Kryachkov 2!indd

UNIT III
FAITH TODAY: 
A BOMB OF DESTRUCTION, 
A BARRIER OF DIVISION 
OR A BRIDGE 
OF COOPERATION?

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Английский язык для магистратуры
F
aith T
oday
READING 1
LAED-IN
1. 
What is religion? Which of the following explanations do you find the most accurate? 
a. Religion helps people make sense of events which would otherwise be incomprehen-
sible (E.B. Tylor and James Frazer). 
b. Religion is a form of mass neurosis and exists only as a response to deep emotional con-
flicts and weaknesses; it is nothing more but a by-produce of psychological distress (Sig-
mund Freud).
c. A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable 
(Ambrose Bierce).
d. Religion is an illusion whose chief purpose is to provide reasons and excuses to keep so-
ciety functioning just as it is (Karl Marx).
2. 
What does it mean to be religious? Do the following practices have anything to do with being 
religious? Why (not)?
— attending services;
— being baptized;
— actively participating in the life of 
one’s religious community/parish;
— decorating one’s home with icons;
— fasting;
— following the teachings of a religion;
— following/keeping commandments;
— reading the Bible/Koran/ Talmud/etc. 
on a regular basis;
— giving alms;
— going to church frequently/regularly
— going to confession regularly;
— participating in religious ceremonies 
and rites;
— saying prayers;
— wearing a cross/crucifix/star of David/star 
and crescent, etc.;
— observing religious holidays.
Skim the article by Colin Sedgwick, pastor of the Lindsay Park Baptist church, 
Kenton, Middlesex, to see where ‘professionals’ st and on what it means to be 
religious.
Compare the author’s views with your ideas.