Religion Test Review PDF

Introduction The World’s Major Religions: Buddhism (Buddhists) – Christianity (Christians) – Hinduism (Hindus) – Islam (Muslims) – Judaism (Jews) – Sikhism (Sikhs) 1. Why do humans turn to religion? List the reasons. Finding Purpose: Religion helps people understand why they exist and what their ro...

Introduction The World’s Major Religions: Buddhism (Buddhists) – Christianity (Christians) – Hinduism (Hindus) – Islam (Muslims) – Judaism (Jews) – Sikhism (Sikhs) 1. Why do humans turn to religion? List the reasons. Finding Purpose: Religion helps people understand why they exist and what their role in life is. Dealing with Fear: It provides comfort during hard times, like when people face challenges or fear the unknown. Knowing Right from Wrong: Religion gives guidance on how to behave and treat others well. Belonging to a Group: It brings people together, creating a sense of community and support. Following Traditions: Many people practice religion because it’s part of their family and cultural heritage. 2. List and explain the key terms provided to you in class. Belief Terms: Theism/Theist: Believing in a god or a higher being. Monotheism/Monotheist: Belief in only one god. Polytheism/Polytheist: Belief in many gods. Atheism/Atheist: Belief that there is no god or gods. Agnosticism/Agnostic: Being unsure whether a god exists. Other Terms: Credo: A philosophy or a set of beliefs someone follows. Devil: The figure representing evil in Jewish and Christian beliefs. Ethics: A set of moral rules guiding how humans should act. Evolutionary: A person who believes that evolution explains how species developed. Multi-Faith: Involving many different religions. Ritual: A formal religious ceremony or performance. Culture: The shared ideas, customs, and behaviors of a particular group. Religion: A system of faith that is publicly practiced through worship and rituals. Religious Pluralism: Acceptance and celebration of many different religions within one society. Faith: A personal belief or trust in something sacred or divine. Isms: Idealism: Believing in a perfect world that’s hidden by the difficulties of everyday life.  Materialism: The belief that everything, including life, is based on physical matter, and nothing exists beyond that. Consumerism: A type of materialism where people’s identity is tied to what they own. Individualism: Valuing personal freedom and choice, where the individual’s interests are most important. Collectivism: The belief that the group or society is more important than the individual. Secularism: Keeping religious faith separate from political or social matters. Secularists may believe in a god but make decisions without religious influence. Fundamentalism: Interpreting religious texts or beliefs literally, which can lead to conflicts or misunderstandings. Humanism: The belief that humans, rather than religion, are the source of all value and meaning. Paganism: Believing in religions outside the major world religions (historically used by Christians to refer to non-Christian faiths). 3. What is the difference between religion and culture? Explain how they can be different but also how they can be influenced by each other. Religion is about beliefs and practices related to gods or the divine, while culture is about the everyday habits, customs, and traditions of a group of people. They can be different because people in the same culture might practice different religions. However, they influence each other because religion can shape cultural practices (like holidays), and culture can affect how people practice their religion. 4. What is Secularism? Secularism is the principle of separating religion from government and public life. It ensures that government policies and public institutions are neutral regarding religion, allowing people of all faiths and beliefs to be treated equally. Examples: Public Schools: In a secular system, public schools do not promote or favor any particular religion. Students learn about various religions from an objective standpoint. Government Policies: Laws and policies are made without religious influence, ensuring that all citizens have equal rights regardless of their religion. Public Services: Services like hospitals and libraries are provided without religious bias, so everyone, regardless of their faith, has equal access. 5. What is Pluralism? Why is Canada Becoming Increasingly Pluralistic? Pluralism is the idea that all religions and beliefs are valid and should coexist peacefully. It values the diversity of religious and cultural traditions and promotes mutual respect and understanding among different groups. Why Canada is Becoming Increasingly Pluralistic:  Immigration: Canada has welcomed people from many different countries and cultures, bringing various religions and beliefs. Multicultural Policies: Canada's policies, such as the Multiculturalism Act of 1988, support and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of its citizens. Social Change: As societal values shift towards inclusivity and respect for diversity, more people embrace a range of beliefs and practices. 6. What is fundamentalism? What are some of the characteristics of fundamentalist groups? Fundamentalism is a movement in some religions that wants to stick closely to what they believe are the basic and original principles of their faith. It often comes as a response to modern ideas and secular views. Characteristics of Fundamentalist Groups: 1. Literal Belief in Scriptures: They believe their holy texts are completely correct and interpret them exactly as written. 2. Strict Adherence to Traditions: They follow old religious practices and customs very closely. 3. Dualistic View: They see the world as divided between their beliefs and others, thinking that anyone who disagrees is wrong. 4. Fixed Morals: They have strict and unchanging rules about what is right and wrong. 5. Strong Leaders: They are guided by powerful leaders who strongly influence their beliefs and actions. Fundamentalist groups often feel upset by modern ideas and secular views and may react with anger or even violence. 7. Review the introduction powerpoints. Purpose of Religion: Religion is about the service and adoration of a higher power. It involves various practices and beliefs to address life’s big questions. Terms: B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini): Traditional Christian dating terms. B.C.E. (Before Common Era) and C.E. (Common Era): Secular alternatives to B.C. and A.D. The Axial Period (600 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.): A crucial era when many major religions and philosophies were founded. Major World Religions Timeline: Hinduism: Over 6000 years old, dating from around 2500 B.C.E. Judaism: Around 2000-1800 B.C.E. Buddhism: Emerged in the 5th century B.C.E. Christianity: Began in the 1st century C.E. Islam: Founded in 570 C.E. Sikhism: Originated in the late 15th century C.E. Why Study World Religions? To understand cultural differences and similarities. To appreciate and relate to our own beliefs. To foster respect and reduce hostility. Key Questions Religion Addresses: Why do I exist? What is true and real? How did the universe begin? Why do things happen the way they do? How does life end? Is there immortality? What is right and wrong? What is the “good life”? Indigenous Spirituality and Cults 8. Review the cultural impact powerpoints Cultural Impact on Indigenous Peoples 1. Government and Aboriginal Relations: ○ 1755: The British set up the Indian Department to build good relations with Native peoples and get their support in conflicts.  2. Indian Act: ○ 1876 & 1895: These laws aimed to make Aboriginal people give up their cultures and blend into "white society," but with mixed success. 3. Numbered Treaties (1871-1921): ○ Aboriginal groups signed away much of their land in central Canada to the government in exchange for various promises, often related to rights and protections. 4. Reasons for Signing Treaties: ○ Buffalo Decline: The buffalo population dropped drastically due to hunting and other factors, reducing an important resource for Native peoples. ○ Settlement Expansion: Increasing numbers of settlers took over lands traditionally used by Native peoples. ○ Disease and Alcohol: European diseases and alcohol contributed to a significant decline in Native populations. 5. Standoff at Oka (1990): ○ A land dispute in Northern Quebec led to a 78-day standoff between Aboriginal people and government forces. The conflict started when plans to expand a golf course on Aboriginal burial grounds were announced. The crisis highlighted tensions and led to changes in how First Nations policing is handled. 6. Residential Schools: ○ Indigenous children were taken from their communities and placed in residential schools aimed at assimilating them into mainstream society. These schools, often run by Christian organizations, discouraged Indigenous cultural practices and were known for poor conditions. The experience led to a loss of cultural connections and difficulties in integrating into society. 9. Review the residential schools article. Overview of Residential Schools Background: Establishment: In the 19th century, the Canadian government and churches established residential schools to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream Canadian society. The aim was to replace Indigenous cultures with Western customs and Christianity. Policy: This approach was part of a broader policy of "aggressive assimilation," which sought to erase Indigenous cultures by educating children in these institutions. Conditions and Practices: Mandatory Attendance: Attendance at residential schools was compulsory, enforced by government agents. Living Conditions: Schools were federally run, often with poor living conditions. Children faced inadequate food, clothing, and housing.  Cultural Suppression: Students were prohibited from speaking their native languages and practicing their cultural traditions. Severe punishments were meted out for any infractions. Abuse: Many children endured physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The conditions and treatment in these schools were often substandard, leading to significant trauma. Family Separation: Children were separated from their families for most of the year, leading to a breakdown in family and community ties. Correspondence was often in English, which many parents could not read, further isolating the children. Consequences: Cultural Disconnection: Upon returning to their communities, many children felt disconnected from their cultural heritage and struggled to reintegrate. Impact on Communities: The residential school system had long-lasting negative effects on Indigenous communities, including intergenerational trauma and social problems. Apologies and Reconciliation Efforts: Church Apologies: The Catholic Church, along with other denominations like the Anglican, Presbyterian, and United Churches, has apologized for their roles in running these schools. Government Apology: On June 11, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally apologized for the government's role in the residential school system, acknowledging the harm caused and the policy's impact on Indigenous cultures. Compensation and Healing: The government established compensation programs and funded initiatives for commemoration and healing. The Aboriginal Healing Foundation received significant funding, and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission was set up to address the legacy of residential schools. Key Points to Remember: Purpose of Residential Schools: To assimilate Indigenous children into Western society, erasing Indigenous cultures and languages. Experiences of Students: Poor living conditions, abuse, cultural suppression, and family separation. Long-Term Impact: Disconnection from culture, trauma, and ongoing social issues. Reconciliation Efforts: Apologies from churches and government, compensation programs, and initiatives for healing and truth-telling. 10. Review the Cults powerpoint and recognizing an authentic religion handout. Understanding Cults Who Joins a Cult? Typical Age: Usually individuals aged 18-25. Characteristics of Members: ○ Vulnerable or isolated. ○ Experiencing a personal crisis or major life change. ○ Naïve or gullible. ○ Seeking meaning in their lives and unsure where to turn. Targeting: Cults may also target disillusioned celebrities for their resources. Common Traits of Cults: 1. Isolation: Members are often cut off from friends and family who are not part of the cult, which deepens their dependency on the group. 2. Financial Exploitation: Members may surrender their entire salary, assets, and savings to the cult. In return, they receive a small allowance and are required to live in poor conditions at the cult headquarters. 3. Intense Dedication: Cults demand complete devotion from their members, often requiring them to prioritize the cult’s needs above all else. 4. Intimidation and Fear: Cults use threats, strict rules, and harsh punishments to enforce obedience. Members are discouraged from questioning the leader or thinking independently. 5. Inward Focus: All resources and efforts are concentrated on benefiting the cult and its leaders rather than contributing to the wider community. 6. Simplistic Beliefs: Cults often use simple, binary language to describe complex issues, portraying everything as either good or bad, right or wrong, with no nuance. 7. Apocalyptic Beliefs: Many cults preach that the world is fundamentally corrupt and must be destroyed before it can be redeemed, creating a sense of urgency and fear among members. 8. Guilt and Self-Hatred: Members are often made to feel guilty and are humiliated, which erodes their self-esteem and makes them more reliant on the group. Challenges in Leaving a Cult: Fear of Isolation: Members may fear being alone and lack the support network needed to leave. Low Self-Esteem: Cult members often suffer from diminished self-worth, making it harder to make independent decisions. Threats: Fear of retaliation from cult leaders can deter members from leaving. Dependency: Cults foster a dependency that makes it difficult for members to think critically or act independently. Examples and Concepts:  Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple: Led by Jim Jones, the Peoples Temple ended in the Jonestown Massacre, where over 900 members died in a mass murder-suicide. This is a notable example of a cult using apocalyptic fear to control its members. Syncretism: Cults may blend elements from different religions or philosophies to create a unique belief system that serves their agenda. Millenarianism or Apocalypse: Cults often emphasize an impending end of the world to maintain control and obedience among their members. Cults (C): Typically have a single, unquestioned leader who makes all decisions. Use coercive recruiting methods and brainwashing techniques. Maintain secrecy, especially about finances and internal beliefs. Encourage an "us versus them" mentality. Often isolate members from their family and friends. Religions (R): Respect and encourage family relationships, even with non-members. Allow members to join and leave freely. Offer equal opportunities for participation and advancement. Publicly share all beliefs without secrecy. Hold regular, open gatherings where attendance is voluntary. Encourage exemplary behavior in public life. How are cults different from religions? Leadership and Structure Cults: Usually led by a single, charismatic leader who holds absolute power and is not accountable to others. The leader’s authority is often unquestioned. Religions: Typically have a more structured hierarchy with multiple leaders or councils. Leadership roles are generally accountable to the broader community or governing bodies. Recruitment and Membership Cults: Use coercive and manipulative tactics for recruitment, often employing brainwashing techniques. Membership can be isolating, and leaving can be difficult due to fear or manipulation. Religions: Recruitment is generally voluntary, and individuals are encouraged to join and leave freely. There is usually no coercion or manipulation involved. Secrecy and Transparency Cults: Often secretive about their practices, beliefs, and finances. Information is typically controlled and restricted to a select group. Religions: Generally have transparent teachings and practices. Beliefs and financial matters are usually publicly accessible. Social Integration Cults: Tend to isolate members from outside relationships, including family and friends, to maintain control. Religions: Encourage healthy relationships with family and friends, including those who do not share the same faith. Mental and Emotional Impact Cults: Often use intimidation, fear, and guilt to control members. This can lead to emotional and psychological harm. Religions: Aim to provide support, comfort, and a sense of community. The emphasis is usually on positive spiritual and emotional growth. Focus and Purpose Cults: Frequently focus inward, prioritizing the needs and goals of the group or leader over the wider community. Religions: Often focus on both spiritual growth and contributing positively to the broader community. Public Perception Cults: May promote an "us versus them" mentality, seeing themselves as distinct and superior to outside groups. Religions: Typically encourage integration and coexistence with other faiths and communities. Similarities between Cults and Religions: 1. Belief System: Both have a core set of beliefs. 2. Community: Provide a sense of belonging. 3. Rituals: Include ceremonies and practices. 4. Ethical Guidelines: Offer moral and ethical direction. 5. Leadership: Have guiding leaders or authorities. 6. Growth: Seek to expand membership. 7. Purpose: Provide meaning and purpose to members. 8. Impact: Influence members' lives significantly. ⭐Religious Tolerance: You let others practice their religion without bothering them and don’t try to change their beliefs. Pluralism: You actively learn about and respect different religions, and work to include and understand them in society. (want to be politically correct, saying every religion is fully true) Solar Temple Suicides (1994-1997) What It Was: A secret group called the Order of the Solar Temple, led by Joseph Di Mambro and Luc Jouret, thought the world was ending. What Happened: In Switzerland, France, and Canada, about 74 people died in planned suicides and killings. Beliefs: They believed dying would take them to a better place. Outcome: The tragic events showed the dangers of extreme beliefs. Jonestown Massacre (1978) What It Was: The Peoples Temple, led by Jim Jones, was a group that set up a commune in Guyana called Jonestown. What Happened: On November 18, 1978, over 900 people died by drinking poison. They thought this would help them escape the world. Beliefs: Jim Jones said they were creating a perfect community and that this mass death was part of a revolutionary act. Outcome: This event showed how dangerous strong, unchallenged leadership can be. Heaven's Gate Suicides (1997) What It Was: Heaven's Gate was a group led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles. They believed aliens would come and take them to a better place. What Happened: On March 26, 1997, 39 members committed suicide, thinking they’d join a spaceship following a comet. Beliefs: They thought their bodies were just temporary and that dying would help them reach a higher state of being. Outcome: This case highlighted the dangers of extreme beliefs about aliens and the end of the world. Mystery of a Killer Cult What It Is: This term refers to different cults that have caused harm or mass deaths. Characteristics: These groups often have a powerful leader, extreme beliefs, and isolate themselves from others. Common Patterns: They might think the world is ending or that they are saving their followers through extreme actions. Outcome: Studying these groups helps understand how dangerous extreme beliefs and leaders can be. The leader killed ex members to scare others and keep control. they wanted to stop anyone from leaving or questioning the cult. the violence made people too afraid to go against them. people were invited to talks about things like yoga and stress relief. most members were from the middle class, including professionals like accountants, journalist, and business owners ceremonies took place in dark rooms. they use tricks like glowing swords and Holograms to make it look like magic. these tricks made people believe the leaders had special powers. the cults real goal was to make money and gain power. the leaders tricked people into giving up their money and control of their lives Responses to Mystery 1. Fixed Destiny Methods: Beliefs that the future is predetermined and unchangeable. People use techniques like astrology, fortune-telling, and tarot cards to gain insight and prepare for future events. 2. Magic: Attempts to control mysterious forces for practical purposes. Magic includes: ○ Imitative Magic: Mimicking something to influence it (e.g., rain dances). ○ Contagious Magic: Connecting things magically even after they are separated (e.g., using a person’s hair in a spell). ○ Aversive Magic: Transferring a group’s qualities to an individual (e.g., scapegoating). ○ Productive Magic: Making offerings to spirits (e.g., sacrifices). ○ Black Magic: Using magic to cause harm (e.g., using a voodoo doll). 3. Difference from Religion: Magic tries to control or manipulate, while religion accepts the mystery of the sacred and involves worship. 4. Religion: Entered freely with respect for the sacred and mysterious. Religion includes worship, rituals, and ceremonies to connect with the Ultimate Reality (e.g., prayer, festivals). 5. Philosophy: Seeks to understand reality and our place in it through: ○ Epistemology: What is knowledge? ○ Metaphysics: What is real? ○ Ethics: What is the right thing to do? Most Christian churches view magic as something wrong because it goes against their beliefs. The Bible warns against magic and spells, saying they can lead people away from God. Churches teach that relying on magic instead of trusting God is not right. They believe magic can be dangerous and should be avoided. Instead, they focus on prayer and faith to guide their lives. Pop Culture vs. Religious Culture Pop Culture: Trends and entertainment (music, movies, fashion). Religious Culture: Beliefs and practices related to faith. Differences: Pop culture changes often; religious culture is stable. Similarities: Both shape values and behavior. State Religion Example: Pakistan follows Islam as its state religion. This means that Islam is officially supported by the government and plays a significant role in the country’s laws and public life. Folk Religion Example: In some areas, people might practice local customs and beliefs that are specific to their community, which may not be officially supported or recognized by the government. For instance, certain indigenous practices in various regions might be part of folk religion. Summary: State Religion is the official religion of a country (like Islam in Pakistan). Folk Religion involves local or traditional practices that are often specific to smaller communities or regions. Secular Religion: Beliefs or practices similar to religion but without gods or supernatural elements. Examples include Humanism and Secularism, which focus on human values and ethics. The experiences of young Muslim Canadians show how pluralism works in practice. Pluralism means respecting and including people from different backgrounds. Even though these teens face challenges and sometimes face discrimination, their stories highlight how important it is for everyone to be able to practice their beliefs and be accepted in a diverse society. Colonization deeply affected Indigenous peoples. They lost their traditional lands, which were essential for their way of life. Indigenous children were taken away to residential schools where they were forbidden to speak their languages and practice their traditions. This led to a loss of cultural knowledge and caused pain and separation in families. Many Indigenous communities still face the impacts of this history, but they are working hard to restore their traditions, languages, and rights. They are also fighting for recognition and justice to heal from past harms.