Cultural Literacy for Religion: Everything the Well- Educated Person Should Know – Mark Berkson, Ph.D.

24 Lectures

Average 31 minutes each

1. 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 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—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 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—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 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

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—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 a survey of its role in the world today: Hindu nationalism, modern democracy of India, and the influx of Hindus to the United State

6. 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 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.

7. 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 vehicle” that created new paths to Nirvana for its practitioners; and Vajrayana—including Tibetan—Buddhism. Also, explore the history of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

8. 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 metaphysical notions of qi and feng shui. You’ll see that the goal of Chinese cosmology is to restore harmony to the world, and the focus is on family, nature, and the home.

9. 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 chaos in China, Confucius’s religious tenets emphasized learning, self-cultivation, and human relationships in this world—rather than the supernatural, revelation, or life after death.

10. 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 Daoism’s process of unlearning complements Confucianism’s emphasis on learning, and see how to practice effortless action—or wu wei.

11. 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 agriculture and the role of the emperor. You’ll then explore Shamanism, especially the characteristics of the Korean and Hmong traditions.

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 affirms the joys of the world. Japanese Zen, with its emphasis on “just sitting” and its famous koans, has drawn practitioners from other traditions and given rise to Zen-Christians.

13. 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 a religious and an ethnic identity. At the heart of Judaism is the Torah, and you’ll examine its stories, its laws, and the major figures who shaped the religion.

14. 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 of Jewish culture in diaspora, from the tenets of Orthodox Judaism and Hasidism to the views of Conservative and Reform Jews.

15. 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. You’ll also learn about specific customs and rituals of Judaism, such as kosher food, what happens at a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, and the wedding ceremony.

16. 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 cheek. You’ll witness the major events of his life, from his birth and baptism to the story of the Passion, and see how these events are linked to major Christian holidays.

17. 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 century and the eventual formation of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. Then look at the theology and sacraments of Catholicism.

18. Protestantism and Christianity Today

19. Muhammad, Qur’an, and Islamic Civilization

20. 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 ritual of prayer, the importance of giving alms, the fast during Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Then uncover the truth about jihad and Islamic law.

21. 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 through the 18th and 19th centuries, when Muslims were forced to grapple with Western values, then finish with an analysis of Islam in the world today, from the Middle East to America.

22. 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-harming; the highly influential Sikhs, who make up only 2% of India’s population; and the Baha’i faith, a growing, pluralistic religion with roots in Shi’a Islam.

23. 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 learn how the establishment and free exercise clauses have influenced both education and the freedom of religious practice by taking a closer look at several fascinating (and controversial) Supreme Court cases.

24. 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 religious traditions and society at large. The lecture concludes with a consideration of the relationship between religion and violence—how violence emerges and how it can be reduced.