LATER LIFE LEARNING

Innis College University of Toronto 2 Sussex Avenue Toronto, ON M5S 1J5 Website: http://sites.utoronto.ca/innis/lll/ Email: lll.innis@utoronto.ca

SERIES B: World Religions

Fridays, 10:00 – 11:45 am, September 20 to November 29, 2019 No class November 8, 2019 for Reading Week

Innis College, Town Hall

Lecturer: Andrew Knight-Messenger Andrew Knight-Messenger is an adjunct professor at Brescia University College (Western University), Sheridan College and McMaster University. He is currently completing his doctoral degree in early Judaism and early Christianity at McMaster University. Andrew’s research focuses on the Dead Sea Scrolls, early Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature, and the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. Andrew enjoys teaching on topics related to world religions, biblical literature, Jewish and Christian traditions, and the influence of religion upon popular culture.

Overview: Humans have long speculated about their origins, wondered about their relationship with the world around them, and pondered the meaning of life. Different answers to these issues have been offered by the world’s religions. In this course we examine the founding narratives and figures, beliefs, development, understanding of life and death, ethics, and rituals of nine religions. The course provides an opportunity to explore these religious traditions and illustrates the diversity of world religions. Suggested Reading: Hopfe, Lewis M., Mark R. Woodward, and Brett Hendrickson, Religions of the World. 13th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2016.

1. September 20 Introduction to the Study of Religion Religion remains central to the lives of the majority of people in the world today. Studying religion provides a unique avenue for understanding diverse peoples, cultures, and belief systems. We will consider the question: “What is religion?” We will examine the nature and fundamental characteristics of religion as well as major approaches that have been developed to study and understand religion and its origin. Religions of the World, pp. 2-52 2. September 27 Hinduism We will consider disparate modes of viewing the world through polytheistic and monotheistic paradigms. We will explore the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, and consider its possible influence upon the origins of Hinduism. We will consider Vedic culture and modern developments within the Hindu tradition. Religions of the World, pp. 53-89 3. October 4 Buddhism Buddhism originated in 6th century B.C.E. India as a unique interpretation of Hinduism, founded upon the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha). We will investigate the life of Siddhartha Gautama. We will also examine Buddhism’s development and growth in China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, as well as its split into different sects or “vehicles” (Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana). Religions of the World, pp. 100-12

LATER LIFE LEARNING

Innis College University of Toronto 2 Sussex Avenue Toronto, ON M5S 1J5 Website: http://sites.utoronto.ca/innis/lll/ Email: lll.innis@utoronto.ca

4. October 11 Sikhism Sikhism was founded in the 16th century C.E. by Guru Nanak. Like Buddhism, it developed in conversation with Hinduism, but it also adapts elements from Islam. We will investigate the life of Guru Nanak, Sikhism’s unique understanding of monotheism, and Sikhism’s development in the modern world. Religions of the World, pp. 122-130 5. October 18 Chinese Religions A distinctive feature of traditional Chinese religious practice is that adherents felt free to adapt traditions from Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. These three religions, along with traditional Chinese folk religion, have developed side by side in China for hundreds of years. We will examine their development and the complex relationships among them. Religions of the World, pp. 131-159 6. October 25 An Introduction to the Abrahamic Religions While Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Baha’i Faith have their own unique beliefs, traditions, and practices, they all share a common interest in the patriarch Abraham. Hence the umbrella term “Abrahamic Religions.” We will investigate the life of Abraham and his children, and their significance within the Abrahamic religions. Religions of the World, pp. 174-177 7. November 1 Judaism Judaism, the oldest of the Abrahamic religions, is difficult for scholars to define. Is it best understood as a set of religious beliefs, an ethnic identity, or a culture? While the practices and beliefs of Judaism are diverse, most Jews would agree that it is distinct in its belief in a single, personal God who works through history and has chosen the Jewish people to be a distinct people among the nations. We will investigate the origins, development, and diversity of Judaism. Religions of the World, pp. 178-201.

November 8 - READING WEEK (No Class) 8. November 15 Christianity Christianity originated in the Roman Empire in the first-century C.E. It encompasses a multitude of diverse beliefs and practices. All Christians believe, however, that Jesus of Nazareth has provided a means of salvation for humanity through his death and resurrection. We will investigate the life of Jesus, the growth of the early church, and Christianity’s development into the world’s largest religious tradition. Religions of the World, pp. 202-237 9. November 22 Islam Islam posits one God, known in Arabic as Allah, the same God worshipped by Jews and Christians. Muslims believe that Allah has made himself known through a series of prophets. Islam teaches that God’s final revelation came through the Prophet Mohammad, who lived in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century C.E. We will investigate the life of Mohammad, his call to a complete submission to Allah, and the development of Islam in the modern world. Religions of the World, pp. 238-263 10. November 29 Baha’i Faith, and Course Conclusion Established in Persia (modern Iran) in 1863 by Baha’u’llah, the Baha’i Faith began as a Shi’ite (Islamic) sect and has since developed into a separate world religion. The Baha’i Faith emphasizes the unity shared by many religious faiths and the equality of all peoples. We will investigate the life of Baha’u’llah, the Baha’i Faith’s relationship with Shi’ite Islam, and the Baha’i Faith’s development in the modern world. We will also conclude with some final thoughts on the study for religion. Religions of the World, pp. 264-270