Sacred Texts of the World Season 1 Episode 36

Ep 36. Heavenly Books, Earthly Connections

  • TV-PG
  • February 7, 2014
  • 30 min

From the ancient Vedas of India to the holy Bible of Christianity, every religious tradition in the world has its sacred texts. In this episode of Sacred Texts of the World, we take a closer look at these crucial sources of spiritual guidance and explore their connection with human life on Earth.

The show kicks off with a deep dive into the most well-known holy book of the Western world, the Bible. From the creation story in Genesis to the Book of Revelations, the Bible has been a source of inspiration and comfort for over two billion people worldwide. But why is this book so significant? And what is its message for humanity?

Our hosts embark on a journey to explore the historical and theological contexts of the Bible, from the lifetime of Jesus to the early Christian church. Along the way, we see how this ancient text has been interpreted and reinterpreted over the centuries – and how it has the power to connect believers across the world today.

Moving to the East, we next examine the sacred texts of Hinduism, specifically the Vedas. These ancient collections of hymns, rituals, and philosophical musings constitute one of the oldest and most complex religious traditions in the world. Our experts unpack the meaning of some of the most important Vedic texts, such as the Rig Veda and the Bhagavad Gita. We also see how the Vedic worldview has influenced not only Hinduism but also Buddhism and Jainism.

As we continue to explore the world's spiritual traditions, we turn our attention to the Abrahamic faiths – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Each of these religions has its own holy book, which records the word of God as revealed to prophets like Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. But how are these books related, and what can we learn from their similarities and differences?

Our hosts take us on a fascinating journey through the history of the Abrahamic faiths, showing how they have interacted and influenced one another over the last few thousand years. We learn about the connections between the Old Testament and the Quran, for example, and the role of the Jewish Talmud in shaping early Christianity.

To wrap up the episode, we take a look at some of the lesser-known sacred texts of the world. From the Tao Te Ching of Taoism to the Zend-Avesta of Zoroastrianism, these works offer unique perspectives on the human experience and the spiritual realm.

Overall, "Heavenly Books, Earthly Connections" is a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between humans and the divine. Whether you're a devout believer or a curious skeptic, you're sure to come away with a deeper understanding of the world's spiritual traditions – and how they shape our lives today.

Description
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Sacred Texts of the World, Season 1 Episode 36, is available to watch and stream on The Great Courses Signature Collection. You can also buy, rent Sacred Texts of the World on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hoopla online.
  • First Aired
    February 7, 2014
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    30 min
  • Language
    English