God
and Mankind: Comparative Religions
I have already completed my first course!
The course consisted of 8 lectures that are approximately
43 minute each. The course description
is below:
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| Photo Copyright: The Great Courses |
God
and Mankind: Comparative Religions
"How
do the major religions answer unanswerable questions? What can we gain from
their answers? Why are we here? What is my purpose? Where do we go when we die?
Will I be forgiven? Will we ever discover the source of the mystery? Each of
these questions raises countless more."
"God and Mankind: Comparative
Religions by Professor Robert Oden is an ideal
starting point for gaining some progress in considering these questions. And if
you've been thinking about them for a while, as so many do, you will likely
discover he has many fresh insights to offer you. Professor Oden, who holds degrees in Near
Eastern Languages and Civilizations, and Theology, has taught at Harvard
University and Dartmouth College over a long and exceptionally distinguished
career as both teacher and college president."
More about Dr. Rorbert Oden: http://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/god-and-mankind-comparative-religions.html
8 Lectures: Topics of
Discussion
·
Why
Nothing Is as Intriguing as the Study of Religion
·
Orienting
Humanity—Religions as Spiritual Compasses
·
Religious
Heroes 1—Gilgamesh and the Dawn of History
·
Religious Heroes 2—Moses and Jesus
·
Pondering
Divine Justice—Do We Suffer for Naught?
·
Defending
Divine Justice—Religious Accounts of Suffering
·
Religious
Rituals and Communities
·
Bringing
It All Back Home
General Thoughts:
As a starting
point, I thought that the lectures were pretty interesting. I was previously aware of
the similarities between the story of Noah and the Arc and the Flood of
Gilgamesh, but I was not aware of aware of the complete story of Gilgamesh as a
literary figure. I will be further
reviewing perspectives on the Epic of Gilgamesh and stories in the Bible. Not only do I plan to do more research on Gilgamesh,
but I would also like to re-listen to the lecture on Moses and Jesus. Dr. Oden also discussed concepts of Buddhism,
Hinduism, as well as Islam. Since these
concepts are new to me, I will completing the Cultural Literacy for
Religion: Everything the Well Educated
Person Should Know course next.
One of the reasons that I plan to re-listen to the
lecture on Moses and Jesus is because of the last lecture. The lecture entitled: “Bringing It All Back Home,” was the most
interesting to me, since I already teach American History. The concepts of
Puritans comparing themselves to the Israelite's is of particular interest. It provides insight into the mindset of our
colonial predecessors. I plan to write
my first research article on this topic; it is tentatively titled: Puritan Exodus: Journey to the Promise Land.
Dr. Kristy K. Taylor, DHsc, PhD Candidate, University
of Sedona
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