Understanding World Religions

Watch Understanding World Religions

  • 2003
  • 1 Season

Understanding World Religions from Schlessinger Media is a comprehensive educational show that aims to help children and young adults learn about the world's major religions. The show takes its viewers on an exciting journey through time, space, and different cultures to explore the origins, beliefs, practices, and values of the world's major religions. It is an educational tool that teachers can use to supplement their lessons on religious studies, and students can use to deepen their understanding of the world's diverse cultures.

The show is designed to be informative, engaging, and interactive. It features a variety of visual and auditory aids that make learning about religion fun and exciting. The show also includes interviews with religious scholars and practitioners, as well as stunning visuals of sacred sites and artifacts from around the world. Through these interviews and visuals, viewers are able to gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of the world's religions.

Each episode of the show focuses on a particular religion, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The show covers the history and development of each religion, as well as its major beliefs, practices, and cultural expressions. The show also explores the various ways in which each religion has influenced the arts, literature, and other aspects of human culture.

The show also covers some of the common themes that are shared among the world's major religions. For instance, the show highlights the importance of compassion, love, and respect for all living beings in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It also highlights the importance of social justice and community service in Christianity and Islam. Through these commonalities, the show helps viewers to appreciate the shared values and goals of the world's religions.

One of the strengths of the show is its ability to present complex religious concepts in accessible language. The show's producers have done an excellent job of breaking down complex religious concepts and explaining them in ways that are easy for children to understand. For instance, the show explains the concept of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism by using relatable examples from everyday life. The show also explains the concepts of sin, salvation, and grace in Christianity in a way that is easily accessible to young viewers.

Another strength of the show is its balanced approach to different religions. The show does not promote any particular religion over others, nor does it denigrate any religion or religious practice. Instead, the show presents each religion in a respectful and objective manner, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. The show encourages viewers to be open-minded and to appreciate the diversity of religious expression around the world.

Overall, Understanding World Religions from Schlessinger Media is an excellent educational tool for teachers, students, and anyone who is interested in learning about the world's major religions. The show is informative, engaging, and interactive, and it presents complex religious concepts in accessible language. The show's balanced approach to different religions and its emphasis on commonalities among religions make it a valuable resource for promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. Whether used in the classroom or at home, Understanding World Religions is a must-watch for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the world's diverse cultures and religions.

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Seasons
What is Religion?
6. What is Religion?
March 25, 2003
Religions around the world have practices and beliefs that help people understand the meaning of life and give people answers to the important questions that they have about life, death and the existence of God. In What is Religion?, students learn that despite their many differences, world religions have elements in common like systems of basic beliefs, holy writings, sacred places, and special holidays and celebrations. As a result of the vast religious diversity in the world, students gain an appreciation for the need to respect people of all faiths. Part of the multivolume Understanding World Religions Video Series. Grades 4-7.
What is Judaism?
5. What is Judaism?
March 25, 2003
What is Judaism? provides a basis for developing respect and understanding for a religion practiced by about 14 million Jews around the world. Aspects of the religion's history are presented, from the story of Abraham, a patriarch of the Jewish faith, to the establishment of the nation of Israel. Students explore the prayer rituals of Judaism through a visit to a synagogue and the account of a boy preparing for his Bar Mitzvah ceremony. A visit with a family preparing for Passover helps students gain insight into the holidays and celebrations of the Jewish religion. Students also learn about Jewish traditions and beliefs through discussions with rabbis from different branches of Judaism. Part of the multivolume Understanding World Religions Series. Grades 4-7.
What is Islam?
4. What is Islam?
March 25, 2003
In What is Islam?, students take an in-depth look at the religion practiced by over one billion Muslims in countries worldwide. Students investigate the history of this religion by learning about Muhammad, the prophet whom Muslims believe received God's message and shared it with others. By visiting a mosque, or masjid, and learning about the five pillars and the daily Muslim prayer ritual of salah, students learn about the core beliefs of Islam. Students also gain understanding of Muslim traditions and beliefs by visiting a family as they celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Part of the multivolume Understanding World Religions Video Series. Grades 4-7.
What is Hinduism?
3. What is Hinduism?
March 25, 2003
About 900 million people around the world practice the family of religious traditions known as Hinduism. In What Is Hinduism?, students learn about the history of the Hindu faith with its roots in the ancient Indus River Valley civilization. Students gain insight into the worship practices of Hinduism by visiting a temple, or mandir, and seeing a Hindu priest perform a prayer ritual called puja. Visiting a family celebrating the holiday of Diwali, a festive celebration of lights, helps students to develop respect for Hindu traditions and beliefs. Hindu dancers also help tell some of the important stories of the Hindu religious tradition through movement. Part of the multivolume Understanding World Religions Video Series. Grades 4-7.
What is Christianity?
2. What is Christianity?
March 25, 2003
Explore the religion practiced by about two billion people around the globe in What is Christianity? To gain insight into this religion, students investigate its history and learn about Jesus, the man whose teachings provide a basis for Christianity. Students also have an opportunity to visit with a family as they prepare for a Christmas celebration. To better understand the worship practices of Christians, students visit a Christian church and learn about the sacrament of Communion. Students develop respect for Christian traditions and beliefs through fascinating interviews with ministers and priests, the spiritual leaders of Christianity. Part of the multivolume Understanding World Religions Video Series. Grades 4-7.
What is Buddhism?
1. What is Buddhism?
March 25, 2003
Over 360 million Buddhists practice the religion of Buddhism in countries all around the world. In What is Buddhism?, students take a detailed look at this religion and its rich history of over 2,500 years. Students gain insight into this religion by investigating its history and learning about Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, whose teachings provide a basis for Buddhism. To develop respect for the worship practices of Buddhists, students follow a family as they visit a Buddhist temple and worship in their home shrine. Students also gain an understanding of Buddhist traditions and beliefs through interesting interviews with monks and nuns, the spiritual leaders of Buddhism. Part of the multivolume Understanding World Religions Video Series. Grades 4-7.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    March 25, 2003