Intro To World Religions Test 2

Islam forbids eating pork due to its impurity according to Islamic dietary laws. Pork is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam, as it is believed to be unclean and unhealthy. The Quran explicitly prohibits the consumption of pork in multiple verses, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity and following the guidelines set by Allah. This dietary restriction is a significant aspect of Islamic practice and is followed by Muslims worldwide.

According to Confucius, the most important element of a strong government is the faith of the people in their rulers. This is because a government can only be effective and successful if it has the trust and support of its citizens. When the people have faith in their rulers, they are more likely to cooperate, follow laws, and contribute to the overall well-being of the society. This trust creates stability and harmony, allowing the government to function smoothly and make decisions for the benefit of the people.

The Vedas are considered the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism. They are a collection of hymns, prayers, rituals, and philosophical teachings that were composed in ancient India. The Vedas are believed to have been orally transmitted from generation to generation before being written down. They provide insights into the religious beliefs, social customs, and cultural practices of the early Vedic society. The Upanishads, Puranas, and Aranyakas are also important texts in Hinduism, but they were composed at a later stage compared to the Vedas.

Scientology is the correct answer because it is a new religion that utilizes the practice of auditing, where an auditor helps individuals identify and overcome barriers that hinder personal growth. Through this process, areas that have created blockages are identified and removed, allowing individuals to achieve spiritual enlightenment and self-improvement. Voodoo, Falun Gong, and Theosophy do not involve the use of auditors to address personal growth blockages, making them incorrect options.

In primal religions, the female divine is often associated with creation, fertility, and the cycles of life. Spirals and eggs are powerful symbols of these concepts. Spirals represent the continuous movement and growth of life, while eggs symbolize birth, potential, and the nurturing aspect of the female divine. These symbols reflect the primal belief in the sacredness of the feminine and its connection to the natural world.

The word "Islam" means submission. This refers to the act of surrendering oneself completely to the will of God. In Islamic belief, it is essential for individuals to submit to God's commands and live their lives in accordance with His teachings. The word "submission" reflects the core principle of Islam, emphasizing the importance of humility, obedience, and devotion to God.

Neo-Confucianism is the term used to describe Confucianism that incorporates Buddhist and Taoist ideas. This philosophical movement emerged during the Song dynasty in China as a response to the spread of Buddhism and Taoism. Neo-Confucianism sought to reconcile Confucian teachings with Buddhist and Taoist concepts, blending them together to form a new interpretation of Confucianism. This synthesis of ideas resulted in a more spiritual and metaphysical understanding of Confucian principles, emphasizing the importance of self-cultivation, moral conduct, and the pursuit of enlightenment.

Vatican II served to modernize the Roman Catholic Church. Vatican II was a council held from 1962 to 1965, which implemented significant reforms within the Church. It aimed to bring the Church closer to the modern world and address various issues such as liturgy, ecumenism, religious freedom, and the role of the laity. The council introduced changes like celebrating Mass in the vernacular language, promoting interfaith dialogue, encouraging active participation of the laity, and emphasizing the importance of social justice. Vatican II marked a significant shift in the Church's approach and helped it adapt to the changing times.

Sitting meditation, also known as zazen, is a key practice in Zen Buddhism. It is a form of meditation where one sits in a specific posture and focuses on their breath or a particular object. Zen Buddhism emphasizes direct experience and insight, and sitting meditation is a tool used to cultivate mindfulness and deepen one's understanding of the nature of reality. Therefore, the significance of sitting meditation is most pronounced in the Zen school of Buddhism.

The correct answer is to study the Vedas. The Laws of Manu, an ancient Sanskrit text, provide guidance for orthodox Brahmins. One of the directives mentioned in the text is for Brahmins to study the Vedas. The Vedas are considered the oldest Hindu scriptures and are highly revered in Brahminical tradition. Studying the Vedas is essential for Brahmins as it is believed to provide them with knowledge and guidance for their religious and spiritual practices.

Mawlid-al-Nabi is a celebration in the Islamic tradition that commemorates the birthday of Muhammad. This celebration is observed by Muslims around the world as a way to honor and show gratitude for the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the last and final messenger of God in Islam. It is a time of joy and remembrance, with various customs and practices being followed to express love and respect for Muhammad.

The correct answer is Jesus equality with God. The Nicene Creed, formulated in the 4th century, is a statement of faith that emphasizes the belief in Jesus' divinity and his equality with God. It affirms that Jesus is of the same substance as God and is therefore fully God himself. This belief in Jesus' equality with God is a fundamental tenet of orthodox Christian belief and is a central aspect of the Nicene Creed.

The correct answer is Thomas. The Gospel of Thomas is not part of the New Testament and is primarily composed of sayings attributed to Jesus after his resurrection. This gospel is considered a Gnostic text and was discovered among the Nag Hammadi Library in Egypt in 1945. It provides insights into the teachings and wisdom of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of spiritual enlightenment and self-knowledge. Although not included in the canon of the New Testament, the Gospel of Thomas has been studied by scholars and has influenced certain Christian traditions.

Sanctification is the correct answer because it refers to the process of being cleansed and made holy. In the context of forms of Methodism and the holiness tradition, sanctification is believed to cleanse individuals of their deeply rooted sinfulness and make them more like Christ. It is seen as a transformative experience that brings about spiritual purity and moral perfection. Anointment, consecration, and aspersion do not specifically refer to this cleansing process associated with forms of Methodism and the holiness tradition.

The nature of Brahman, as described in the Upanishads, does not include qualities such as wrath or jealousy. Instead, the Upanishads emphasize the concept of joy as a component of the supreme being, Brahman. This suggests that Brahman is associated with happiness, bliss, and a sense of fulfillment, reflecting the harmonious and divine nature of the ultimate reality.

The intuitive sects of Mahayana Buddhism believe that reason should not be trusted, as it is seen as a hindrance to achieving enlightenment. They also believe that students can achieve enlightenment with the help of koans, which are paradoxical statements or questions that are used to provoke deep thought and insight. Additionally, these sects believe that the keys to enlightenment are held by compassionate bodhisattvas, who are enlightened beings that choose to postpone their own nirvana in order to help others. Therefore, the correct answer is I, II, and III.

In most primal religions, sacred time is best described as cyclical and constantly renewing itself. This means that time is viewed as a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, where events and rituals repeat themselves in a recurring pattern. This understanding of time emphasizes the interconnectedness of past, present, and future, and highlights the importance of rituals and ceremonies in maintaining the harmony and balance of the natural world. It also suggests a belief in the eternal nature of existence, where time is not seen as linear or progressive, but rather as a constant renewal of life and spiritual energy.

The correct answer is Luke. The Gospel of Luke is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament. It is attributed to Luke, a companion of the apostle Paul. Luke's Gospel focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It includes unique stories and parables, such as the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Luke also emphasizes Jesus' compassion for the marginalized and his ministry to women, making it significant for understanding the role of women in the early Christian community.

General Baptists were Christians who believed that Jesus's sacrifice represented an atonement for all human beings, not just the elect. This belief is in contrast to Calvinists, who believed in the concept of predestination and that Jesus's sacrifice was only for the chosen few. Seventh Day Adventists and Primitive Baptists are not specifically associated with this belief.

The correct answer is I, II, and III. Jewish beliefs that are thought to be influenced by Zoroastrianism include the distinction between clean and unclean animals, which is a concept found in both religions. Monotheism, the belief in one God, is also a shared belief between Judaism and Zoroastrianism. Additionally, the idea of the last judgment, where individuals are held accountable for their actions, is present in both religions. Marrying foreign wives, however, is not specifically mentioned as a belief influenced by Zoroastrianism.

Islam and Baha'i have significant theological differences, and one major contention of Islam against Baha'i is the belief in Baha'u'llah as the final prophet. In Islam, Prophet Muhammad is considered the last and final prophet, and the belief in any subsequent prophet is seen as a contradiction to this fundamental Islamic belief. Therefore, Islam rejects the idea of Baha'u'llah being a prophet and sees it as a deviation from the teachings of Islam.

In the fifteenth century, after a dramatic revelatory event, Sri Guru Nanak Dev founded Sikhism as an attempt to reconcile the Hindu and Muslim religions. This suggests that Guru Nanak Dev saw the divisions and conflicts between these two religions and sought to find a common ground or unity between them. Sikhism incorporates elements from both Hinduism and Islam, emphasizing the belief in one God and promoting equality and social justice. By reconciling these two religions, Guru Nanak Dev aimed to bring harmony and understanding among people of different faiths.

The correct answer is Saul. Saul was the first king of the Hebrew tribes. He was anointed as king by the prophet Samuel, and he ruled for approximately 40 years. Saul's reign was marked by both successes and failures. He led the Israelites in battles against their enemies and established a centralized government. However, he also made some poor decisions, which ultimately led to his downfall. Despite his shortcomings, Saul played a significant role in the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.

Taoist sects have been influenced by Buddhist rituals, meditation, Confucian virtues, and traditional Chinese medicine or tai chi. This suggests that all options are correct and Taoist sects have been influenced by all of these factors throughout history.

The Hindu trimurti represents the three main aspects of the divine power in the universe. Creation signifies the birth and beginning of life, preservation refers to the sustenance and maintenance of life, and destruction represents the inevitable end and transformation of life. These three forces work together in a cyclical manner, reflecting the continuous cycle of existence and the interconnectedness of all things.

The question is asking for an exception among the three refugees or jewels of Buddhism. The three jewels of Buddhism are Buddha (the enlightened one), Dharma (the teachings), and Sangha (the community of practitioners). Dhukka, on the other hand, refers to the concept of suffering or dissatisfaction in Buddhism. Therefore, the exception among the three jewels is "dhukka" as it is not one of the three fundamental elements of Buddhism that practitioners take refuge in.

Malachi is not considered a major prophet in Hebrew scripture. The major prophets in Hebrew scripture are typically recognized as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. While Malachi is still considered a prophet, he is not classified as a major prophet due to the shorter length of his book and the lesser impact he had on the overall narrative of Hebrew scripture.

In early Vedic religion, the most important ritual or belief was the fire sacrifice. This ritual involved offering various materials such as ghee, grains, and herbs into a sacred fire, which was believed to carry the offerings to the gods. The fire sacrifice was considered a crucial means of communication with the divine and was performed by priests known as Brahmins. It was believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and protection to the individual or community performing it. The fire sacrifice played a central role in Vedic rituals and was seen as a way to establish a connection with the gods and seek their favor.

The correct answer is theocracy. The statement refers to seventeenth-century Massachusetts Bay Puritanism, which was characterized by a system of government in which religious leaders had significant influence and authority over the state. This aligns with the concept of theocracy, where religious leaders hold political power and govern based on religious principles.

Jerome is the correct answer because he was the one who composed the Latin translation of the Bible known as the Vulgate. He was a Christian scholar and theologian who lived in the 4th century. Jerome's translation of the Bible into Latin became the standard version used by the Western Church for centuries. His work was highly influential in shaping the development of Christianity and the spread of the Bible throughout Europe.

The correct answer is "charismatic." The movement that began in the 1960s and brought tongues speaking and other pentecostal elements to the Roman Catholic and mainline Protestant churches is known as the charismatic movement. This movement emphasized the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and prophecy, and sought to bring a renewed sense of spiritual experience and expression to these traditional churches.

Mahayana is the correct answer because it is a form of Buddhism that originated in China and then spread north to Japan. Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the idea of compassion and the pursuit of enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. It is characterized by the belief in bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who postpone their own nirvana in order to help others achieve enlightenment. This form of Buddhism became popular in China and then spread to Japan, where it had a significant influence on Japanese culture and society.

In ancient China, the followers of Taoism were known for their liberal thinking. Taoism emphasizes individualism, spontaneity, and naturalness, encouraging individuals to live in harmony with the Tao, or the Way. Taoists believed in the importance of personal freedom and non-interference, which aligned with liberal ideas. They sought to live in balance with nature and focused on self-cultivation and inner reflection. Therefore, it can be inferred that in ancient China, most liberal thinkers were typically the followers of Taoism.

Shinto priests typically perform weddings, blessing homes, and exorcisms, but they do not typically perform funerals. Funerals in Japan are usually conducted by Buddhist priests, as Buddhism has a stronger association with death and the afterlife. Shinto, on the other hand, focuses more on rituals and ceremonies related to nature, purification, and blessings. Therefore, it is not typical for Shinto priests to be involved in funerals.

Asceticism refers to the practice of extreme self-discipline and self-denial, often involving renouncing material possessions and leading a simple and austere lifestyle. In Jainism, asceticism is considered essential for achieving enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of life and death. By practicing asceticism, individuals aim to detach themselves from worldly desires and attachments, focusing solely on spiritual growth and the purification of their souls. This intense form of self-discipline is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul, leading to the ultimate goal of liberation. Therefore, asceticism is the correct answer as it aligns with the Jain belief system and their pursuit of enlightenment and liberation.

In Sikhism, followers refer to God as "the true name." This is because Sikhs believe that God is beyond any specific name or form, and is instead known by the ultimate truth. By referring to God as "the true name," Sikhs emphasize the transcendental nature of God and the importance of recognizing the divine presence in all aspects of life. This term reflects the Sikh belief in the divine essence that permeates everything and promotes the idea of unity and equality among all beings.

The correct answer states that the festival of Magha Puja commemorates the occasion when 1250 disciples gathered spontaneously to hear the Buddha preach. This explanation aligns with the historical significance of Magha Puja, which marks an important event in Buddhism known as the "Fourfold Assembly." During this event, 1250 arahants (enlightened disciples) gathered without prior arrangement to listen to the Buddha's teachings. This gathering is considered a significant moment in the development of the Buddhist community and the spread of the Dharma.

In Jainism, self-starvation, also known as sallekhana, is considered a noble end to a long life of virtue and detachment. It is a practice where a person voluntarily abstains from food and water in order to attain spiritual liberation. This extreme form of asceticism is believed to purify the soul and lead to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. By choosing self-starvation as the correct answer, it implies that this practice holds significant value and importance in Jainism as a means to achieve the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment.

The Mennonites are a sectarian group that emerged during the radical reformation of the sixteenth century. They are known for their pacifism, simplicity, and emphasis on community. The Mennonites trace their origins back to the teachings of Menno Simons, a Dutch Catholic priest who became a leader of the Anabaptist movement. The Mennonites were persecuted for their beliefs and faced intense opposition from both Catholics and Protestants during the Reformation period. Today, they are a global community with various branches and continue to uphold their distinctive beliefs and practices.

The correct answer is II, III, and IV. This is because physical cleanliness, tradition and family, and matsuri or worship are all included in the four affirmations of Shinto. Self-sacrifice is not mentioned as one of the affirmations.

The Upanishads are ancient Hindu texts that contain teachings on the nature of the soul or atman and the nature of oneself. They explore philosophical concepts such as the self, consciousness, and the ultimate reality. These texts do not focus on the conduct of rites or wartime assistance granted by the god of Indra. Therefore, the correct answer is II and III.

The correct answer is "muhammads migration to the city of medina". The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, starts from the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. This event, known as the Hijra, marked a significant turning point in Islamic history and the establishment of the first Islamic state. The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles and is widely used by Muslims worldwide to determine religious observances and events.

Justification is a technical theological term in Christianity that refers to the act of God declaring a person righteous and acceptable before Him. It is the process by which a person's sins are forgiven and they are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This term emphasizes the idea that salvation is not earned by good works or personal merit, but is a gift of God's grace received through faith. Justification is a key doctrine in Christian theology and is central to understanding the relationship between God and humanity.

Perfectionism is the correct answer because John Wesley and the Methodists emphasized the belief in achieving Christian perfection in this life. They believed that through the grace of God, believers could attain a state of holiness and freedom from willful sin. This concept of perfectionism was central to Wesley's teachings and had a significant influence on the Methodist movement, distinguishing it from other Christian denominations.

The correct answer is "practiced a literal reading of the torah." The Sadducees were a Jewish sect during the Christian New Testament period who adhered strictly to the written law, particularly the Torah. They believed in a literal interpretation of the scriptures and did not accept the oral traditions and interpretations of the Pharisees. This adherence to the literal reading of the Torah set them apart from other religious groups of that time.

Tenrikyo is the shinto sect with the largest number of adherents today, but it no longer regards itself as a shinto sect. This suggests that Tenrikyo has undergone changes in its beliefs and practices, leading it to distance itself from traditional Shintoism. The fact that it still has the largest number of followers indicates that it has successfully established its own distinct identity and continues to attract a significant number of adherents despite no longer considering itself a shinto sect.

Apocalyptic expectations predicting major changes in the world are part of the belief systems of Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Hinduism. These religions have various prophecies and teachings about the end of the world or significant transformations that will occur. Taoism, on the other hand, does not have a strong apocalyptic tradition or belief in major global changes. Therefore, the correct answer is II, III, and IV.

In raja yoga, the ultimate goal of meditation is to achieve a state of superconsciousness where the mind is completely under control. This state is known as samadhi. Samadhi is a state of deep concentration and absorption, where the individual experiences a sense of unity and oneness with the object of meditation. It is a state of pure awareness and transcendence, free from the distractions and fluctuations of the mind. Through samadhi, one can attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Jains among the laity have six basic duties, which include venerating teachers, renouncing certain foods or activities, and showing indifference to the body. The answer, I, II, and III, correctly identifies these three duties.

Kagya-pa is the form of Tibetan Buddhism that is most concerned with the experimental dimension of meditation. This branch places a strong emphasis on direct experience and personal exploration through meditation practices. Kagya-pa practitioners engage in various meditation techniques to gain insight and understanding of the nature of reality. They believe that through direct experiential practice, one can attain enlightenment and liberation. This focus on the experimental dimension of meditation sets Kagya-pa apart from other forms of Tibetan Buddhism.