Become knowledgeable about the religions of the world

A survey of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam

Created byGe Baas

Last updated 6/2014

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Once students have completed this course they will be able to enter into informed dialogue with those from different cultures and religions.

Course content

1 section • 7 lectures • 2h 20m total length

Religious Language15:31
Explore religious language by learning terms and definitions that shape religion, including myth, ritual, and the Shabbat, and examine how creation narratives frame meaning.
Religious Language
Hinduism13:09
Explore Hinduism's ancient roots in India, its texts like the Ragg Vedas, and its core ideas: the unity of being and nonbeing, the soul, karma, reincarnation, and Sanatana Dharma.
Hinduism
Buddhism21:27
Compare Hinduism and Buddhism in answering the human condition, from dualities and rebirth to four noble truths, Nirvana, ego, and love as liberation.
Buddhism
Taoism22:30
Explain Taoism as following the Tao, the way of nature, through harmony of heaven and earth, balance of yin and yang, emptiness, and change achieved without forcing.
Taoism
Judaism25:31
Explore Judaism's view of God as both merciful and just, and its covenant heritage from Abraham to Moses, celebrated through Passover, Torah, and festival rites.
Judaism
Christianity22:17
Explore Christianity's core beliefs, incarnation, atonement, crucifixion, resurrection, and the Trinity, as articulated in the Apostles Creed, and see how forgiveness and parables shape Christian life.
Christianity
Islam19:46
Explore how islam emerged in arabia, emphasizing submission to Allah, the koran as the final revelation, and five daily prayers and ramadan fasting.
Islam

Requirements

no prerequisites, no required materials

Description

Finally, a course which explains world religions in a simple, straightforward manner!

This is college quality teaching that gets straight at the essence of each religion. The teaching style makes the information immediately relevant and personal. This is both a wonderful introduction to the religions of the world and a personally enriching experience.

Instead of focusing heavily on historical details and practices, this course focuses on the fundamental ideas central to each religion. Specific attention is given to the comparison between eastern and western thought.

Students will come away from this course with a better, clearer understanding of what each religion is about and its application to their own personal experience.

Who this course is for:

The course is open to anyone with an open mind and a curiosity about the world.