This course focuses on such cultic and sectarian groups as Christian Science, the American Shakers, the Unification Church, the Hare Krishna movement, and the Black Muslims. The primary purpose of this course is to provide the student the opportunity to acquire critical investigative tools with which to analyze different religious expressions. This course offers an inquiry into comparative study of the writings of Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and nontraditional philosophers and nystics. Areas taken up are the potential oneness of the human and God, the conflict of mystics and traditional forms of philosophy, and the possibility of a common, cross-cultural basis for philosophy. This course explores aspects of the historical, religious, and cultural context for contemporary alternatives in health care, beginning with an examination of several examples of traditional healing practices and their accompanying religious and philosophical views about human life.
Special attention is given to major women healers of the nineteenth century.
Course includes a look at some contemporary efforts at reintegration of scientific and traditional values in the modern health care system. Students will also meet and interact with patients and healers active in the modern holistic health movement.