Sikhism in the Modern World: Impact and Relevance Today

Question 1

How does Sikhism's belief in the unity of all religions impact its approach to interfaith dialogue?

Accepted Answer

Encourages Sikhs to engage with other faiths for understanding and cooperation

Answer

Prohibits Sikhs from interfaith activities to maintain religious purity

Answer

Requires Sikhs to convert others to Sikhism for religious unity

Answer

Limits Sikh interfaith dialogue to specific religions or denominations

Question 2

Which area is NOT among the key areas where Sikhism has made significant contributions in the modern world?

Accepted Answer

Environmentalism

Answer

Education

Answer

Healthcare

Answer

Interfaith dialogue

Question 3

In the modern world, what is a key area where Sikhism has made a significant impact?

Accepted Answer

Social justice initiatives and the pursuit of equality

Answer

Inward focus on individual salvation and meditation

Answer

Political influence in shaping India's political landscape

Answer

Lack of interest in fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding

Question 4

Which of the following is a core principle of Sikhism that emphasizes the well-being of all?

Accepted Answer

Sarbat da bhala

Answer

Caste equality

Answer

Monastic living

Question 5

How has the Sikh diaspora significantly influenced the spread of Sikhism in the modern world?

Accepted Answer

Through establishing gurdwaras, Sikh organizations, and increasing awareness globally

Answer

Technological advancements in communication solely

Answer

Primarily through missionary work

Question 6

Which of the following is a major contribution of Sikhism to fostering interfaith understanding and dialogue?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on the unity of all religions and respect for different faiths

Answer

Strict adherence to monotheistic beliefs

Answer

Rejection of other belief systems as inferior

Question 7

In what way has Sikhism made significant contributions to the healthcare sector in the modern world?

Accepted Answer

Through the establishment of hospitals, medical clinics, and provision of healthcare services by Sikh organizations

Answer

Mandatory dietary restrictions for Sikhs only

Answer

Emphasis on physical exercise and meditation as the sole focus

Question 8

Which of the following is a key challenge facing Sikhism in the modern world?

Accepted Answer

Balancing traditional values with the demands of a rapidly changing society

Answer

Lack of skilled religious leaders as the primary issue

Answer

Persecution and discrimination as the sole challenge

Answer

Decline in young people's participation solely

Question 9

How has technology impacted the practice of Sikhism in the modern world?

Accepted Answer

Increased access to Sikh scriptures and teachings, enabling wider dissemination of knowledge

Answer

Decline in gurdwara attendance as the primary impact

Answer

Increased emphasis on traditional rituals as the main effect

Answer

Solely through the emergence of online Sangat (community)

Question 10

In what way has Sikhism influenced the field of education in the modern world?

Accepted Answer

Establishment of Sikh schools and educational institutions that promote Sikh values and teachings

Answer

Emphasis on religious instruction only

Answer

Mandatory Sikh history classes in government schools as the primary focus

Question 11

Which of the following individuals played a significant role in the Sikh civil rights movement in the modern world?

Accepted Answer

Bhagat Puran Singh

Answer

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Answer

Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale

Answer

Guru Nanak

Question 12

How has Sikhism contributed to the promotion of social justice in the modern world?

Accepted Answer

Through the provision of free meals, shelter, and support services to those in need

Answer

Advocacy for capital punishment as a form of justice

Answer

Support for economic inequality and social stratification

Question 13

Which of the following Sikh practices best demonstrates their commitment to social justice in the modern world?

Accepted Answer

The tradition of Langar, providing free meals to anyone regardless of background.

Answer

The practice of wearing turbans as a symbol of faith.

Answer

The preservation of traditional Sikh music and dance forms.

Question 14

How has the Sikh community in the UK made a significant contribution to healthcare?

Accepted Answer

By establishing volunteer-run hospitals and clinics, such as the Guru Nanak Dev Ji Hospital in London.

Answer

By promoting the use of traditional Sikh herbal remedies.

Answer

By encouraging Sikhs to pursue careers in the medical field.

Question 15

How does the concept of 'seva' (selfless service) contribute to interfaith dialogue?

Accepted Answer

Seva encourages cooperation and understanding between different religious groups by emphasizing shared values of service and compassion.

Answer

Seva promotes the superiority of Sikh beliefs, discouraging dialogue with other faiths.

Answer

Seva reinforces the exclusivity of Sikh practices, discouraging interfaith interaction.

Question 16

Which challenge faced by Sikh communities in the UK is directly linked to their historical experience with colonialism?

Accepted Answer

The struggle for recognition and acceptance of Sikh identity and practices in a predominantly Christian society.

Answer

The decline in the number of Sikh temples in the UK.

Answer

The rise of secularism within Sikh communities in the UK.

Question 17

How has the growing presence of Sikhism in Western countries influenced interfaith education programs?

Accepted Answer

By providing valuable perspectives on multiculturalism and religious tolerance, encouraging greater understanding between faiths.

Answer

By advocating for the exclusivity of Sikh education in schools.

Answer

By challenging the secular nature of Western education systems.

Question 18

What aspect of Sikhism makes it particularly appealing to young people in the modern world?

Accepted Answer

The emphasis on social justice and equality, aligning with contemporary concerns about fairness and inclusivity.

Answer

The emphasis on strict adherence to religious rules and practices.

Answer

The adherence to traditional practices and rituals, which are seen as outdated by some youth.

Question 19

Which Sikh principle is most relevant to addressing global issues like climate change?

Accepted Answer

The concept of 'sarbat da bhalla' (the welfare of all beings), emphasizing environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Answer

The importance of meditation and spiritual practices.

Answer

The belief in karma and reincarnation.

Question 20

How has the Sikh community in the UK responded to discrimination and prejudice?

Accepted Answer

By engaging in dialogue and education to raise awareness about Sikh values and practices, promoting understanding and tolerance.

Answer

By resorting to violence and retaliation against perpetrators of discrimination.

Answer

By withdrawing from mainstream society and isolating themselves from others.

Question 21

How does the 'Guru Granth Sahib' shape the contemporary identity of Sikhism?

Accepted Answer

It provides a framework for ethical living and social responsibility, guiding Sikhs in navigating modern challenges and contributing to society.

Answer

It is a source of divine inspiration and guidance for individual spiritual growth.

Answer

It serves as a historical record of Sikh beliefs and practices.

Question 22

What is a key way in which Sikhism has contributed to the field of education?

Accepted Answer

The establishment of numerous Sikh schools and universities around the world, promoting academic excellence alongside religious and moral values.

Answer

The encouragement of Sikh students to pursue higher education in secular institutions.

Answer

The emphasis on learning traditional Sikh hymns and scriptures.