Evolution of the Concept of Religion

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What is the main idea of the passage?

The passage introduces the concept of 'religion' as a modern idea coined in the nineteenth century.

The passage discusses the historical development of the word 'religion' and its changing meanings and usages over time. (correct)

The passage argues for the universal feature of 'the world religions.'

The passage explores the separation between religious and nonreligious spheres in society.

According to the passage, why is it no longer obvious how the term 'religion' was originally understood?

Because the word 'religion' has no equivalents in other modern languages.

Because the concept of 'religion' has only recently been introduced in modern society.

Because the Church/State separation has become less significant over time.

Because meanings and usages of words change over time. (correct)

What does the author suggest about the assumption that the world is neatly separated between religious and nonreligious spheres?

It is a product of historical development. (correct)

It is a brute fact of social life.

It is a recent concept coined in the twenty-first century.

It has not changed since the modern usage of the word 'religion' was first coined.

What is the focus of this passage?

The development of the idea of 'religion' Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what did some other introductions to religion do that this passage avoids?

Employing the term 'religion' as a universal feature Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage suggest about the term 'religion' in modern society?

Its meaning and usage have become less obvious over time. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used for the academic study of religion in Germany?

Religionswissenschaft Signup and view all the answers

In which language was the academic study of religion in nineteenth-century Britain sometimes called Comparative Religion or the Science of Religion?

English Signup and view all the answers

What term is used in France for the academic study of religion?

Les Sciences Religieuses Signup and view all the answers

What was the term used for the academic study of religion in nineteenth-century Britain?

Comparative Religion Signup and view all the answers

What did British colonialism ensure that contemporary English-speaking citizens of the Indian nation-state conceive as their 'religion'?

Hinduism Signup and view all the answers

What was understood by practitioners as sanatana dharma in historical context?

The cosmic system of obligations impacting all aspects of samsara Signup and view all the answers

What ancient Greek term is much closer to the Sanskrit dharma, the Chinese li, and the Latin pietas?

$eusebia$ Signup and view all the answers

What did 'piety' mean in ancient Athens as discussed in Plato's dialogue on defining piety, Euthyphro?

$Eusebia$ Signup and view all the answers

Which term today means a matter of belief, separable from forms of action and political organization, signified by one's assent to a creed and enacted in certain ritual behaviors (i.e., worship)?

$Religion$ Signup and view all the answers

What did British colonialism ensure that contemporary English-speaking citizens of the Indian nation-state conceive what is called 'Hinduism' as their 'religion'?

Hinduism Signup and view all the answers

Evolution of the Concept of Religion

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