Multiple choice

Lacking sacred scriptures or __________, Shinto is more properly regarded as a legacy of traditional practices and basic values than as a formal system of belief.

  1. acolytes

  2. norms

  3. dogma

  4. relics

  5. credence

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

We must look for something that goes with sacred scriptures and implies a formal system of belief, but something whose absence doesn't rule out a legacy of traditional religious practices and basic values. Options (1), (2) and (5) because if Shinto lacked ‘acolyte’(followers), ‘norms’(customs), or ‘credence’(faith) it wouldn't be a legacy of traditional religious practices and basic values. ‘Relics’ in (4) are sacred objects but relics don't make a formal system of beliefs, therefore ruled out. Hence, (3) is the answer as ‘dogma’ is a formal religious belief.