Critical Thinking About World Religions
5,874,000,000 people (74%) follow four world religions with unique beliefs, culture, history, and geography. This class will use critical thinking and reasoning to gain a deeper understanding of these belief systems.
Mike Hatcher
Average rating:
4.6
Number of reviews:(396)
What's included
6 live meetings
5 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Student Presentation exercise of building their own spreadsheet of the major world religions.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
The class will combine 3 segment elements: 1/3 teaching instruction focused on the topic/theme, 1/3 student examples (from the previous week’s topic), and 1/3 class discussion. Each week students will be finding examples of the class topic/theme found in the media, online, or the books for class. Students will be encouraged to bring these to class for discussion. In class, we will solve problems related to the topic/theme together as a group. Class Lesson Topics Session #1, Week of Sept 12, Topic: "The Big Picture: Introduction to the 4 Major World Religions" Session #2, Week of Sept 19, Topic: "Critical Thinking Process" Session #3, Week of Sept 26, Topic: "Vocabulary / Categories We’ll Examine Each Religion" Session #4, Week of Oct 3, Topic: "Research and Learning Perspective: curious, respectful, showing dignity to others" Session #5, Week of Oct 10, Topic: "Critical Thinking Data We’ll Collect and Chart for Each Religion" Session #6, Week of Oct 17, Topic: "Student Presentations" Critical Research Details 1. Size and Significance of Movement 2. Religion Primary Founder(s) / Their Story 3. Religion Primary Document/author(s) 4. Original Historical Setting 5. 5-10 Key Beliefs 6. Structure of Organization & Leadership 7. Geographical Growth 8. Practice details: Worship, prayer, concern for others, 9. Power & Finances 10. Present World Influence Extra Credit Research Items 1. Key Leaders and Significant Followers Historically 2. Contribution to World Culture, Society, Arts, and Science 3. How do they address the supernatural & miracles? 4. Highlights and Low Points Over History 5. Opposition and Challenges Movement Faced Historically
Learning Goals
1. Students understand, summarize, and memorize the basic beliefs of the major 4 world religions: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
2. Teach healthy unbiased research methods and create a spreadsheet charting the main beliefs of the 4 religions.
4. Look not only at the major beliefs but also look at the cultural values and customs of these world religions.
5. Foster an "always respectful" perspective as curious learners.
6. Apply critical thinking comparisons discussing the uniqueness and differences of traditions and beliefs of these religions.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will explore and gather the beliefs of the major religions. Sources will include books written by believers of each religion. We will critically discuss their uniquenesses and make comparisons. This will always be done with respect. Part of my goal is to help the students learn critical thinking which will include looking at views from the perspective of followers of each belief system. I am not advocating for any of these world religions - but want to help students assess, compare, and think through the beliefs of each system as a critical thinking process.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Primary Texts
1. Comparative Religion: Investigate the World Through Religious Tradition (Inquire and Investigate), by Carla Mooney (Author), $13-18.
2. Comparative Religions (Quickstudy Reference Guides – Academic, by Inc. BarCharts (Author), $7.
Supplemental Texts (suggested but not required)
I selected a text from each of the 4 religions, written by followers of each in order to lend credibility.
1. Know what you Believe, by Paul E. Little, $14.
2. Islam Explained: A Short Introduction to History, Teachings, and Culture by Ahmad Rashid Salim, $13.
3. Hinduism: What You Need to Know about the Hindu Religion, Gods, Goddesses, Beliefs, History, and Rituals by Crystal Moon, $14.
4. No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners: Clear Answers to Burning Questions About Core Buddhist Teachings, Noah Rasheta, Kindle $6.99.
Joined April, 2020
4.6
396reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate
Master's Degree from Biola University, Talbot School of Theology
I hold a Master of Divinity degree. It’s a hefty 94-unit degree and includes 4 years of Hebrew study, 3 years of Greek language study, ethics, theology, beliefs, philosophy, history, and critical thinking.
• I learned to highly value examining beliefs in their historical context.
• I love to challenge that we think in categories of logic and reasoning.
• I respect evaluating belief systems in a side-by-side methodology.
• I value the process and instruction of critical thinking about our values and belief systems.
• I’ve taught comparative religions many times in the public-school sector with 5-6th graders up through High School.
• As a homeschool Dad (5+ years), I taught critical thinking classes with other homeschool students regarding “Beliefs: What and Why?”
I bring 35 years of teaching experience – half of which was within the nonprofit sector focused on religious beliefs. I’ve visited various places of worship and spoken with believers of the 4 world religions. I’m the curious type and enjoy interviewing those within these religions about their experience, culture, and practice.Reviews
Live Group Class
$85
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
50 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
3-6 learners per class
