Readings on Faiths: The Path
A Book Group Exploring the Diversity of Religion
| WHAT? | Learning Circle |
| WHEN? | September 9 – 30, 2024 Meets weekly on Mondays 8:30 – 9:30 AM Pacific / 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Eastern |
| WHERE? | Online Via Zoom |
| WHO? | Terry Goddard |
Readings on Faiths Around the World is a book group that reads and discusses books covering the vast diversity of world faiths. Of course, the standard seven world religions will be included but we will also explore less well-known religious/spiritual groups including Afro-Caribbean, Bahá’í, Humanist, Jain, Pagan, Zoroastrian, and more. The only prerequisite needed for this group is a desire to learn more about the world’s religious traditions.
Please come to each session having read the assigned section and be prepared to participate in the discussion with the group. Future books to be discussed, and dates will be provided here as the sessions are scheduled.
It is not that the Way broadens humans, it is that humans broaden the Way.
–Confucius, The Analects
Upcoming
Some folks ask, “Do ancient texts – religious or philosophical – offer anything of value to us in these confusing and tumultuous times?” Jesus taught the importance of loving one’s neighbor, the prophet Amos taught that justice and equality should be the rule, and Buddha showed that through meditation one may develop empathy toward others. Chinese philosophical wisdom taught the value and importance of developing moral character and more.
The Path: What Chinese Philosophers Can Teach Us about the Good Life provides a taste of China’s great philosophical/religious teachings that come down to us from the Axial Age. This book will open for us the wisdom of the Confucians, Menius and Xunzi as well as Confucius himself. We will also read from the works of the two great Daoist thinkers Lao Tzu and Zhuangzi.
An interpretation and discussion of these thinkers is provided by Professor Puett, and is based on his Harvard course on Chinese history and civilization.
Previously Read
About the Facilitator
Terry Goddard has a PhD from Chicago Theological Seminary in the history of religion. He is retired professor of history and religion. Terry writes a blog, many of which address Loren Eiseley and his thought as well as religious topics.
How to Join/Access
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Once you have an account and are logged in, return to this page, and click on the Enroll in Group button near the top. You will be then automatically enrolled and sent an email confirmation with additional information.