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.

Course Description

What is the meaning of life? This profound question is tackled through a comprehensive exploration of various spiritual, religious, and philosophical traditions from both the East and West. According to polls, many Americans lack basic religious literacy, which is crucial for understanding ourselves and our communities.

This series of 24 enlightening lectures covers beliefs and practices from ancient texts such as the Bhagavad-Gita and foundational Chinese texts like the Daodejing, to classical Western doctrines by Aristotle and modern thinkers like Gandhi. You will delve into the common features shared by many religions, including concepts of divinity, rituals, and the nature of good and evil, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of both the world and your own spiritual journey.

Video Lectures

1. Religion-Its Meaning and Importance (32 min)
   Exploring the importance and definition of religion.
2. Facets of Religion-Divinity and Devotion (30 min)
   Understanding concepts of God and the components of devotion.
3. Hinduism-Foundational Texts and Teachings (31 min)
   The historical roots and teachings of Hinduism.
4. Hindu Gods and Devotional Practices (30 min)
   Insights into Hindu deities and worship practices.
5. Gita to Gandhi-Yogas and Modern Hinduism (30 min)
   The paths of spiritual liberation in Hinduism.
6. Waking Up-The Buddha and His Teachings (30 min)
   Siddhartha Gautama’s journey and teachings on enlightenment.
7. Vehicles to Nirvana-The Schools of Buddhism (31 min)
   An overview of major Buddhist traditions.
8. Chinese Religion and Cosmology (30 min)
   The elements of Chinese cosmology and their significance.
9. Confucianism-Rituals and Relationships (31 min)
   The teachings of Confucius and their societal impact.
10. Daoism-Harmony, Nature, and the Way (31 min)
    Exploring Daoist principles and the path to simplicity.
11. Kami and Spirits-Shinto and Shamanism (30 min)
    The relationship between Shinto gods and everyday life in Japan.
12. East Asian Buddhism-Zen and Pure Land (31 min)
    The various schools of Buddhism in East Asia.
13. Judaism-God, Torah, and Covenant (29 min)
    The foundations of Judaism and its core beliefs.
14. Varieties of Jewish Thought and Practice (31 min)
    The diversity within the Jewish tradition.
15. Living a Jewish Life (29 min)
    The rhythms and customs shaping Jewish life today.
16. The Life and Commemoration of Jesus (31 min)
    A look into the life and teachings of Jesus.
17. Catholic and Orthodox Christianity (33 min)
    Development of early Christian traditions.
18. Protestantism and Christianity Today (32 min)
    The influences of Protestantism in modern contexts.
19. Muhammad, Qur’an, and Islamic Civilization (33 min)
    The founding of Islam and its key teachings.
20. Unity in Islam-The Five Pillars (30 min)
    Understanding the core tenets that unify Muslims.
21. Forms of Islam-Diversity among Muslims (33 min)
    Exploring the differences between Sunni and Shi’a beliefs.
22. Jains, Sikhs, and Baha’is (31 min)
    An overview of less widely practiced religions.
23. Religion and Law in America (31 min)
    The intersection of religion and constitutional law.
24. Religion Today-Trends, Challenges, and Hope (36 min)
    Modern challenges and opportunities facing religions today.