Study Guide for Ninian Smart's Worldviews

VII. "The Ritual Dimension" (p.121-133)

1. How is transformation a central element in all religious

ritual? Give examples.

2. What are the characteristics of a ritual of sacrifice?

Describe the purpose of such ritual for the believer.

3. How is prayer conceptually related to ritual?

4. What is a "rite of passage"? Describe several religious

and secular rites of passage found in our own society.

Study Guide for Ninian Smart's Worldviews

VIII. "The Social Dimension" (p.134-147)

1. In what general ways is a larger society different from

a small-scale society?

2. How does Weber describe the relationship between society

and religion?

3. Define the following: functionalism

structuralism

methodological atheism

ideal types

sect

church

cult