Academics in Theology Departments Generally Agree that there are Fewer Religious People Today than Fifty Years Ago

Question: Academics in theology departments generally agree that there are fewer religious people today than fifty years ago. There are two primary critiques of that view, however. First, the conclusion depends on a definition that is highly subject to debate. If “religion” is defined as a strongly held conviction about the purpose of the world, for instance, the academics may be incorrect. On the other hand, the conclusion would be justified if "religion" is defined as a belief in a supernatural god. Second, the academics base their conclusion almost exclusively on data collected from the western hemisphere.

Which of the following, if assumed, strengthens the conclusion of the academics?

1. The definition of "religion" was as highly subject to debate fifty years ago as it is today
2. The conclusion applied only to the western hemisphere
3. Academics often draw conclusions based on evidence-based almost exclusively on data from the western hemisphere
4. Most people believe "religion" should be defined as a belief in a supernatural god
5. Fewer people believe in a supernatural god today than fifty years ago

Academics in Theology Departments Generally Agree that there are Fewer Religious People Today than Fifty Years Ago -is a GMAT Critical reasoning question. This particular GMAT Critical Reasoning topic has been taken from the book ‘The PowerScore Critical Reasoning Bible 2018’. This particular topic is the Assumption and conclusion type of question. For this type, the candidates need to provide an assumption supporting the conclusion in the passage. GMAT critical reasoning tests the logical and analytical skills of the candidates. Critical reasoning in GMAT requires candidates to find the strengths and weaknesses of the argument, or find the logical flaw in the argument.  The GMAT CR section contains 10 -13 GMAT critical reasoning questions out of 36 GMAT verbal questions.

Answer: B
Explanation: Question Type: Assumption and conclusion. For this type, the candidates need to provide an assumption supporting the conclusion in the passage. GMAT critical reasoning tests the logical and analytical skills of the candidates. Let us check the following, which can be assumed, to strengthen the conclusion of the academics:

1. Option A is basically admitting that "there may not be fewer religious people overall if we add the Eastern continent to the mix". 
2.  If the academics' conclusion applied only to the western hemisphere, however, then the second objection would be defeated and the academics' conclusion would be strengthened.
3. This argument has no relevance to the asked question.
4. At first glance, the answer that "most people believe 'religion' should be defined as a belief in a supernatural god," seems like an equally correct answer; but this does not directly refute the claim that the definition is "subject to debate."
5.  It says that fewer people believe in a supernatural god. Now as per the "first" point made by the author it says if it is about supernatural gods, the conclusion stays put.

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