Cultural Literacy for Religion: Everything the Well-Educated Person Should Know

Course Overview

Experience the historical, theological, and cultural components of the world’s religions as an award-winning professor takes you on a tour of our world and its religious cultures.

According to polls by Gallup and the Pew Research Forum, most Americans fail basic tests about religion, including their own faith. This lack of religious literacy limits our understanding of ourselves and the world. This course provides 24 enlightening lectures designed to enhance your appreciation of global religious traditions, emphasizing how religion shapes cultures and identities.

Professor Berkson leads you through this journey with an “imaginative insider’s perspective.” You’ll explore the essential doctrines, rituals, values, and scriptures of various religions, from ancient traditions to contemporary practices. These lectures invite dialogue with diverse religious voices that enhance your understanding of complex and profound themes in human experience.

Video Lecture List

1. Religion-Its Meaning and Importance

• 32 min
• Examine why religion matters and what makes a religion, setting the stage for exploring the world’s religions.

1. Facets of Religion-Divinity and Devotion

• 30 min
• Investigate the concept of God and the core components of religious devotion across different traditions.

1. Hinduism-Foundational Texts and Teachings

• 31 min
• Explore the history and key elements of Hinduism, including its scriptures and social structures.

1. Hindu Gods and Devotional Practices

• 30 min
• Delve into the nature of Hindu deities and the diverse ways of worship within the tradition.

1. Gita to Gandhi-Yogas and Modern Hinduism

• 30 min
• Examine the paths to spiritual liberation in Hinduism, focusing on the Bhagavad Gita and modern implications.

1. Waking Up-The Buddha and His Teachings

• 30 min
• Trace Siddhartha Gautama’s journey to enlightenment and the foundational teachings of Buddhism.

1. Vehicles to Nirvana-The Schools of Buddhism

• 31 min
• Discover the major schools of Buddhism, including Theravada and Mahayana, and their teachings.

1. Chinese Religion and Cosmology

• 30 min
• Understand the essential elements of Chinese cosmology and the interplay of harmony in religious practice.

1. Confucianism-Rituals and Relationships

• 31 min
• Dive into Confucius’s teachings on moral living and the importance of relationships in society.

1. Daoism-Harmony, Nature, and the Way

• 31 min
• Explore Daoism’s teachings on simplicity, harmony with nature, and the philosophy of “wu wei.”

(…Continued through all 24 lectures)