DSST Introduction to World Religions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Vedas are the sacred scriptures of which religion?
- Buddhism
- Sikhism
- Hinduism (Correct answer)
- Jainism
Correct answer: Hinduism
The Vedas are the oldest sacred scriptures of Hinduism, composed in Vedic Sanskrit and containing hymns, philosophical discussions, and ritual instructions.
Question 2: The Five Pillars of Islam include all of the following EXCEPT:
- Shahada (declaration of faith)
- Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)
- Dhyana (meditation) (Correct answer)
- Zakat (charitable giving)
Correct answer: Dhyana (meditation)
Dhyana (meditation) is a Buddhist and Hindu practice; the Five Pillars of Islam are Shahada, Salah (prayer), Zakat, Sawm (fasting), and Hajj.
Question 3: The sacred scripture of Sikhism is called the:
- Guru Granth Sahib (Correct answer)
- Bhagavad Gita
- Tripitaka
- Avesta
Correct answer: Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal, living Guru and holy scripture of Sikhism, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1604.
Question 4: In Buddhism, 'Nirvana' refers to which of the following?
- Reincarnation of the soul
- Liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth (Correct answer)
- The highest heaven in the afterlife
- A state of deep communal prayer
Correct answer: Liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth
Nirvana is the Buddhist concept of liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara) through the extinguishing of desire and suffering.
Question 5: The Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat) is observed:
- From Sunday morning to Sunday evening
- From Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall (Correct answer)
- On Saturday morning only
- From Thursday evening to Friday evening
Correct answer: From Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall
Shabbat is observed from Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall, commemorating God's rest on the seventh day of creation.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the concept of 'Karma'?
- Fate predetermined by God
- The cycle of rebirth itself
- The moral law of cause and effect (Correct answer)
- The path to enlightenment
Correct answer: The moral law of cause and effect
Karma refers to the universal principle of cause and effect in which one's intentional actions determine future consequences, both in this life and beyond.
Question 7: The Christian sacrament of baptism primarily symbolizes:
- Marriage commitment before God
- Forgiveness of sins and initiation into the faith (Correct answer)
- Prayer and intercession for the dead
- Confirmation of church leadership
Correct answer: Forgiveness of sins and initiation into the faith
Baptism in Christianity symbolizes purification, forgiveness of sins, death to the old self, and initiation into the Christian community.
DSST Introduction to World Religions 2
The Vedas are the sacred scriptures of which religion?