2007 Handbooks

In an increasingly multi-cultural and pluralistic society citizens owe it to themselves and to their neighbours to gain an appreciation of the rich religious traditions which have shaped the lives of so many in the Australian and global community. This course seeks to provide students with just that. Giving careful attention to modern sociological analysis of 'religion' the course will focus on five major historical world faiths: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The history, beliefs, practices and sects of each tradition will be carefully studied with due reflection on the primary texts ('scriptures') of the faiths. Appropriate to the Australian context, wherein over 70% of the population describes itself as 'Christian', the course will reflect also on the various ways in which Christian scholars have responded to the challenge of pluralism.