Practice Quiz for Common
Elements of Religion

No. of Questions= 11

INSTRUCTIONS: To answer a question, click the button in front of your choice. A response will appear in the window below the question to let you know if you are correct. Be sure to read the feedback. It is designed to help you learn the material. You can also learn by reading the feedback for incorrect answers.

1 Which of the following does not involve the belief in a supernatural being?
a) animatism
b) animism
c) ancestral spirit
d) all of the above involve the belief in supernatural beings
2 The traditional Polynesian belief in the existence of "mana" is an example of ______________ .
a) animatism
b) animism
c) ancestral spirits
d) gods
3 Animism is a belief in:
a) ancestral ghosts or spirits
b) otiose deities
c) spirits that are in natural objects such as trees, rivers, and mountains
d) minor supernatural beings such as leprechauns, elves, and pixies
4 Unlike animatism, animism is a belief in:
a) an impersonal power that is viewed as an "it" rather than a "he" or "she" with human-like characteristics
b) supernatural beings that may have recognizable human-like characteristics and personality.
c) the existence of supernatural phenomena
5 Which of the following is true of the belief in the existence of ancestral spirits?
a) They are often seen as retaining an active interest and even membership in their family and society.
b) They can have emotions, feelings, and appetites.
c) They must be treated well to assure their continued good will and assistance to the living.
d) all of the above
6 Which of the following is true regarding the belief in ancestral spirits?
a) In China, they are usually thought of as still being active family members and are treated warmly with respect and honor.
b) In European cultures, they are usually thought of as still being active family members who protect and lovingly help their living descendents.
c) In European cultures, there is no concept of ancestral spirits.
d) none of the above
7 What is the difference between gods and spirits as they are defined in this tutorial?
a) There is no difference--gods are spirits.
b) In the supernatural world, only gods have individual identities and recognizable attributes.
c) Gods are more powerful than spirits.
d) none of the above
8 A belief that there is only one god is referred to as _______________ .
a) monotheism
b) otiose deity
c) polytheism
d) Catholicism
9 When there are many gods in a religion, they are typically ranked relative to each other in terms of their powers and their interests. The supreme god is:
     
a) often an otiose deity
b) a god who no longer has a personal identity
c) always a male
d) all of the above
10 Based on what you read in this tutorial, which of the following statements may be true of Hinduism?
a) It is a polytheistic religion.
b) It is a monotheistic religion.
c) It is a philosophy rather than a religion.
d) A and B
11 Which of the following statements is true of minor supernatural beings?
a) They are not spirits, gods, humans, or other natural beings.
b) They can do things that are beyond the abilities of humans.
c) They often have a "trickster" role--they fool people, do outlandish things, and disappear.
d) all of the above
 


 

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