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Cultural Literacy for Religion: Everything the Well-Educated Person Should Know
According to polls conducted by Gallup and the Pew Research Forum on Religion & Public Life, the majority of Americans fail basic tests about religion, including tests on their own faith. This is troublesome because religious literacy is about so much more than naming deities or knowing the stories of ancient history. For many of us, religion is a way to examine and understand ourselves.
Moreover, religious literacy – the knowledge of basic teachings, symbols, practices, founders, institutions, and values of the world's religious traditions - can shed new light on the world around us and knock down the boundaries between us, making us better neighbors and better citizens. These 24 enlightening lectures offer you the chance to experience the breadth and depth of the world's religions from all angles – historical, theological, and cultural. They take you on a tour of the world and its religious cultures. From India to East Asia to the Middle East to the United States, your journey with Professor Berkson introduces you to the beliefs and practices of other traditions and provides you with new insights into your own.
The course approaches each religion from an "imaginative insider's perspective." What does the world look like from the perspective of someone within each tradition? What does this person value and care about? What are the everyday scriptures, rituals, traditions, and holidays like?
Along the way, you'll discover certain features that are common to many religions – concepts of divinity, scripture, rituals, and explanations of good and evil - and you'll find new ways to attain greater self-understanding.
Moreover, religious literacy – the knowledge of basic teachings, symbols, practices, founders, institutions, and values of the world's religious traditions - can shed new light on the world around us and knock down the boundaries between us, making us better neighbors and better citizens. These 24 enlightening lectures offer you the chance to experience the breadth and depth of the world's religions from all angles – historical, theological, and cultural. They take you on a tour of the world and its religious cultures. From India to East Asia to the Middle East to the United States, your journey with Professor Berkson introduces you to the beliefs and practices of other traditions and provides you with new insights into your own.
The course approaches each religion from an "imaginative insider's perspective." What does the world look like from the perspective of someone within each tradition? What does this person value and care about? What are the everyday scriptures, rituals, traditions, and holidays like?
Along the way, you'll discover certain features that are common to many religions – concepts of divinity, scripture, rituals, and explanations of good and evil - and you'll find new ways to attain greater self-understanding.
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 8, 2013
34 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
Mark Berkson
3 books13 followersDr. Mark Berkson is Professor of Religion at Hamline University. He earned a B.A. from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, an M.A. from Stanford University in East Asian Studies, and a Ph.D. from Stanford University in Religious Studies and Humanities. He has twice received Faculty Member of the Year awards and has received multiple fellowships for his work in Asian religions.
A world traveler, he has lived in China and visited religious and pilgrimage sites in countries such as India, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Greece. Professor Berkson has given well over 100 presentations at conferences, universities, community meetings, and churches, and he has also appeared on radio and television news shows in segments dealing with religious issues.
His scholarly work has addressed topics such as comparative religious thought, religious ethics, death and dying, and interfaith dialogue and has appeared in books and in such prestigious journals as the Journal of Religious Ethics, Teaching Theology & Religion, and Buddhist-Christian Studies.
A world traveler, he has lived in China and visited religious and pilgrimage sites in countries such as India, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Greece. Professor Berkson has given well over 100 presentations at conferences, universities, community meetings, and churches, and he has also appeared on radio and television news shows in segments dealing with religious issues.
His scholarly work has addressed topics such as comparative religious thought, religious ethics, death and dying, and interfaith dialogue and has appeared in books and in such prestigious journals as the Journal of Religious Ethics, Teaching Theology & Religion, and Buddhist-Christian Studies.
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February 10, 2017
There's a lot of information presented in these twenty-four lectures about a wide varieties of religions. Perhaps I'm now a bit more culturally literate. However, I don't feel ready to take a test on the subject. One of the points made in the first lecture is that there is wide spread ignorance on the subject of religion. Surprisingly, there's often a lack of knowledge about people's own professed religion. Thus, it's not difficult to be above average in "literacy for religion."
Even though there's plenty of information in these lectures that was not retained by my mind, perhaps in the future; if I read an article about an Islamic holiday, Hindu ritual, or a debate about church state separation; if I'm invited to a bar mitzva or baptism; if I encounter someone who meditates or fasts on certain days; if I see an ancestral altar or an image of a sikh guru, or a yin yang symbol; after listening to these lectures perhaps I will have a chance to understand the larger context and have a greater appreciation for the religious commitments behind those things.
I thought the following long excerpt from the end of Lecture Twelve was particularly interesting. It discusses the differences between belief and practice when it comes to religion.
The following is a listing of the lecture titles followed by a short description. The descriptions come from the Great Courses website.
1. Religion—Its Meaning and Importance
Start by reexamining basic questions: Why does religion matter? What makes a religion? As you explore the answers, you’ll embark on a journey toward a better understanding of the world, its histories, and its cultures, as well as a better understanding of yourself and what it means to be a good citizen in a diverse global community.
2. Facets of Religion—Divinity and Devotion
God. Divinity. Ultimate Reality. Start your journey by looking at how different religious traditions approach the concept of “God.” In addition to exploring the concepts of divinity, you’ll also look at key components of religious devotion: scripture, ritual, ideas about good and evil, and doctrines of salvation.
3. Hinduism—Foundational Texts and Teachings
Explore the history of what some scholars consider the oldest living religion. You’ll begin with the Indus River Valley civilization, and then you’ll learn key elements of the Aryan and Vedic traditions, including scriptures, the pantheon of deities, and the social caste system. Then turn to the soul—Atman—and the concept of rebirth.
4. Hindu Gods and Devotional Practices
In this lecture, uncover new insights into the nature of divinity by studying the variety of fascinating Hindu deities, including Vishnu and his avatars, the many forms of Shiva, and forms of the goddess Devi. You’Il also look at ways Hindus worship, from chanting in temples to festivals such as Diwali.
5. Gita to Gandhi—Yogas and Modern Hinduism
Examine Hinduism’s many paths to spiritual liberation, from the teachings in the Bhagavad Gita to the many types of yoga. Your study of Hinduism concludes with a survey of its role in the world today: Hindu nationalism, modern democracy of India, and the influx of Hindus to the United States.
6. Waking Up—The Buddha and His Teachings
The life of Siddhartha Gautama—the Buddha himself—is a fascinating journey from a wealthy and sheltered upbringing to an understanding of Samsara, the cycle of rebirth and perpetual discontent. After meditating beneath the bodhi tree, he woke up with Buddhism’s key to liberation: the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
7. Vehicles to Nirvana—The Schools of Buddhism
Take a look at the three major schools of the Buddhist world: Theravada Buddhism, with its five precepts of ethical behavior; Mahayana Buddhism, the “great vehicle” that created new paths to Nirvana for its practitioners; and Vajrayana—including Tibetan—Buddhism. Also, explore the history of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
8. Chinese Religion and Cosmology
Travel east to China to survey the elements of Chinese cosmology that have shaped Chinese thought for millennia: the forces of yin and yang, and the metaphysical notions of qi and feng shui. You’ll see that the goal of Chinese cosmology is to restore harmony to the world, and the focus is on family, nature, and the home.
9. Confucianism—Rituals and Relationships
Professor Berkson charts the life of Confucius whose impact on East Asian thought is impossible to overstate. Born in the 6th century B.C.E. during a time of chaos in China, Confucius’s religious tenets emphasized learning, self-cultivation, and human relationships in this world—rather than the supernatural, revelation, or life after death.
10. Daoism—Harmony, Nature, and the Way
Learn about China’s second major religion through the Dao De Jing, a collection of sayings that advocate a life of simplicity and contentment. Consider how Daoism’s process of unlearning complements Confucianism’s emphasis on learning, and see how to practice effortless action—or wu wei.
11. Kami and Spirits—Shinto and Shamanism
Professor Berkson takes you to Japan and the tradition of Shinto. Here you’ll see how the Kami (gods/spirits) relate to everyday life in Japan, including agriculture and the role of the emperor. You’ll then explore Shamanism, especially the characteristics of the Korean and Hmong traditions.
12. East Asian Buddhism—Zen and Pure Land
Conclude your journey through the Asian traditions with a study of Zen and Pure Land Buddhism. Chinese Buddhism gave rise to the “laughing Buddha," which affirms the joys of the world. Japanese Zen, with its emphasis on “just sitting" and its famous lcoans, has drawn practitioners from other traditions and given rise to Zen-Christians.
13. Judaism—God, Torah, and Covenant
Your voyage through the Western traditions begins with the world’s oldest monotheistic religion: Judaism. Explore the nature of the Jewish people, who have both a religious and an ethnic identity. At the heart of Judaism is the Torah, and you’ll examine its stories, its laws, and the major figures who shaped the religion.
14. Varieties of Jewish Thought and Practice
Witness the history of the Jewish people, from the first destruction of the temple 3,000 years ago to the aftermath of the Holocaust. You’ll study the varieties of Jewish culture in diaspora, from the tenets of Orthodox Judaism and Hasidism to the views of Conservative and Reform Jews.
15. Living a Jewish Life
This lecture explores the rhythms that shape Jewish life: the weekly Sabbath and annual Jewish holy days, including Yom Kippur, Passover, Chanukah, and Purim. You’ll also learn about specific customs and rituals of Judaism, such as kosher food, what happens at a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, and the wedding ceremony.
16 The Life and Commemoration of Jesus
Return to the ancient world and uncover the life of Jesus. The writings of the New Testament show a man who preached love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek. You’ll witness the major events of his life, from his birth and baptism to the story of the Passion, and see how these events are linked to major Christian holidays.
17. Catholic and Orthodox Christianity
How did Christianity flourish in its early years? Discover the process that led from Paul’s letters in the 1st century to Constantine’s conversion in the 4th century and the eventual formation of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. Then look at the theology and sacraments of Catholicism.
18. Protestantism and Christianity Today
Encounter the Protestant Reformation and its central tenets—justification through faith, a priesthood of all believers, and a focus on the Bible. You’I| also look at the major denominations that developed, such as Lutheranism and Methodism. Then consider various nondenominational movements in today’s world: evangelicalism, fundamentalism, and liberal Christianity.
19. Muhammad, Qur’an, and Islamic Civilization
Islam was founded in the 7th century by Muhammad, who received the revelation of the Qur’an. In this lecture, discover the depth and diversity of this major world religion. Along the way, hear the poetic qualities of the scripture, learn about the customs of Islam, and explore its connection to Judaism and Christianity.
20. Unity in Islam—The Five Pillars
Despite its diversity, Islam is unified by the Five Pillars. Examine each in detail and witness the beliefs and rituals of Muslims: the nature of God, the ritual of prayer, the importance of giving alms, the fast during Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Then uncover the truth about jihad and Islamic law.
21. Forms of Islam—Diversity among Muslims
Learn the history of Sunni and Shi’a Muslims, which began with the question of who would succeed Muhammad after his death. Follow the historical narrative through the 18th and 19th centuries, when Muslims were forced to grapple with Western values, then finish with an analysis of Islam in the world today, from the Middle East to America.
22. Jains, Sikhs, and Baha’is
This lecture takes you beyond the most widely practiced religions and shows you the self-
discipline and renunciation of the Jains, who are committed to non-harming; the highly influential Sikhs, who make up only 2% of India’s population; and the Baha’i faith, a growing, pluralistic religion with roots in Shi’a Islam.
23. Religion and Law in America
Return to America, where an important piece of cultural literacy involves understanding the Constitution and the relationship between church and state. You’ll learn how the establishment and free exercise clauses have influenced both education and the freedom of religious practice by taking a closer look at several fascinating (and controversial) Supreme Court cases.
24. Religion Today—Trends, Challenges, and Hope
Religion is a moving target, constantly changing in our modern world. This lecture examines four demographic trends and how they impact the health of both religious traditions and society at large. The lecture concludes with a consideration of the relationship between religion and violence—how violence emerges and how it can be reduced.
Even though there's plenty of information in these lectures that was not retained by my mind, perhaps in the future; if I read an article about an Islamic holiday, Hindu ritual, or a debate about church state separation; if I'm invited to a bar mitzva or baptism; if I encounter someone who meditates or fasts on certain days; if I see an ancestral altar or an image of a sikh guru, or a yin yang symbol; after listening to these lectures perhaps I will have a chance to understand the larger context and have a greater appreciation for the religious commitments behind those things.
I thought the following long excerpt from the end of Lecture Twelve was particularly interesting. It discusses the differences between belief and practice when it comes to religion.
So if you look at belief the Japanese do not seem religious. But if we look at practice we see high levels of involvement. In addition, when polls are taken asking Japanese people what religion they practice, or what they're connected with, the number of checked religions is far greater than the total population of Japan. This means that most people checked more than one religion. In general the Japanese tend to practice a particular religion at certain moments in their lives that the religion is best suited to. For example when a baby is born or a new business is started a Shinto priest might be called in conduct the ritual. But when someone dies a Buddhist priest who deals more with issues of impermanence and death will be called upon.
There's a Japanese saying, "Born Shinto, die Buddhist." In fact Christian weddings have also become quite popular in Japan leading some to expand the saying to, "Born Shinto, marry Christian, die Buddhist." Some call this approach to religion contextualism. And many Chinese and Japanese see religions as dealing with different spheres of life rather than being at odds with each other. They are complimentary, not conflicting.
It's worth reflecting on why the east Asian approach to religion is so different from the Western approach. Here's one perspective. Affiliation in monotheistic religions is based mostly on belief, and many of the beliefs are mutually exclusive. One cannot both be a Christian and a Muslim because beliefs in these traditions about the nature of Jesus and the status of the Quran cannot be reconciled. But if religion affiliation is more about practice and less about belief, then being affiliated with more than one tradition becomes possible.
This approach to religion is becoming more common in the West as people are combining the religions of their birth, like Judaism or Christianity, with Asian traditions, like Buddhism or Confucianism. And this is why there are more and more people in the West who think of themselves as "Buddhist-Jew" or "Zen-Christian."
The following is a listing of the lecture titles followed by a short description. The descriptions come from the Great Courses website.
1. Religion—Its Meaning and Importance
Start by reexamining basic questions: Why does religion matter? What makes a religion? As you explore the answers, you’ll embark on a journey toward a better understanding of the world, its histories, and its cultures, as well as a better understanding of yourself and what it means to be a good citizen in a diverse global community.
2. Facets of Religion—Divinity and Devotion
God. Divinity. Ultimate Reality. Start your journey by looking at how different religious traditions approach the concept of “God.” In addition to exploring the concepts of divinity, you’ll also look at key components of religious devotion: scripture, ritual, ideas about good and evil, and doctrines of salvation.
3. Hinduism—Foundational Texts and Teachings
Explore the history of what some scholars consider the oldest living religion. You’ll begin with the Indus River Valley civilization, and then you’ll learn key elements of the Aryan and Vedic traditions, including scriptures, the pantheon of deities, and the social caste system. Then turn to the soul—Atman—and the concept of rebirth.
4. Hindu Gods and Devotional Practices
In this lecture, uncover new insights into the nature of divinity by studying the variety of fascinating Hindu deities, including Vishnu and his avatars, the many forms of Shiva, and forms of the goddess Devi. You’Il also look at ways Hindus worship, from chanting in temples to festivals such as Diwali.
5. Gita to Gandhi—Yogas and Modern Hinduism
Examine Hinduism’s many paths to spiritual liberation, from the teachings in the Bhagavad Gita to the many types of yoga. Your study of Hinduism concludes with a survey of its role in the world today: Hindu nationalism, modern democracy of India, and the influx of Hindus to the United States.
6. Waking Up—The Buddha and His Teachings
The life of Siddhartha Gautama—the Buddha himself—is a fascinating journey from a wealthy and sheltered upbringing to an understanding of Samsara, the cycle of rebirth and perpetual discontent. After meditating beneath the bodhi tree, he woke up with Buddhism’s key to liberation: the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
7. Vehicles to Nirvana—The Schools of Buddhism
Take a look at the three major schools of the Buddhist world: Theravada Buddhism, with its five precepts of ethical behavior; Mahayana Buddhism, the “great vehicle” that created new paths to Nirvana for its practitioners; and Vajrayana—including Tibetan—Buddhism. Also, explore the history of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
8. Chinese Religion and Cosmology
Travel east to China to survey the elements of Chinese cosmology that have shaped Chinese thought for millennia: the forces of yin and yang, and the metaphysical notions of qi and feng shui. You’ll see that the goal of Chinese cosmology is to restore harmony to the world, and the focus is on family, nature, and the home.
9. Confucianism—Rituals and Relationships
Professor Berkson charts the life of Confucius whose impact on East Asian thought is impossible to overstate. Born in the 6th century B.C.E. during a time of chaos in China, Confucius’s religious tenets emphasized learning, self-cultivation, and human relationships in this world—rather than the supernatural, revelation, or life after death.
10. Daoism—Harmony, Nature, and the Way
Learn about China’s second major religion through the Dao De Jing, a collection of sayings that advocate a life of simplicity and contentment. Consider how Daoism’s process of unlearning complements Confucianism’s emphasis on learning, and see how to practice effortless action—or wu wei.
11. Kami and Spirits—Shinto and Shamanism
Professor Berkson takes you to Japan and the tradition of Shinto. Here you’ll see how the Kami (gods/spirits) relate to everyday life in Japan, including agriculture and the role of the emperor. You’ll then explore Shamanism, especially the characteristics of the Korean and Hmong traditions.
12. East Asian Buddhism—Zen and Pure Land
Conclude your journey through the Asian traditions with a study of Zen and Pure Land Buddhism. Chinese Buddhism gave rise to the “laughing Buddha," which affirms the joys of the world. Japanese Zen, with its emphasis on “just sitting" and its famous lcoans, has drawn practitioners from other traditions and given rise to Zen-Christians.
13. Judaism—God, Torah, and Covenant
Your voyage through the Western traditions begins with the world’s oldest monotheistic religion: Judaism. Explore the nature of the Jewish people, who have both a religious and an ethnic identity. At the heart of Judaism is the Torah, and you’ll examine its stories, its laws, and the major figures who shaped the religion.
14. Varieties of Jewish Thought and Practice
Witness the history of the Jewish people, from the first destruction of the temple 3,000 years ago to the aftermath of the Holocaust. You’ll study the varieties of Jewish culture in diaspora, from the tenets of Orthodox Judaism and Hasidism to the views of Conservative and Reform Jews.
15. Living a Jewish Life
This lecture explores the rhythms that shape Jewish life: the weekly Sabbath and annual Jewish holy days, including Yom Kippur, Passover, Chanukah, and Purim. You’ll also learn about specific customs and rituals of Judaism, such as kosher food, what happens at a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, and the wedding ceremony.
16 The Life and Commemoration of Jesus
Return to the ancient world and uncover the life of Jesus. The writings of the New Testament show a man who preached love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek. You’ll witness the major events of his life, from his birth and baptism to the story of the Passion, and see how these events are linked to major Christian holidays.
17. Catholic and Orthodox Christianity
How did Christianity flourish in its early years? Discover the process that led from Paul’s letters in the 1st century to Constantine’s conversion in the 4th century and the eventual formation of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. Then look at the theology and sacraments of Catholicism.
18. Protestantism and Christianity Today
Encounter the Protestant Reformation and its central tenets—justification through faith, a priesthood of all believers, and a focus on the Bible. You’I| also look at the major denominations that developed, such as Lutheranism and Methodism. Then consider various nondenominational movements in today’s world: evangelicalism, fundamentalism, and liberal Christianity.
19. Muhammad, Qur’an, and Islamic Civilization
Islam was founded in the 7th century by Muhammad, who received the revelation of the Qur’an. In this lecture, discover the depth and diversity of this major world religion. Along the way, hear the poetic qualities of the scripture, learn about the customs of Islam, and explore its connection to Judaism and Christianity.
20. Unity in Islam—The Five Pillars
Despite its diversity, Islam is unified by the Five Pillars. Examine each in detail and witness the beliefs and rituals of Muslims: the nature of God, the ritual of prayer, the importance of giving alms, the fast during Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Then uncover the truth about jihad and Islamic law.
21. Forms of Islam—Diversity among Muslims
Learn the history of Sunni and Shi’a Muslims, which began with the question of who would succeed Muhammad after his death. Follow the historical narrative through the 18th and 19th centuries, when Muslims were forced to grapple with Western values, then finish with an analysis of Islam in the world today, from the Middle East to America.
22. Jains, Sikhs, and Baha’is
This lecture takes you beyond the most widely practiced religions and shows you the self-
discipline and renunciation of the Jains, who are committed to non-harming; the highly influential Sikhs, who make up only 2% of India’s population; and the Baha’i faith, a growing, pluralistic religion with roots in Shi’a Islam.
23. Religion and Law in America
Return to America, where an important piece of cultural literacy involves understanding the Constitution and the relationship between church and state. You’ll learn how the establishment and free exercise clauses have influenced both education and the freedom of religious practice by taking a closer look at several fascinating (and controversial) Supreme Court cases.
24. Religion Today—Trends, Challenges, and Hope
Religion is a moving target, constantly changing in our modern world. This lecture examines four demographic trends and how they impact the health of both religious traditions and society at large. The lecture concludes with a consideration of the relationship between religion and violence—how violence emerges and how it can be reduced.
April 15, 2025
I added this to my Audible collection around 2017 or so. It is a nice little refreshing course on the general characteristics, traditions and practices of the world's various religions.
It's more of an intro than any detailed analysis, but for that it was a really good one, as long as you don't look for deeper contextual representation of religion in history, with political or social issues. They are briefly referred to, of course, but the lectures are short, so they are never elaborated on.
The really good thing about it is that it tries to cover as many of the religions as possible and author/lecturer Mark Berkson offers a wider and more flexible interpretation of what constitutes a religion than I would have thought.
The lectures, besides an intro on the meaning and importance of religion, cover Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese Religion and Cosmology, Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto and Shamanism, East Asian Buddhism (Zen and Pure Land), Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Jains, Sikhs and Baha'is.
It also covers briefly the relationship of religion and law in America as well as today's trends and challenges.
It's more of an intro than any detailed analysis, but for that it was a really good one, as long as you don't look for deeper contextual representation of religion in history, with political or social issues. They are briefly referred to, of course, but the lectures are short, so they are never elaborated on.
The really good thing about it is that it tries to cover as many of the religions as possible and author/lecturer Mark Berkson offers a wider and more flexible interpretation of what constitutes a religion than I would have thought.
The lectures, besides an intro on the meaning and importance of religion, cover Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese Religion and Cosmology, Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto and Shamanism, East Asian Buddhism (Zen and Pure Land), Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Jains, Sikhs and Baha'is.
It also covers briefly the relationship of religion and law in America as well as today's trends and challenges.
October 21, 2015
A solid, objective overview of the major religions in the world. A crazy amount of subject matter to cover in a single book, so I found it simultaneously too dense and too high-level. Still, I feel more knowledgeable about world religions, so it did its job! The narrator was clear and well spoken.
March 2, 2025
Religion is a pretty sensitive topic, and Professor Berkson handled it well. He was never condescending or disrespectful to any group, and that is hard to do. He doesn’t use words like “claimed” or “supposedly”; he just presents each religion as true.
After a lecture on defining religion, he goes in roughly chronological order. Six lectures are spent on Hinduism, Shinto, Buddhism, Confucianism, and other Eastern religions. Then there are three lectures on Judaism, three on Christianity, and three on Islam. The final lectures cover religious freedom history and case law. It’s all good information, and I didn’t find anything inaccurate, at least according to my knowledge, but it’s so broad and general. Any one branch of any one religion could be studied for years, and each one has many variations.
I learned a lot, and the professor did a good job at speaking.
Clean content
After a lecture on defining religion, he goes in roughly chronological order. Six lectures are spent on Hinduism, Shinto, Buddhism, Confucianism, and other Eastern religions. Then there are three lectures on Judaism, three on Christianity, and three on Islam. The final lectures cover religious freedom history and case law. It’s all good information, and I didn’t find anything inaccurate, at least according to my knowledge, but it’s so broad and general. Any one branch of any one religion could be studied for years, and each one has many variations.
I learned a lot, and the professor did a good job at speaking.
Clean content
February 5, 2022
Buddhism promises nothing, delivers everything; Christianity promises everything, delivers nothing. Between the nothing and the something there is always the certainty of a truth out there and knowable within a cultural milieu based on tradition, miracle or revelation for those who have outsourced their certainty to a religion.
It’s never reasonable to hate gay people or trans people based on who they are and mumble something along the lines that ‘I hate the sin not the person’. Trump made-up some pie-in-the-sky reason for taking all trans people out of the armed forces and his 87% white evangelical monsters cheered him on. These lecturers never once mentioned the hate inherent by a large segment of all the religions featured in this series.
Within all the traditions of all the cultural literati for what the well-educated person should know, not once did the lecturer speak of the tradition of hate they all have hidden in coded language against people with a different identity than the stifling conforming norm of the religion under consideration. Even the Bahai’s, the most pluralistic of all religions through their beliefs want homosexuals to be just like them because God something, something, something. Perhaps, Buddhism was the one exception, but I know from the Middle Discourses there is a whole lot of ambiguity in their beliefs.
Beliefs are not dangerous things in themselves, the actions that come from beliefs are. Beliefs reside in the imaginary space within one’s head. I don’t care if you believe fairies reside in shoes, but when you restrict my shoes because of that belief, I start to care, or if you hate the sin but not the person, I see a distinction without a difference.
A reasonable exposition ignoring the unreasonableness becomes the most unreasonable of all expositions and is not how a well-educated person should approach knowledge.
.
It’s never reasonable to hate gay people or trans people based on who they are and mumble something along the lines that ‘I hate the sin not the person’. Trump made-up some pie-in-the-sky reason for taking all trans people out of the armed forces and his 87% white evangelical monsters cheered him on. These lecturers never once mentioned the hate inherent by a large segment of all the religions featured in this series.
Within all the traditions of all the cultural literati for what the well-educated person should know, not once did the lecturer speak of the tradition of hate they all have hidden in coded language against people with a different identity than the stifling conforming norm of the religion under consideration. Even the Bahai’s, the most pluralistic of all religions through their beliefs want homosexuals to be just like them because God something, something, something. Perhaps, Buddhism was the one exception, but I know from the Middle Discourses there is a whole lot of ambiguity in their beliefs.
Beliefs are not dangerous things in themselves, the actions that come from beliefs are. Beliefs reside in the imaginary space within one’s head. I don’t care if you believe fairies reside in shoes, but when you restrict my shoes because of that belief, I start to care, or if you hate the sin but not the person, I see a distinction without a difference.
A reasonable exposition ignoring the unreasonableness becomes the most unreasonable of all expositions and is not how a well-educated person should approach knowledge.
.
March 17, 2017
This series was really well done. Everyone should listen to it (or something similar to it—just learn about religions, okay?).
My only real complaint, and this was probably unavoidable, is that it felt like we only scratched the surface of most of the religions covered. Each lecture is 30 minutes. Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all got three lectures. Every other religious tradition got one lecture or shared a lecture with one or two others. If I were going to lecture a group to help them understand Mormonism, I would be hard-pressed to explain all of the essentials in an hour and a half—let alone doing so for Christianity as a whole.
Again, this probably couldn't really be helped. And given the amount of time he had, Professor Berkson did a remarkable job introducing each faith or belief system and giving the listener a cursory understanding of it. And to his credit, he inspired me to learn more about all of the religions he taught about. Here's to a greater mutual understanding among all of us.
Incidentally, I think that after Robert Greenberg, Mark Berkson is the best Great Courses lecturer I've listened to.
My only real complaint, and this was probably unavoidable, is that it felt like we only scratched the surface of most of the religions covered. Each lecture is 30 minutes. Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all got three lectures. Every other religious tradition got one lecture or shared a lecture with one or two others. If I were going to lecture a group to help them understand Mormonism, I would be hard-pressed to explain all of the essentials in an hour and a half—let alone doing so for Christianity as a whole.
Again, this probably couldn't really be helped. And given the amount of time he had, Professor Berkson did a remarkable job introducing each faith or belief system and giving the listener a cursory understanding of it. And to his credit, he inspired me to learn more about all of the religions he taught about. Here's to a greater mutual understanding among all of us.
Incidentally, I think that after Robert Greenberg, Mark Berkson is the best Great Courses lecturer I've listened to.
January 4, 2019
Certainly not comprehensive but a nice overview of the world’s major religions. While I am not religious, I find the exploration of religion brings me so much peace and joy because I believe that at the intersection of most religions is a compass to truth. It’s a truth that I don’t think any one of us will ever really know in this existence, but it gives me comfort nonetheless.
At any rate, this book will whet your appetite, and I encourage you to delve deeper into each of these great world religions in order to become a more conscious and compassionate human being.
At any rate, this book will whet your appetite, and I encourage you to delve deeper into each of these great world religions in order to become a more conscious and compassionate human being.
December 16, 2020
This was such a great overview of the world's major religious traditions. I learned a ton from this, and it gave me a useful framework for my continued religious studies.
September 20, 2017
I highly recommend this one. It was really interesting and really well organized. Dr. Berkson is really good to listen to and he approaches the his content with gentleness, knowing that religion is something that potentially defines a lot of people's lives. He's also incredibly knowledgeable.
This is one I'd actually be interested in listening to again, as there's a lot of information here and it's engaging enough so as not to be too boring for another listen through.
Definitely worth a listen.
This is one I'd actually be interested in listening to again, as there's a lot of information here and it's engaging enough so as not to be too boring for another listen through.
Definitely worth a listen.
February 23, 2019
I picked up this course in my attempt to become less ignorant about the world around me, and boy did I accomplish that. Mark Berkson is extremely passionate and a pleasure to listen to. While I only came away with a very basic understanding of the most popular religions, I was left wanting to know more about the topic, which I didn't really expect.
I will admit that religion didn't particularly interest me going into this, but it felt like something important to understand and empathize. I'm so glad I tried this course, because it opened me up to other perspectives.
I will admit that religion didn't particularly interest me going into this, but it felt like something important to understand and empathize. I'm so glad I tried this course, because it opened me up to other perspectives.
August 3, 2017
The biggest thing we can do to fight bigotry is to learn more about people who are different from ourselves. This is a great overview of the biggest religions worldwide and a few smaller groups! The variety within a religion is discussed including the many varied Christian denominations. He ends with a lesson on religion and the US government followed by a lecture discussing what we individually can do to foster hope and understanding rather than a breeding ground for hate and violence.
July 7, 2021
I've always wanted to understand major religions because they dictate so much of the world we live in. The author did an excellent job presenting them and their practices with excitement and respect. While the information may be shallow for a topic so rich, it provides a great basis for further exploration. I can't recommend this more highly!
March 14, 2024
Fun! I enjoyed learning about various religions and feel like I took something away from this.
I feel like what I was missing was a sense of what I should expect to see in various religion's places of worship and literature a little more descriptively. For example, when I visit a cathedral, what should I be looking at? I feel like this book really nailed comparative religion, but didn't go into the kind of pragmatic details I was hoping to hear about without investing significant time.
I feel like what I was missing was a sense of what I should expect to see in various religion's places of worship and literature a little more descriptively. For example, when I visit a cathedral, what should I be looking at? I feel like this book really nailed comparative religion, but didn't go into the kind of pragmatic details I was hoping to hear about without investing significant time.
January 31, 2016
On a Goodreads Scale of 1--5 Stars, I give this audiobook course 10 Stars!! This neutral and unbiased overview of so many of the world's religious traditions, from ancient to present times, was extremely well done. Each is so vastly unique in history and culture, and yet as they were laid out, I also perceived so much commonality, beauty, and much to admire. With the overview of Christianity, I realized how much I did NOT know about all the different modern denomonations, and how this one grew out of that one. And of course there was discussion about when religion meets politics and socio-economics, the affects on those made vulnerable and disenfranchised by oppression, abuse and neglect, and why conflicts and violence arise in the name of religion.
What I take away from this is, no matter our personal leanings and religious committments, we absolutely need to learn a great deal more about the world that lives outside of our own little circles. There is a rich and complex tapestry of religious and cultural tradition all around us that deserves, at a minimum, our respect, more education and understanding, listening and learning, acceptance and inclusivity, cooperation, and appreciation for all this amazing diversity.
What I take away from this is, no matter our personal leanings and religious committments, we absolutely need to learn a great deal more about the world that lives outside of our own little circles. There is a rich and complex tapestry of religious and cultural tradition all around us that deserves, at a minimum, our respect, more education and understanding, listening and learning, acceptance and inclusivity, cooperation, and appreciation for all this amazing diversity.
March 4, 2017
If I were looking for a book to learn some basic facts about world religions I could not find better (or maybe I could but I have not so far). The audio book is well and engagingly presented by Professor Mark Berkson. Religion is everywhere especially these days and it looks like we are not going to get rid of it any time soon. What can we do is to try to understand at least a bit what “they” think and why “they” think the way they do. No one will obtain any deep understanding of various religious groups just by learning some basic facts about their belief. But it would allow people at least to tolerate behaviour and customs which differ from their own. Professor talks about the main world religions such as Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and touches upon some others such as Sikhism, Jainism, and others. A bit of history, a bit of supernatural and some philosophy. He sets out the facts clearly, accessibly, without bias. So if you are looking for an intro into religion this audio book might be a good choice for you. It will be worth your time.
November 8, 2015
This was informative and just the right length. Bergson zips through the world’s religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, the Chinese folk religions, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He takes a positive view of each and summarizes key beliefs and practices. His last two lectures, on how religion intersects with the law in the US and on religion and violence, I thought were pretty superficial and not as good.
June 3, 2015
Fantastic group of lectures by professor Berkson! I have already taken a religion class in college, so a big part of the book was basically review for me. However I still found each religion fascinating and even learned a bit more than I already knew. I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about the world's religions and history.
November 12, 2018
For a brief overview of the major religions it is a good read.
The major flaw is the whitewashing of religious violence.
It tries to generalize that all religions have a tendency toward violence, to avoid singling out any one that might have a greater tendency than any other.
The major flaw is the whitewashing of religious violence.
It tries to generalize that all religions have a tendency toward violence, to avoid singling out any one that might have a greater tendency than any other.
March 12, 2016
Very well balanced view on some of the most popular religion nowadays.
March 21, 2017
This series of lectures provides an excellent overview of a vast subject.
Twelve hours isn't enough time to do more than skim the surface of comparative religion, but Professor Berkson's friendly style and strictly neutral manner make the material approachable and inspire a yearning to learn more about all the traditions covered.
Three lectures are devoted to each of the big five world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), with a smattering of other living faiths touched upon only briefly, and a few additional lectures on patterns of belief and the social impact of religion (particularly in the United States). Berkson tries to address the history, main pillars, and key practices of each tradition; and helpfully points out features the listener is likely to encounter when visiting a practitioner's home or place of worship.
As an agnostic/atheist, I believe in none of these religions, but I appreciate their profound depth, beauty, and influence on the world. As a human being, I know it's vital that we all understand each other if we're going to make it as a species.
If you've never explored the beliefs of others, or just need a refresher course like I did, this is a pretty good place to start.
Twelve hours isn't enough time to do more than skim the surface of comparative religion, but Professor Berkson's friendly style and strictly neutral manner make the material approachable and inspire a yearning to learn more about all the traditions covered.
Three lectures are devoted to each of the big five world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), with a smattering of other living faiths touched upon only briefly, and a few additional lectures on patterns of belief and the social impact of religion (particularly in the United States). Berkson tries to address the history, main pillars, and key practices of each tradition; and helpfully points out features the listener is likely to encounter when visiting a practitioner's home or place of worship.
As an agnostic/atheist, I believe in none of these religions, but I appreciate their profound depth, beauty, and influence on the world. As a human being, I know it's vital that we all understand each other if we're going to make it as a species.
If you've never explored the beliefs of others, or just need a refresher course like I did, this is a pretty good place to start.
April 22, 2023
I think considering this book was first published in 2013 it gives a good overview of religions. I kept expecting him to go over some of the more negative aspects of the religions but when you think about it you can find the negative aspects in any quick Google search. This gave a broad more positive spin on the different religions and occasionally pointed out where one branched from the originating religion and why that took place. Sometimes even pointing out how it actually went against the originating precepts. I'd really like to see a more updated book that gave both positives and negatives to each religion. I mean going over Roman Catholic church and not even stopping in on the crusades paints a much more positive view than it really deserves not to mention the sex scandals associated with it in the more modern day. I'm sure this would be true of many other religions as well.
On the other hand, I love that he took each religion in accordance with it's originating culture. Not a here's a Western take on this Eastern religion and how it differs from our view that so many books on religion do.
On the other hand, I love that he took each religion in accordance with it's originating culture. Not a here's a Western take on this Eastern religion and how it differs from our view that so many books on religion do.
September 7, 2020
This was not what I was expecting from the title. A more descriptive title would have been: Basic Introduction to Major World Religions. What I was expecting was something more along the lines of the ways religions are referenced in literature and art, and what those references are intended to convey. With numerous examples, I'd hope.
Still, this was very good, though clearly aimed at a US audience. I'm pleased that I learnt some things I didn't know, relearned things I can never remember (I have, in fact, already re-forgotten whether Sunni or Shi'ite Muslims are the ones that followed the Prophet's relative), and I was particularly pleased that it covered far more than the Abrahamic and Hindu religions. I do think that while basing the discussion of Shamanism in Korea was good (I was fully expecting it to use Native American religions for this, given the US-centric slant), some representation of African religions would have been good and that would have been an appropriate place to put it.
Overall, this was very interesting, even if most of it was things I'd heard before.
Still, this was very good, though clearly aimed at a US audience. I'm pleased that I learnt some things I didn't know, relearned things I can never remember (I have, in fact, already re-forgotten whether Sunni or Shi'ite Muslims are the ones that followed the Prophet's relative), and I was particularly pleased that it covered far more than the Abrahamic and Hindu religions. I do think that while basing the discussion of Shamanism in Korea was good (I was fully expecting it to use Native American religions for this, given the US-centric slant), some representation of African religions would have been good and that would have been an appropriate place to put it.
Overall, this was very interesting, even if most of it was things I'd heard before.
November 17, 2019
When a person speaks of teaching religion in public school (middle school to high school) this is the type program that I think is needed in the US today. Clearly, this is a survey course meant to cover the 'bare bones' of the world's major religions. Many people today just don't know much about religious dogma...including their own...sometimes. These lectures are about religions while not being religious...but the lectures are only a start.
Misunderstanding another's religious views and practices could lead to trouble. When all a person know about a religion is the bad stuff, they naturally are biased against it and all who practice. Admittedly, Dr Berkson stresses only the 'good' news in his clear and well-organized lectures hitting only the high points and ignoring the sometimes ugly history.
I just realized that I'm being a bit redundant, but, what the heck, we all need to be a bit more open minded and accepting of other's beliefs. These lectures are just the first step.
Misunderstanding another's religious views and practices could lead to trouble. When all a person know about a religion is the bad stuff, they naturally are biased against it and all who practice. Admittedly, Dr Berkson stresses only the 'good' news in his clear and well-organized lectures hitting only the high points and ignoring the sometimes ugly history.
I just realized that I'm being a bit redundant, but, what the heck, we all need to be a bit more open minded and accepting of other's beliefs. These lectures are just the first step.
February 9, 2023
3.5 - Super basic stuff here, but presented really well. It's definitely valuable for people who don't have any background or knowledge in these religions but it was very short so the information felt extremely limited. I certainly wouldn't say that this is everything a well-educated person should know about these religions considering how basic the information was.
I guess I was hoping for more coverage over some of the smaller or indigenous religions rather than just the largest ones. Perhaps also, some of the older or ancient religions that aren't really practiced anymore. How did they potentially lead to the formation of some of these largest ones today, etc? I would've also liked to hear more on how each of these religions sculpted cultures as we know them today. What role did Christianity play in the colonization of the world, etc.?
I guess I was hoping for more coverage over some of the smaller or indigenous religions rather than just the largest ones. Perhaps also, some of the older or ancient religions that aren't really practiced anymore. How did they potentially lead to the formation of some of these largest ones today, etc? I would've also liked to hear more on how each of these religions sculpted cultures as we know them today. What role did Christianity play in the colonization of the world, etc.?
April 18, 2020
This was a solid survey of the great world religions as well as a few smaller ones. I thought the author covered each one in a relatively unbiased and straightforward way, providing their history, development, and current situation for each. I'm Catholic and so I know a little more about Christianity and Catholicism than the other religions, and I thought he got a few points wrong or didn't cover them well enough to capture nuances that would dispel popular misconceptions. That makes me wonder if he did the same with the other religions. On the other hand, in an audio course that covers so much, it makes sense that he couldn't really go in depth on any particular religion.
Overall, a good general overview.
Overall, a good general overview.
June 5, 2023
This book was just not very useful for me. I already knew almost all of the information and it seemed like the author was doing everything he could to not say anything that could be considered controversial by anyone and that resulted in extremely bland and bleached descriptions of each of the religions. I will say that I did enjoy the chapters on Chinese religion a lot because I didn't have much prior knowledge of them so it is very likely I would have enjoyed this book more if I didn't already know a lot about religion. I will say I was impressed with how much ground it was able to cover so fast, but ultimately this just wasn't what I was looking for.
August 30, 2017
it is too dense, very few information about religions sticks in my mind. It assumes general knowledge about the religion and it gives very dense summary. May be in a country where you already meet with that culture it gives information, but if you are from a country where you don't encounter that culture, it is a bit too much. But i like the topic how in america, secular government handles that many religions. And also topic of pluralist religion is interesting.
October 11, 2020
An overview of some of the most popular religious beliefs/philosophies with a few seemingly random lesser known ones thrown in. It still leaves quite a few major belief systems unexplored. I'd recommend this to someone who knows little to nothing about world religions going in, but if you want more depth you may find yourself disappointed. As a side note, I'd like to see a book of correspondences tying all the similarities mentioned firmly together for those who insist that theirs is the only.
June 13, 2023
There's a lot of information about many of religions. You won't know everything, but it is a good starting point for learning a lot about many different religions. It is a nice overview of the world’s major and some minor religions.
There’s more a thread of commonality among the world’s religions than differences. Focusing on the differences is what creates the disunity and religious prejudices that we encounter.
There’s more a thread of commonality among the world’s religions than differences. Focusing on the differences is what creates the disunity and religious prejudices that we encounter.
July 11, 2017
Lots of info. This is a great overview of the major religions of the world. It's a straight up class though so if you're looking for entertainment, this isn't it. I found myself zoning out here and there because of the more facts/less interpretation style but it was still super interesting and informative.
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