U280 Cults and World Religions

Course Overview

U280: Cults and World Religions is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary exploration of the global religious landscape, ranging from ancient traditions to contemporary movements. This course challenges students to move beyond sensationalist headlines to analyze the historical development, core beliefs, and social dynamics of diverse faith systems. By blending rigorous textual study with “lived religion”—the practical, daily experience of believers—students will develop the critical tools necessary to distinguish between “world religions” and “new religious movements.” Through case studies, hermeneutics labs, and site analyses, the course equips students to navigate pluralistic societies with intellectual nuance and ethical empathy.

Brief Course Outline

1. Section 1: Foundations | Methods of comparative study, critical vs. empathetic reading, and navigating bias.
2. Section 2: Judaism | Covenant, Torah/Talmud interpretation, and the diversity of modern movements.
3. Section 3: Islam | Qur’anic revelation, Sharia/Fiqh (law), and the global ummah.
4. Section 4: Hinduism & Buddhism | Moksha vs. Nirvana, karma, dharma, and the logic of meditation/ritual.
5. Section 5: Catholicism & Greek Orthodoxy | Apostolic authority, sacraments vs. mysteries, and the Great Schism.
6. Section 6: American NRMs | Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the New Apostolic Reformation.
7. Section 7: New Thought & Unity | Metaphysical religion, healing claims, and the “law of mind action.”
8. Section 8: Wicca & Neo-Paganism | Modern revivals, the Wheel of the Year, and nature-based mysticism.
9. Section 9: Asian Christian Movements | Indigenization, high-control environments, and state responses (e.g., Shincheonji).
10. Section 10: African & Pacific Movements | Prophetic authority, healing, and resistance to colonial structures.

This course will have videos, reading, quizzes, and assignments to complete for credit.