Comparative Religion

Lottery entry opens January 9 and closes January 16. Regular registration opens January 15.
Dates: October 31 - November 21, 2024
Meets: Th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
 Location: Online
Cost:  $50.00

Sorry, the signup deadline has passed.

Date Day Time
10/31/2024Thursday1 PM to 3 PM
11/07/2024Thursday1 PM to 3 PM
11/14/2024Thursday1 PM to 3 PM
11/21/2024Thursday1 PM to 3 PM

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2024-2025 OLLI at MSU Membership

Description

Are they a mass of confusion or a world of opportunity? This course will survey and compare the central teachings of some major world religions, addressing similarities and differences. Traditions covered include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as a brief discussion of alternative religions and cults.

Course Takeaways

  • Knowledge of the central teachings of some major world religions.
  • An appreciation for both similarities and differences between religions.
  • An understanding of both insider and outsider perspectives on religious teachings.

Scholarship

Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.

Meet the Instructor

Fee:  $50.00

Online

This is a real-time (live) online class that meets at the specified day(s)/time(s) listed.

We will send you a reminder email with login instructions one business day before the program start date. If there are additional sessions, we will send reminders the morning of those sessions.

David Smith

David E. Smith grew up in the world of fundamentalist religion. As an adult, he gradually moved away from that worldview and became a religious progressive/skeptic. After earning an M.A. in philosophy of religion, he received a second M.A. and a Ph.D. in religious studies from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Formerly a full-time philosophy and religious studies faculty member at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA, he now teaches for the National Osher Resource Center. He offers independent seminars and personal consultations in comparative religion and philosophy. He has published widely in these areas, as well. His mission is to empower people to think well for themselves about things that matter.
Date Day Time Location
10/31/2024Thursday1 PM to 3 PM Online
11/07/2024Thursday1 PM to 3 PM Online
11/14/2024Thursday1 PM to 3 PM Online
11/21/2024Thursday1 PM to 3 PM Online