Understanding the Religions of the World

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."

An Osher membership fee of $25 is required to enroll in this class. If you have not paid your membership fee, please click on Osher Membership Fee - Shopping cart to add the membership fee to your shopping cart. Then continue shopping to select your courses and/or events. If you have questions about whether or not you have paid your member fee, please call 785-864-6779.

Course Accessibility: Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas-sponsored events. If you require reasonable accommodations in order to participate in an event, please email [email protected] or call 785-864-6779 at least three weeks before the first day of the event.