Religious literacy is an essential interpersonal competency for all who seek to live well and to relate effectively to other people. The lack of basic religious literacy continues to fuel isolation, hate, and even violence.
My belief that all people need to expand their religious literacy beyond their own religion to the world’s great religions has inspired me to teach world religions at the college level eighteen times (and counting!).
While I cannot invite you to audit my class, I can suggest you participate in an incredible learning opportunity that started yesterday: World Religions Through Their Scriptures. This one of a kind experience is a series of six online MOOCs (Massively Open Online Courses) that each last four weeks. The courses are taught by faculty of Harvard University and Wellesly College.
- Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures – began March 1
- Christianity Through Its Scriptures – begins April 5
- Buddhism Through Its Scriptures – begins May 3
- Islam Through Its Scriptures – begins June 1
- Hinduism Through Its Scriptures – begins July 5
- Judaism Through Its Scriptures – begins August 2
So What?
Whether you have limited religious literacy, are religiously literate but only in only one or a few religions, or think of yourself as quite religiously literate, this learning opportunity will not disappoint.
I have registered. Have you?
Whether you opt to enroll or not, I encourage you to share this opportunity with others.