World Religions
This class will introduce you to the four most significant world religions outside of Judaism and Christianity: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the matrix of African religions. Dr. Timothy Tennent is the professor of World Religions at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has spent much his life immersed in the cultures of these four religions.
| 1. Introduction |
An introduction to Hinduism, discussion of their sacred texts, and the ten themes of the Upanishads |
| 2. Ten Metaphors |
The ten metaphors of Hinduism and how Hinduism is structured overall. |
| 3. Popular Hinduism |
A look at the more popular forms of Hinduism |
| 4. Devotional Movement |
Four keys in the Devotional movement |
| 5. Christianity and Hinduism |
Comparison of Christianity and Hinduism |
| 6. Historical Context |
The geography and cultural influences in Arabia during the 6th century a.d. had a significant influence on the beginning and development of the religion of Islam. Muhammad's early life was normal. When he was 40, he claimed to have a revelation from the angel Gabriel about worshiping the one "true" God, Allah. He receives further revelations that he records in what has become known as the Quran. Because of his revelation, Muhammad destroyed the family idols and then fled to Medina with a group of his supporters. There were significant military battles in which Muhammad and his followers defended themselves even though they were greatly outnumbered. Some of the Muslim mosques that were built have great religious and historical significance. |
| 7. The Qur'an and the Five Pillars |
The Muslims believe that the Quran is a divine revelation from God given directly to Muhammed beginning in about 610 a.d. The Five Pillars of the Islamic religion are the confession of faith, ritual prayer, almsgiving, fasting and pilgrimage. |
| 8. Sunni, Shia, and Sufi Islam |
Muhammad's successors were call caliphs. From the beginning, there was disagreement about what characteristics would qualify someone to be a caliph. The four "Rightly Guided Caliphs" were in power in successive years from 632 to 661. The two major divisions in Islam are the Shia and Sunni Muslims. One of the major differences between these two movements was over how the successors to Muhammad would be determined. A third movement in Islam is known as Sufi. |
| 9. Authority and Revelation |
Along with the Quran, the Hadith is another source of revelation for the Muslim religion. The Hadith addresses many social and economic issues that come up in daily life. The Sunna is a collection of oral tradition about Muhammad, and the Hadith is a collection of narratives about Muhammad that are written. The Sunnis also have a provision for the community coming to a consensus about something new being agreed to as having equal authority with the Quran and Hadith. In the Shia community an Imam can declare something as revelatory truth. These components combine to make up Sharia law, which governs the Muslim community. |
| 10. Is Islam a Religion of Peace? |
If we look at this as an exegetical statement, we can see that from looking at the teachings of the Quran, Islam is not a religion that at its root, advocates peaceful propagation. If we look at this as a historical statement, Islam has not historically been a religion of peace, even though some of its followers may advocate living at peace with others. The two contradictory principles that exist in tension in the Muslim religion are Da'wah and Jihad. |
| 11. Islamic Fundamentalism |
It is timely to explore the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and how that has resulted in the rise of Osama bin Laden and recent terrorist activities. An effective response to this movement will require a Christian presence among Muslims around the world. |
| 12. Islam and Christianity |
Islam and Christianity have major theological differences including their view of Scripture, the nature of God, who Jesus is and what is required for salvation. There are specific strategies that can help us witness to Muslims genuinely and effectively. |
| 13. Introduction to Buddhism |
Discussion of the events surrounding the emergence of Siddhartha Gautama as the Buddha. |
| 14. Buddhism Becomes a Religion |
Description of how Buddhism became a religion. It expanded into 3 branches, Therevada, Mahayana, and Vajranyana. |
| 15. Mahayana Buddhism |
Discussion of how Mahayana Buddhism has opened the door to different schools of thought or lineages of Buddhism. |
| 16. Vajranyana Buddhism |
Discussion of Vajranyana Buddhism, which is also known as Tibetan Buddhism. |
| 17. Introduction to African Traditional Religion |
Discussion of the fundamental similarities in the traditional religions of Africa. |
| 18. African Traditional Religion (ATR) in Practice |
A discussion of the Yoruba people and their current religious practices and worldview. The Yoruba are one of the largest religious groups in Africa and their religious system has survived into the modern world. |
| 19. Tier 3: The Role of Ancestors in the Yoruba Cosmology |
In the Yoruba version of ATR, the spiritual hierarchy is made up of a deity, divinities, and ancestors. Some ancestors are venerated and have power over the lives of living people. |
| 20. Christian Interaction with ATR |
Some features from ATR are carried over into the African Indigenous Churches. As Christians adopt a "global" perspective, we will be better able to encourage and learn from African believers. |
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