In order to understand our multicultural society we need to understand the religions of people who make up our society. The Comparative Religion s course will provide the opportunity for you to gain an understanding of the past and present religions of the world. The course aims firstly, to discover the common features and patterns which underlie the major religions, and secondly, to understand how the differing circumstances in which the religions develop result in their very different appearances. Comparisons will be made between four ancient Myths from Egypt, Babylon, Greece, and Scandinavia and between eight major Religions currently in practice. In each case a cultural setting is provided together with explanations of how these religions have grown from these cultural settings.
Explanations are clear with tabular summaries of the important aspects of the religions.
Comparative studies of these religions we will be looking for parallels and differences in the key themes of their Beliefs, and in the key features of their Practices. At the end of each week there is a set of questions for reflections, and an opportunity to discuss them with other participants in the course through the discussion forum. In addition, each week there are a number of web sites to encourage participants to delve deeper into each of the religions. Books for further readings are listed for those who have access to a library.