Lectures Description:

Almost one-third of the world’s population views themselves as Christians. Approximately a quarter identify as Muslims. Fifteen percent practice Hinduism. Six percent practice Buddhism, and approximately a fifth of a percent practice Judaism. Together, these religions account for over three-quarters of the world; a huge majority of the earth’s population see themselves as religious. Nevertheless, all of these religions are incredibly different and produce divergent worldviews. By contrast, 15% of the world identifies as nonreligious. This course will therefore spend one week on each of the religions mentioned above, examining their origin, their beliefs, their worldview, and how they differ from the other religions. It will also spend one week examining some of the different facets of agnosticism and atheism. Ultimately, it will help to develop a better appreciation for the world’s spiritual diversity. This two-part lecture will focus on two of the earliest religions: Judaism and Hinduism. It is rare for these two religious to ever be mentioned together. Yet both began prior to the first millennia BCE. How were they similar at that time? How have they changed?

Topic Outline/Schedule:

Week 1, May 2: Judaism

Week 2, May 9: Hinduism