When does the Jewish Sabbath begin? Who are Vishnu and Shiva? What are Buddhism's Four Noble Truths? What are the Five Pillars of Islam? Cultural Literacy for Religion: Everything the Well-Educated Person Should Know is your chance to experience the breadth and depth of the world's religions from all angles-historical, theological, and cultural. Over the course of 24 engaging lectures, award-winning Professor Mark Berkson of Hamline University takes you on a tour of our world and its religious cultures. Your journey will introduce you to the beliefs, symbols, and practices of other traditions, and it will provide you with new insights into your own.
Cultural Literacy for Religion: Everything the Well-Educated Person Should Know
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.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Manny5 from
Excellent presentation
Prof. Berkson gives a good introduction to the principal religions of the world.
Date published: 2024-01-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
SMM1 from
So many religions!
I learned so much. I was raised Catholic, but have been interested in Eastern religions. This course has given an overview of many I was not aware of. I feel it has been very helpful in understanding my understanding of religion in our lives.
Date published: 2023-12-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
kmr2022 from
Lecturer was very knowledgeable
I enjoyed this series so much. I'll probably watch it again! The professor was so knowledgeable and made the content easy to understand and interesting! Thank you to him and Wondrium!
Date published: 2022-11-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Educativo
Me ha encantado! es un curso muy completo y de fácil comprensión.
La tolerancia religiosa es la capacidad de respetar las prácticas y creencias religiosas de los demás, aun cuando éstas sean diferentes de las propias. Tolerancia es respeto, también es entendimiento, un valor que es vital y necesario para el desarrollo de los seres humanos. Estos conocimientos se deberían impartir desde la niñez. Thumbs up!
Date published: 2022-07-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
MarkG Ohio from
Very Good Review of Religions
The class content is clear and insightful. The professor is an excellent speaker. His attitude toward each religion is respectful. Overall, this class is a very good review of the major religions of the world.
Date published: 2022-07-08
Rated 5 out of
5
by
salubria from
So glad i found this
Very important class taught very well. Right now we all need to be a little more open minded and this professor presents in a pleasant and interesting way.
Date published: 2021-07-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
RobRD from
Instructive and "Attention Holding"
I have often wondered about what goes on in other religions - and now I know.
Lecturer was unbiased, clear and concise, not the first course I've taken with him.
Date published: 2021-03-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
course addict in Asia from
a perfect primer!
This course is so true to its title that it often becomes amazing, almost eerily amazing. It is as if the professor knows everything I always wanted to know about religion but couldn't ask anybody because nobody I know was interested in topics of religion. This will be a perfect first course to take for someone who has been a non-believer, who does not know much about any religion, but is beginning to take serious interests in religion. The way course material is organized is excellent. While there isn't any real depth in what is covered (which is not to be expected from a course like this), the material never gets dull and trivial; it always comes with respect and real understanding. A great plus is that the professor is really easy to listen. As a non-native English speaker, I don't think I fully understood the expression "easy to listen" (because all listening requires a degree of sustained concentration). Listening to the professor of this course, I often thought, this is what "easy to listen" means.
Date published: 2021-03-02
Overview
About
Dr. Mark Berkson is Professor of Religion at Hamline University. He earned a B.A. from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, an M.A. from Stanford University in East Asian Studies, and a Ph.D. from Stanford University in Religious Studies and Humanities. He has twice received Faculty Member of the Year awards and has received multiple fellowships for his work in Asian religions. A world traveler, he has lived in China and visited religious and pilgrimage sites in countries such as India, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Greece. Professor Berkson has given well over 100 presentations at conferences, universities, community meetings, and churches, and he has also appeared on radio and television news shows in segments dealing with religious issues. His scholarly work has addressed topics such as comparative religious thought, religious ethics, death and dying, and interfaith dialogue and has appeared in books and in such prestigious journals as the Journal of Religious Ethics, Teaching Theology & Religion, and Buddhist-Christian Studies.
Trailer
01: Religion-Its Meaning and Importance
Start by reexamining basic questions: Why does religion matter? What makes a religion? As you explore the answers, you'll embark on a journey toward a better understanding of the world, its histories, and its cultures, as well as a better understanding of yourself and what it means to be a good citizen in a diverse global community....
32 min
02: Facets of Religion-Divinity and Devotion
God. Divinity. Ultimate Reality. Start your journey by looking at how different religious traditions approach the concept of "God." In addition to exploring the concepts of divinity, you'll also look at key components of religious devotion: scripture, ritual, ideas about good and evil, and doctrines of salvation....
30 min
03: Hinduism-Foundational Texts and Teachings
Explore the history of what some scholars consider the oldest living religion. You'll begin with the Indus River Valley civilization, and then you'll learn key elements of the Aryan and Vedic traditions, including scriptures, the pantheon of deities, and the social caste system. Then turn to the soul-Atman-and the concept of rebirth....
31 min
04: Hindu Gods and Devotional Practices
In this lecture, uncover new insights into the nature of divinity by studying the variety of fascinating Hindu deities, including Vishnu and his avatars, the many forms of Shiva, and forms of the goddess Devi. You'll also look at ways Hindus worship, from chanting in temples to festivals such as Diwali....
30 min
05: Gita to Gandhi-Yogas and Modern Hinduism
Examine Hinduism's many paths to spiritual liberation, from the teachings in the Bhagavad Gita to the many types of yoga. Your study of Hinduism concludes with a survey of its role in the world today: Hindu nationalism, modern democracy of India, and the influx of Hindus to the United States....
30 min
06: Waking Up-The Buddha and His Teachings
The life of Siddhartha Gautama-the Buddha himself-is a fascinating journey from a wealthy and sheltered upbringing to an understanding of Samsara, the cycle of rebirth and perpetual discontent. After meditating beneath the bodhi tree, he woke up with Buddhism's key to liberation: the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path....
30 min
07: Vehicles to Nirvana-The Schools of Buddhism
Take a look at the three major schools of the Buddhist world: Theravada Buddhism, with its five precepts of ethical behavior; Mahayana Buddhism, the "great vehicle" that created new paths to Nirvana for its practitioners; and Vajrayana-including Tibetan-Buddhism. Also, explore the history of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan Book of the Dead....
31 min
08: Chinese Religion and Cosmology
Travel east to China to survey the elements of Chinese cosmology that have shaped Chinese thought for millennia: the forces of yin and yang, and the metaphysical notions of qi and feng shui. You'll see that the goal of Chinese cosmology is to restore harmony to the world, and the focus is on family, nature, and the home....
30 min
09: Confucianism-Rituals and Relationships
Professor Berkson charts the life of Confucius, whose impact on East Asian thought is impossible to overstate. Born in the 6th century B.C.E. during a time of chaos in China, Confucius's religious tenets emphasized learning, self-cultivation, and human relationships in this world-rather than the supernatural, revelation, or life after death....
31 min
10: Daoism-Harmony, Nature, and the Way
Learn about China's second major religion through the Dao De Jing, a collection of sayings that advocate a life of simplicity and contentment. Consider how Daoism's process of unlearning complements Confucianism's emphasis on learning, and see how to practice effortless action-or wu wei....
31 min
11: Kami and Spirits-Shinto and Shamanism
Professor Berkson takes you to Japan and the tradition of Shinto. Here you'll see how the Kami (gods/spirits) relate to everyday life in Japan, including agriculture and the role of the emperor. You'll then explore Shamanism, especially the characteristics of the Korean and Hmong traditions....
30 min
12: East Asian Buddhism-Zen and Pure Land
Conclude your journey through the Asian traditions with a study of Zen and Pure Land Buddhism. Chinese Buddhism gave rise to the "laughing Buddha," which affirms the joys of the world. Japanese Zen, with its emphasis on "just sitting" and its famous koans, has drawn practitioners from other traditions and given rise to Zen-Christians....
31 min
13: Judaism-God, Torah, and Covenant
Your voyage through the Western traditions begins with the world's oldest monotheistic religion: Judaism. Explore the nature of the Jewish people, who have both a religious and an ethnic identity. At the heart of Judaism is the Torah, and you'll examine its stories, its laws, and the major figures who shaped the religion....
29 min
14: Varieties of Jewish Thought and Practice
Witness the history of the Jewish people, from the first destruction of the temple 3,000 years ago to the aftermath of the Holocaust. You'll study the varieties of Jewish culture in diaspora, from the tenets of Orthodox Judaism and Hasidism to the views of Conservative and Reform Jews....
31 min
15: Living a Jewish Life
This lecture explores the rhythms that shape Jewish life: the weekly Sabbath and annual Jewish holy days, including Yom Kippur, Passover, Chanukah, and Purim. You'll also learn about specific customs and rituals of Judaism, such as kosher food, what happens at a bar mitSTah or bat mitSTah, and the wedding ceremony....
29 min
16: The Life and Commemoration of Jesus
Return to the ancient world and uncover the life of Jesus. The writings of the New Testament show a man who preached love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek. You'll witness the major events of his life, from his birth and baptism to the story of the Passion, and see how these events are linked to major Christian holidays....
31 min
17: Catholic and Orthodox Christianity
How did Christianity flourish in its early years? Discover the process that led from Paul's letters in the 1st century to Constantine's conversion in the 4th century and the eventual formation of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. Then look at the theology and sacraments of Catholicism....
33 min
18: Protestantism and Christianity Today
Encounter the Protestant Reformation and its central tenets-justification through faith, a priesthood of all believers, and a focus on the Bible. You'll also look at the major denominations that developed, such as Lutheranism and Methodism. Then consider various nondenominational movements in today's world: evangelicalism, fundamentalism, and liberal Christianity....
32 min
19: Muhammad, Qur'an, and Islamic Civilization
Islam was founded in the 7th century by Muhammad, who received the revelation of the Qur'an. In this lecture, discover the depth and diversity of this major world religion. Along the way, hear the poetic qualities of the scripture, learn about the customs of Islam, and explore its connection to Judaism and Christianity....
33 min
20: Unity in Islam-The Five Pillars
Despite its diversity, Islam is unified by the Five Pillars. Examine each in detail and witness the beliefs and rituals of Muslims: the nature of God, the ritual of prayer, the importance of giving alms, the fast during Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Then uncover the truth about jihad and Islamic law....
30 min
21: Forms of Islam-Diversity among Muslims
Learn the history of Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, which began with the question of who would succeed Muhammad after his death. Follow the historical narrative through the 18th and 19th centuries, when Muslims were forced to grapple with Western values, then finish with an analysis of Islam in the world today, from the Middle East to America....
33 min
22: Jains, Sikhs, and Baha'is
This lecture takes you beyond the most widely practiced religions and shows you the self-discipline and renunciation of the Jains, who are committed to non-harming; the highly influential Sikhs, who make up only 2% of India's population; and the Baha'i faith, a growing, pluralistic religion with roots in Shi'a Islam....
31 min
23: Religion and Law in America
Return to America, where an important piece of cultural literacy involves understanding the Constitution and the relationship between church and state. You'll learn how the establishment and free exercise clauses have influenced both education and the freedom of religious practice by taking a closer look at several fascinating (and controversial) Supreme Court cases....
31 min
24: Religion Today-Trends, Challenges, and Hope
Religion is a moving target, constantly changing in our modern world. This lecture examines four demographic trends and how they impact the health of both religious traditions and society at large. The lecture concludes with a consideration of the relationship between religion and violence-how violence emerges and how it can be reduced....
36 min
