Course Review: God and Mankind: Comparative Religions

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:

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

Link to course:  http://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/god-and-mankind-comparative-religions.html

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 

On Pursing a Nontraditional Doctorate.... Doctorate of Philosophy in Comparative Religion

With the many things that I already have on my plate, I have decided pursue an additional doctorate degree.  Why?  I feel led by God to do so.  The difference here is that this will be a nontraditional approach to my education.  I will be attending the University of Sedona, and I plan to major in Comparative Religion.  Those who know me well, already know how much I love politics and discussions about religion.  I decided to pursue this alternative option as a means of educating myself and to whatever extent God plans to use me.

While I will not be able to teach at a university with this degree, I will continue to speak, write, and share knowledge wherever I am led to do so. As a Professor, typically, I would frown on such an approach to education, but I am pretty well established at this point with the credentials that I already have.  

The University of Sedona is not regionally accredited, but they do have the ability to award degrees as a seminary.  The organization is well established, and many of the graduates have gone on to have great careers.  The program requires that I complete 66 modules of education related to metaphysics, an exam, a thesis, and a dissertation.  In addition to what the minimum requirements are, I am also going to hold myself to a certain level of academic accountability by supplementing my education.

University of Sedona:  https://universityofsedona.com/

Also, in addition to the general articles that I post on here, this blog will also serve as a transcript of sorts of my educational experiences throughout the process.  I have chosen to supplement my education by reviewing lectures from the “The Great Courses” series, taking classes at my church’s on-site seminary through the adult education program, and Coursera.  Since “The Great Courses” will provide the foundation for my education, below are a list of the courses that I plan to review in the process in no particular order.  As a part of the challenge, I will be writing a 500 word article on a topic of choice for every 15 hours of lecture that I review, unless it is a short course.  I will produce at least one 500 word article for courses less than 10 hours.  I will do another posting on this topic later.  Utilizing “The Great Courses” database allows me to listen to some of the best experts and most renowned professors in the world on these topics.  This is going to be a great addition to my background in history and health education.

The Great Courses: 

• The Meaning of Life:  Perspectives from the World’s Great Intellectual Traditions
• Quest for Meaning:  Values, Ethics, and the Modern Experience
• Peoples and Cultures of the World
• The Spiritual Brain:  Science and the Religious Experience
• Mind-Body Medicine:  The New Science of Optimal Health
• The African Experience:  From Lucy to Mandela
• God and Mankind:  Comparative Religions
• Cultural Literacy for Religion:  Everything a Well Educated Person Should Know
• Philosophy of Mind:  Brains, Consciousness, and Thinking Machines
• American Religious History
• Confucius, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad
• Exploring the Roots of the Religion
• Great World Religions:  Christianity
• Philosophy of Religion
• Skeptics and Believers:  Religious Debate in Western Intellectual Tradition
• Introduction to the Study of Religion
• The Great ideas of Philosophy
• Comparative Religion
• Religions of the Axial Age:  An Approach to the World's Religions
• Mystical Tradition:  Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
• Philosophy as a Guide to Living
• Philosophy, Religion, and the Meaning of Life

The Great Courses:  http://www.thegreatcourses.com/

I use audible.com to access "The Great Courses" lectures as an affordable alternative.  I have been an audible subscriber for about 4 years.  www.audible.com

The plan is to listen to the lectures while driving, around the house, or any idle time that I have. I also plan to take a few courses through Coursera, but since I am completing this at my own pace, I am not going to be a big fan of have a structured time table.  I will add courses as I find interesting.  Currently, I am enrolled in the following course through Rutgers University:

Souls Beliefs, Causes and Consequences:

Course Description:  Throughout history, the vast majority of people around the globe have believed they have, however defined, a “soul.” While the question of whether the soul exists cannot be answered by science, what we can study are the causes and consequences of various beliefs about the soul and its prospects of surviving the death of the body. Why are soul and afterlife beliefs so common in human history? Are there adaptive advantages to assuming souls exist? Are there brain structures that have been shaped by environmental pressures that provide the foundation of body/mind dualism that is such a prominent feature of many religions? How do these beliefs shape the worldviews of different cultures and our collective lives? What is the role of competing afterlife beliefs in religion, science, politics, and war? This course explores several facets of this relatively unexplored but profoundly important aspect of human thought and behavior.  Link:  https://www.coursera.org/learn/soulbeliefs

Finally, and most importantly, I am taking classes at my church, through the Johnnie Coleman Theological Seminary.  This was not intended to be part of the educational curriculum per say, because it is part of my personal development, but these classes that I am taking as part of the master certificate program have thus far been very enlightening.  I am sure that they will have great influence over me in the coming years as I work through the program.  I am more likely to be done with the PhD before finishing my courses at the JCTS.  The classes include:

To obtain a Master Certificate, students are REQUIRED to take the following classes:

• Basic Truth Principles I
• Basic Truth Principles II
• Bible 1: Introduction to the Bible
• Bible 2: Old Testament I (Metaphysical I)
• Bible 3: Old Testament II (Metaphysical II)
• Bible 4: New Testament I (Metaphysical I)
• Bible 5: New Testament II (Metaphysical II
• Discover the Power Within You
• Principles of Prayer
• Principles of Healing
• Self-Discovery
• Advanced Metaphysical Class

Students are also REQUIRED to take three (3) Elective Classes 

JCTS Link:  http://www.jctseminary.org/

I will not write much about my experiences with JCTS, because this is a part of my personal develop, but these classes have been eye opening of for me.  I come to class eager and excited to learn.  I will add short reflective pieces to the blog in order to document my experiences.  My primary goal with the blog entries I make is to discuss my journey with this alternative route to education that I have chosen to pursue.  It is not necessarily to discuss or debate religious issues.

For each course that I review with regards to “The Great Courses” and Coursera, I will provide a course description, a list of the professors, and the topics that are being covered in the lectures. I also plan to use a textbook on world religion to review and quiz myself on the basics.  I was able to purchase Experiencing the World's Religions 4th ed. by Micheal Molley.  It is an older textbook, but the quizzes and interactive material can still be found online.  The awesome thing about this experience is that I can personalize my learning experience.  I plan to enjoy the journey.  My goal is to attend the 2017 graduation ceremony.

Celebrating National Health Education Week 2013: An On Campus Conference Style Learning Experience

Last week was National Health Education Week (NHEW), and the week's theme focused on the role of health educators in implementing the Affordable Care Act.  National Health Education Week is sponsored by the Society of Public Health Education (SOPHE), and it has been celebrated since 1995 during the 3rd week of October. Promoting NHEW on campus and in the local community is a great way to bring attention to health education and literacy issues.  As a Health Education Professor and Certified Health Education Specialist, I feel that its is important to make a conscious effort to promote NHEW each year on campus.  

This year, I held an on-campus conference to for NHEW with the goal of increasing student awareness of organizations within the Glades and throughout Palm Beach County that address health disparities. The presenters consisted of on-campus faculty and staff as well as community organizations.  I also did two presentations for the conference:  A History of Medicine in America and How Health Insurance Works.  In addition to the conference, there was also an information table set up with numerous brochures for students to take on various health topics.  All of the events were well attended by students, and it provided a great learning opportunity for them to learn about how these organizations affect their community, volunteerism, and upcoming opportunities in service learning.  In addition, students were able to ask questions to gain practical knowledge, and they were encouraged to share what they had learned to begin making a difference in their own communities.  Below is a list of events that the students had an opportunity to attend, and I would like to personally thank each of the individuals and organizations that presented during the week. 

Information Table

Palm Beach County Victims Services

We Help Community Corporation

Alzheimer's Community Care

Date and Time of Event	Organization	Title of Presentation
9:00-10:15 Monday  10/21	Bridges of Belle Glade	"Early Childhood Development Ages 0-8/Financial Literacy"
11:00-12:15 Monday 10/21	Palm Beach County Victims Services, Ms. Angeletta Sewell	"Domestic Violence Awareness"
12:30-1:45 Monday 10/21	American Red Cross	"Red Cross: Who We Are, What We Do, And How We Do"
2:00-3:15 Monday 10/21	Enroll America, Ms. Katie Visik	"The Affordable Care Act:  What You Need to Know"
3:30-5:00 Monday 10/21	Movie and Discussion	"Sick Around America"  Synopsis:  As the worsening economy leads to massive job losses—potentially forcing millions more Americans to go without health insurance—FRONTLINE travels the country examining the nation's broken health care system and explores the need for a fundamental overhaul.
9:00-10:15 Tuesday 10/22	Dr. Steshenko, PBSC Professor	"Common Sense for Healthy Living:  Natural Remedies for a Healthy Life"
11:00-12:15 Tuesday 10/22	We Help Community Corporation, Dr. D.M. Walker	"Home Buying Seminar and Discussion on Housing in the Glades"
12:30-1:45 Tuesday 10/22	Ms. Vanger Simmons, PBSC Professor	"Career Options Workshop:  Occupational Wellness"
2:00-3:15 Tuesday 10/22	Alzheimer's Community Care-Mr. Robert Summers	"Alzheimer's Disease and the Alzheimer's Community Care Association"
3:30-4:45 Tuesday 10/22	Movie and Discussion	"Food, Inc."  Synopsis:  In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment.
9:00-10:15 Wednesday 10/23	Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County	"Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County Information Session"
11:00-12:15 Wednesday 10/23	Focus Group "Student Forum," Dr. Bennett and Dr. Moore	"Our College, Our Campus, Our Future"
12:30-1:45 Wednesday 10/23	First Care Women’s Clinic, Sandi Davis	"Whole Person Health"
2:00-3:15 Wednesday 10/23	PBSC Counseling Center, Ms. Jeannie Hoban	"Mental Health and Life Skills"
3:30-4:30 Wednesday 10/23	Dr. Kristy Taylor, PBSC Professor	A History of Medicine in America
5:00-6:45 Wednesday 10/24	Movie and Discussion	"Suicide Tourist"  Synopsis:  Five months after being diagnosed with ALS, Craig Ewert arrived in Switzerland for his scheduled suicide. A story about struggling to live ... and deciding when to die.     Discussion:  End of Life Planning, Ethics, Morals, and the Things We Never Expected
9:00-10:15 Thursday 10/24	Planned Parenthood, Mr. Al Davis	"Your Sexual Health and Planned Parenthood"
11:00-12:15 Thursday 10/24	Comprehensive Aids Program, Dr. Yolanda De Venanzi	"All you want to know about HIV and AIDS "- Free HIV/AIDS testing will also be done on site. Sponsored by CAP the Comprehensive AIDS Program Of Palm Beach County, Inc.
12:30-1:45 Thursday 10/24	Mr. John Pearson, PBSC Learning Specialist	"Managing Stress and Passing the Test:  Test Taking Skills Seminar"
2:00-3:15 Thursday 10/24	Dr. Kristy Taylor, PBSC Professor	"How Health Insurance Works:  The Basics for Informed Consumers"
3:30-4:45 Thursday 10/24	Movie and Discussion	"Sick Around the World"  Synopsis:  "In the debate over health care, what might the U.S. learn from the successes and failures of five other capitalist democracies? "

The ASALH Conference 2013: A Day by Day Reflective Account of a Life Changing Experience

Dr. Kristy Taylor and Ms. Lisa Ransom of
 JaxHeritage Consultants 

Earlier this month, October 2nd-6th, I had the opportunity to attend the ASALH conference.  ASALH stands for the Association for the Studyof African American History and Life; the organization was started by Dr. Carter G. Woodson on September 9th, 1915.  If you are not familiar with the work of Dr. Woodson, his book The Mis-Education of the Negro, is a must read for all persons interested in the study of African American history and life.  Many of the key points made by Dr. Wood in the 1933 publication of the book are still relevant today. The ASALH conference was one of the most important learning experiences that I have had in my professional career.  I also met great individuals like Ms. Lisa Ransom of JaxHeritage Consultants and Mr. Matt Bowman of Micanopy Winery. From the moment that I arrived at the conference the learning began, below is a synopsis of my ASLAH experience:

Day 1:  Wednesday 10/2/2013

I arrived in Jacksonville on Wednesday night, and I missed a few of the pre-conference events.  I did however take the time to find the hotel at which the conference was being held as well as catch a few scenic sites in the immediate River Front area.

Day 2:   Thursday 10/3/2013

Upon arriving at the conference, I went to the registration booth in order to ensure that everything was squared away for the event.  One of the first presentations that I attended was:  “From the South to Boston:  Perspectives on Black Migration, Activism, and Coalition Building."  I learned the about the civil rights movement from the Black-Brown Perspective and the influence of Hispanic and Latina culture on the movement, particularly in the Boston area.  The concept of Black-Brown relations during this era was new to me, and I never realized how these individuals worked together to achieve their goals and the commonalities that they shared.  I found this very interesting since I had always thought Boston to be more progressive.

I also visited the exhibit hall in which, I had the pleasure of purchasing a variety of books on African American life and history for only $5.00 each.  I walked away with at least 20 different books to add to my library at home.  While attending the luncheon for that day, I received a text from my supervisor that I would be allowed to proceed with teaching an African American History course at our college.  We currently do not offer the class, and it had been deactivated previously due to a lack of enrollment.  It was a very symbolic moment in my mind, as I set listening to the daughter of slain civil rights leader, Medgar Evers and Ms. Lisa McNair, the sister of Denise McNair, who died in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, AL.  I also had the pleasure of meeting them and taking a picture with them after event.  In addition, the panel was hosted by Mr. Jeffery Steinberg, founder of Sojourn to the Past. 

After the luncheon, I spent the rest of the day visiting and listening to various presentations such as:  Canada and the Emancipation Proclamation, Racial Uplift During and After the Civil, and Reinterpreting Reconstruction at each of which I was able to take plenty of notes for further research in the future.  The Thursday, plenary session was an appreciation for Dr. John Bracey, an influential leader, speaker, activist, and professor in the field of African American Studies.  The panel was consisted of other visionaries and revolutionaries such as Dr. Earnest Allen, Dr. Darlene Clark Hine, Dr. Stephanie Evans, Dr. John Higginson, and Dr. Sonia Sanchez (Yes, that Sonia Sanchez, the poet). 

Can you imagine what it felt like to sit in the presence of these individuals all in one space? At the luncheon, when I received the message that I would be allowed to teach African American History, I could only shed tears of joy as I listened to the young lady sing, Lift Every Voice and Sing.  In my mind it was a reconfirmation of my destiny as an educator in my community.

Day 3:  Friday, 10/4/2013

Pictured with Mr. Matt Bowman and Dr. Robert Hayling

When I arrived at the conference, I attended the Carter G. Woodson luncheon, and Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead was the key note speaker; her speech was very heart-felt and motivational.  After the luncheon, I again spent most of the day going in and out of various presentations.  It is important to note that in order to gain full perspective on various topics, it is best to sit in on an entire presentation.  Because I wanted to learn as much as possible, I chose to visit various presentations at different points and focus on note taking for further research later on.  I attended Black Women Organizing between the Depression and the Cold War and August Meier’s Negro Thought in America 50 Years Later.  I found the presentation on Dr. August Meiers to be so interesting that I stayed the entire time.  I was surprised to learn that Dr. Bracey was leading the discussion.  It was very inspirational listening to him discuss Dr. Meiers, as well as the exchanges that occurred between him and Dr. Clark Hine, who was sitting in the audience. The plenary session was entitled, How Free is Free?: The March Since 1963, and it was yet another great reflective discussion on African American progress since the March on Washington.  I ended the night by attending the Taste of Black Expo, hosted by the Jack and Jill Chapter of Jacksonville, FL. 

Day 4:  Saturday, 10/5/2013

I arrived at the beginning of the luncheon on Saturday, and Mr. Bernard Kinsey was the keynote speaker.  Mr. Kinsey is a former CEO of Xerox, and he owns one of the largest personal collections of African American art and historical artifacts.  I was excited to find out that Mr. Kinsey is from the West Palm Beach area, although he and his wife currently reside in California.  I would love to some day have part of his collection on display at our main campus in the future. After the luncheon was over, I was standing in line to purchase Mr. Kinsey’s book, and I met Dr. Robert Hayling.  Dr. Hayling was a civil rights leader in St. Augustine, and he actually worked directly with Dr. Martin Luther King.  I think that it is important that we learn all we can from individuals like Dr. Hayling regarding the work that they did during this period.

I attended the Afro, EBlack Studies, and the Digital Revolution Seminar:  Recent Initiatives and the plenary session: Making Emancipation:  From a Black Reconstruction to a Black President.  The plenary session was not only very inspirational and informative, but I learned the names of several individuals whose work I would like to read in the future:  Dr. Edna Medford, Dr. Robin Kelley, and Dr. Paul Ortiz.  I found the perspectives of Dr. Kelley and Dr. Ortiz of particular interest.  Dr. Ortiz spoke from the perspective of the influence of Hispanic/Latino culture on the civil rights movement.  I also attended the ASALH Annual Banquet, and Dr. Johnetta B. Cole was the key note speaker.  Dr. Cole was a true inspiration, and I will be writing more about her later on.  I found her speech to be motivational in the sense that it was thought provoking, challenging, and promoted personal accountability and upliftment in the same sentiment.

Day 5:  Sunday, 10/6/2013

On Sunday, I spent the day touring various sites in St. Augustine.  I do not think, that I can do this experience justice by including it as a part of the overall synopsis of the ASALH experience, so I will write about it another day.  In short, I learned things about Florida’s history, that I never knew, and I also learned about Ft. Mose.  Ft. Mose is the first free African settlement in the United States.  The tour of St. Augustine was such a moving experience, and I also got to learn about Dr. Hayling’s influence in this area, because his name came up on several occasions throughout the tour.

Overall, the ASALH conference was a great learning and networking opportunity.  As I continue to work to build my knowledge and reputation in the field of American History, the ASALH conference will continue to play an important role in my personal and professional development.