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Religions Of The Axial Age: An Approach To The World's Religions
These 24 extraordinary lectures offer you the rare opportunity to relate your own spiritual questions to a variety of ancient quests for meaning and transcendence. Professor Muesse looks at the historical conditions in which the world religions arose and explores how they answered shared metaphysical and human dilemmas.
The Axial Age - a pivotal era between 800 and 200 B.C.E. - saw the rise of many of the world's religions in Iran, South Asia, and China. On this stirring journey, you'll learn about the rise of Zoroastrianism in Persia (now Iran); Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism on the Indian subcontinent; and Confucianism and Daoism in China. You'll also see how these religions compare, contrast, and contribute to contemporary Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Through sacred texts, modern scholarship, and thoughts arising from his own personal experiences, Professor Muesse reveals what it meant to be a conscious, morally responsible individual in the Axial Age. You'll enjoy a ringside seat as each founding sage wrestles with moral accountability, the nature of self and ultimate reality, good versus evil, suffering and transcendence - all topics that still puzzle us today.
The Axial Age - a pivotal era between 800 and 200 B.C.E. - saw the rise of many of the world's religions in Iran, South Asia, and China. On this stirring journey, you'll learn about the rise of Zoroastrianism in Persia (now Iran); Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism on the Indian subcontinent; and Confucianism and Daoism in China. You'll also see how these religions compare, contrast, and contribute to contemporary Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Through sacred texts, modern scholarship, and thoughts arising from his own personal experiences, Professor Muesse reveals what it meant to be a conscious, morally responsible individual in the Axial Age. You'll enjoy a ringside seat as each founding sage wrestles with moral accountability, the nature of self and ultimate reality, good versus evil, suffering and transcendence - all topics that still puzzle us today.
Audiobook
First published January 28, 2007
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About the author
Mark W. Muesse
14 books20 followersMark William Muesse is an American philosopher, theologian, and teacher. Muesse was born in Waco, Texas and attended University High School. He received a B.A. in English, summa cum laude, from Baylor University and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 14, 2021
This professor is amazing
June 9, 2023
Back when there were cassette tapes, I started buying courses from The Great Courses, on through CDs and downloads. Eventually, I purchased more than thirty titles--religion, economics, history, literature, psychology, etc.--until I told myself to stop. I listened to most of them, except for a few that weren't my cup of tea. I can't write reviews of all of those courses, but this is one I still think about, especially the chapters on Zarathustra, who must have been one of the most underrated individuals in history. Also, I remember some mention of similarities between the lives of Siddhartha Gautama and Mahavira, who lived earlier. I found a copy of one of the author's books in a university library. Someday, I may write reviews of some of the other courses.
July 12, 2021
I particularly liked the author's admission up front that most "religion overview" courses do not do justice to the study as they are all fairly locked in to piece-mealing all the religions without putting any of them in their proper context. I look at Muesse's lecture list and scratch my head thinking he is pretty much doing the same thing; however, as I went through each lecture it was good to hear that he continually attempted to minimize this problem of religious study with his concise introduction of the necessary contextual elements for each of his disparate subjects. A pretty good listen all around.
September 29, 2018
Fascinating, definitely worth the listen. One thing I would note is that it’s more Eastern than I was expecting; the westernmost religion dealt with was Zoroastrianism. For me, that’s definitely a plus, given that there is a hell of a lot more information readily available in English on Platonism, say, than Zoroastrianism. I am definitely mostly into this for an introduction to a bunch of religions I don’t know as much about as I’d like, and for that it was A+
April 19, 2023
I listened to this primarily because Audible offered it for a limited time for free, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the course. The Axial Age was a dynamic period for development of philosophy and religion throughout Asia, and seeing how these different religions interacted was illuminating. The course certainly makes me more interested in reading the sacred texts of these faiths.
April 19, 2024
An engaging, practical, and sympathetic review of Eastern religions in the middle of the millennium before the Common Era. Muesse makes only glancing reference to Israelite and Greek views in the era. A fuller treatment of the influences Eastern religion had on those of the West would have made for a more complete assessment of the age.
September 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this series of lectures. It explored religions that I had heard of but was not at all familiar with(Jainism and Zoroasterism). They went in depth on Buddhism. Taoism and Confucianism were explored too.
March 24, 2017
Some interesting history mixed with some extreme oversimplification and some bizarre anthropological overreach. (I.e. claiming that since the Indus Valley Civilization had public baths, this is clearly linked to Hinduism's "obsession with ritual purity," without considering that the Romans had public baths without anyone claiming this was tied to ritual purity.
August 10, 2021
Well delivered, informative, and thought-provoking.
June 24, 2021
This was an incredible journey. I was already familiar with Muesse as I have enjoyed the lectures in Great World Religions: Hinduism. I really like his teaching style and I feel like I could have had him as a professor, his Texas drawl is very similar to Oklahoma professors. Mark starts out each section with a brief rundown of the pre-axial age in the regions he discusses and then progresses through the evolution of ideas and how ideas changed over time. The Axial Age produced so much ancient wisdom and inspired so much that I can't wait to dig in to all these texts and learn even more about these traditions. This was a great course. I plan to check out his lectures on Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation as well. Much to learn, I still have.
August 5, 2015
This course was a great overview of a certain subset of religions that arose during the Axial Age, namely those of Asia. Dr. Muessse starts by discussing what exactly the Axial Age is, and why it is regarded as a separate period of time and how, generally, religions developed during the Axial Age.
Then he gets into specific, focusing first on Zoroaster and the reform started by him. He discusses the basics of the history of the pre-Axial era, leading up to the beginnings of Zoroastrianism. Then, he mentions briefly the main tenets of the religion, and how they arose, as well as some comparisons to other traditions of the time.
The majority of the course, however, is taken up by Indian traditions; likely, because there were more of them. Dr. Muesse once again explains the background leading up to the creation of the Upanishads, as well as the rise of the Buddha and the Last Fordmaker. He explains possible ways for the theory of karma and rebirth to have formed, as well as how they could have eventually become as intertwined as they now are. He then discusses the basics of each tradition, as represented in the Axial age, and touches slightly on the developments after the Axial Age.Like with Zoroastrianism, he touches on how the multiple religions relate to one another, noting some similarities and differences.
Finally, the course turns to China, where, once again, the background of the period is explained. Dr. Muesse then spends time talking about Confucius, as well as two other Confucian scholars who lived towards the end of the Axial Age. Daoism is then discussed, almost as a counterpoint to Confucianism, and Chinese Correlative Cosmology is touched upon. Dr. Muesse does really well in discussing a few of the misconceptions Westerners have about the Daodejing, such as the fact that most think it was a mystical book when it was likely a political manual, and that it most likely doesn't have one author. He also explains an interesting alternative viewpoint (based on the Classical Chinese instead of translations) of the famous Zhuangzi butterfly dream.
There were a few things I didn't like, however, one in particular which stood out to me. While Dr. Muesse mentioned that debate over what is 'Philosophical Daoism' and what is 'Religious Daoism' (and whether any difference every actually existed, or if it was a fabrication by early Western Sinologists), he keeps using the term 'Philosophical Daosim' to describe the Lao-Zhuang tradition, even though most scholars agree this is a misnomer, and there was no separate 'Religious' and 'Philosophical' Daoisms. He mitigates this by explaining that it shouldn't be considered philosophical only, and certainly has religious elements, but I feel the use of it just propagates the use of the term, despite modern scholarship against it (Komjathy, in particular, is opposed to the terms).
Overall, I feel this course is a great listen for anyone interested in the arising of some of the world's most influential (as well as biggest) religious traditions, as well as anyone just interested in the 'Axial Age' in general.
Then he gets into specific, focusing first on Zoroaster and the reform started by him. He discusses the basics of the history of the pre-Axial era, leading up to the beginnings of Zoroastrianism. Then, he mentions briefly the main tenets of the religion, and how they arose, as well as some comparisons to other traditions of the time.
The majority of the course, however, is taken up by Indian traditions; likely, because there were more of them. Dr. Muesse once again explains the background leading up to the creation of the Upanishads, as well as the rise of the Buddha and the Last Fordmaker. He explains possible ways for the theory of karma and rebirth to have formed, as well as how they could have eventually become as intertwined as they now are. He then discusses the basics of each tradition, as represented in the Axial age, and touches slightly on the developments after the Axial Age.Like with Zoroastrianism, he touches on how the multiple religions relate to one another, noting some similarities and differences.
Finally, the course turns to China, where, once again, the background of the period is explained. Dr. Muesse then spends time talking about Confucius, as well as two other Confucian scholars who lived towards the end of the Axial Age. Daoism is then discussed, almost as a counterpoint to Confucianism, and Chinese Correlative Cosmology is touched upon. Dr. Muesse does really well in discussing a few of the misconceptions Westerners have about the Daodejing, such as the fact that most think it was a mystical book when it was likely a political manual, and that it most likely doesn't have one author. He also explains an interesting alternative viewpoint (based on the Classical Chinese instead of translations) of the famous Zhuangzi butterfly dream.
There were a few things I didn't like, however, one in particular which stood out to me. While Dr. Muesse mentioned that debate over what is 'Philosophical Daoism' and what is 'Religious Daoism' (and whether any difference every actually existed, or if it was a fabrication by early Western Sinologists), he keeps using the term 'Philosophical Daosim' to describe the Lao-Zhuang tradition, even though most scholars agree this is a misnomer, and there was no separate 'Religious' and 'Philosophical' Daoisms. He mitigates this by explaining that it shouldn't be considered philosophical only, and certainly has religious elements, but I feel the use of it just propagates the use of the term, despite modern scholarship against it (Komjathy, in particular, is opposed to the terms).
Overall, I feel this course is a great listen for anyone interested in the arising of some of the world's most influential (as well as biggest) religious traditions, as well as anyone just interested in the 'Axial Age' in general.
April 8, 2016
Audio version featuring 24 lectures, about 30 minutes each...
For those considering purchasing, these lectures are a mixture of history and philosophy that explore the origins of some of the major religions practiced by most people today (though that might be a bit of a stretch for us in the west). The lectures cover the time period from about 800 to 250 BCE, and focuses in the central to eastern Asia part of the world...covering Zoroastrianism, Hindu, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism and Daoism, religions practiced by well over a billion people.
As Dr Muesse adroitly weaves the history of the origins and philosophies of these beliefs, we get to compare and contrast those ideas with the religions with which we are more familiar...from the teachings of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, to those from Jesus, Mohammad and Judaism. What I found was, for the most part, the eastern religions are much more like a philosophical study of self...promoting ethics, empathy and morality over the worship of the supernatural. To try to live one's life for the sake of benefiting one's self (aka improving your karma), leads to the betterment of the whole of mankind.
These are just my take-aways...you'll need to develop your own; but Dr Muesse gives you plenty of ammunition and lots more to think about...you'll want to revisit these lectures from time to time.
Highly recommended, if you enjoy philosophical stimulation. The course is often on sale...wait for that coupon, as well, since it will improve financial karma.
For those considering purchasing, these lectures are a mixture of history and philosophy that explore the origins of some of the major religions practiced by most people today (though that might be a bit of a stretch for us in the west). The lectures cover the time period from about 800 to 250 BCE, and focuses in the central to eastern Asia part of the world...covering Zoroastrianism, Hindu, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism and Daoism, religions practiced by well over a billion people.
As Dr Muesse adroitly weaves the history of the origins and philosophies of these beliefs, we get to compare and contrast those ideas with the religions with which we are more familiar...from the teachings of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, to those from Jesus, Mohammad and Judaism. What I found was, for the most part, the eastern religions are much more like a philosophical study of self...promoting ethics, empathy and morality over the worship of the supernatural. To try to live one's life for the sake of benefiting one's self (aka improving your karma), leads to the betterment of the whole of mankind.
These are just my take-aways...you'll need to develop your own; but Dr Muesse gives you plenty of ammunition and lots more to think about...you'll want to revisit these lectures from time to time.
Highly recommended, if you enjoy philosophical stimulation. The course is often on sale...wait for that coupon, as well, since it will improve financial karma.
January 4, 2013
This was an excellent overview of several different religions and how they began, in the axial age (pretty much a very descriptive title....). I had hoped for a bit more tie in to modern religions, but it was my fault in lecture selection, not the lectures, that disappointed me.
This was my first experience with a Teaching Company title, although I have recommended many to patrons, and I found it to be a positive experience. The format of 30 minute lectures made it a relatively quick listen, and the professor's voice was pleasing (although my niece did NOT enjoy it, for the few times she was "forced" to endure it). The split packaging does make for a delay in the listening process (if one forgets, for example, to request the next set of discs BEFORE one finishes the first set....).
This was my first experience with a Teaching Company title, although I have recommended many to patrons, and I found it to be a positive experience. The format of 30 minute lectures made it a relatively quick listen, and the professor's voice was pleasing (although my niece did NOT enjoy it, for the few times she was "forced" to endure it). The split packaging does make for a delay in the listening process (if one forgets, for example, to request the next set of discs BEFORE one finishes the first set....).
May 19, 2011
Well, I love ancient history and believe that we all worship one, supreme being. With that being said, I enjoy learning about the evolution of religions that are different than my own and the human quest for a greater understanding of something beyond our earthly life. This series of 24 lectures focuses on the evolution of Zorasterism, Hinduism, Buddism, and Confusionism during the axial age--800-200 BC. Whew, it was a bit heady, but the Professor had a very nice style of presentation that kept me on focus until the end (I have been working on this for a while). So much for a more intellectual approach---now back to my mysteries.
September 8, 2012
Excellent. Interesting subject. Good teacher.
June 3, 2015
It was a bit hard to listen to at first, because the guy's voice sounded like Al Gore. But, it was quite interesting, and I learned a lot.
July 15, 2014
I took this course for the second time and I did not regret it.
A unifying/contrasting view of mainly eastern religions of the axial age starting from the Arian descend.
A unifying/contrasting view of mainly eastern religions of the axial age starting from the Arian descend.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews