The belief that if the divine exists, it is NOT possible for humans to know it is called what?
RELS 201 Midterm Exam Answers All Possible Questions
Question 1 of 25 1.0 Points
The belief that if the divine exists, it is NOT possible for humans to know it is called what?
A.atheism
B.theism
C.mysticism
D.agnosticism
Question 2 of 25 1.0 Points
Religion attempts to approach an understanding of Unseen Reality from beyond literal expressions. Which of the following is NOT an example of this approach?
A.historical
B.allegorical
C.symbolic
D.mythical
Question 3 of 25 1.0 Points
A repeated and predictable form of entering into communion with that which is worshipped is known as what?
A.rituals
B.allegory
C.mysticism
D.myth
Question 4 of 25 1.0 Points
An understanding of religious stories as deeply important as having symbolic and metaphorical meaning (and not necessarily as literal historical facts) is related most closely to which religious perspective?
A.religious fundamentalists
B.religious absolutists
C.religious liberals
D.religious agnostics
Question 5 of 25 1.0 Points
The term for when societies become more scientific in their approach to understanding nature and the universe is called what?
A.theistic
B.mystic
C.agnostic
D.secular
Question 6 of 25 1.0 Points
Which ancient Greek philosopher believed that the soul was superior to the body and reason more reliable than the senses?
A.Aristotle
B.Plato
C.Darwin
D.Marx
Question 7 of 25 1.0 Points
According to some Eastern religions, the idea that we are distinct autonomous individuals is considered what?
A.a temporary truth
B.an allegory
C.a ritual
D.an illusion
Question 8 of 25 1.0 Points
The practice of yoga for Hindus is an attempt to do what?
A.to achieve a state of mind to attain union with the Self.
B.to achieve control over their body’s posture and flexibility.
C.to achieve a “lethargic” state of mind.
D.to achieve a better understanding of one’s independence from the universe.
Question 9 of 25 1.0 Points
According to Hindus, the liberation from the cycle of suffering-life, death, and rebirth-is known as what?
A.dharma
B.samsara
C.moksha
D.reincarnation
Question 10 of 25 1.0 Points
The philosophically associated understanding of suffering relates to Hinduism in what way?
A.suffering is a result of people’s disobedience
B.suffering is a result of people’s ignorance of Self
C.suffering is a result of secularism
D.suffering is a result of poorly performed yoga
Question 11 of 25 1.0 Points
The meaning of religion as “to tie again” is prominent in Hinduism in what way?
A.by “tying” one’s being to the physical universe
B.by “tying” one’s atman to one’s mind in opposition to the body.
C.by “tying” one’s Self to one’s caste
D.by “tying” one’s self to Absolute Reality
Question 12 of 25 1.0 Points
A spiritual teacher of Hinduism is known as what?
A.a shudra
B.a rama
C.a guru
D.a puja
Question 13 of 25 1.0 Points
The idea in Buddhism that sacred reality exists yet is not conceived of in terms of a personal Creator God is known as what?
A.agnostic
B.polytheistic
C.nontheistic
D.monotheistic
Question 14 of 25 1.0 Points
In Buddhism, it is said that Siddhartha was tempted by evil (Mata) to do what?
A.become a what we would call a scientist
B.connect the body to the mind through yoga
C.burn the Bodhi tree
D.keep his insights to himself
Question 15 of 25 1.0 Points
In Buddhism, the blissful liberation from the ego is best understood as what?
A.dukka
B.nirvana
C.lama
D.zazen
Question 16 of 25 1.0 Points
A good description of the goal the Buddha sets forth in the Four Noble Turths isn’t so much eliminating materialistic desires as much as it is what?
A.eliminating desire itself
B.eliminating financial desires
C.eliminating unattainable desires
D.eliminating physical desires
Question 17 of 25 1.0 Points
In Buddhism, the concepts of “selflessness” and “emptiness” mean what?
A.understanding that a single supreme deity doesn’t exist
B.understanding that there no soul or spirit
C.understanding the problems of material desire
D.understanding things “as they are” in order to overcome attachment to things and concepts
Question 18 of 25 1.0 Points
What does Buddha suggests as the reason he doesn’t say much about religious concepts such nirvana, the soul, or the afterlife?
A.knowledge of such things are meant only for God
B.knowledge of such things were lost as a result of samsara
C.knowledge of such things does not lead to wisdom, holiness, peace, or nirvana
D.knowledge of such things leads to madness
Question 19 of 25 1.0 Points
Confucius focused his teachings very much on the here-and-now and consequently taught very little about what?
A.ethics and morals
B.the supernatural
C.sacred rituals
D.virtue
Question 20 of 25 1.0 Points
Confucius’ work was…
A.destroyed during his lifetime
B.known, but not considered very significant during his lifetime
C.not written or taught during his lifetime
D.known and considered very significant during his lifetime
Question 21 of 25 1.0 Points
The ancient Chinese symbol showing interlocking shapes represents what?
A.Yin/Yang – the symbol of deities of the universe
B.Yin/Yang – the symbol of the ever-present dark forces of the universe
C.Yin/Yang – the symbol of the continually shifting forces of the universe
D.Yin/Yang – the symbol of the overtaking of the “dark” forces by the “light”
Question 22 of 25 1.0 Points
In Daoism, taking no action contrary to nature is known as what?
A.yi
B.ren
C.chun-tzu
D.wu wei
Question 23 of 25 1.0 Points
Confucius uses what term to describe the person who is not motivated by personal profit and recognition, but rather is motivated by self-improvement and what is moral?
A.yi
B.ren
C.chun-tzu
D.wu wei
Question 24 of 25 1.0 Points
The Analects regularly refers to Confucius as what?
A.Prince’s Son
B.Enlightened One
C.Way of Heaven
D.Master
Question 25 of 25 1.0 Points
The two commentators on Confucianism, Mengzi and Zunzi, differed sharply on what issue?
A.The existence of the transcendental cosmic realm of hell
B.The nature of the universe – chaos or order
C.The nature of humans – good or flawed
D.Whether Confucius was divine or not