Round Table on “Youth and Religious Literacy” Held

A round table discussion on the topic “Youth and Religious Literacy” was organized by the Department of Chemical Disciplines, Biology and Biochemistry at Оңтүстік Қазақстан медицина академиясы. The purpose of the event was to enhance students’ religious literacy, explain the methods and tactics used by destructive religious movements, develop critical thinking skills, and strengthen patriotic values among young people. In addition, issues related to maintaining social stability and promoting traditional spiritual values were widely discussed. The Head of the Department, Kanat Daurenbekov, emphasized the importance of the round table and noted that improving religious literacy among youth is a pressing issue today. He introduced the invited guests and encouraged students to engage in meaningful discussion. One of the first speakers was the Academy’s Compliance Officer, Nurgali Pernebayev, who spoke about fostering legal awareness among young people, observing legal requirements, and preventing the spread of destructive ideologies. After that, theologian Nurdaulet Amankeldi from the Department for Religious Affairs of the city of Шымкент explained the differences between traditional religion and radical movements. He provided specific examples of psychological techniques used by destructive religious organizations to recruit young people and outlined preventive measures. Students received comprehensive answers to their questions. During the round table, psychologist Dinara Espenbetova conducted a psychological training session aimed at developing critical thinking skills. Participants practiced analyzing information, articulating their viewpoints with arguments, and making appropriate decisions in stressful situations.