Readings on Faiths: 2025 Summer Reading Fest
A Book Group Exploring the Diversity of Religion
| WHAT? | Learning Circle |
| WHEN? | June 2 – July 7, 2025 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.
Upcoming
SUMMER READING FEST
I am offering something a little different this summer. During June and early July, I will offer three (yes, three) books for us to read and discuss. Two of the books are from a series on world religions – The Basics – that serve as introductions to Islam and Hinduism. Neither of these two books is a hundred pages long. The third book is Karen Armstrong’s A Short History of Myth. Myth is a bit longer – 150 pages.
As the titles state the two “Basics” are just that – introductions providing the basics of these two world religions. Armstrong’s is likewise a short but very detailed history of myth, and its uses by various religions.
“Surprising, powerful and profound, A Short History of Myth examines the world’s most ancient art form – the making and telling of stories – and why we still need it.”
My plan is to read the book on Hinduism, then Armstrong’s Myth, and finish up with the introduction to Islam. You can join me for one, two, or all three of the books. Information about each of the books is noted below so you can order them with ease. You will also find the dates for the start of each book.
DATES FOR EACH BOOK
- June 2 & 9: Hinduism: The Basics, by Herbert Ellinger
- June 16 & 23: A Short History of Myth, by Karen Armstrong
- June 30 & July 7: Islam, The Basics, by Roland Machatschke
How to Join/Access
To access the Zoom meeting information and learning circle resources you must (1) have an account, (2) be logged in, and (3) be enrolled.
If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one by signing up to become a member of the P&F community. Click here to register now.
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.
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
To access the Zoom meeting information and learning circle resources you must (1) have an account, (2) be logged in, and (3) be enrolled.
If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one by signing up to become a member of the P&F community. Click here to register now.
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.