RELS 205: Varieties of Religious Experience

This course is an exploration of how people first came to believe in a supernatural power and the different ways in which groups have expressed this belief throughout history. The symbols and rituals associated with primitive forms of religion will be contrasted with those of more developed systems. Whenever applicable, comparisons will be made to Roman Catholicism. Also included will be an analysis of how religion affects one’s life, an overview of how science has attacked traditional religion and how religion has responded, and a study of the resemblance between popular “religious” beliefs (e.g., astrology and fortunetelling) and archaic religions.