Avatar god is a saviour figure. Typically born from non-sexual conception (rustic setting,
surrounded by miracles). (i.e Hinduism- Krishna. Buddhism- Amitabha Buddha, Jews in the rise of
Christianity)
Scriptural Religion - Answer-Came much later than the previous examples. They came from the idea
from different groups that their particular scriptures were the literal words of God. (Judaism, Christianity
and Islam)
Importance of Studying Religion - Answer-Religions grow from human experience whether it be
personal or communal. It may be a result of "fear of death," the hope of a good afterlife, the uncertainty
of natural events and to gain a sense of control over nature. Religion also has emotional and intellectual
dimensions.
Insider vs. Outsider - Answer-Many learn from their parents and are told what they are taught about
religion is inherently correct. When outsides challenge our beliefs or suggest that the history of our
religion may not be exactly as we have been taught we may find it disturbing.
, Methodologies of Studying Religion - Answer-Philosophy of Religion (Phenomenology), the study of
religious communities (Functionalism), and the study of all aspects of the beliefs, practices, and
experiences of the followers of a particular religion (Lived Religion).
Five General Characteristics of Religion - Answer-1. There is distinction between the devotional
expression of a religious belief and the study of diverse devotional expressions.
2. Religions are always evolving and
3. Religions are internally diverse.
changing.
4. Religions are enmeshed in virtually
all dimensions ofhuman agency and
expression.
5. Religions are historically embedded
Difference between Academic and Theology Study of Religion - Answer-The academic study of religion
is fundamen- tally an anthropological enterprise. That is, it is primarily concerned with Studying people,
their beliefs, behaviors, and institutions, rather than as-sessing"the truth" or"truths"oftheir various
beliefs or behaviors.
Traditionally, the term "theology" refers to specifically Christian discourses on God, though the term
now generally applies either to any religion's own articulate self-study or to its study of another religion.
8 Developments of Religion - Answer-1. Shamanism: characteristics, role, ritual
2. Connecting to the Cosmos: cosmic cycles, link between animals & gods
3. Temple Religion: physical structure, centralized authority, significance of ritual
4. Prophetic Religion: transmits divine revelation
5. The First Principle: Greek Philosophy before Socrates - causal principle underlying all things
6. Mystery Religions: groups that required initiation rites and were secretive about their ritual practices
