Kryachkov 2!indd

TALK and DISCUSSION 
Ex. 19. Support or challenge the arguments of the author of the text in Reading 2. 
Ex. 20. Explain and expand on what the following concepts mean. 
established religion 
the Big Bang theory vs creationism 
free exercise of religion
interfaith dialogue

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86
Д. А. Крячков
UNIT III
inter-religious 
strife 
the 
Ten 
Commandments
blue 
law the 
clergy
separation of church and state
the laity 
freedom of conscience
to proselytize 
Ex. 21. Discuss your answers to these questions. Use the active vocabulary and the 
phrases from Ex. 13–18.
A. Religion on the personal level
For centuries, intellectuals have been promising the end of religion; every generation has 
been confident that soon people will ‘outgrow’ belief in the supernatural. 
a) Why do people need religion? Do religions help humanity? Think of possible reasons why 
it has been predicted that all societies will eventually secularize as they modernize. 
b) Do you think religion is crumbling now? Why (not)? What accounts for the current 
trend? 
c) What can be regarded as indicators of people’s religiosity? Does private religiosity (as op-
posed to formal religious participation) count? (see also Reading 1)
B. Religion on the social level
Though some may speak about the resurgence of religion, its social role is diminishing. Today 
belief in God tends to be a personal option rather than a compelling necessity. 
a) Discuss the social significance of religion in this country and the region you specialize in. 
Does it help to establish social cohesion? Does it still explain or introduce norms to soci-
ety? Can it be regarded as an important tool of socialization?
b) Does religion tend to play a more functional role in poorer states? 
c) Do societies live in accordance with church-dictated codes? 
d) What role does religion play in non-religious institutions? Is it used to perpetuate the 
existing social orders?
C. Religion at School
The presence and extent of religion in public schools is one of the most difficult and conten-
tious issues when it comes to the separation of church and state. On the one hand are those 
who sincerely believe that a lack of religion in the schools “teaches” atheism, resulting in a 
decline in morality. On the other hand are those who sincerely believe that state sanctioned 
religion and state supported religious observances infringe on the religious liberties of all 
students. 
a) Should prayers be allowed in public schools? 
b) Do you think religion should be included in public school curricula? 
c) Should there exist specialized religious schools? 
d) Do you support the teaching of evolution or creationism? 
What are the developments in this sphere in the regions/countries you specialize in?
Ex. 22. Make a 5–7 min. Power Point presentation on a world religion/the principal 
religion of the region/country you specialize in. 
Follow the guidelines in Unit 1 (ex. 20).

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