ESL Podcast 966 - Converting to Another Religion
religious education class - a class designed to teach people about a religion and its beliefs and practices, usually so that the individual can adopt that religion
The church requires that we participate in at least six religious education classes before we can get married there.
to convert - to change one's religion; for one to leave one religion and adopt another
Would you consider converting to Judaism if you fell in love with a Jewish woman?
denomination - one of many religious groups that belong to a particular type of religion
Some of the biggest Christian denominations include Catholicism, Methodism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, and Pentecostalism.
Christian - relating to a person who believes that Jesus Christ was the son of God, died on the cross and was resurrected (brought back to life) to give eternal life to all who believe in him, or the religion of people with such beliefs
They're Christian, so in their home, Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and they try not to focus on gifts and Santa Claus.
spiritual teachings - philosophies or belief systems that explain the purpose of human life and what is sacred (holy)
Have you studied spiritual teachings outside of your own religion?
to worship - to praise God or a higher power, showing admiration, commitment, and gratitude
Every Sunday, the first hour of the church service is spent worshipping through song, and the second hour is spent studying the Bible.
prayer - a conversation between God and one or more individuals, usually with expressions of belief and gratitude, and requests for assistance
Did you remember to say a prayer for Grandma Jenkins?
hymn - a religious song; a song used to thank God and state one's religious beliefs
Some of the most beautiful hymns are based on verses in the Book of Psalms.
ritual - ceremony; a way of doing something that is repeated periodically, used to help people connect with one another
They have a family ritual of dining together with a fancy tablecloth and candles every Wednesday evening.
legit - legitimate; logical, rational, justifiable, and in compliance with the law; with a reasonable explanation
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't legit.
cult - a negative word used to describe a religious group with extreme behaviors and/or beliefs, usually led by an individual with a very strong personality
Help! I think my daughter has become involved in a cult, and now she spends all her time with the other members.
spiritual leader - a person with strong faith, extensive knowledge of religious beliefs, and passion for sharing that faith and knowledge with other people
When the pastor died unexpectedly, the church was left without a strong spiritual leader.
tenet - law; a fundamental principle or rule
Free speech and freedom of the press are two of the basic tenents of a democratic society.
faith - a set of religious beliefs
Their faith teaches that we must love all people, no matter how they treat us.
full-fledged - complete; whole; entire; not partial
Congratulations! Now that you've completed your first project, you're a full- fledged member of the basket-weaving club!
unconventional - unusual and unexpected; not traditional; not common or expected
Min has always liked having unconventional hairstyles, like short pink hair.
to have it (one's) way - to get what one wants; to have things be the way one wants them to be, without interference from other people
I think it's a bad idea, but have it your way. Just don't ask me for help when it doesn't work.
costume - an outfit that provides disguise or entertainment by making one look like someone or something else
Do you make Halloween costumes for your children, or do you buy them?