Ch. 15: Religion

In what ways does religion serve the role of a social institution?

• Religions have a complex and integrated set of norms.

• Religious practices and beliefs are related to societal values.

• Religions often meet several basic needs.

• All of the above

A cultural universal is something that:

• addresses all aspects of a group’s behavior

• is found in all cultures

• is based on social norms

• may or may not be of value in meeting social needs

Which of the main theoretical perspectives would approach religion from the micro-level, studying how religion impacts an individual’s sense of support and well-being?

• Functionalism

• Symbolic interactionism

• Conflict theory

• Feminism

Which perspective most emphasizes the ways in which religion helps keep the social system running smoothly?

• Functional perspective

• Symbolic interactionist perspective

• Conflict perspective

• Feminist perspective

Which socialist perspective most emphasizes the ways in which religion helps to maintain social inequalities within a society?

• Functional

• Symbolic interactionist

• Conflict theory

• Feminist perspective

Which of the following do the functionalist and conflict perspectives share?

• Position that religion relates to social control, enforcing social norms

• Emphasis on religion as providing social support

• Belief that religion helps explain the mysteries of life

• None of the above

The Protestant work ethic was viewed in terms of its relationship to:

• evolution and natural selection

• capitalism

• determinism

• prejudice and discrimination

What are some denominations of the Christian Protestant church?

• Catholic and Jewish

• Jehovah’s Witnesses and Presbyterians

• Scientology and Hare Krishna

• Methodist and Seventh-day Adventist

A sect:

• has generally grown so large that it needs new buildings and multiple leaders

• often believes it must split from the larger group to return to important fundamentals

• is another term for a cult

• All of the above

The main difference between an ecclesia and a denomination is:

• the number of followers or believers is much larger for denominations

• the geographical location varies for ecclesia versus denominations

• ecclesia are state-sponsored and considered an official religion

• there are no important differences; the terms are interchangeable