Online Program
Adventures Online: Exploring the Religions of the World
Program No. 24230RJ
Get an immersive look into world religions as you study Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism during a live, online learning adventure with Dr. Brian Carwana.
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Day
1
Welcome, Orientation, Introductions, Overview, Hinduism
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Orientation
Orientation and Introductions
As we meet our staff, we will have a brief overview on how to use Zoom, the program’s topic, guidelines, and the daily schedule.
Session 1
Hinduism
(Lecture)
More than eight out of every ten people around the world identifies with a religious faith, denomination, or group. Our study will encompass five “major” religions. We will begin with a focus on Hinduism, arguably the world’s oldest major religious tradition, and consider its innumerable changes and developments across more than 4,000 years. We will learn how Hinduism’s multiple origins and collection of philosophical views have resulted in one of the most diverse and colorful religions on the planet.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
Hinduism Lecture Continued
Continue the lecture on Hinduism.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 3
Return from Break
A Conversation on Hinduism
Meet and hear from a representative of Hinduism who will join us in an interactive Q&A session.
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
2
Judaism
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
Welcome
Review of the day.
Judaism
(Lecture)
In Jewish tradition, nearly 4,000 years ago G-d was revealed to Abram and Sarai and established a covenant with their descendants. The Torah — the Hebrew Bible — includes the laws and precepts of Judaism that the faithful believe Moses received from G-d on Mount Sinai. We will learn of the central place of tradition and memory in Judaism and how its stories have defined the Jewish people. We will also survey three defining phases of Jewish history and how they have both preserved and fostered innovations.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
Judaism Lecture Continued
We will continue to delve into the beliefs and philosophy of Judaism, including Q&A.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 3
A Conversation on Judaism
Meet and hear from a representative of Judaism who will join us in an interactive Q&A session.
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
3
Christianity
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
Welcome
Review of the day.
Christianity
(Lecture)
By all accounts, Christianity has the largest number of adherents worldwide. It originated in a backwater of the Roman Empire and later expanded thanks to Roman roads, relative order, and common language to spread its message to become the most successful religious mission in world history. We will learn how “New Testament” scriptures were written, the rainbow diversity of early Christianity, and gain an understanding of how a Gentile faith emerged from the life and death of a devout Jewish man, Jesus of Nazareth.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
Christianity Lecture Continued
We will continue our examination of Christianity including Q&A.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 3
A Conversation on Christianity
Meet and hear from a representative of Christian faith who will join us in an interactive Q&A session.
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
4
Islam
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
Welcome
Review of the day.
Islam
(Lecture)
We will trace the biography of the Prophet Muhammad, who serves as the template for ideal Muslim living. We will also discuss the later divide into Sunni and Shi’a, and the key practices and beliefs of the world’s fastest growing religion. Finally, we will look at key sources of authority in Islam — e.g. Qur’an, hadith, shariah — and address topical issues that have emerged in recent decades around violence and secularism.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
Islam Lecture Continued
We will learn more about Islam and have Q&A.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 3
A Conversation on Islam
Meet and engage in a conversation with a representative of Islam who will join us in an interactive Q&A session.
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
5
Buddhism, Program Concludes
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
Welcome
Review of the day.
Buddhism
(Lecture)
Siddhartha Gautama was born around 2,500 years ago in Nepal. Tradition says he was a prince who renounced his position to seek spiritual enlightenment. After achieving enlightenment and becoming the Buddha, he began preaching his pathway to others. He did not claim to be a god or a prophet but proposed a pragmatic remedy while pushing aside metaphysical speculations. We will explore the Buddha’s life story, innovative ideas, and how his teachings launched a religious movement that influences even the mental health field today.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
Buddhism Lecture Continued
We will continue our examination of Buddhism including Q&A.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 3
A Conversation on Buddhism
Meet and engage in a conversation with a representative of Buddhism who will join us in an interactive Q&A session.
Wrap-up
Program Wrap-up
We will recap what we’ve learned over the past few days and say farewell. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Program Conclusion
This concludes our program.