Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Courses

Religious Studies

Courses & Events

Difficult Stories of Women in the Bible

It's sometimes difficult for modern people to read texts from ancient patriarchal societies and see how women were treated. In this interactive online discussion class, we'll delve into some challenging stories found in the Bible. Women studied will include Hagar, Sarah, Dinah, Esther, and Lot's wife and daughters. Each week we'll also look at one or two paintings of these fascinating women. Instructor Bio: Sarah Rosenson holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in Jewish studies from the Spertus Institute. She practiced law, then taught classes on ethics, philosophy and world religions at a private high school. She currently teaches adults both in person and on various online platforms, including several Osher classes.

December 3-17, 2026, Online

The Reformations of Europe From 1350-1661

The reformations of Europe are among the most turbulent, fascinating and impactful events in Western history. Rather than a single event, they represent a series of movements occurring at different times and places. This course will explore key moments and ideas in these reformations, starting with the proto-reformers John Wycliffeand Jan Hus. We will then discuss the reformations led by Martin Luther, John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli, followed by the Catholic Church's response, known as the Catholic Reformation. Finally, we will examine the tumultuous English Reformation in a more case-study approach. Along the way, we will attempt to uncover how these watershed moments in history affected the lives of everyday people. Instructor Bio: Cameron C. Engelbrecht holds a master's degree in early modern history from Trinity College Dublin and a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Central Missouri. He currently serves as director of faith formation at two Catholic churches in the Kansas City area and lives in Independence, Missouri, with his wife and daughter.

November 30, 2026 to December 14, 2026, Online

Understanding the Religions of the World

The diversity of human peoples, languages and religious beliefs often leads to misunderstandings that cause interpersonal and international conflicts. Some understanding of the major religions can help reduce and defuse conflicts related to differing religious beliefs. The study of different religions can also enrich one's personal spirituality, stimulate new insights and reduce prejudice. This course will explore major themes, histories and practices of the major religions based on numbers of adherents and historical influence. The religions chosen are Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism and Yoruba. Equal time will not necessarily be given to each, but each will be viewed with an eye to unprejudiced objectivity and emphasis on positive contribution to human experience. Instructor Bio: James Gaither, Th.D., holds a master's degree in philosophy from the University of Kansas and a doctorate from Holos University Graduate Seminary. For over 25 years he has taught courses on the history of Western thought, world religions, metaphysics and ethics. He is currently "semi-retired."

December 1-15, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online