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Amplify HomeThe Great Courses Presents: Cultural Literacy for ReligionE1: Religion - Its Meaning and Importance

E1: Religion - Its Meaning and Importance

The Great Courses Presents: Cultural Literacy for Religion | Lectures

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.

Speakers:Mark Berkson

Writers:Mark Berkson

Topics:Comparative ReligionWorld ReligionGood CitizenThe Great Courses

Source:The Great Courses

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Lectures
32:06

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 un...
Mark Berkson | 136 views | 3 years ago updated
29:51

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...
Mark Berkson | 60 views | 3 years ago updated
30:51

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 ...
Mark Berkson | 59 views | 3 years ago updated
30:19

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 ma...
Mark Berkson | 53 views | 3 years ago updated
30:03

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 ...
Mark Berkson | 56 views | 3 years ago updated
29:57

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...
Mark Berkson | 43 views | 3 years ago updated
30:54

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 vehi...
Mark Berkson | 46 views | 3 years ago updated
29:38

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 metaphysica...
Mark Berkson | 26 views | 3 years ago updated
31:25

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 c...
Mark Berkson | 20 views | 3 years ago updated
30:36

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 Daoi...
Mark Berkson | 21 views | 3 years ago updated
29:38

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 agricu...
Mark Berkson | 19 views | 3 years ago updated
31:12

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 affirm...
Mark Berkson | 26 views | 3 years ago updated
29:14

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...
Mark Berkson | 83 views | 3 years ago updated
30:58

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...
Mark Berkson | 90 views | 3 years ago updated
29:23

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. Y...
Mark Berkson | 75 views | 3 years ago updated
30:52

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 ch...
Mark Berkson | 21 views | 3 years ago updated
33:08

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 ce...
Mark Berkson | 24 views | 3 years ago updated
32:15

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 ...
Mark Berkson | 19 views | 3 years ago updated
32:34

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 wor...
Mark Berkson | 61 views | 3 years ago updated
29:32

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 ritua...
Mark Berkson | 48 views | 3 years ago updated
32:34

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 throu...
Mark Berkson | 49 views | 3 years ago updated
30:35

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-harm...
Mark Berkson | 17 views | 3 years ago updated
30:51

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 l...
Mark Berkson | 34 views | 3 years ago updated
35:40

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 relig...
Mark Berkson | 61 views | 3 years ago updated
Previews and More
01:28

Cultural Literacy for Religion Promo

For many of us, religion is important for examining and understanding ourselves. Religion and the interactions between different faiths play a critical role in ...
Mark Berkson | 132 views | 3 years ago updated