1.
Which religions believe in karma: the belief that there is a connection between a person's actions and their good or bad fortune
Correct Answer
C. Buddhism and Hinduism
Explanation
Buddhism and Hinduism believe in karma, which is the belief that there is a connection between a person's actions and their good or bad fortune. In both religions, it is believed that one's actions in this life will determine their fate in future lives or reincarnations. This concept of karma is central to the teachings and practices of Buddhism and Hinduism, guiding individuals to lead moral and ethical lives in order to achieve positive outcomes in the future.
2.
What does the diagram depict?
Correct Answer
A. The Hindu belief that people are divided into castes
Explanation
The diagram depicts the Hindu belief that people are divided into castes. This belief is an integral part of Hinduism, where individuals are born into a particular caste based on their karma from past lives. The caste system determines one's social status, occupation, and opportunities in life. It is a hierarchical system that has been deeply ingrained in Indian society for centuries, although there have been efforts to challenge and reform it in recent times.
3.
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share a belief in...
Correct Answer
B. Monotheism and ethical conduct
Explanation
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all share the belief in monotheism, which means the belief in one God. This common belief in a single, all-powerful deity is a fundamental aspect of these three religions. Additionally, they also emphasize the importance of ethical conduct. Each religion has its own set of moral teachings and ethical principles that guide the behavior and actions of their followers. This focus on ethical conduct highlights the shared value of living a righteous and virtuous life, which is an important aspect of these three religions.
4.
“When I go to the office, I put on my shirt and I take off my caste; when I come home, I take off my shirt and I put on my caste.”What is the main idea of this quotation?
Correct Answer
A. The caste system continues to influence Indian society
Explanation
The main idea of this quotation is that the caste system continues to influence Indian society. The speaker suggests that when they go to work, they are able to temporarily escape the constraints of their caste identity, but when they return home, they are reminded of their caste and the societal expectations that come with it. This implies that the caste system is still deeply ingrained in Indian society and affects individuals' daily lives.
5.
According to the chart, how much of the world population identifies as Jewish?
Correct Answer
C. Less than 1/4 of a percent
Explanation
The chart indicates that the proportion of the world population that identifies as Jewish is less than 1/4 of a percent. This means that the Jewish population is a very small fraction of the overall global population.
6.
The Five Pillars of Islam are _____ that every _____ must strive to fulfill.
Correct Answer
C. Obligations, Muslim
Explanation
The Five Pillars of Islam refer to the five fundamental obligations that every Muslim must strive to fulfill. These obligations include the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salat), giving to charity (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). These pillars form the core principles and practices of Islam, and adhering to them is considered essential for a Muslim's spiritual growth and connection with Allah.
7.
What does the picture depict?
Correct Answer
A. Muslims fulfilling the obligation of making a pilgrimage (important journey) to Mecca
Explanation
The picture depicts Muslims fulfilling the obligation of making a pilgrimage to Mecca. This can be inferred from the fact that Mecca is mentioned in the answer option and it is widely known that Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime, known as the Hajj.
8.
The diaspora has been a major effect felt by Jewish people. What is a diaspora?
Correct Answer
A. A scattering of people, usually because they lose their homeland
Explanation
A diaspora refers to the scattering or dispersion of a particular group of people, often due to the loss of their homeland. In the case of the Jewish people, the diaspora refers to their historical dispersal from the land of Israel, starting with the Babylonian exile in 586 BCE and continuing with subsequent events such as the Roman conquest and the Holocaust. This scattering led to Jewish communities being established in various parts of the world, contributing to the development of Jewish culture and identity outside of their original homeland.
9.
What does the map depict?
Correct Answer
C. Settlement of Jewish people after the diaspora (scattering of people, usually because they lost their homeland)
Explanation
The map depicts the settlement of Jewish people after the diaspora, which refers to the scattering of people, usually because they lost their homeland. It shows the locations where Jewish populations have established communities after being displaced from their original homeland.
10.
What belief system is associated with the four noble truths?
Correct Answer
A. Buddhism
Explanation
The belief system associated with the four noble truths is Buddhism. The four noble truths are fundamental teachings in Buddhism that explain the nature of suffering, its cause, the possibility of its cessation, and the path to achieve liberation from suffering. Buddhism emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the reality of suffering in order to attain enlightenment and reach a state of peace and liberation. Hinduism and Islam, on the other hand, have their own distinct belief systems and teachings that are not directly associated with the four noble truths.
11.
Sunni and Shia Muslims disagreed over who was the proper successor after Mohammad's death. What has been the impact over this split?
Correct Answer
A. There is violence between Sunni and Shia Muslims in the Middle East
Explanation
The split between Sunni and Shia Muslims has resulted in violence in the Middle East. This disagreement over succession has led to conflicts and tensions between the two groups, with instances of sectarian violence occurring in countries like Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The violence stems from political, social, and religious differences between the two sects, causing significant instability in the region.
12.
What divided Muslims?
Correct Answer
B. Muslims disagreed over the rightful successor after Mohammad's death
Explanation
After the death of Mohammad, Muslims were divided over who should succeed him as the rightful leader of the Islamic community. This disagreement led to the formation of two major factions within Islam: Sunnis and Shias. Sunnis believed that leadership should be based on consensus and chose Abu Bakr as the first caliph, while Shias believed that leadership should be hereditary and supported Ali, Mohammad's cousin and son-in-law. This division has persisted throughout history and has been a significant factor in shaping the religious and political landscape of the Muslim world.
13.
What information can be correctly deduced from the map?
Correct Answer
A. Most Muslims in the Middle East are Sunni
Explanation
From the given map, it can be deduced that most Muslims in the Middle East are Sunni. This can be inferred because the map does not show any significant presence of Shia-majority countries in the region. Additionally, the map does not provide any information about the size of Saudi Arabia's Muslim population or the religious composition of Turkey. Therefore, the correct deduction is that most Muslims in the Middle East are Sunni.
14.
What belief system is associated with the idea of non-action?
Correct Answer
A. Taoism
Explanation
Taoism is associated with the idea of non-action. This belief system emphasizes the concept of Wu Wei, which translates to "non-action" or "effortless action." Taoists believe in aligning oneself with the natural flow of the universe rather than forcing actions or exerting unnecessary effort. They believe that by practicing non-action, one can achieve harmony and balance in life. This principle is central to Taoist philosophy and is often depicted through the metaphor of water, which effortlessly adapts and flows with the path of least resistance.
15.
According to the non-action diagram, what would a Taoist do if they saw a tiger stalking a deer?
Correct Answer
A. They would watch without interfering
Explanation
A Taoist would choose to watch without interfering when they see a tiger stalking a deer. This aligns with the principle of non-action or Wu Wei, which emphasizes the importance of allowing nature to take its course without unnecessary intervention. By observing the situation without interfering, a Taoist acknowledges the natural order of things and avoids disrupting the balance.
16.
How does the belief in non-action influence Taoists?
Correct Answer
B. Taoists are environmentalists and do not believe in cutting down forests, draining rivers, or otherwise interfering with nature
Explanation
Taoists believe in non-action, which means they believe in letting nature take its course without interfering. They see themselves as a part of nature and believe in living in harmony with it. This belief influences Taoists to be environmentalists and to not engage in activities such as cutting down forests or draining rivers. They understand the importance of preserving the natural balance and do not believe in interfering with nature unless it is necessary to protect endangered species by breeding them to increase their numbers.
17.
What do Buddhists believe is a universal truth about life?
Correct Answer
B. Life is suffering
Explanation
Buddhists believe that life is suffering. This is one of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism, known as the First Noble Truth. According to Buddhism, suffering is an inherent part of existence, and it arises from attachment, desire, and ignorance. The goal of Buddhism is to understand and overcome this suffering by following the Eightfold Path and achieving enlightenment. By recognizing and accepting the universal truth of suffering, Buddhists seek to find liberation and attain a state of inner peace and happiness.
18.
One similarity between the Five Pillars of Islam and the Ten Commandments is that both
Correct Answer
C. Provide a guide to ethical conduct
Explanation
The correct answer is that both the Five Pillars of Islam and the Ten Commandments provide a guide to ethical conduct. Both religious systems outline a set of principles and rules that believers are expected to follow in order to lead a moral and righteous life. These guidelines serve as a moral compass and provide a framework for believers to make ethical decisions and treat others with respect and fairness.
19.
The Buddhist religion teaches that salvation is earned by
Correct Answer
A. Learning to give up selfish desire
Explanation
The correct answer is learning to give up selfish desire. This aligns with the teachings of Buddhism, which emphasize the importance of overcoming attachment and craving in order to achieve enlightenment and salvation. By letting go of selfish desires, individuals can attain a state of inner peace and liberation from suffering, which is the ultimate goal in Buddhism.
20.
Jewish religions and cultural identity has been greatly influenced by
Correct Answer
C. The Torah and the Diaspora
Explanation
The correct answer is the Torah and the Diaspora. The Torah is the central religious text of Judaism and has played a significant role in shaping Jewish religious beliefs and practices. The Diaspora refers to the dispersion of the Jewish people throughout the world, which has had a profound impact on Jewish cultural identity and the development of various Jewish traditions and customs.
21.
In India, the Caste system determined a person’s occupation, personal associations, and marriage partner. This situation shows that the Caste system
Correct Answer
A. Has been a way of life as well as an element of religion
Explanation
The given situation of the Caste system in India determining a person's occupation, personal associations, and marriage partner suggests that it has been a way of life as well as an element of religion. This implies that the Caste system not only shaped societal norms and practices but also had strong religious foundations, making it an integral part of people's lives and beliefs.
22.
What religion originally put forth the idea of points of energy (chakras) in the human body?
Correct Answer
A. Hinduism
Explanation
Hinduism is the correct answer because it is the religion that originally put forth the idea of points of energy, known as chakras, in the human body. In Hinduism, chakras are believed to be centers of spiritual power and vitality, and they are associated with different aspects of human existence such as emotions, physical health, and spiritual growth. The concept of chakras has been widely adopted and adapted in various spiritual and healing practices around the world.
23.
What belief system promotes the idea of an Eightfold Path, eight habits to practice everyday
Correct Answer
B. Buddhism
Explanation
Buddhism promotes the idea of an Eightfold Path, which consists of eight habits to practice every day. This path is a central concept in Buddhism and is believed to lead individuals towards enlightenment and liberation from suffering. The Eightfold Path includes practices such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. These habits are considered essential for achieving inner peace and spiritual growth in Buddhism.
24.
One way in which the Vedas (Hindu holy books), the Bible (Christian holy book), and the Koran (Muslim holy book) are similar is that these religious books
Correct Answer
C. Provide guidelines to govern the behavior of believers
Explanation
The correct answer is that these religious books provide guidelines to govern the behavior of believers. The Vedas, Bible, and Koran are considered sacred texts in Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam respectively. One of the main purposes of these texts is to provide moral and ethical guidance to their followers. They contain teachings, commandments, and principles that believers are expected to follow in order to lead a righteous and virtuous life. These guidelines cover various aspects of human behavior, including personal conduct, relationships, social interactions, and worship. They serve as a moral compass and provide a framework for believers to live in accordance with their religious teachings.
25.
What was the first monotheistic religion, and how did it begin?
Correct Answer
A. Judaism, which began when Abraham heard the voice of God
Explanation
Judaism is considered the first monotheistic religion because it began with Abraham hearing the voice of God. According to Jewish tradition, God spoke to Abraham and made a covenant with him, promising to make him the father of a great nation. This event marked the beginning of a belief in one God and the establishment of the Jewish faith.