"Religion motivates most killing
in the world today...Religion contributes to most healing in the
world today." (Martin E. Marty) If we look at history, this assessment
of the immense influence of religious belief certainly is correct.
Nevertheless, did
you ever ask the question: what is religion?
In our modern world, religion holds
a key role in discovering commonalities and diversities among
traditions, people, cultures and societies.
While the influence of religion has been quite varied
throughout the centuries, its effect has pervaded the history
of humanity from the earliest known beginnings to the global
age today. Yet what is the nature of religion? What is the source
for a seemingly endless variety of visual expressions, sacred
writings, philosophical formulations, holy sounds, rituals,
symbols, practices which are all considered religious aspects?
How can we understand the diversity of different forms,
themes and practices or account for similarities?
This course will introduce you to the phenomenon of religion
under a variety of different aspects. You will encounter a kaleidoscope
of different perspectives and themes, which together should
guide you in an exploration and understanding of human beliefs.
