Recommended for Grades 11-12

Studying the great religions of the world differs from studying one’s own religion. Students will not necessarily examine stories, ceremonies, and prayers familiar since childhood. Instead, studying world religions involves a two-step method of immersion in and reflection on what might be strange, unusual, or unknown.

The first step, immersion, requires the use of the five senses (seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling), which aid in studying the sensory-rich traditions of others and in experiencing the divine in the human and natural. The second step, reflection, requires students to contemplate the sensory experience. What do people do? Why do they do it? What does religion mean? What value does it have in life? The purpose of this course is to foster respect for the faith and religion of diverse people of the world who carry on the great traditions of the world religions. By comparing themselves with others in a positive, respectful manner, students come to affirm and appreciate their own identity and uniqueness as Catholics. They learn what people of the great traditions do and why, and they work together to create a respectful, learning classroom environment.

Lesson titles include the following: How to Study the World Religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.