LESSON : INTERPRET PROPERLY & COMPLETELY. THIS CAN HELP IDEA GENERATION LATER.

(Q) Should an emphasis on religion be encouraged in contemporary society ?

Interpretation of terms : Should (or should not) : for pragmatic reasons & for moral reasons Religion : A belief system that answers existential questions such as the purpose of existence, the story of creation and life after death; imbues values for its adherents to live by and guides various aspects of the lives of the faithful such as marriage, birth, family life, death and relationships with others. Contemporary society : the modern-world that is culturally-diverse, media-saturated, science and technology-driven and marked by the pursuit of education, material wealth and freedom Emphasis : increase in importance Encourage : promote, give support Who is emphasising ? Who is doing the encouraging ? : - the adherents in their private lives, among themselves, - the adherents to others outside the religion, - the adherents in public domains like business and politics - neutral parties (such as the government) in multi-religious settings Thesis Statement / Stand : An emphasis on religion should be encouraged in contemporary society only insofar as peace and universal human rights are preserved in plural societies that are the norm in this day and age.

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Possible Points : 1. Those who object to religion may argue that religion is not always compatible with the principle of freedom 2. Those who disapprove of intervention to scientific development raise the point that religion can come into conflict with science that drives the modern world on certain issues 3. Those who are disillusioned with religion cite how religion is a hot-button issue aggravated by access to media and technology, especially weapons technology 4. Despite opposition to religion, my view is that the emphasis of religion should be encouraged by the governments of multireligious societies in order to guide discourse that brings about harmony 5. Religion offers good universal values in the age of moral relativity and decadence 6. Religion gives purpose and solace, and promotes compassion in cut-throat competitive environments

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