Intro
1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.
2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.
Religion has been around as long as humans have been on earth. Over the centuries, people have developed all kinds of ways to explain the mysteries of life and death, and to connect with themselves.
There are many religions. Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism and Taoism are some of the more common religions. But there are countless variations on spirituality around the world. For some folks, walking in the forest or listening to music can be a spiritual experience.
Although religion has been a source of personal peace for many, religion has sadly also been a cause of war and repression throughout history.
Listen to Erin and Kevin talk about the spiritual life.
Dialog
1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.
2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
Kevin |
Erin: I think worship is a pretty primal instinct for most people. Um, I studied philosophy and theology in school and I think it’s actually kind of a natural instinct for people to want to express themselves. I mean, I know that there’s a lot of institutions that take it to an extreme, or, like, are really harsh, but if you kind of sit back and look at the big picture, I think it’s kind of a primal thing. What do you think?
Kevin: I would agree with that. I mean, in terms of worship, I wouldn’t cons… I’m not a quote unquote church-going person, but I’m definitely a spiritual person, and believe in a higher being, if you will. Not necessarily male, I don’t believe that. Uh, but um, definitely I don’t think we just are sort of here and then gone.
Erin: yeah. I agree. I don’t think we’re just here and gone either. Um, I just really think it can be a really centering thing for people, like when they have time to focus or meditate, um, you know, talk or pray with the higher being that they believe in and stuff, I think it, I think it can help people grow a lot, like, you know, just center ‘em and stuff. I think it’s probably a healthy thing.
Kevin: And I think the trick is, we live in a society where talking about worshiping and religion is in many ways taboo… in some groups, in other groups that’s all they talk about…is to find a center. I have no problem with someone who is religious or not. I mean, and I think that’s the key is accepting people for their beliefs and…
Erin: And engaging people. Just talking, like, respectfully.
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Discussion
Erin studied theology in school. She has concluded that worship is a human instinct for people.
Kevin says he is not a Christian. He does not consider himself religious, but he does believe in something bigger than himself. He believes we have a spirit.
Erin thinks that praying or meditating can be a healthy way for people to be more in touch with themselves.
Kevin says it can be difficult to lead a spiritual life.
Erin and Kevin agree that it is important to accept people no matter what their spiritual beliefs. Better yet, talk to people about what they believe.
Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual? How do you explain the mysteries of the universe?
Comments
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