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."

Course pre-requisites
(required) Osher Membership Fee