Questions and Answers On Sociological Approach to Religion

The acceptance of superhuman abilities in the form of God or Gods is based on faiths and beliefs, which are central to religion. Religion provides a framework for individuals to understand and interpret the supernatural, and it often involves rituals, practices, and doctrines that guide believers in their faith. While tribes, ethnicity, and society may play a role in shaping religious beliefs, they are not directly related to the acceptance of superhuman abilities.

Karl Marx is known for his famous quote that "religion is the opium of the masses." This statement reflects Marx's belief that religion serves as a tool used by those in power to control and pacify the working class. According to Marx, religion acts as a form of false consciousness, distracting individuals from the exploitation and inequality they face in society. Instead of seeking to challenge the existing social order, religion encourages passive acceptance and resignation. This idea is a central aspect of Marx's critique of capitalism and his call for revolutionary change.

Acclesia refers to a religious group that asserts undisputed spiritual dominance over its adherents. It implies that this group holds significant power and influence over its members in matters of spirituality and religious beliefs. The term "Acclesia" does not refer to a close group of friends, religious instructions, or close family ties.

Jerusalem is considered one of the holiest places for Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In Christianity, it is the site of several important events in the life of Jesus, including his crucifixion and resurrection. For Jews, it is home to the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple and a place of prayer and pilgrimage. In Islam, Jerusalem is believed to be the location of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. Therefore, Jerusalem holds significant religious importance for all three Abrahamic religions.

In Durkheim's writings, the phrase "collective representations" refers to shared ideas and moral values that are often symbolized by an object or figurehead. This means that these representations are not just individual beliefs, but rather beliefs that are held by a group or society as a whole. They serve as a way to unite members of the group and provide a sense of identity and cohesion.

The caste system is a prominent feature of Hindu society. It is a hierarchical social structure that divides people into different castes based on their birth, occupation, and social status. This system has been deeply ingrained in Hindu society for centuries and has had a significant impact on social relationships, opportunities, and mobility. The caste system is not a feature of Jewish, Islamic, or Buddhist societies.

The transition from civil religion to common religion means that despite the decline of conventional authority, religious beliefs and ideals still have an impact on our daily lives and common sense. This suggests that while organized religion may have taken a backseat in society due to the growing bureaucracy, people still hold onto their personal religious beliefs and practice them privately. In public and informal contexts, individuals are more open to discussing their religious beliefs, indicating that religion still plays a role in people's lives, albeit in a different way.

The correct answer is 1969. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was established in 1969. It is an international organization consisting of 57 member states, with the aim of promoting solidarity among Muslim countries and safeguarding their interests. The OIC plays a significant role in addressing issues related to the Muslim world, such as political conflicts, economic development, and social welfare.

Secularization refers to the process of separating religion from other aspects of society. It involves disengagement, which means the withdrawal or detachment of religious influence from various social institutions and practices. Disenchantment, on the other hand, refers to the loss of religious beliefs or the decline in the influence of religion in society. Therefore, the correct answer, "disengagement and disenchantment," accurately captures the essence of secularization by highlighting the removal of religious involvement and the diminishing significance of religion in societal affairs.

Herberg's study on religion in America shows that the primary religions' moral teachings were beginning to resemble one another more and more. This implies that there was a growing similarity in the moral values and principles taught by different religious traditions in America.