【大学受験対策】英語長文読解問題55｜303語＋和訳・解答解説

Many people assume that religion and culture are the same, or at least inseparable. It is true that religion has shaped many aspects of culture around the world—art, music, traditions, holidays, and even laws. Yet religion and culture are not identical. Understanding the difference between the two is key to appreciating the diversity of human societies.

Culture refers to the shared behaviors, values, customs, and social norms of a group. It is learned through experience, passed down through generations, and often changes over time. Religion, on the other hand, typically involves a set of beliefs about the divine or sacred, often supported by rituals, texts, and moral codes. While culture answers the question “How do we live together?”, religion often attempts to answer “Why are we here?”

In some societies, religion plays a dominant role in shaping culture. For example, in many Middle Eastern countries, Islamic beliefs strongly influence dress codes, dietary laws, and daily routines. In contrast, countries like Japan or Sweden may have rich cultural traditions that are no longer strongly tied to religion. Japanese festivals, for instance, often have Shinto or Buddhist roots, but many people participate in them more for social than spiritual reasons.

Additionally, religion can cross cultural boundaries. Christianity, for example, is practiced in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, yet the way people express their faith varies depending on local customs and traditions. This shows that religion adapts to culture, just as culture can be influenced by religion.

Recognizing the distinction between the two allows for more respectful and meaningful intercultural dialogue. When we assume all cultural behaviors are religious, or vice versa, we risk misunderstanding and oversimplifying complex identities. By exploring both religion and culture on their own terms, we gain a deeper appreciation for how people find meaning, structure, and connection in their lives.

Q1. According to the passage, why is it useful to separate religion from culture?

1. It eliminates all conflicts arising from religious and cultural misunderstandings.
2. It enables deeper appreciation of global diversity among human societies.
3. It demonstrates that art develops independently from any belief systems.
4. It proves language differences are purely the result of religious doctrine.

Q2. Which example does the author give to illustrate religion’s flexibility across cultural contexts?

1. Christianity manifests differently worldwide because believers adapt to local traditions.
2. Buddhism strictly maintains uniform rituals regardless of the hosting culture.
3. Islam prohibits any cultural influences from modifying its fundamental observances.
4. Hinduism declines wherever adherents migrate to predominantly secular societies.

Q3. Which of the following claims is NOT supported by the passage?

1. Religion always dictates the legal structures of every modern nation-state.
2. Culture addresses daily living practices, whereas religion addresses life’s meaning.
3. Many Japanese join traditional festivals mostly for social instead of spiritual reasons.
4. Confusing culture with religion can lead to oversimplified national identities.