Psychology of Religion Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary psychoactive component found in peyote?

Psilocybin

Mescaline (correct)

LSD

Cannabinoids

Which group is associated with the use of cannabis as mentioned in the content?

Christian mystics

Shamanic tribes of the Amazon

Egyptian priests

Medieval Assassins and Rastafari (correct)

Which theory of possession views it as a performance art?

Dissociation theory

Cultural theory

Theatric theory (correct)

Emic theory

What is NOT a characteristic of syncretic religions?

Having no influence from Western European spiritualism Signup and view all the answers

What does the emic theory of spirit possession involve?

The presence of actual spirit beings Signup and view all the answers

Which mediators are associated with Vodun?

Lwa Signup and view all the answers

Which Afro-Christian religion originated from French slaves in Haiti?

Vodun Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the widespread practices associated with spiritualism?

Ouija boards Signup and view all the answers

Which brainwave state is associated with REM dreaming?

Theta Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Reticular Formation?

Govern sleep and waking Signup and view all the answers

What did Franz Anton Mesmer initially call his practice?

Animal Magnetism Signup and view all the answers

Which side of the body does the left hemisphere of the brain control?

Right side Signup and view all the answers

What did Charcot rename Mesmer's technique?

Hypnotism Signup and view all the answers

Which device is known for stimulating the temporal lobes to evoke religious experiences?

The God Helmet Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'entheogen' refer to?

Plants consumed for religious purposes Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary subject of Aldous Huxley's book 'Doors of Perception'?

Experiments with mescaline Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a secular state?

Religion and state are completely separate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main belief of Hinduism regarding reincarnation?

Karma and dharma are essential for favorable reincarnation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Confucianism?

Promoting social harmony and filial piety. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of fundamentalism?

Strict adherence to the literal meanings of religious writings. Signup and view all the answers

What are the five pillars of Islam primarily focused on?

Pilgrimage, fasting, and charity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Sacred Heart movement primarily associated with?

Creating a Catholic monarchy or theocracy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the I-ching?

To serve as a Chinese oracle for divination. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic defines an atheist state?

Religion is actively forbidden and suppressed. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Sun Dance ritual represent for Native Americans?

A dance around a pole representing the world tree Signup and view all the answers

Why was Devil's Tower named as such by Christian missionaries?

They associated it with devil worship after encountering it. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant effect of the Malleus Maleficarum?

It contributed to the execution of millions of women accused of witchcraft. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is included in the mobility hypothesis regarding the development of witchcraft accusations?

Accumulation of private property leading to disputes over inheritance Signup and view all the answers

What role did Tituba play in the Salem Witch hunts?

She taught local girls about root charms, sparking witch hysteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about Wicca's horned god?

It is a misunderstood figure as the antler-horned 'Master of the Hunt.' Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of rituals as described in the content?

To obtain specific ends through fixed sequences of actions Signup and view all the answers

Which belief system emphasizes ecology and feminism as core tenets?

Wicca Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of Glastonbury?

Southwestern England Signup and view all the answers

Which belief is NOT associated with Glastonbury?

The site is a known battlefield Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'totem' refer to?

An ancestor or clan animal symbol Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered taboo in Hinduism?

Marrying outside the caste Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary principle behind totemism?

Animals must be respected and protected Signup and view all the answers

What does the Decalogue consist of?

Generic rules for all mankind Signup and view all the answers

The celebration of Carnival marks which significant event?

The last day to eat meat Signup and view all the answers

Which governance system is characterized by religion equating to law?

Theocracy Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited as the founder of Ras Tafari?

Marcus Garvey Signup and view all the answers

What is the sacred text of Ras Tafari?

The Holy Piny Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary belief in Ras Tafari regarding Haile Selassie I?

He is considered the African Messiah. Signup and view all the answers

According to Wade Davis, what is the cause of zombification?

A paralyzing toxin. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes revitalization movements?

Revival of a more satisfying culture. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of revitalization movements?

Cultural innovation Signup and view all the answers

What does the ghost dance aim to achieve according to its beliefs?

To revive buffalo herds and ancestors. Signup and view all the answers

Which movement was founded in the Pacific Melanesian Islands post WW2?

Cargo Cults Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Altered States of Consciousness

Brainwave states: Beta (waking consciousness), Alpha (daydreaming, light trance), Theta (REM dreaming, deep trance), Delta (deep sleep, unconscious).
Types of ASC: Hypnagogic (between sleep and wake), Hallucinogenic (psychedelic drug-induced states), Spirit possession (disassociation feelings), Hypnotic trance (hypnosis/trance/mesmerism), REM dreaming (lucid dreaming possible).
Brain structures: Left hemisphere (logical, analytical, linear thinking, sequential time experience, controls the right side of the body), Right hemisphere (intuitive, emotional, holistic thinking, spatial time experience, connected to ASC). Note: Left hemisphere is connected to ASC.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis: The state of putting someone into a trance.
Originally called mesmerism after Franz Anton Mesmer, who believed in manipulating animal magnetism.
Later renamed “hypnotism” by Jean-Martin Charcot.

Brain stimulation and religious experiences

The God Helmet: A device by Dr. Michael Persinger that uses magnetic fields to stimulate temporal lobes, leading to altered states of consciousness and feelings of a divine presence.

Doors of Perception

Book written by Aldous Huxley.
Named after a poem by William Blake.
Discusses Huxley's experiments with mescaline (a hallucinogen).

Entheogens

Entheogens: Plants ritually consumed for religious purposes, believed to contain divine life force.
Examples: Ayahuasca (2 plants used by Amazonian shamans), Peyote (cactus containing mescaline), Ergot (fungus), Fly agaric (mushroom), Cannabis.

Syncretism

Syncretism: A hybrid religion combining two earlier religions.
Often occurs when indigenous groups combine with colonizing faiths, greatly influenced by Western European spiritualism.
Example: African and Christian religions

Spirit Possession

Widespread Practices: Ouija boards, automatic writing, and table séances.
Theories of Possession: Emic theory (involves actual spirit beings), Theatric theory (possession as a performance art), Dissociation theory (temporary displacement of the ego).
Other Information: Rhythmic drumming/singing → trance state, possessed people experience changes in memory/physical appearance.

Afro-Christian Religions

Vodun (or Voodoo): French slaves in Haiti. Practitioners are Hougans and Mambos. Shrines are the peristyle. Mediators include Lwa and Legba. Controversies: Are zombies real?
Santeria: Cuban slaves. Practitioners are Santeros. Shrines are in people's homes or botanicas. Mediators are Orisha, Chango, and Yemaya.. Controversies: Animal sacrifices.
Candomblé: Brazilian slaves. Practitioners are Umbandistas. Shrines are in people's homes. Mediators are Ogoun (St. Peter), Oloddua (St. Anthony).. Controversies: Controversies: “Surgeon of the Rusty Knife.”

Revitalization Movements

Revitalization Movement: Deliberate, organized effort to construct a more satisfying culture, often occurring in response to colonization.
Examples: Ghost Dance, Cargo cults.

Other

Serpent handlers: Practitioners use religious belief to interact with dangerous snakes.
Zapatista Revolt: Upspringing in Chiapas, Mexico in 1944, described as possibly secular Mayan revitalization.
Christianity: During Christ's time, there was a need to purify the land. Zealots of Masada, Essenes.

Shamanism

Shamans: Masters of the spirits, from Tungus (Saaman).
Roles: Diviner, Healer, Judge, Prophet, Medium.
Eliade: Master of archaic techniques of ecstasy, beginning 100,000 years ago in Siberia.
World tree: The Axis Mundi, connecting three worlds (Underworld Middle realm, Celestial realm).

Witchcraft

Evil Eye: A certain gaze/power that causes misfortune.
Mobility Hypothesis: Link between societal changes, inheritance, and witchcraft accusations. Malleus Maleficarum: A controversial book (cause of death) about witches, written by two Dominicans.

Salem Witch Hunts:

Description of the Salem witch trials, identifying important figures, and explaining the events.

Wicca

Founder: Gerald Gardner.
Beliefs: Ecology, feminism, god/goddess duo
Practices: Coven, grove, or solo-practitioner.
Misunderstandings: Horned god, pentagram, Threefold Law and the Wiccan Rede.

Rituals

Rituals: Are collective and social, while Mysticism is more individual and introspective
Types of Rituals: Temporal, Spatial, Body, Fertility, Divination, Healing, Taboos.

Liminality and Rites of Passage

Liminality: Van Gennep
Meaning: State of “social in-betweenness”, rituals help address transition.

Solstices and Equinoxes

Mark the 4 seasons. Summer and Winter Solstice/ Equinox.

Mayan Calendar

Calendars: Halve (similar to 365 day cal.) and the Solcan (265 day cal.)

Pilgrimage

Traveling to a sacred spot, seeking devotion.
Examples: Santiago de Compostela, Al Aqsa, Glastonbury.

Totem and Taboo

Totem: Clan animal symbol, believed to be the legendary ancestor of the clan.
Taboo: Forbidden things.
Types: Prohibitions on action, prohibitions on association.
Hinduism: Caste system restrictions and Untouchables.

Religion and the State

Theocracy: Religion = Law (Islam of today, Ancient Israel).
Divine Kingship: Religious officials control a ‘divine’ king (Ancient Israel).
Dual States: Religion & state “separate but equal” (Medieval Europe, US).
Secular State: Religion & state are separate (US).
Atheist State: Religion is forbidden (China).

Techgnosis

Techgnosis: Seeking knowledge through technology.
Examples of techgnostic religions: Extropians, Raelians, Church of Scientology.

Miscellaneous

Christian Nationalism: Belief that the US was founded as a Christian nation.
Manifest Destiny: Belief that God chose the US for a special purpose.
Singularity: The idea that AI will become sentient.
Clash of Civilizations: Talks about the clash between Islam and Western civilizations after 9/11.
NOTE: If there's a question about a “forbidden fruit” the answer is pomegranate.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the psychological and sociological aspects of religion. This quiz covers various topics including psychoactive substances, spirit possession theories, and the impact of religious practices on the mind. Dive into concepts from notable figures like Aldous Huxley and Franz Anton Mesmer.