Concludes the study of religion by looking toward the future. The lesson examines the role of religion and religious leaders in a world where society is becoming increasingly religiously pluralistic, and raises the question of how adherents of different worldviews might respond in an expanding religious landscape.
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.
