Religion matters quiz 1

God is not one

A claim (from Stephen Prothero) that religions are not just different paths to the same truth, but have distinct goals, problems, and solutions.

• Problem–solution technique(s), exemplar(s)

Framework: each religion identifies a problem (e.g., suffering), a solution (e.g., nirvana), techniques to reach it (e.g., meditation), and exemplars (e.g., Buddha, saints).

Samsara

The cycle of birth death and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism

Moksha

Liberation from samsara; ultimate spirtual freedom in HInduism

The Vedas

Ancient Hindu scriptures; foundational texts of Hindu tradition 

Karma yoga

path of selfless action as a means to spiritual liberation

Jnana yoga

path of knowledge/wisdom to realize the unity of atman and brahman

Bhakti yoga

Path of devotion to a personal god

Atman

the eternal soul or true self in Hindu philosophy

Brahman

Ultimate reality or world-soul in Hindu thought 

Puja

Hindu ritual of worship, often involving offerings to deities

Hindutva

Hindu nationalist ideology seeking to define India in strictly Hindu terms

Hindu vegtarianism

Dietary practice rooted in ahimsa (non-violence)

Karma

Moral law of cause and effect; actions determine future outcomes

Dukkha

suffering or dissatisfaction; central problem in Buddhism 

Nirvana

Liberation from suffering and samsara; Buddhist ultimate goal 

Dharma

Duty, law, or teachings; in Hinduism, social and cosmic order; in Buddhism, the teachings of Buddha

The Four Noble Truths

1. Life is dukkha 2. dukkha has a cuse 3. it can end 4. the Eightfold path leads there

Wirathu

Burmese Buddhist monk known for anti-Hinduism and nationalism

Mahayana

Great Vehicle; largest branch of Buddhism, emphasizing compassion and bodhisattvas

The Three Baskets (Tripitaka

Earliest Buddhist scriptures; discipline, discourse, and higher teachings

Theravada

“way of elders”, oldest branch of Buddhism, focused on monastic life and personal enlightenment

Metareligion 

A system or theory that tries to compare or explain multiple religions

Vajrayana

Tibetan Buddhism; incorporates rituals, mantras, and esoteric practices

Bodhisattva

A being who seeks enlightenment not just for themselces but for all others

Emptiness (sunyata)

Mahayana Buddhist teaching that all phenomena are empty of independent essence

Bracketing

Method in religious studies of “suspending judgment” about truth claims in order to study religions neutrally 

Academic study vs theology

• Academic study: investigates religions critically, historically, and comparatively without assuming truth claims.

• Theology: insider approach, rooted in faith, asking what God or truth is.

• Example: Academic scholars might ask “How has the concept of nirvana changed over time?” but would not ask “Is nirvana the true path to salvation?”

Craig Martin - politics of defining religion 

• Defining religion is never neutral; it involves power and politics.

• Example: Yoga in the U.S. – Is it religion, exercise, or wellness? Labeling impacts school policies and cultural ownership.

• Or, in “Idol Worship – Then and Now,” calling Hindu puja “idolatry” reflects Christian bias and politics of definition.

Why defining religion as belief is problematic

• Reduces religion to Western/Christian frameworks where belief is central.

• Example 1: Hinduism emphasizes ritual (puja, yoga) more than belief.

• Example 2: Buddhism often focuses on practice/discipline rather than faith in deities.

Functionalism, hermeneutics of suspicion, methodological atheism

• Functionalism: studies what religion does for society (Durkheim).

• Hermeneutics of suspicion: interprets religion by looking for hidden power interests (Marx, Freud).

• Methodological atheism: bracketing faith commitments to study religion as human activity.

• Example: A functionalist might say Hindu vegetarianism maintains social order; a suspicious reading might argue it enforces caste hierarchy.