Exam 13: Religion

Jan stopped attending the church in which she was raised, claiming that the church members were too old fashioned and dull. Her friend, Judson, convinced her to attend a religious meeting with him. Jan soon became a member of this faith community, quickly becoming involved in devotional group sessions prior to service and the twice weekly scripture studies. When asked why she devotes so much time to this group, she replies that the love and support given by the other members keeps her coming back. What aspects of this new faith drew Janice to her conversion?

It has never been the case that religion has challenged North American culture.

While researching for his term paper, Jordan found studies which demonstrated that the numbers of people claiming no religious affiliation was growing over the years. But what perplexed him was the research that showed the numbers of people claiming religious affiliation were growing as well. What term is used to describe this coincidental growth in both the pro-religion and no-religion categories?

According to the text, what is a religious sect?

Durkheim has argued that religion functions primarily to integrate societies. What is the role of religion in fostering social cohesion in Canada? Could religion be seen as a dysfunction? Why?

Mahatma Gandhi once wrote, "Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is." Utilizing the knowledge and understanding you've taken from the text, explain what Gandhi meant. Include examples.

Which of the following is offered in the text as an example of a "civil religion"?

Of the three theoretical perspectives discussed in this chapter (Marx's, Weber's, and Durkheim's), which one did you personally identify with and why?

According to the text, what happened to some smaller independent evangelical groups with the advent of industrialization, increased prosperity, and stability?

According to the text, there are recent signs of modest religious rejuvenation in Canada. What does this reflect?

John digs ditches for a living. On the weekends he is very active in his prayer group, organizing home visits to the elderly and infirm. Which of the following situations is helping John be content with his life?

National, regional, and group contexts have no bearing on the religious commitment demonstrated by individuals.

According to the text, religion may one day disappear.

Which theoretical approach explains why certain kinds of people become suicide bombers?

What kind of model sees religious groups competing for parishioners as similar to companies?

Religious groups tend to more strongly oppose issues that deal with moral innovation.

Provide a summary of the personal, interpersonal, and societal consequences of religion discussed in the text. Do they apply to your own experiences? Explain.

How has religion both served as a progressive force that has challenged North American culture, and a repressive force at certain points in recent history?

Over time, what has religion shown that it can do locally, nationally, and globally?

According to Frankel and Hewitt's research, what factor is related to religious involvement?