World Religions pt 1

1. According to our in-class discussion, what is “Holy Envy”?

B) The appreciation of particular beliefs, practices, or aspects in other religions that one wishes were more prominent or emphasized in one’s own faith tradition.

2. During our first class, what were the four reasons given for spending decades studying world religions?

C) To draw closer to God, to understand His diverse dealings with His children, to build bridges of peace, and to expand our own spiritual perspective.

3. What was the core point made by the various quotations shared regarding the role of non-LDS religions in God’s plan?

B) Light, truth, and moral guidance are distributed broadly by God across many global faiths to bless His children.

4. According to our in-class discussion, which Article of Faith is most applicable to the Saints’ ability to learn from other faiths?

C) The 11th Article of Faith (privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and granting that privilege to all men)

5. What are the implications of 2 Nephi 29:10-12 on the Latter-day Saint search for truth?

B) The Lord remembers all people, speaks to many nations, and commands nations to write His words down so that all can learn truth.

6. Which of the following represents the cautions listed regarding interacting with or learning about other faith traditions?

B) Do not compare the best of your own faith with the worst of another, avoid oversimplifying differences, and steer clear of invidious comparisons.

7. What did the instructor share that Latter-day Saints should do in order to show respect for other religions?

A) Approach them with profound admiration, respect, a desire to understand rather than judge, and a commitment to avoid giving offense.

8. If a man enters a Roman Catholic cathedral in Latin America, what should he remove? If a woman enters that same cathedral, what should she don?

B) Remove his hat; don a head covering (or dress modestly respecting local customs).

9. What were the “Keys” offered during class for comprehending the doctrines of other faith traditions?

B) Looking at the tradition from the inside out, understanding their core ideals, and recognizing the beauty within their framework.

10. Why is the name of Judaism pronounced “Judah-ism” instead of “Judy-ism”?

A) It originates from the ancient kingdom and tribe of Judah.

11. Who, according to our in-class discussion, is considered the foundational patriarch and figure of Judaism?

B) Abraham

12. What historical or cultural factor provoked the creation of Judaism as it is widely recognized post-exile?

A) The destruction of the Second Temple and the subsequent Babylonian Exile/dispersal.

13. What is the correct order of the six major branches of Judaism from most observant of the Law to least observant?

B) Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox), Modern Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Humanistic

14. According to our in-class discussion, what does the word “Haredi” mean?

B) "Those who tremble [in awe and fear] before God."

15. Which denomination of Judaism seeks to strictly separate themselves from the secular world, rejecting modern clothing, entertainment, and modern conveniences where possible?

C) Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) Judaism

16. What is the fundamental difference between the “Written Torah” and the “Oral Torah”?

B) The Written Torah consists of the first five books of Moses (Pentateuch), while the Oral Torah represents the traditional rabbinic commentaries and explanations passed down and later codified (like the Mishnah and Talmud).

17. How many commandments (mitzvot) are traditionally said to be in the Written Torah?

B) 613 commandments

18. How do many Reform Jews view traditional requirements like circumcision, a minyan, or a mikveh?

B) They view them as optional, highly flexible, or symbolic cultural practices rather than binding divine mandates.

19. What is the Reform Jewish view on female rabbis?

B) They are fully embraced and ordained, reflecting gender egalitarianism.

20. Statistically speaking, do most modern Jews lean theologically progressive or conservative?

A) Theologically progressive/liberal

21. What do scholars describe as the biggest threat to Judaism in the modern age, and why?

B) Assimilation and intermarriage, because it leads to a loss of distinct religious identity and cultural continuity.

22. How is ancient Judaism categorized theologically, and what are they primarily today?

B) Monolatrist/monotheistic in antiquity; staunchly monotheistic (Shema) today.

23. Why do observant Jews dislike the term “Old Testament”?

A) Because it implies that their foundational scripture is antiquated, superseded, or obsolete compared to a "New" Testament.

24. What does the acronym “TaNaKh” stand for?

B) Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), Ketuvim (Writings)

25. The Mishnah is often also called what?

A) The Oral Torah

26. What is the combination of the Mishnah and the Gemara called?

B) The Talmud

27. What does the Mishnah offer commentary on?

B) The legal and practical applications of the Written Torah

28. What does the Gemara offer commentary on?

A) The Mishnah

29. What does the Midrash offer commentary on?

A) Biblical narratives and verses, filling in narrative gaps through homiletical interpretation

30. How old are Jewish boys when they are traditionally circumcised (Brit Milah)?

A) On the 8th day after birth

31. Traditionally, how old are boys and girls when they have their Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah?

B) Boys at 13, Girls at 12

32. Which denominations of Judaism traditionally allow girls to have a Bat Mitzvah?

B) Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist movements (while traditional Orthodox handle coming-of-age differently)

33. What is the Jewish marriage canopy called, and what does it symbolize?

A) A Chuppah, symbolizing a "place of protection" and the home the couple will build together

34. Why do Orthodox Jews traditionally make a small tear in a portion of their clothing when a loved one dies?

B) To represent the painful rupturing of a relationship caused by death

35. What does it mean for a Jewish family to “sit Shiva”?

B) To spend a seven-day intensive period of mourning at home, avoiding normal work, luxury, and distractions while receiving visitors

36. What articles of symbolic clothing are usually worn by a high percentage of Orthodox Jews?

B) Kippah (yarmulke), Tefillin (phylacteries), and Tallit (prayer shawl)

37. What is the “Shema,” and where is it found?

A) A declaration of faith found in Deuteronomy 6:4 ("Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one")

38. What is a “minyan,” and what are its traditional Orthodox requirements?

A) A quorum of 10 adult Jewish males (age 13 and older) required for public communal prayer

39. What does the Hebrew term “mezuzah” mean, and why do Jews touch or kiss it?

B) "Doorpost"; touching/kissing it serves as a physical reminder to love, obey, and keep God’s commandments when entering and leaving

40. Rosh Ha-Shanah marks the beginning of what?

A) The Jewish civil new year and the start of the High Holy Days

41. What is the purpose of constituting a symbolic or reflective "reckoning" (or self-examination) during Rosh Ha-Shanah?

B) To look honestly and critically at one's character and faults in preparation for repentance

42. What is the symbolic point of blowing the shofar (ram’s horn) during Rosh Ha-Shanah?

B) To sound a spiritual wakeup call, declaring metaphorical war on sin and weak character

43. Why can Yom Kippur grant forgiveness for sins committed against God, but not automatically for sins committed against other people?

B) Because God requires you to directly seek out, apologize to, and make restitution with the human beings you have wronged

44. What is a “mikveh”?

A) A ritual immersion bath used for purification, conversion, or spiritual renewal

45. Why must a temporary ritual booth (sukkah) be impermanent and not permanently affixed to the ground?

B) To remind worshipers of the temporary, fragile, and unstable nature of human life and the shelter God provided in the wilderness

46. According to our in-class discussion, what is the primary focus of the holiday Simchat Torah?

B) Celebrating the conclusion and immediate restart of the annual public Torah-reading cycle with joyous dancing

47. What does the name “Hanukkah” mean?

B) "Dedication"

48. What is the structural difference between a traditional Menorah and a Hanukkiah?

A) A Menorah has 7 branches (used in the ancient Temple); a Hanukkiah has 9 branches (used specifically for Hanukkah)

49. Why is it customary during Hanukkah for Jews to eat foods fried in oil (such as potato latkes or jelly donuts)?

B) To celebrate and remember the miracle of the single cruse of pure oil lasting for eight days in the desecrated Temple

50. What is “Tu BiShvat” commonly known as?

A) The New Year for Trees (or Jewish Arbor Day)

51. During Tu BiShvat, what do the fruit’s pits/seeds, skin/rind, and edible flesh symbolically represent?

A) Pits = sinful/impure things to avoid; skin = protection for holy things; edible part = holy things we should partake of and incorporate into our lives

52. What major historical event does the Jewish holiday of Passover (Pesach) commemorate?

B) The miraculous liberation and freedom from bondage in Egypt

53. Why do Jews eat unleavened bread (matzah) during Passover?

B) Because their ancestors had to flee Egypt in such haste that their bread dough did not have time to rise, symbolizing haste and the purging of old corruption/sin

54. What two major holidays does the counting period known as The Omer connect together?

B) Passover (freedom) and Shavuot (giving of the law/Pentecost)

55. What is the one traditional “semi-celebratory” custom or milestone that takes place during the otherwise somber Omer period?

A) A boy’s first haircut (upsherin) after his second birthday

56. Shavuot commemorates what pivotal event in Jewish history?

B) The giving of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai

57. What is a common traditional way to commemorate Shavuot, and why?

B) Staying up all night studying God’s law to symbolically redeem Israel's historical lack of attentiveness at Sinai

58. What does the period of Bein ha-Metzarim ("The Narrow Straits") commemorate?

A) A three-week period of mourning commemorating historical tragedies, including the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temples

59. Are Jewish rabbis more comparable to Catholic priests or Protestant ministers/scholars and teachers?

B) Protestant ministers, scholars, teachers, and community counselors rather than sacramental mediators

60. What does the Hebrew word “Kosher” mean?

A) "Clean, fit, or proper" according to dietary and ritual law

61. What does the Hebrew term tawmay mean in the context of ritual purity laws, and what does it not mean?

A) It means ritually unfit or impermissible for use, not necessarily dirty, unhygienic, or physically unhealthy

62. Which animals are observant Jews permitted to eat, and which are they forbidden to partake of?

A) Permitted: animals with split hooves that chew the cud (e.g., beef, lamb) and fish with fins and scales; Forbidden: pigs, scavenger birds, and crawling creatures

63. Would it be accurate to say that “kosher” animals are biologically “healthy” and non-kosher animals are “unhealthy”?

B) No; the laws were given to symbolize holiness, distinctness, and obedience rather than modern germ theory or health status

64. According to ancient sources, why did Kosher laws deem certain animals “unfit” for consumption?

A) They symbolized erratic behavior, darkness, or pagan associations (such as Canaanite practices) that Israel should avoid.

65. On what occasions might an observant Jew participate in a mikveh immersion?

A) Before the evening of Yom Kippur, as part of conversion, for ritual cleansing after menstruation, or as a means of spiritual rebirth and repentance

66. When does the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat) begin and end?

B) From Friday sundown to Saturday sundown

67. According to our in-class discussion, what is the official emblem on the flag and symbol of the State of Israel?

B) The seven-branched Menorah

68. Does Hinduism require that you believe specific rigid doctrines or practice a single set of rites in order to be an orthodox Hindu?

B) No; Hinduism is characterized by immense diversity in philosophy, practice, and theology without a single required dogma

69. Who was the historical founder of Hinduism?

C) There is no single human founder

70. Hinduism likely began through the historical interactions and synthesis of what two primary ancient groups of people?

B) The Dravidians and the invading Aryans

71. Do Hindus today believe it appropriate to actively proselytize or seek converts? Why or why not?

B) No; Hinduism is generally non-proselytizing because truth can be found in many paths, and one is typically born into a caste/tradition rather than recruited

72. Do Hindus believe that religions other than Hinduism have a role to play in spiritual development?

. B) Yes; many forms of religious worship and other paths can help sincere believers move toward divine truth and experience

73. What does the historical term “Hindu” originally mean?

B) "Indian" or "from the region of the Indus River"

74. What is a name for Hinduism that is often deemed more appropriate and authentic by practitioners than “Hindu”?

B) Dharma ("the eternal way" or righteous duty)

75. Which theological frameworks are acceptable beliefs for faithful Hindus?

C) Polytheism, Monism, Modalism, Monotheism, and even Atheism (depending on the philosophical school)

76. The various Hindu gods are technically viewed as different ways to perceive or interact with what ultimate reality?

B) Brahman (the supreme, absolute divine reality)

77. According to our in-class discussion, who are the members of the Hindu Trimurti (the best-known major gods)?

B) Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer/Transformer)

78. What is the fundamental difference between Brahma, Brahman, and Brahmin?

A) Brahma is a major creator god; Brahman is the ultimate universal absolute; Brahmin is a member of the priestly caste

79. Why do most Hindus not actively worship Brahma in daily practice?

B) Because his primary cosmic work of creation is complete, and he does little in day-to-day mortal affairs

80. What Hindu deity is most popular and renowned for his numerous avatars (such as Rama and Krishna)?

C) Vishnu

81. Shiva is often described as “the energy of” what ultimate force?

A) Brahman

82. What is symbolized by artistic depictions of Shiva dancing on the back of the demon of ignorance?

B) The triumph of divine wisdom, knowledge, and cosmic balance over spiritual ignorance

83. According to our in-class discussion, what does the term “Shakti” represent?

A) Divine feminine energy or the active, dynamic power of the supreme deity

84. A common symbolic analogy for our return to God at the end of the cycle of reincarnation (merger with the divine) is compared to what?

B) A river flowing back into and merging with the vast ocean

85. What is “Ātman” in Hinduism, and how does it relate to the individual?

A) It is the eternal, divine soul or true self of an individual, which is ultimately identical with or an emanation of Brahman

86. What is the difference between “reincarnation” and “transmigration of the soul”?

B) Transmigration emphasizes the movement of the eternal essence (ātman) from one physical body to another across lives, whereas reincarnation is a broader popular term often used interchangeably (with transmigration being the more precise traditional concept).

87. What are the five most common traditional social castes (Varnas/Jatis) discussed in class?

B) Brahmins (priests/scholars), Kshatriyas (rulers/warriors), Vaishyas (merchants/artisans), Shudras (laborers/servants), and the Dalits ("Untouchables"/outcasts)

88. What are the three primary paths (Margas) off the round of rebirths (samsara)?

B) Karma-marga (works/action), Jnana-marga (knowledge/intellect), and Bhakti-marga (devotion/grace)

89. Which of the three paths off rebirth corresponds best to “salvation by grace/devotion,” “salvation by works/action,” and “salvation by intellect/knowledge”?

B) Grace = Bhakti-marga; Works = Karma-marga; Intellect = Jnana-marga

90. Which Hindu scriptures are technically considered more authoritative and canonical: “Shruti” or “Smriti”?

A) Shruti ("that which is heard," e.g., Vedas/Upanishads) holds higher primary authority than Smriti ("that which is remembered")

91. What are the four traditional stages of life and social interaction for upper-caste men, known as “Ashrams”?

B) Student, Householder, Seeker (Hermit), Ascetic (Sannyasin)

92. What is the common Hindu term for formal worship, rites, sacraments, or devotional acts?

A) Puja

93. Which of the following are common acts of Hindu puja or devotional worship?

A) Offering prasad (blessed food), chanting mantras, viewing statues (darshan), circumambulating shrines, and home rituals

94. Do most observant Hindus believe that temple statues (murti) are literal, living physical gods?

B) No; statues are viewed as sacred representations or focal points that invite the divine presence and serve as divine reminders, not the literal essence of the infinite Brahman

95. What is the Hindu position on “sacred clothing”?

B) Aside from the sacred thread worn by upper-caste males, external worldly clothing is generally seen as a temporary distraction; historically, extreme ascetics even wore nothing (the "birthday suit") to signify complete detachment from worldly illusions

96. What is the symbolism behind Hindu couples getting married with their hands clasped and bound with a sacred cord?

B) Symbolizes permanence, spiritual unity, oneness, and a shared commitment where the focus is on mutual self-giving and self-improvement

97. What is the most common way to dispose of the body of a deceased Hindu?

B) Cremation (often releasing ashes into a sacred river like the Ganges), reflecting the belief that the physical body is temporary and distinct from the eternal soul

98. Through what metaphorical anatomical channel or "tube" is the ātman said to escape the body upon death?

B) A subtle channel running upward to an aperture in the skull (such as the crown chakra)

99. What formal ecclesiastical hierarchy governs global Hinduism?

B) There is no central governing hierarchy or pope; authority is local, decentralized, and guided by family traditions, local gurus, and temple priests (Brahmins)

100. Though most traditional Indians practice vegetarianism, which specific group is historically required to maintain strict vegetarianism?

B) Male Brahmin priests actively functioning in priestly duties