Chapter 7: Organized Religion: Congregationalism and Congregations

Test Bank

Multiple Choice

1. A religion moves to a new country and changes its organization so that it looks and acts like other religions in that country. This is an example of ______.

A. de facto congregationalism

B. institutional isomorphism

C. transdenominational movement

D. seeker mentality

2. Which concept can explain why an imam would organize religious education opportunities in the United States but not elsewhere?

A. polity

B. new paradigm pressures

C. de facto congregationalism

D. transdenominational evangelicalism

3. If a denomination is governed by a hierarchy headed by a bishop, that denomination uses which polity?

A. Presbyterian

B. congregational

C. Episcopalian

D. nondenominational

4. If a denomination grants each local church the ability to hire their own leader, then they are likely using which polity?

A. Presbyterian

B. congregational

C. Episcopalian

D. nondenominational

5. One strength of the National Congregations Study is that the data are ______.

A. longitudinal

B. interview-based

C. from two countries

D. based on observations

6. The median congregation in the United States has roughly how many members?

A. 40

B. 70

C. 150

D. 400

7. The typical member of a congregation in the United States attends a church, mosque, or temple with about how many members?

A. 40

B. 75

C. 150

D. 400

8. The double aspect of congregational life in the United States means that most people attend a congregation that is ______.

A. larger than the average-sized congregation

B. smaller than the average-sized congregation

C. typical of the average-sized congregation

D. different from the one other family members attend

9. When congregations participate in a political activity, they are helping their members to develop which of the following?

A. connection to social services

B. civic skills

C. social capital

D. paradigmatic beliefs

10. What is one way that new paradigm churches appeal to potential new members?

A. By emphasizing loyalty to a denomination

B. By emphasizing individualism

C. By highlighting the need to maintain tradition

D. By creating new religious symbols

11. How are new paradigm churches different from other renewal movements in Christianity?

A. They are often stigmatized when they first form.

B. They rarely try to advertise themselves.

C. They change the medium of interaction, rather than the message.

D. They change the message and keep the medium of interaction.

12. What is often absent from seeker churches?

A. religious symbolism, such as a cross

B. a sermon or other message

C. opportunities to connect in small groups

D. opportunities for children

13. Which of the following is a central belief of new paradigm churches?

A. Multiple religions can all lead to God.

B. The Bible should be interpreted in light of current knowledge.

C. Jesus was anti-capitalism and anti-consumerism.

D. Everyone should have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Essay

When it comes to essay questions, students sometimes write poorly because they are guessing about what the instructor wants, even if the question seems to be perfectly clear. For that reason we strongly recommend provision of an audience (so students know how much to assume in use of sociological vocabulary as well as how much must be made explicit) and criteria for evaluation (which is information that any writer needs to know.) Below are two sample statements that might be used as part of an essay question.

A. This essay calls for presentation and defense of an informed opinion. You should write for a well-educated reader, but one unfamiliar with sociological approaches to the study of religion. You will be graded on (a) provision of a clearly stated thesis, (b) the clarity and sophistication of your rationale, and (c) the ability to support your argument with strong evidence. Sophistication of rationale refers to awareness of the complexity of the issues. The side of the argument that you support is irrelevant to the grading criteria.

B. Your audience for this essay should be senior sociology majors who know sociological vocabulary, but have never specifically studied the sociology of religion. The criteria for evaluation will be (1) accuracy of explanation, (2) clarity of illustrations or examples, and (3) thoroughness in exploring all dimensions of the issue.

Since some of these questions call for careful reflection, you might consider giving students a list of these and other essay questions in advance.

1. What is the relationship between de facto congregationalism and institutional isomorphism? Apply your explanation by discussing what would likely happen when a new religious group comes to the United States.

2. Are megachurches the wave of the future? Why or why not? What are the implications of your argument for religion in the United States?

3. Is “marketing” of religion intrinsically a problem that causes distortions of religion, or does competition in the marketplace of ideas add vitality and intensified commitment to religion? Why do you think as you do?

4. Support or refute the following statement, providing evidence in support of your position and anticipating opposing views: “New paradigm churches are the wave of the future for religion and will fundamentally reshape future generations of Christianity.”

5. Explain what is meant by “de facto congregationalism,” and discuss its relationship with denominationalism and denominational polity structures.

6. One core belief of new paradigm churches is that “Jesus offers the exclusive access to God.” Many people, however, believe there are multiple paths to God. How do new paradigm churches attract such people if some core beliefs are seemingly held in opposition . . . or do new paradigm churches attempt to reach a new generation of people?

7. What is the “product” that new paradigm churches are selling? How do they balance their doctrinal beliefs with their desire to reach seekers?

8. How is worship changing and remaining the same over time? Pick two major changes, and explain their significance for the religious landscape.

9. This question is likely to work best as a take-home exam: Design a study following up on the finding from the National Congregations Study that worship is becoming increasingly informal. What is your research question? What hypotheses will you seek to test? What is your method of data collection? What challenges will you face in carrying out your study?