TELEVISION

Cultural Literacy for Religion: Everything the Well-Educated Person Should Know

Its Meaning and Importance

Series: Great Courses
4.8
(26)
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Episodes
24
Rating
NR
Year
2012
Language
English
Publisher
The Great Courses

About

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.

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Episodes

1 to 3 of 24

1. Religion

30m

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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.

2. Facets of Religion

30m

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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.

3. Hinduism

30m

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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.

4. Hindu Gods and Devotional Practices

30m

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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.

5. Gita to Gandhi

30m

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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.

6. Waking Up

30m

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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.

Extended Details

  • Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Mark Berksonwriter
Mark Berksonactor

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