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Religious Studies

Courses & Events

Exploring Reality Beyond Physics: Overview of Great Eastern Philosophers

The usual distinction made between religion and philosophy in Western thought can also be applied to Eastern thought. However, Eastern philosophies are generally more tightly linked to religious ideas. Eastern philosophies inquire into the nature of reality and concepts of the Divine using paradigms distinguishable from yet similar to those found in Western philosophy. In this course we will take a quick journey through the great philosophies of India and China to explore how ideas about reality, God, and knowledge evolved in those cultures. We will see how Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism have both religious and philosophical aspects.

Instructor Bio: James Gaither, ThD, holds a master's degree in philosophy from the University of Kansas and ThD from Holos University Graduate Seminary. For over 25 years he has taught courses in history of Western thought, world religions, metaphysics and ethics and is currently a "semi-retired.

October 15-29, 2025, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

Jewish Holiday and Life Cycle Traditions as Seen Through the Michael Klein Collection

Get to know some of the diverse holdings of the Michael Klein Collection, a treasure of Jewish art, ritual objects and material culture from around the world. The first two classes will highlight objects from the collection that are used for holidays and life cycle events. The third class will meet at The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah in Overland Park for a tour of the Klein Collection displays.

Instructor Bio: Abby Magariel is the educator/curator of the Michael Klein Collection at The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah in Overland Park. Before joining the world of Jewish education and museums, she was an educator at the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka and the education director at the Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence.

November 6-20, 2025, Village Shalom in Person

The Challenge of Change

Change is both the greatest threat and the greatest path to happiness in life. This class presents a model for understanding why change can be so difficult. Most importantly, we'll discuss specific strategies and nuts and bolts techniques for overcoming the challenge of change to make it your ally in life.

Instructor bio: Bob Williams holds a doctorate in developmental psychology and curriculum, and master's degrees in counseling, educational psychology and ancient history. He is a semi-retired professor of psychology at Maple Woods Community College where he has taught psychology and history for 38 years. He is the co-author of three books dealing with life span development, relationships and creativity. Bob developed a system for teaching creative thinking ("Unleashing the Right Side of the Brain"), which has been used by business and educational organizations. He also designs games and has produced a number of simulations. His most recent game, "In a Lifetime," allows players to make decisions and see the effects as they experience a very realistic simulation of life and change.