Religion in Society: Impact on Culture, Politics, and Welfare

Question 1

Which theory argues that religion serves to reduce anxiety and provide psychological comfort?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist Theory

Answer

Social Identity Theory

Answer

Secularization Theory

Answer

Marxist Theory

Question 2

Which of the following is **not** a major function of religion in society?

Accepted Answer

Promoting economic diversification

Answer

Providing a sense of community and belonging

Answer

Influencing political ideologies and governance

Answer

Addressing social welfare needs

Question 3

Which of the following is **not** a key aspect of religion's societal role?

Accepted Answer

Economic development

Answer

Cultural influence

Answer

Political impact

Answer

Social welfare provision

Question 4

Which sociological perspective views religion as a tool for maintaining social order?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Weber's theory of rationalisation

Answer

Durkheim's theory of anomie

Question 5

How do religious beliefs and values affect the ethical decisions people make in their everyday lives?

Accepted Answer

Religious beliefs and values play a significant role in shaping moral choices.

Answer

Religious beliefs are the only factor that determines moral choices.

Answer

Religious beliefs and values have little to no influence on moral choices.

Answer

Religion has no impact on moral decision-making.

Question 6

Which aspect is NOT a key component of the role of religion in society?

Accepted Answer

Aesthetic appreciation

Answer

Cultural influence

Answer

Political involvement

Answer

Economic implications

Question 7

The relationship between religion and society is:

Accepted Answer

Reciprocal

Answer

Linear

Answer

Static

Answer

Adversarial

Question 8

How can societies balance the positive and negative aspects of religion's influence?

Accepted Answer

Through open dialogue and mutual understanding

Answer

By restricting religious expression

Answer

By promoting a single dominant religion

Answer

By ignoring religion altogether

Question 9

What is the primary goal of religious education in the context of understanding the role of religion in society?

Accepted Answer

Both B and C

Answer

To indoctrinate students into a particular religion

Answer

To promote religious tolerance and understanding

Answer

To equip students with critical thinking skills for analyzing religious phenomena

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a potential positive role of religion in society?

Accepted Answer

Exploiting vulnerable individuals for financial gain

Answer

Providing a sense of community and belonging

Answer

Promoting ethical values and moral conduct

Answer

Offering comfort and hope in times of crisis

Question 11

Which of the following is a key characteristic of theocracy?

Accepted Answer

Rule by religious leaders

Answer

Separation of religion and state

Answer

Democratic decision-making

Answer

Secularization of society

Question 12

Which theory suggests that religion originates as a response to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Weber's theory of rationalization

Answer

Durkheim's theory of social solidarity

Answer

Freud's theory of the subconscious

Question 13

Which of the following is outside the scope of the unit on the role of religion in society?

Accepted Answer

Scientific innovations driven by religion

Answer

Cultural influences of religion

Answer

Political impact of religion

Answer

Religion's role in social welfare

Question 14

Statement: Religion has an unchanging, universal impact on all societies. True or False?

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 15

Which sociological theory emphasizes religion's role in providing a sense of community and belonging?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a significant role of religion in society?

Accepted Answer

Promoting scientific inquiry and innovation

Answer

Providing a framework for understanding the world and human existence

Answer

Influencing ethical behavior and moral values

Answer

Promoting peace and social cohesion

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic of a secular society?

Accepted Answer

Religion is recognized and respected, but not privileged

Answer

Religion plays a dominant role in public life

Answer

Religion is completely absent from public life

Answer

All religions are equally favored and supported by the state

Question 18

Which of the following is a potential negative impact of religion on society?

Accepted Answer

Creating social division and conflict

Answer

Providing social support and cohesion

Answer

Promoting ethical values and moral behavior

Answer

Fostering cultural identity and heritage

Question 19

According to secularization theory, how does the role of religion in society change as societies modernize?

Accepted Answer

Inevitably declines

Answer

Remains constant

Answer

Increases significantly

Answer

Fluctuates unpredictably

Question 20

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a 'civil religion'?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes national symbols and values

Answer

It is based on a specific religious doctrine

Answer

It is compulsory for all citizens to practice

Answer

It is distinct from the dominant religion in society

Question 21

According to the 'social construction of reality' perspective, how are religious beliefs and practices viewed?

Accepted Answer

Socially and historically constructed

Answer

Objective truths revealed by God

Answer

Entirely personal and subjective

Answer

Unchanging and eternal

Question 22

What is the primary focus of liberation theology?

Accepted Answer

Social justice and liberation for the oppressed

Answer

Personal salvation and spiritual enlightenment

Answer

A literal interpretation of religious texts

Answer

Exclusively within Christian traditions

Question 23

In a pluralistic society, what is an essential requirement for the role of religion?

Accepted Answer

Respect for the rights and beliefs of all individuals

Answer

State enforcement of religious practices

Answer

Suppression of religious minorities

Answer

Tolerance of religious diversity but no active promotion

Question 24

Identify the option that is not a primary role of religion in society:

Accepted Answer

Economic influence

Answer

Cultural influence

Answer

Political influence

Answer

Social welfare provision

Question 25

In contemporary societies, which of the following is a potential advantage of religious pluralism?

Accepted Answer

Increased tolerance and acceptance

Accepted Answer

Opportunities for interfaith dialogue

Answer

Resistance to new ideas

Question 26

Identify the option that is NOT a primary function of religion in society:

Accepted Answer

Creating social divisions

Answer

Providing purpose and meaning

Answer

Fostering social cohesion

Answer

Promoting economic growth

Question 27

Which of the following best exemplifies the functionalist view of religion?

Accepted Answer

Religion promotes social control and stability

Answer

Religion provides solace and meaning in times of suffering

Answer

Religion is a product of social conflict and inequality

Answer

Religion has no significant impact on society

Question 28

What primary factor has enabled religion to adapt and evolve throughout history?

Accepted Answer

Changing societal values and norms

Answer

Ongoing theological discussions

Answer

Scientific advancements

Answer

Political and economic pressures

Question 29

How have religions adjusted to accommodate scientific discoveries and changing perspectives on the world?

Accepted Answer

By reinterpreting religious texts and teachings in light of new scientific understanding

Answer

By rejecting scientific theories that contradict religious beliefs

Answer

By creating new rituals and practices that incorporate scientific concepts

Answer

By abandoning traditional religious beliefs and practices in favor of scientific explanations

Question 30

How can negative media portrayals of religion harm relationships between different faiths?

Accepted Answer

They can increase prejudice and distrust

Answer

They can encourage interfaith discussions

Answer

They have no effect on interfaith relationships

Question 31

How have historical events, societal changes, and cultural exchanges influenced the development and diversification of religious beliefs and practices?

Accepted Answer

These factors have contributed to the variety of religious beliefs and practices.

Answer

These factors have had little impact on religious beliefs and practices.

Answer

Religious beliefs and practices are fixed and do not change.

Answer

These factors have influenced religious practices but not beliefs.

Question 32

What is a potential negative consequence of religion's presence in society?

Accepted Answer

Exacerbating social divisions and conflicts

Answer

Fostering a sense of community and shared values

Answer

Providing ethical guidance and moral principles

Answer

Offering support and solace during challenging times

Question 33

How does religion positively contribute to society?

Accepted Answer

Providing essential services like education and healthcare.

Answer

Encouraging social unrest and violence.

Answer

Promoting selfishness and individualism.

Answer

Hinder scientific advancement and rational thinking.

Question 34

In what ways can religion contribute to a person's sense of identity?

Accepted Answer

By providing a sense of belonging to a community with shared beliefs and values.

Accepted Answer

By offering a framework for understanding the world and one's place within it.

Accepted Answer

By encouraging personal reflection and spiritual growth.

Answer

By promoting social and political activism to address social issues.

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of religion in society?

Accepted Answer

It fosters social division.

Answer

It provides moral guidance.

Answer

It contributes to economic development.

Answer

It offers a sense of community.

Question 36

How does religion often influence political processes?

Accepted Answer

It shapes political ideologies and provides a basis for laws and policies.

Answer

It has no influence on politics.

Answer

It promotes religious laws exclusively.

Answer

It always leads to religious conflict.

Question 37

Which type of religious organization is characterized by a centralized authority and a hierarchical structure?

Accepted Answer

Church

Answer

Sect

Answer

Denomination

Answer

Cult

Question 38

How can religion contribute to social conflict?

Accepted Answer

It can create divisions and tensions based on religious beliefs and practices.

Answer

It never contributes to social conflict.

Answer

It always leads to religious wars.

Answer

It invariably promotes peace and harmony.

Question 39

Which of the following is an example of how religion shapes cultural values?

Accepted Answer

Religious festivals and dietary practices.

Answer

The use of smartphones.

Answer

The popularity of modern music.

Question 40

What is a key characteristic of secularization?

Accepted Answer

The decline of religious influence in public life and institutions.

Answer

The growth of new religious movements.

Answer

Increased religious dominance in society.

Answer

The rise of fundamentalism.

Question 41

How can religion contribute to social stability?

Accepted Answer

It can provide a shared moral framework, promoting cooperation and social order.

Answer

It has no role in maintaining social order.

Answer

It invariably leads to societal unrest.

Answer

It primarily favors religious minorities.

Question 42

Which of the following is a valid criticism of using religion as a basis for moral decision-making?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to ethical relativism and the justification of harmful actions.

Answer

It is the sole source of reliable moral guidance.

Answer

It is not influenced by personal interpretations or societal norms.

Answer

It always promotes universal moral values.

Question 43

How has the role of religion evolved in modern societies?

Accepted Answer

It has become more privatized and less influential in public institutions, though it retains significance in personal lives.

Answer

It has gained greater political authority.

Answer

It remains the dominant force in shaping societal values.

Question 44

Which of the following is a key factor that contributes to religious pluralism?

Accepted Answer

Increased migration, globalization, and technological advancements.

Answer

Political instability.

Answer

Declining secularization.

Answer

Economic disparity.

Question 45

Which of the following is a primary function of religion in society?

Accepted Answer

Providing a sense of identity and belonging

Answer

Enforcing laws and regulations

Answer

Promoting economic development

Question 46

How does religion influence politics and governance?

Accepted Answer

By legitimizing and shaping the distribution of power

Answer

By having minimal impact on political structures

Answer

By directly controlling political decision-making

Question 47

What is the term for the shared set of beliefs and values that unify a society, as described by Peter Berger?

Accepted Answer

Sacred canopy

Answer

Religious institution

Answer

Moral code

Question 48

In what way can religion contribute to social welfare?

Accepted Answer

By providing support networks and charitable services

Answer

By promoting individualism and self-reliance

Answer

By enforcing moral standards and punishing deviance

Question 49

What are potential negative consequences of religion on society?

Accepted Answer

Intolerance and conflict

Answer

Minimal impact on social relations

Answer

Guaranteed promotion of peace and unity

Answer

Consistent encouragement of social progress

Question 50

How does the concept of 'secularization' relate to religion's role in society?

Accepted Answer

It refers to the decline of religion's influence in public life

Answer

It has no connection to the role of religion in society

Answer

It refers to the increase in religious belief and practice

Question 51

What is the 'opium of the people' argument in relation to religion?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that religion pacifies the masses and suppresses unrest

Answer

It suggests that religion is an essential source of solace and meaning

Answer

It suggests that religion is a powerful force for social change

Question 52

How can religion contribute to cultural diversity and creativity?

Accepted Answer

By inspiring artistic expression and preserving cultural traditions

Answer

By promoting cultural homogeneity and intolerance of difference

Answer

By having no significant impact on culture

Question 53

What is the 'functionalist' perspective on the role of religion in society?

Accepted Answer

It sees religion as fulfilling essential social functions for societal maintenance

Answer

It sees religion as a negative force disrupting society

Answer

It sees religion as a purely personal and subjective experience

Question 54

How does the concept of religious freedom relate to religion's role in society?

Accepted Answer

It ensures that individuals can practice their religion without fear of persecution

Answer

It means that religion should have no influence on public policy

Answer

It is unrelated to the role of religion in society