REL 223 - World Religions: East and West

3 credits

Roman Catholicism’s Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) affirmed the innate dignity of all persons, espoused global solidarity, and recognized God’s presence and universal saving designs (a religious sense, truth, holiness and ethical conduct) in other religions and, thus, emphasized discussion and collaboration with members of other religions. Through such an ecumenical lens, this course offers a study of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and provides an introduction to Jainism, Shinto, Sikhism and Bahai.

The course will not only introduce students to the world’s major religions via consideration of their respective founders, seminal figures, sacred texts, central teachings, core beliefs, ethic and values system and history but, also, by examining how each of the religions, respectively, view the human condition; human inclination towards transcendence; and ethical responsibilities/tasks.
Offered annually.