Exam 13: Religion

Which of the following would describe Weber's concept of religious routinization?

According to the text, interest in religion and spirituality is currently on the upswing in many parts of the world, including North America.

What was a consequence of the decision by the United Church of Canada to ordain homosexual ministers?

Elaine, a devout Catholic, was apprehensive about letting her 18-year-old son attend university. When her colleague Jodi asked why, she exclaimed, "My friends have told me that once their children returned home with a degree, they totally renounced the teachings of the Church." How would Jodi respond if she utilized the conclusion found in the text with respect to religiosity and individuals who have acquired a university education?

At the dinner table, conversation centred on a discussion of the worldwide effects of religion. When the meal was over, Mario's parting comment was, "Well that's the paradox of religious life." What did Mario mean?

When Monique moved away from home, she became friends with many practising Muslims. With their encouragement, she left her family's religion and began to follow the Muslim faith. Which factor did the influence of her new friends contribute to that could have influenced her decision to change her religious practices?

As Canadians who say they have no religion get a bit older, marry, and have children, what do they report about their religiosity?

According to the text, which of the following is an area of religious experience that sociologists can address?

Keith was required to write an analysis of religion utilizing the perspective of Émile Durkheim. Which of the following statements would Keith include in his paper?

Mindy works in a factory to support herself, her three children and her sometimes violent husband, who is unemployed due to his abuse of alcohol. To cope with the stress and conflict of her life, Mindy spends her little spare time memorizing Bible verses that promise rewards in the afterlife. Which theorist would argue that Mindy's belief is preventing her from breaking out of this situation?

Max Weber believed that religion results in many socially and financially disadvantaged people failing to take an active role in challenging their oppressed status.

According to the text, what would it take to get reluctant youths to attend church more often?

The American "civil religion" has contributed to the breaking down of religion in the United States.

A young seeker of enlightenment finds the older, established faith communities dull and unappealing, and is enticed by a recently formed organization called New Faith, an eclectic synthesis of spiritual ideals and meditative practice. What term do sociologists have for such new faith communities?

In a sociology class, Janette was asked to offer Marx's perspective of religion in one sentence. Which of the following would she assert?

A friend tells you about his religious behaviours, which he describes as, "I was baptized a Catholic, but I think of myself as an agnostic, and I attend church on special occasions." According to sociologists, what term identifies your friend's description?

Which of the following would be classified as ranking high in religiosity by early researchers in the sociology of religion?

As science has pushed back the boundaries of religious explanation, and as democracy has assumed authority in the state through the rule of law, pushing Church authority further into the background, sociologists have hypothesized a thesis for the Church's waning influence. Which of the following terms best frames this theoretical concept?

A number of church members were growing increasingly dissatisfied with their pastor's focus on good works and deeds and numerous community efforts. Consequently, they renounced their membership and started up their own independent group focused on faith development, which attracted even more individuals to join. Adopting the perspective of Weber, what characteristics will develop over time within the smaller group?

What religious/sociological thesis suggests that industrialization and postmodernity have contributed to the decline of religions?