Directions: Apply the Knowledge You Have Gained from Chapter 1

question 12

True/False

Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 1 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
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Religion and Magic
¹Anthropologists studying supernatural beliefs cross-culturally have long been fascinated by the relationship between religion and magic. Whereas some anthropologists have emphasized the differences between these two phenomena, others have concentrated on their similarities. It is important to examine both the similarities and the differences because even though religion and magic can be found operating separately, most often they are found in some combined form.
²Religion and magic share certain features. Because both are systems of supernatural belief, they are nonrational; that is, they are not susceptible to scientific verification. In other words, whether religious or magical practices actually work cannot be empirically demonstrated. Rather, such practices must be accepted as a matter of faith. Moreover, both religion and magic are practiced-at least in part-as ways of coping with the anxieties, ambiguities, and frustrations of everyday life.
³On the other hand, magic and religion differ in a number of important respects. First, religion deals with the major issues of human existence, such as the meaning of life, death, and one's spiritual relationship with deities. In contrast, magic is directed toward specific, immediate problems, such as curing an illness, bringing rain, or ensuring safety on a long journey. Second, religion uses prayer and sacrifices to appeal to or petition supernatural powers for assistance. Magicians, on the other hand, believe they can control or manipulate nature or other people by their own efforts. Third, religion by and large tends to be a group activity whereas magic is more individually oriented. Fourth, whereas religion is usually practiced at a specified time, magic is practiced irregularly in response to specific and immediate problems. Fifth, religion usually involves officially recognized functionaries such as priests, whereas magic may be performed by a wide variety of practitioners who may or may not be recognized within the community as having supernatural powers.
-adapted from Ferraro, Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective , pp. 351-352
​ The author's tone of voice in the selection is sarcastic and hesitant.

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