Charismatic Authority and Religious Practices

John Green explores the concept of charisma in religious contexts, using Dungeons & Dragons as an analogy. He discusses Max Weber's definition of charisma and its role in religious leadership, highlighting figures like Jesus, Muhammad, and Santa Muerte. The video examines how religious authority is established and maintained, often through rituals and hierarchies, and how lived religion can lead to change. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next topic.

What class does John Green suggest Jesus might choose if he played Dungeons & Dragons?

• Rogue

• Wizard

• Monk

• Cleric

According to Max Weber, what sets charismatic individuals apart from ordinary people?

• Their education

• A certain quality of personality

• Their physical appearance

• Their wealth

How do TikTok influencers spread their religious messages differently from traditional televangelists?

• Through sermons

• Using viral dances and memes

• Through radio broadcasts

• By writing books

What is the main difference between 'charisma of office' and 'charisma of personality'?

• Charisma of office is more powerful than charisma of personality

• Charisma of office is temporary, charisma of personality is permanent

• Charisma of office is based on position, charisma of personality is based on individual traits

• Charisma of office is inherited, charisma of personality is not

Who is Santa Muerte, and why is she significant in the context of charismatic leadership?

• A Catholic saint recognized by the Church

• A folk saint with a large following despite Church disapproval

• A historical figure from the Middle Ages

• A fictional character from a novel

What does the example of the Vargas family and Santa Muerte illustrate about religious authority?

• Authority always comes from official recognition

• Charismatic leaders can gain legitimacy from their followers

• Religious authority is static and unchanging

• Only traditional leaders can have true authority

What is 'Legal-Rational Authority' as described by Max Weber?

• Authority based on personal charisma

• Authority derived from legal and formal rules

• Authority based on wealth and power

• Authority inherited through family lineage

How does the Catholic Church exemplify a top-down power structure?

• By allowing all members to have equal say

• Through its decentralized leadership

• By having no official leaders

• With a hierarchical system of authority

What is 'lived religion' and how does it differ from institutional religion?

• It is the same as institutional religion

• It involves everyday practices beyond official doctrines

• It is practiced only by religious leaders

• It is a new form of religion

What is the significance of the 'Women of the Wall' in the context of lived religion?

• They are a group of women who oppose religious practices

• They are a fictional group from a novel

• They are a group advocating for women's rights in religious practices

• They are a group that supports traditional religious roles