CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN RELIGION series:

This series of classes focuses on special topics in the study of religion and addresses a different issue or theme each Term. Hamilton classes in this series meet weekly on Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:30pm. Term 3 classes in Hamilton begin on Thursday 1 August 2019, meet weekly for eight sessions, ending on Thursday 19 September. The Topic for Term 3 Hamilton classes will be “Other Isms” and will view such topics as Chinese and Japanese Religions, Jain Dharma, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, the Bahá’í Faith, and the Ethical Ideologies of Atheism, Agnosticism, Humanism and Rationalism. Term 4 classes will look at “New Religious Movements”.

TERM SCHEDULE:

Term 1: “Religious Fundamentalism, Extremism & Terrorism”

This eight-week course involves a detailed study of the history, context and contemporary issues of religious fundamentalism, extremism and terrorism in all of the world’s main faith and belief traditions. We’ll explore the differences between these terms and view, in detail, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh fundamentalism and extremism.

Term 2: “Religion and Nonviolence”

This Term course will pick up where “Religious Fundamentalism, Extremism and Terrorism” leaves off, focusing on peaceful forms of religious practice, and will discuss key issues ranging from the Jain concept of ahiṃsā, the Hindu concept of satyāgraha, and the Jewish notion of Tikkun Olam, and others, along with key figures like Mahātmā Gāndhī, Martin Luther King, Khān Abdul Ghaffār Khān, and others.

Term 3: “Other ’Isms”

This Term focuses on a wider variety of religions and belief systems, including: the Indian traditions of Sikhism and Jainism, the Chinese religious traditions (Folk religion, Taoism, Confucianism, and Chinese Buddhism), followed by an exploration of the Japanese religious traditions (Shinto, Shingon, Tendai, Nichiren and Zen Buddhism), the Bahá’í Faith, and the moral and ethical secular ideologies of Atheism, Agnosticism, Rationalism and Humanism.

Term 4: “New Religious Movements”

This Term covers a wide variety of what are typically titled “new religious movements,” religious or spiritual movements often on the periphery of the world’s major faith and belief traditions. During the course of the term, we’ll look at a wide range of both mainstream traditions and a smattering of smaller cults and sects.

Future Term classes for 2020 are currently in development and may focus on Sacred Texts, Esoteric Traditions and Mystical Experiences, Religion and Film, Faith & Feminism, and Religion & Art.

Term 3 classes begin on Thursday evening 1 August 2019 (6:00-8:30pm), run for eight weeks, and end with the final class on Thursday 19 September 2019.

Some notes on our class offerings:

• All classes are taught from an objective point of view. These are classes about religion and religious behavior, taught from an anthropological point of view, and are designed for participants to get a greater understanding of the depth and scope of the diversity that exists within the world’s various faith and belief traditions.
• Detailed Syllabi are available at the start of each Term.
• Any Term can be taken independently of the others, and there are no prerequisites for any of the Term courses.
• All classes encourage questions and group discussion. There are noassignments, required readings, quizzes, tests or exams.
• PDF copies of each class presentation are emailed to all participants the next day so that you are free to focus on class content rather than taking notes. You are most welcome to come, sit back, relax, take part in and enjoy the discussions!
• Course fees include a short tea/coffee/snack break in the middle of each session.
• There are no refunds for missed classes.
• Guests of registered participants are welcome to attend a single class at no charge.
• Certificates of Completion for any particular Term or for an entire Series of classes are available for Professional Development purposes upon request at the end of each Term or Series.