World Religions (PHIL 111)

The world of Islam is shared by some 800 million people of all colors, economic levels, and social strata. What they share is a faith which is today what it was from the beginning, the same in the Moroccan king’s palace and a Filipino hovel. The essential principles on which Islam rests—its five pillars—are discussed, described, and put into historical context in this program. The program introduces the huge international mosaic of Moslem believers, and the conflict between traditional teaching and the effects of industrialization.

Throughout history, human beings have dreamed of heaven, built their lives around it, and even killed for their particular religion’s version of the hereafter. This program explores the concept of heaven according to some inspiring followers of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. Viewers meet a Catholic priest working with gangs, an unusual Thai Buddhist monk, a Hindu priest who is also a hydraulics engineer, Sufi dervishes, and the remarkable Mountain Jews of Azerbaijan. The video includes expert commentary about the historical evolution of the notion of heaven. With Diana Eck, Harvard University professor of comparative religion; Alan Segal, Columbia University professor of religion; and Carol Zaleski, Smith College professor of world religions. (98 minutes)

Spiritual belief has shaped society through the ages and continues to play a vital role in the lives of billions of adherents. Drawing from the sacred texts of each, this series provides an introduction to the seven largest religions practiced today. Historical origins, main tenets, holidays and special ceremonies are all covered, along with important worship locales around the world. The eight-part series also looks at what the seven major religions have in common. 8-part series, 20–25 minutes each.

What is a god? What happens after we die? This two-part series discusses the way in which three of the world’s largest religions—Christianity, Islam and Buddhism—interpret the nature of God and the afterlife.

How do religions seek to influence their adherents’ sexual activity and sexual orientation, and why? And what are the historical and doctrinal roots of sexual prohibitions? In this thought-provoking three-part series, nearly two dozen experts—theologians, clergy, historians, scientific researchers, and others—openly discuss human sexuality from the perspectives of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism. Contains mature themes and explicit language and imagery. 3-part series, 37 minutes each.