Explores the difficulty in labeling what constitutes a religious experience. Students discover the ways in which extraordinary or parapsychological events are shaded by language, interpretation and culture. Also included is discussion on the relationship between religion and science, and a series of interviews with religious seekers that puts a human face on unique aspects of human experience.
This series provides a comprehensive look at the nature and function of the religions and secular beliefs that comprise today’s major "world views". Established beliefs covered in the telecourse include Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Also included are belief systems outside the scope of mainstream religious institutions, such as "New Age" religion, neo-paganism, and "Civil Religion". These world views are explored in-depth using six dimensions of study: mythical, experiential, doctrinal, ritual, ethical and social. Viewers receive an introduction to diverse belief systems and gain a balanced perspective on how differing belief systems affect us on a global scale and in our own backyards.
