MCQ Practice: Portable Belief Systems

What fundamental human trait gave rise to belief systems?

• The need for shelter

• The ability and desire to ask big questions

• The invention of writing

• The discovery of farming

What is the term historians use to describe diverse ways people try to answer questions about life's meaning?

• Religions

• Belief systems

• Faiths

• Traditions

Which of the following belief systems is most closely associated with spirits existing in the natural world?

• Monotheism

• Polytheism

• Atheism

• Animism

In early belief systems, who was often responsible for communicating with the spirit world through trance-like states?

• Priests

• Kings

• Oracles

• Shamans

How did the development of farming societies influence belief systems?

• It made belief systems less important

• It led to organized religions and hierarchies

• It replaced belief systems with written laws

• It stopped people from practicing animism

What is a 'pantheon' in the context of belief systems?

• A sacred book

• A ritual sacrifice

• A collection of gods and goddesses

• A place of worship

Which of the following is a key feature of 'portable' belief systems?

• They are only practiced at sacred sites

• They are based on local spirits

• They can be practiced anywhere

• They reject written scriptures

Why are certain belief systems called 'universal'?

• Because they require local rituals

• Because they are tied to one specific community

• Because they focus only on nature spirits

• Because they are open to anyone willing to learn and follow them

What is the process called when belief systems blend together over time?

• Revolution

• Syncretism

• Polytheism

• Globalization

What two major factors helped expand communities and networks between 600 BCE and 700 CE?

• Agriculture and writing

• Trade and warfare

• Empires and portable belief systems

• Technology and population growth