Question

recognition: selected response: in the space provided, write the capital letter of the choice that best completes each sentence or answers each question.

1. how would you describe the everyday activities of our daily lives, such as getting dressed, going to school, and brushing our hair?

a. ritualistic b. profane c. prosaic d. sacred

1. as a symbol of ideals of the american people, the american flag is treated with great respect. in this sense, it could be considered a secular example of ______.

a. an idol b. a religion c. a faith d. a totem

1. why doesnt sociology attempt to judge or disprove religious doctrine?

a. none of the answers are correct.
b. sociology does not deal with rituals or ceremonies.
c. faith is based on conviction rather than scientific evidence.
d. religion is not organized in the same way as society.

1. which type of religious organization is the most integrated into the larger society?

a. a church
b. a sect
c. a cult
d. none of these are integrated into the larger society.

1. why are sects often confused with cults?

a. because both sects and cults require their leaders to be trained.
b. because both sects and cults both generally withdraw from society.
c. none of the answers are correct.
d. because both sects and cults form around one highly charismatic individual.

1. which example best represents something considered sacred rather than profane in most religious traditions?

a. a smartphone used for texting friends
b. a communitys shared holy book used in worship
c. a students math homework notebook
d. a school cafeteria lunch menu

1. in many religions, why are rituals such as prayer, festivals, or fasting so important for believers?

a. they are mainly used to entertain people when they are bored
b. they replace all personal beliefs, so individuals never doubt
c. they help people connect with the sacred and strengthen group unity
d. they are required so governments can control religious groups

Explanation:

1. Everyday routine activities like dressing or brushing hair are defined as profane (ordinary, non-sacred) in religious/sociological terms.
2. A totem is a symbol representing a group's ideals and is treated with respect, fitting the description of the American flag as a secular example.
3. Sociology is a social science focused on observable evidence, while religious faith is based on conviction, not scientific proof, so sociology does not judge religious doctrine.
4. Churches are the religious organizations most integrated into mainstream society, unlike sects or cults which are more separate.
5. Both sects and cults typically withdraw from mainstream society, leading to common confusion between the two.
6. A shared holy book used in worship is a core sacred object in most religious traditions, unlike the other ordinary, profane items.
7. Religious rituals like prayer or fasting serve to connect believers to the sacred and build cohesion within the religious group.

Answer:

1. B. Profane
2. D. a totem
3. C. Faith is based on conviction rather than scientific evidence.
4. A. A church
5. B. Because both sects and cults both generally withdraw from society.
6. B. A community’s shared holy book used in worship
7. C. They help people connect with the sacred and strengthen group unity