Online Class: World Religions 101

Experience a transformative exploration of global faiths in World Religions 101, where you'll engage with profound philosophies and rituals that continue to influence humanity. This course offers a path to deeper compassion and a more thoughtful worldview by examining how diverse spiritual traditions contribute to culture and connection.
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  • 9
    Lessons
  • 37
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 9
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.9
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

In a world that grows smaller every day, understanding the rich tapestry of beliefs that shape human experience is essential. World Religions 101 isn’t just a course—it’s your gateway to the profound philosophies and spiritual traditions that have influenced civilizations for centuries. It’s an invitation to dive into the wisdom, rituals, and narratives that unite and differentiate us, offering insight into how religion continues to shape culture, politics, and the way we live.

This is your chance to travel beyond borders, across time and cultures, to uncover the universal questions religions address: What is the meaning of life? How do we find peace? What guides us through the highs and lows of human existence? Whether it’s the meditative calm of Buddhism, the divine love in Christianity, the cyclical journey of life in Hinduism, or the poetic balance of Taoism, you’ll engage with these timeless ideas in a way that’s both intellectually stimulating and personally enriching.

Discover the Power of Belief

World Religions 101 takes you deeper than surface-level facts or historical dates. This course invites you to immerse yourself in the spiritual worlds of others. You’ll explore the transformative power of karma, the serenity of nirvana, the wisdom of the Tao, and the profound connection between ritual and community in faiths across the globe.

But religion is more than practices and texts—it’s about human connection. You’ll understand how spiritual traditions bring meaning to everyday life, shape cultures, influence global events, and connect people across generations. Each tradition offers a unique perspective on life’s biggest questions, and you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the diversity and depth of human experience.

Why Take World Religions 101?

This course opens the door to a broader, more empathetic worldview. It challenges you to see the world through new lenses, to engage with ideas that might be unfamiliar, and to find common ground in our shared human quest for meaning. By understanding the beliefs that drive so much of human history and behavior, you’ll cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and a clearer, more thoughtful global perspective.

Whether you’re curious about world events, fascinated by different cultures, or seeking personal growth, this course is for you. It’s not just about learning facts—it’s about expanding your mind and heart.

A Journey of Discovery Awaits

From sacred texts to daily rituals, from grand temples to intimate moments of faith, World Religions 101 offers you a transformative journey. This is more than an academic course—it’s a personal exploration into the forces that shape human lives. By the end, you’ll not only understand world religions but also appreciate the diverse ways people find purpose, peace, and connection in a vast, complex world.

Join us on this enlightening journey. Step into a world of discovery, empathy, and global understanding with World Religions 101. The world is waiting—are you ready to explore?

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Course Motivation

Unlock the Mysteries of World Religions with World Religions 101!

In today’s diverse and interconnected world, understanding different religious beliefs is key to navigating global cultures and fostering harmony. World Religions 101 is your exciting journey through the spiritual philosophies that have shaped history, societies, and individual lives.

Why Take This Course?

  • Explore the Core of Major Religions: From Buddhism’s Eightfold Path to the teachings of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and more, you’ll dive deep into the beliefs and practices that inspire billions.
  • Discover Hidden Gems: Delve into lesser-known religions and spiritual paths for a truly comprehensive view of world spirituality.
  • Build Global Understanding: Learn how religion impacts current events, traditions, and global interactions, enhancing your worldview and promoting inclusivity.

Flexible, Engaging, and Accessible

  • Self-paced learning: Study at your convenience, with engaging lessons and assessments to measure your progress.
  • Open to all: No prior knowledge is required, just a passion for learning!
  • Real-world connections: Understand religion’s influence on culture, politics, and personal lives.

By enrolling in World Religions 101, you’ll not only broaden your knowledge but also cultivate empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of the world around you.

Start Your Journey Today! Embrace this opportunity for personal growth and global awareness. Enroll now and embark on a transformative learning experience!

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.64 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,473 votes)

Lesson 1. Bridges to Meaning: Religion, Philosophy, and Worldview

The nature of religion touches upon the sacred and mystical, offering narratives and symbols to decode life’s mysteries, while philosophy wrestles with reason, logic, and wisdom to comprehend reality. Together, they shape worldviews that reflect individuals' perceptions, impacting their moral, ethical, and existential decisions. 146 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video A
  • Lesson 1 Video B : Introduction Discussion
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment: Introduce Yourself
  • Complete Assignment: Differing views of the New and Old Testament
  • Complete Assignment: Why do Humans have Religion?
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Quiz: Introduction to World Religions
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Illuminating the Path: Buddhism's Diverse Roads to Enlightenment

Central to Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths, diagnosing human suffering as rooted in craving and attachment, and the Eightfold Path offering a roadmap to liberation. This philosophy of detachment and mindfulness offers a timeless alternative to consumerism, promoting true contentment through self-awareness and inner peace. 92 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video A
  • Lesson 2 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Complete: Lesson 2: Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Is Buddhism Relevant Today?
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Quiz: Buddhism
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Christianity: Historical Journey and Spiritual Influence

Symbols play a pivotal role in Christianity, with the cross symbolizing Jesus' sacrifice and the hope of salvation, and serving as personal and collective faith markers. Other symbols like the ichthus and dove represent identity and spiritual realities, reinforcing shared beliefs and experiences in both historical and contemporary settings. 98 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video A
  • Lesson 3 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 3: Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Protestant Reformation
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Quiz: Christianity
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Harmony and Ethics: The Confucian Impact on Society

Confucianism focuses on cultivating virtue and harmonious relationships, advocating for societal roles defined by key relationships like parent/child and ruler/subject. Central to its ethics are concepts like jen and li, which guide social interactions through empathy and ritual propriety. 78 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video A
  • Lesson 4 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 4: Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Is Confucianism a Religion?
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Quiz: Confucianism
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Sanatana Dharma: The Eternal Truth in a Modern World

The caste system, while abolished legally, still influences Hindu society, though reformist efforts continue to address inequities. Ritual practices like puja, alongside vibrant festivals such as Diwali and Holi, enrich Hindu communal and individual worship, reflecting the divine's omnipresence in everyday life. 80 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video A
  • Lesson 5 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Complete: Lesson 5: Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Is Hinduism Growing?
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Quiz: Hinduism
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Understanding Islam: Core Beliefs and Pillars

Islam, originating in the 7th-century Arabian Peninsula, emphasizes submission to the will of God and has grown to become one of the world’s largest religions with over 1.9 billion followers globally. Its cultural diversity is evident, as Indonesia, not an Arab nation, boasts the largest Muslim population, and less than 20 percent of Muslims are of Arab descent. 130 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video A
  • Lesson 6 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 6: Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Muslim Growth
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Quiz: Islam
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Monotheism's Forebear: The Impact and Influence of Judaism

Judaism transcends a mere ethnic designation, representing a profound relationship between God and the Jewish people bound by a covenant. This covenant instills a sense of identity and responsibility in Jews, who connect across the globe through shared history and traditions. 100 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video A
  • Lesson 7 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review 3 Practice Worksheets
  • Complete: Lesson 7: Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Differences between Judaism and Christianity
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Quiz: Judaism
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Harmony and Balance in Taoist Philosophy

The Tao, or 'the Way,' is an omnipresent force in Taoism, representing the universe's natural order. It defies linguistic explanation and is best understood through experience and alignment with nature's rhythms. 80 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video A
  • Lesson 8 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: 7550450rz49226.png
  • Complete: Lesson 8: Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: What is up with Taoism?
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Quiz: Taoism
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. The Intricate Fabric of World Religions: Deep Dives into Niche Beliefs

Sikhism, established to bridge Hindu and Muslim divides, emphasizes equality and service, nurturing strong community bonds through its practices such as free communal meals. Zoroastrianism's focus on the cosmic struggle between good and evil highlights the individual's role in moral decision-making, contributing foundational concepts to both Judaism and Christianity. 57 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video A
  • Lesson 9 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
  • Complete Assignment: What is Wicca?
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Quiz: Other Religions & Religious Movements
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam
861
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Summarize Buddhism.
  • Summarize Christianity.
  • Summarize Confucianism.
  • Summarize Hinduism.
  • Summarize Islam.
  • Summarize Judaism.
  • Summarize Taoism.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: World Religions 101
Course Number: 7550450
Lessons Rating: 4.64 / 5 Stars (1,473 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is fully available online in all 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in major English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Last Updated: December 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.9 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "I have long wanted to learn and better understand world religions and how they have progressed to modern day and how it has related to man and his societies. I feel I got that from this course...but more over...I felt that Mac had done an excellent job in helping me understand all faiths and how they actually have similarities and their differences and why. I feel I got more out of this course then I had intended. Great job guys." -- Michael M.
  • "This course was great fun for me, and gave me a chance to be a student again for a while and to learn a great deal. Professor McKenna was very knowledgeable, approachable and fair, and has a great sense of humor!" -- Kate D.
  • "The instructor is very dedicated to his classroom studies. He provides additional videos that he produces for each lesson. I always enjoy taking his courses and always learn a lot from his videos and the assignments for each lesson." -- Louise S.
  • "I have said many times that I like learning with this instructor. He is challenging while also approachable. Our interactions are thought provoking and interesting." -- Theresa B.
  • "He is very personable and I enjoyed conversing with him about the different subjects of the course." -- Marshall G.
  • "He is really great and glad he teaches so much. He is so informational." -- Anna D.
  • "A very good delivery and execution. I learned a lot in this class." -- Jessie D.
  • "The course and instructor were both great." -- Shari G.
  • "Thanks for making this kind of course work available to those of us at home." -- Margaret T.
  • "The course layout was very rganized. The requirements for each lesson were very clear and detailed. The assignments were relevant to add useful information to one's everyday knowledge. Thanks...." -- Margaret T.

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