Religion conversation questions
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This is a potentially controversial subject in some societies, and consequently some teachers may want to carefully consider if they wish to use all of these questions.
Contents |
Religion
- How would you define a "religion"? What properties must a belief system have in order for it to be a "religion"?
- If a belief system did not include "faith", a God and worship would it still be a religion?
- Do most people work out a religion for themselves or simply follow their ancestors' religion?
- Do you think that religion in general has had a positive or negative effect on the world? Can you think of any examples?
- What characteristics are common in fundamentalist religious groups?
- Should religion be taught in state schools? Why/why not?
- Should prayer be obligatory in schools? Why/why not?
- Are there any truly non-violent religions?
- What positive things do religions do today?
- What negative things do religions do today?
- Historically, what positive and negative things have religions been responsible for?
- Do you think that religious people are happier? Why/why not?
- It seems that in the United States over 50% of the population thinks the Earth is less than 10,000 years old and that evolution did not take place. Why do you think they have this idea?
- What do you think of the idea of hell?
- What do you think of the idea of heaven?
- In what areas does religion have an impact in your country?
Burkas, headscarves and other religious symbols
- There is debate in some European countries - especially France - about the appropriateness of certain forms of traditional Islamic dress, especially in schools and other state institutions. The debate centres around the wearing of the "hijab". This can refer to a large number of things ranging from the "Islamic headscarf" to the "burqa", which covers the whole body including the head and the face. What do you think about legal attempts in some European countries to control the use of these forms of dress?
- What do you imagine it would be like to wear a burka on a hot day?
- What is the difference between banning such dress in government institutions and schools - and in banning it completely in the country?
- Would it be equally reasonable to prohibit Sikh men from wearing a turban? What is the difference - if any?
- If it were banned, it would presumably become a criminal offence? What punishment might be applied? How would Amnesty International react to jail terms?
- Is it reasonable to prevent men from wearing these things if they want to, of should any restriction only be applied to women?
- Would it be possible to wear them as fancy dress?
- If western countries forbid the wearing of the burka or other forms so Islamic dress, would it be reasonable for Islamic countries to insist that western women wear burkas when visiting? Why or why not?
- If a person's religion obliged them to always have their face covered, and if a state accepted this was a religious right which could not be taken away - how would it deal with passport photographs and photographs for driving licences?
- Most European countries have their own clothing taboos. For instance you can get arrested or cause major disturbance if you walk around naked. What do you think about this apparent double standard?
- Women - for whatever reason - seem to have more restrictions in some Islamic countries. In Saudi Arabia, for example, they are not allowed to drive. Would it be logical for them to follow all the restrictions which would have applied to them in their home countries if they move to the west?
- Priests, monks and nuns wear clothing which is, in some ways, similar to the burka. What would be the implications for these forms of dress if the burka were banned?
Atheism
- Do atheists have any special problems in your country?
- In 2009 a campaign started which promoted the slogan: "God probably doesn't exist, now stop worrying and get on with your life". What is your opinion of this?
- The well-known atheist Richard Dawkins once said: "We are all atheists about 99% of the Gods which have ever existed - some of us just go one God further." What is your opinion of this statement?
- Many atheists maintain they do not believe in God because there is no evidence God exists. What is your opinion?
- Can atheism - the lack of belief in something - be considered a religion?
