Prelim Exam in Gen Elec 100 B

Freud saw religion as a psychological illusion, while Jung considered it vital for health and meaning. What does this contrast reveal about their perspectives on human needs?

• Freud reduced religion to neurosis, Jung elevated it as symbolic and life-giving.

• Freud thought religion was a community ritual, Jung thought it was individual delusion.

• Both Freud and Jung saw religion only as an unconscious illusion.

• Freud and Jung agreed that religion is the same as superstition.

Durkheim defined religion as a system of beliefs that unites a community. What key dimension of religion is emphasized here?

• Psychological need for security

• Social and communal function

• Dependence on God

• Ultimate concern for Being

Schleiermacher described religion as a 'feeling of absolute dependence,' while Tillich called it 'ultimate concern.' What is the common thread between these two definitions?

• Both reduce religion to community practices.

• Both focus on the experiential and existential dimension of religion.

• Both emphasize ritual actions over faith.

• Both define religion as obedience to rules.

William James highlighted the individual's personal experience of the divine, whereas Durkheim stressed religion's role in social unity. What does this comparison show?

• Religion is only personal.

• Religion is only communal.

• Religion encompasses both personal and social dimensions.

• Religion is irrelevant in both aspects.

When Viktor Frankl spoke of religion as linked to the 'will to meaning,' how does this differ from Freud's view?

• Freud saw religion as delusion; Frankl saw it as a source of meaning and purpose.

• Both Freud and Frankl reduced religion to ritual practices.

• Freud emphasized personal freedom, Frankl emphasized repression.

• Frankl rejected religion entirely, unlike Freud.

Comparing Otto's mysterium tremendum and Pascal's 'God-shaped vacuum,' what unites these two views?

• Both suggest religion originates in fear of death.

• Both point to a deep human encounter with the transcendent.

• Both deny the existence of the divine.

• Both reduce religion to rituals.

Leuba defined religion as conciliation of powers controlling life, while Thouless described it as a practical relationship with superhuman beings. What similarity do their definitions highlight?

• Both stress the ritualistic nature of religion.

• Both emphasize human interaction with powers beyond themselves.

• Both reduce religion to community morality.

• Both deny the role of belief in religion.

If religion is seen as 'to choose again' (re-eligere), what aspect of religious life is being emphasized?

• Conversion and return to one's spiritual roots

• Ritual repetition of festivals

• Dependence on community authority

• Psychological need for a father figure

How does Pascal's quote, 'There is a God-shaped vacuum…' complement Jung's view of religion?

• Both deny human longing for God.

• Both emphasize that only material things bring fulfillment.

• Both affirm that religion is tied to the search for ultimate meaning in life.

• Both conclude religion is purely neurosis.

Considering the definitions by James (individual experience), Durkheim (community), and Tillich (ultimate concern), what can we conclude about religion?

• Religion has multiple dimensions: personal, social, and existential.

• Religion is only relevant in psychological terms.

• Religion is best understood purely as philosophy.

• Religion is just cultural mythology.