World Religion 101: From Buddhism to Judaism, History, Beliefs, & Practices of the Great Religions

The study of religions is as integral to our shared humanity as it is to our world citizenship. As both a wellspring of hope and as an author of tragedy, religion has profoundly shaped the great civilizations of human history. An unequivocal force in the ancient world, religion continues to fire the imagination of millions in our own time and remains a fascinating index of human aspiration and creativity. In this captivating course, Catholic theologian Prof. Peter A. Huff, Ph.D., delves into theories about the origin and nature of religion, basic principles of religious studies, and the necessity of interreligious dialogue in the contemporary world. Over the course of this comprehensive twenty-four-lecture series, you will explore the many myths, rites, beliefs, ethical codes, worldviews, sacred institutions, and artistic achievements that underlie the human search for ultimate meaning. Along the way, you will encounter an extraordinary company of individuals from across the map: saints and sages, martyrs and mystics, reformers and restless souls. Authoritative and accessible, these lectures present balanced perspectives. More than that, they help you recognize the lens through which you are viewing other traditions. Despite the breadth of its sweep, the series goes beyond a superficial tour of other cultures to take you off the beaten path.