Which pair of religions are both hierarchical?

Which pair of religions are both hierarchical?

• A. Roman Catholicism and Mormonism
• B. Islam and Buddhism
• C. Hinduism and Jainism
• D. Sikhism and Bahá'í

Answer: (A)

This question looks at how religions structure authority and hierarchy. The best pair is the one that maintains formal, centralized priesthoods with clearly defined ranks and unified leadership. The Catholic Church has a well-established hierarchy—pope at the top, followed by cardinals, bishops, priests, and deacons—united under centralized authority in the Vatican. Mormonism likewise uses a defined priesthood system with distinct offices (Melchizedek and Aaronic), plus general authorities, the First Presidency, and a Quorum of the Twelve guiding the church globally. The other options point to more decentralized or non-priestly forms of leadership. Islam lacks a single universal clergy authority, instead relying on local imams and scholars; Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism are highly diverse with varying local traditions and no single global hierarchy; Sikhism centers authority in scripture and community leadership rather than a formal priesthood; and the Bahá’í Faith uses elected administrative bodies rather than an ordained priestly class.

This question looks at how religions structure authority and hierarchy. The best pair is the one that maintains formal, centralized priesthoods with clearly defined ranks and unified leadership. The Catholic Church has a well-established hierarchy—pope at the top, followed by cardinals, bishops, priests, and deacons—united under centralized authority in the Vatican. Mormonism likewise uses a defined priesthood system with distinct offices (Melchizedek and Aaronic), plus general authorities, the First Presidency, and a Quorum of the Twelve guiding the church globally.

The other options point to more decentralized or non-priestly forms of leadership. Islam lacks a single universal clergy authority, instead relying on local imams and scholars; Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism are highly diverse with varying local traditions and no single global hierarchy; Sikhism centers authority in scripture and community leadership rather than a formal priesthood; and the Bahá’í Faith uses elected administrative bodies rather than an ordained priestly class.