English Conversation Club

Topic: ‘Culture & Religion’

(Remember that these questions are just discussion starters. You can talk about anything you like!)

1. What are the major festivals/celebrations in your culture eg Chinese new year? When do these occur? How do you celebrate them? Are they associated with any particular religious beliefs?

2. What is your religion? Do the members of your family hold to the same beliefs?

3. What other religions do people practice in your country? Is there tension between different religions?

4. Explain the most important teaching in the religion you know best.

5. What are some of the daily practices of your religion or other beliefs? What do they mean? Why do you do them?

6. How acceptable is it to change ones religion? Predict the response of: family members, friends, government.

7. Does your religion have some people working full-time? What do they spend most of their time doing? Where does the money come from to support them?

8. How important do you think it is for people to have religion and spirituality in their life? Do you think it is more or less important than in the past? Why?

9. In Western cultures, Christmas is usually very prominent at this time of year. Do you celebrate Christmas in your home country? What do you think is the meaning of Christmas?