Why Religion Matters Study Guide - Exam 1 2026

Flashcards matching the key terms, concepts, deities, historical developments, and essay prompts outlined in the 'Why Religion Matters' Exam 1 2026 study guide.

According to Goodwin and Fuerst, what religious criteria are shared between religion and baseball?

Goodwin and Fuerst note that both religion and baseball share rituals, sacred spaces (stadiums/temples), sacred texts or rulebooks, key iconic figures/saints (legendary players), distinct vestments/uniforms, and communities of believers or devoted fans.

What is Goodwin and Fuerst's reason for concluding that baseball is not a religion?

They conclude baseball is not a religion because it lacks a focus on ultimate reality, transcendence, or salvation/cosmic order, operating primarily as a human-created game and social institution rather than addressing supernatural or ultimate existential concerns.

What issue do Goodwin and Fuerst raise regarding the category of 'major religions'?

Goodwin and Fuerst argue that the 'major religions' framing creates a hierarchy based on colonial power, size, and Western bias, marginalizing indigenous, localized, and non-scriptural traditions while oversimplifying diverse lived traditions into rigid global categories.

How do Goodwin and Fuerst define religion?

They define religion as a dynamic, context-bound system of practices, beliefs, and discourses through which human groups construct meaning, establish community, and relate to power and ultimate reality.

Why do Goodwin and Fuerst claim that religion is 'not a native category'?

They claim religion is 'not a native category' because the concept was developed by European scholars and colonizers to categorize cultures, rather than being a universal concept originally present in all societies.

What is the difference between votive religion and credal religion?

Credal religion focuses primarily on correct belief, doctrines, and formal statements of faith, whereas votive religion emphasizes active practice, ritual offerings, vows, and practical exchanges with divine powers for specific outcomes.

What is the World Religions Paradigm?

A framework that organizes global religious diversity into a discrete list of distinct, bounded world religions (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism), often prioritizing written texts, central founders, and institutional creeds while ignoring lived practices.

What is Secularization theory?

The theoretical proposal that as societies modernize, industrialize, and advance scientifically, religious authority, practice, and belief will inevitably decline in public influence and personal relevance.

What are the four tenets for developing religious literacy?

1) Religions are internally diverse. 2) Religions evolve and change over time. 3) Religious practices and beliefs are embedded in cultures, politics, and historical contexts. 4) Religion cannot be reduced to texts alone.

What is Essentialism in religion, and how can it be avoided?

Essentialism is the assumption that a religion has a single, unchanging core essence that defines all its adherents. It can be avoided by recognizing internal diversity, contextual change, and studying lived practices rather than generalized generalizations.

What is Perennialism, and what are the main arguments for and against it?

Perennialism claims all religions share a single underlying mystical truth or universal essence. Arguments for highlight shared ethics and spiritual experiences; arguments against criticize it for flattening distinct historical context, unique doctrines, and cultural differences.

What are the key elements of theories of religion from Durkheim, Marx, James, McGuire, Asad, Long, and Magesa?

Durkheim: Social cohesion and collective effervescence separating sacred/profane. Marx: 'Opium of the people' maintaining socio-economic power dynamics. James: Individual mystical experiences. McGuire: Lived/everyday practice. Asad: Religion as a modern Western discursive construct tied to power. Long: Meaning-making among oppressed groups. Magesa: African traditional life-force and ancestral harmony.

What is Prothero's Four Part Model for World Religions?

Prothero models each world religion by identifying: 1) A primary Problem, 2) A Solution (goal), 3) A Technique (method) to achieve the solution, and 4) An Exemplar who demonstrates the technique.

What is Everyday Religion/Lived Religion?

An approach that focuses on how ordinary people practice, experience, and negotiate religion in their daily lives, rather than focusing strictly on official doctrines, institutions, or clergy teachings.

What are the Problem, Solution, and Techniques in Hinduism according to Prothero?

Problem: Samsara (the endless cycle of death and rebirth). Solution: Moksha (liberation from samsara). Techniques: The paths/yogas of Jnana (wisdom), Bhakti (devotion), and Kharma/Karma (action).

What are the historical roots of the term 'Hinduism'?

The term originates from the Sanskrit word 'Sindhu' (the Indus River), used geographically by foreign powers (Persians, Greeks, British) to describe the people and practices beyond the river, later codified as a single religion.

Who are Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Parvati, Shakti, Ganesha, Devi, Durga, and Kali?

Major Hindu deities: Shiva (destroyer/ascetic), Vishnu (preserver, with Krishna as avatar), Brahma (creator), Lakshmi (wealth/prosperity), Parvati (devotion/motherhood), Shakti (divine feminine force), Ganesha (remover of obstacles), Devi (Great Goddess), Durga (warrior goddess), Kali (goddess of time/transformation).

What are the key sacred texts in Hinduism: Vedas, Ramyana, Mahabhrata, Bhagavad Gita, and Puranas?

Vedas: Ancient foundational foundational ritual texts. Ramyana: Epic depicting Rama's path of dharma. Mahabhrata: Epic containing the Bhagavad Gita, detailing a spiritual discourse between Krishna and Arjuna. Puranas: Stories of deities, cosmic cycles, and popular devotion (Bhakti).

What are the features of the Wisdom Path (Jnana) in Hinduism?

Jnana emphasizes self-realization, philosophical study of Vedanta, liberation through knowledge of Atman/Brahman, renunciation as a Sannyasin, practices like Yoga, understanding worldly desires like Kama, and worship of Ishtadevatas (chosen deities).

What are the features of the Bhakti Path in Hinduism?

Bhakti emphasizes loving devotion and surrender to a personal deity, devotional storytelling recorded in the Puranas, congregational singing, emotional connection, and accessible practice for all social classes.

What were Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj?

19th-century Hindu reform movements in India. Brahmo Samaj promoted monotheism and social reform; Arya Samaj emphasized a return to Vedic purity, rejecting image worship and caste rigidity.

What are Satyagraha and Ahimsa?

Ahimsa is the ethical principle of non-violence toward all living beings. Satyagraha ('truth-force') is Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy and practice of non-violent political resistance grounded in Ahimsa.

What roles did Swami Vivikenanda, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Hare Krishnas, Hart Cellar Act, and Rajneeshpuram play in Hinduism's global expansion?

Swami Vivikenanda introduced Hinduism to the West at the 1893 World Parliament of Religions; Maharishi Mahesh Yogi popularized Transcendental Meditation; Hare Krishnas spread Bhakti in Western cities; the 1965 Hart Cellar Act permitted Asian immigration, building Temple Hinduism in the US; Rajneeshpuram was an Oregon commune founded by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.

What are Puja, Darshan, Temple Hinduism, Divali, Holi, and Kumbh Mela?

Puja: Worship ritual with offerings. Darshan: Sacred seeing/seeing and being seen by a deity. Temple Hinduism: Institutionalized worship in dedicated sacred structures. Divali: Festival of Lights. Holi: Festival of Colors and spring. Kumbh Mela: Massive pilgrimage and ritual bathing in holy rivers.

What are Hindutva, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Narendra Modi?

Hindutva is an ideology defining Indian identity through Hindu culture. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the ruling political party promoting Hindutva, led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

What are polytheistic imagination, Varnashrama dharma, and the Four Varnas?

Polytheistic imagination: Ability to see divine multiplicity without logical conflict. Varnashrama dharma: Duty according to life stage and social order. Four Varnas: Brahmin (priests/scholars), Kshatriya (warriors/rulers), Vaishya (merchants/farmers), Shudra (laborers/servants).

What are the Problem, Solution, and Techniques in Yoruba religion?

Problem: Disconnection from one's destiny (Ori) and cosmic imbalance. Solution: Reconnection to one's destiny and balance with Orishas/ancestors. Techniques: Ifa Divination, sacrifice (ebo), trance possession, and ritual veneration.

What roles do Ifa Divination, Ila-Ife, Oludumare, Ooni, Oduduwa, Babalawo, Iyalowo, Odu, Orunmila, Eshu, Ashe, and Trance play in Yoruba tradition?

Oludumare is Supreme Divinity; Ila-Ife is sacred origin city; Ooni is spiritual leader; Oduduwa is mythic progenitor; Ifa Divination uses Odu sacred verses via divine wisdom Orunmila; Babalawo/Iyalowo are male/female divination priests; Eshu is trickster/messenger; Ashe is divine life power; Trance allows spirit possession.

Who are the major Orishas: Obatala, Oshun, Ogun, Shango (or Xango), and Yemoja (Yemaya)?

Obatala: Creator of human bodies, god of clarity and peace. Oshun: Goddess of sweet waters, fertility, love, and wealth. Ogun: Orisha of iron, war, technology, and labor. Shango (Xango): Orisha of thunder, lightning, justice, and drumming. Yemoja (Yemaya): Mother of waters, protector of women and children.

How did differences in slavery between Brazil and the United States impact African-derived religions?

In Brazil, large Catholic plantations, high ratio of enslaved Africans, continuous slave trade arrival, and Catholic saint-veneration allowed preservation and creolization of Yoruba traditions (Candomble). In the US, Protestant dominance and family separation fractured ritual lineages into Voodoo/Hoodo traditions.

What are Candomble, Santeria, Lucumi, Vodou, Voodoo, Umbanda, Spiritism, Irmandades, Cabildos, Terreiros, Casa de santos, and Creolization?

Creolized African Diaspora religions/structures: Candomble (Brazil), Santeria/Lucumi (Cuba), Vodou (Haiti), Voodoo (New Orleans), Umbanda/Spiritism (syncretic Brazilian movements). Lay fraternities (Irmandades, Cabildos) and temples (Terreiros, Casa de santos) preserved traditions through creolization under white/colonial repression.

What are the roles of Mae de santo, Pai de santo, Madrino, Padrino, Orisha, Fazer Cabeça, Fazer Santo, and Iao?

Mae/Pai de santo: Priestess/Priest in Candomble. Madrino/Padrino: Godmother/Godfather mentors in Santeria. Orisha: Deities. Fazer Cabeça / Fazer Santo: Initiation ritual ('making the head/saint') establishing divine connection. Iao: Initiate undergoing spiritual birth.

What was the significance of the Church of Lukumi Bablu Aye vs. City of Hileah court case?

A landmark 1993 US Supreme Court decision ruling that the City of Hialeah's ordinance banning ritual animal sacrifice unconstitutionally targeted the Santeria/Lukumi church, violating the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.

What is Oyotunji Village?

An African-American intentional community founded in South Carolina by Oba Oseijeman Adefunmi I to reclaim and practice authentic Yoruba culture and religion in North America.

What is at stake in the 'authenticity debate' among Yoruba and Yoruba-derived practitioners (Santeria/Candomble)?

Practitioners debate whether traditional Nigerian Yoruba practice is the only 'pure' form or if African Diaspora variations (Santeria, Candomble) incorporating Catholic syncretism are equally valid spiritual expressions.

How do Hindu Nationalism and Oyotunji Village compare as forms of religious nationalism?

Both connect religious practice to political, cultural, and geographic self-determination. However, Hindutva is a majority political state movement in India, whereas Oyotunji Village is a minority counter-cultural reclaimed community within the United States.

How does the process of Yoruba divination connect to the problem of HIV/AIDS and collective personhood (ubuntu)?

Divination diagnoses communal, spiritual, and relational imbalances, framing sickness not merely as individual bio-pathology, but as a disruption of relational harmony in community (ubuntu) requiring collective healing and sacrifice.

In the Bhagavad Gita, what is Arjuna's central problem and how does Krishna assist him?

Arjuna faces a moral crisis about fighting his own kin on the battlefield. Krishna assists by teaching him selfless action (Karma Yoga), sacred duty (Dharma), the immortality of the soul (Atman), and showing his cosmic divine form.

How do Voodoo and African-derived religions show up in popular culture, and why do stereotypes persist?

They are often portrayed using tropes like 'voodoo dolls,' dark magic, zombies, and evil cults. Stereotypes persist due to colonial sensationalism, anti-Black racism, media fear-mongering, and lack of public literacy about these traditions.