People publicly perform Orthodox identities when in the Orthodox enclave and transgress and experiment with new identities when in the larger society.
100
What is the purpose of atheist groups sponsoring events (such as ice cream socials, etc) that are not overtly related to atheism?
Creating a sense of solidarity and community
100
Describe "abiders."
- believe in a personal god, have consistent involvement in religious practices, say religion is highly important in their lives
200
Name three challenges people face when leaving the Orthodox Jewish community.
- losing family and community
- need a new place to live and way to support themselves
- experience "cognitive dissonance" while they are passing
- individualism is discouraged in Orthodox Judaism, but need to develop individual identity
200
Why do sociologists use the term "new religious movement" instead of "cult"?
"Cult" has a negative connotation.
200
Describe adapters.
- adapt religion to create something that works for them, pick and choose religious beliefs for themselves. May also have barriers that prevent them from being more involved in a religious institution.
300
Name the three types of childhood experiences that lead to doubting/questioning religious beliefs.
- exposure to world outside the Hasidic enclave
- growing up in a family that deviates from Orthodox norms
- noticing women having limited choices as they grow older
300
According to Jurgensmeyer, in most traditional societies, what is the relationship between religion and political authority?
There is a close tie between political leadership and religious authority.
300
Describe avoiders.
- avoid being either religious or not religious - they are just not interested in religion. Detached from religion but believe in god and sometimes practice or connect. Different from atheists because they do not reject religion.
400
For people leaving Orthodox Judaism, what were "back stage" spaces?
Secular public spaces (such as libraries, restaurants, malls, etc) where Orthodox Jews do not typically go.
400
Many atheists do not agree about the meaning of atheism. Given this disagreement, what does Smith find about how they can be a community?
All atheists highly value individual thinking. This gives them a common belief that they can use to form a community.
400
Describe assenters.
Believe in god and do some religious practices, but religion is not very central to their lives. "Assent" to the religious beliefs in which they were raised.
500
What does Davidman mean when she says that leaving Orthodox Judaism is accomplished through the body?
Leaving Orthodox Judaism does not just involve changing one's beliefs. It also involves changing practices one does with the body - what you wear, what you eat, etc.
500
Why is it difficult to know how many atheists there are in the US today?
- it is difficult to distinguish between atheists and other related identities, such as agnostics
- people who are atheists may be afraid of answering that on surveys because they fear stigma
500
According to Pearce and Denton, why is it NOT useful to make a scale of “religious-ness” and rank people from high to low?
Religion is multi-dimensional and different religions require different things from their members. This makes it difficult to compare people of different religions on one scale of religiousness.