Historical Development of Comparative Religion: A Journey Through Time

Question 1

Who is widely regarded as the founder of the field of Comparative Religion?

Accepted Answer

Max Müller

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Mircea Eliade

Answer

Edward Tylor

Question 2

Which of the following individuals is NOT recognized as a prominent figure in the early development of Comparative Religion?

Accepted Answer

David Hume

Answer

Max Müller

Answer

Edward Burnett Tylor

Question 3

Who is widely recognized as the 'father' of comparative religion?

Accepted Answer

Max Müller

Answer

Mircea Eliade

Answer

Ninian Smart

Answer

E.B. Tylor

Question 4

The 'three-stage theory' of religious evolution was developed by:

Accepted Answer

E.B. Tylor

Answer

James Frazer

Answer

Rudolf Otto

Answer

Claude Lévi-Strauss

Question 5

Which approach to comparative religion prioritizes the study of religious experience and subjective interpretations?

Accepted Answer

Phenomenology of Religion

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Cognitive Science of Religion

Question 6

The 'Axial Age' concept refers to:

Accepted Answer

A period characterized by significant religious transformation and innovation

Answer

The invention of writing systems

Answer

The emergence of monotheistic beliefs

Answer

The decline of polytheistic practices

Question 7

Which approach to comparative religion investigates the cognitive processes underlying religious beliefs and practices?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Science of Religion

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Phenomenology of Religion

Answer

Structuralism

Question 8

The 'postmodern' approach to comparative religion emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The fluidity and diversity of religious experiences

Answer

The objectivity of religious knowledge and practices

Answer

The importance of religious texts as absolute truth

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT considered a potential benefit of comparative religion?

Accepted Answer

Promoting religious intolerance and discrimination

Answer

Fostering critical thinking

Answer

Enhancing interfaith dialogue and understanding

Answer

Challenging religious stereotypes

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the early focus of comparative religion?

Accepted Answer

Classifying and comparing different religious traditions based on observable similarities and differences

Answer

Promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding

Answer

Establishing the superiority of Christianity over other religions

Question 11

Which scholar proposed a theory of religious evolution, suggesting that religions progress from animism to monotheism?

Accepted Answer

E.B. Tylor

Answer

Rudolf Otto

Answer

Mircea Eliade

Question 12

What is the central idea behind the phenomenological approach in comparative religion?

Accepted Answer

Investigating the lived experiences and personal meanings of religious practices and beliefs

Answer

Evaluating the truth claims and doctrines of different religions

Answer

Comparing religious texts and doctrines to establish historical connections

Question 13

What is a key distinction between comparative religion and interfaith dialogue?

Accepted Answer

Comparative religion is primarily an academic discipline focused on the study of religions, while interfaith dialogue emphasizes practical engagement and understanding among different faiths.

Answer

Comparative religion is subjective, while interfaith dialogue is objective

Answer

Comparative religion focuses on similarities between religions, while interfaith dialogue focuses on differences

Question 14

Which contemporary approach in comparative religion emphasizes the influence of power dynamics and social inequalities on religious beliefs and practices?

Accepted Answer

Postcolonialism

Answer

Neuroscience

Answer

Cognitive science

Question 15

What ethical responsibility do scholars have in the study of comparative religion?

Accepted Answer

To approach different religious traditions with respect, avoiding prejudiced judgments or attempts to convert others

Answer

To focus solely on objective data and avoid making any subjective interpretations

Answer

To promote their own religious beliefs and practices

Question 16

In what way has comparative religion significantly contributed to our understanding of human culture and society?

Accepted Answer

It has demonstrated the vast diversity of religious beliefs and practices across cultures, highlighting the complexity and richness of the human experience

Answer

It has promoted religious intolerance and conflict among different faith communities

Answer

It has proven the superiority of one particular religion over all others

Question 17

Who is credited as the 'father of comparative religion'?

Accepted Answer

Max Müller

Answer

Mircea Eliade

Answer

Rudolf Otto

Answer

William James

Question 18

Which factor played a significant role in the emergence of comparative religion in the 19th century?

Accepted Answer

European colonialism and globalization

Answer

The Enlightenment

Answer

The Protestant Reformation

Answer

The rise of secularism

Question 19

The 'phenomenological approach' to comparative religion emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The subjective experiences of religious practitioners

Answer

Historical and textual analysis

Answer

Classification of religions based on beliefs and practices

Question 20

Who proposed the concept of 'axial age' in comparative religion?

Accepted Answer

Karl Jaspers

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Mircea Eliade

Answer

Max Weber

Question 21

The primary aim of 'comparative theology' is to:

Accepted Answer

Compare and contrast religious doctrines and beliefs

Answer

Provide a universal understanding of divine nature

Answer

Promote interfaith harmony

Question 22

Within comparative religion, 'hermeneutics' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The interpretation of religious texts and symbols

Answer

The development of new religious theories

Answer

The study of the historical origins of religion

Answer

The cross-cultural comparison of religious practices