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World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page i
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing
Curriculum Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1
How to Use These Materials ..................................................................................................................... 2
Program Structure ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Course Schedule ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Class Format/Lesson Plan/Agenda............................................................................................................ 3
Class Communications .............................................................................................................................. 4
Planning a Visit to a House of Worship ..................................................................................................... 5
Finding a Guest Speaker............................................................................................................................ 7
Module 1: Hinduism ................................................................................................................................... 11
Module 2: Buddhism .................................................................................................................................. 13
Module 3: Judaism ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Module 4: Christianity ................................................................................................................................ 17
Module 5: Islam .......................................................................................................................................... 20
Module 6: Humanism and Atheism ........................................................................................................... 22
Module 7: Earth-Centered Religions .......................................................................................................... 24
Final Class .................................................................................................................................................... 26
Resources: Videos, Podcasts, Notes, PowerPoints, and Other Materials .................................................. 29
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Introduction
About the Authors Linda Rothbart and Jennifer Yi are members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax in
Oakton, VA. They have taught numerous Religious Education classes for children and adults, including
World Religions.
Acknowledgments We would like to thank:
Stephen Prothero, a professor in the Department of Religion at Boston University and author of
eight books on religion in America, including New York Times bestseller Religious Literacy and
the book we use for this class, God Is Not One. Professor Prothero has been an invaluable
resource to us throughout the process, responding to our questions and sharing his insights.
Dan Rothbart, Carol Campbell, and Carol Keeling for providing us with PowerPoints respectively
on Humanism/Atheism, Goddesses, and Islam.
AJ Bennet, Harvard Divinity School, who helped us with fact checking.
Natasha Peterson, who edited the materials.
Sarah Creel, who updated and checked the links and documents.
UUCF Endowment Committee for providing the funds needed to create this online course.
Interfaith Voices (NPR Radio program) for their excellent podcasts and images which we used
for our class agendas.
The Program
“There is no use in entering into dialogue unless you want to be changed.”
Karen Armstrong at the 2011 UUA General Assembly
Similar to our Neighboring Faiths/Building Bridges class taught in UU Religious Exploration for children,
this year-long course explores major world religions with readings from holy scriptures, discussions with
guest speakers, and visits to their places of worship. We begin in the fall with the eastern religions
Hinduism and Buddhism, moving to Judeo-Christian-Islam faiths in the winter and spring, and ending
with Atheism and Humanism, Earth-Centered Religions, and our own UU faith. Modules may be used in
any order. For instance, we have not created modules for Confucianism and Daoism, although both of
these are covered in God Is Not One by Stephen Prothero.
The course uses the book God Is Not One by Stephen Prothero to explore each world religion by asking
the questions:
What problem is the religion trying to solve?
What solution does it offer?
In addition, we explore some of our own questions, such as:
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What is it about each religion that makes it so engaging and compelling as to continue to attract
millions of practitioners/believers?
Goals Our goals are to develop a greater appreciation, respect, and understanding of the impact of world
religions... and through them, explore our own faith.
Facilitators Facilitators do not need to be knowledgeable about world religions to lead this program, but you do
need respect, compassion, and curiosity. World Religions is designed for co-leadership. We have found it
useful to divide up the modules among three or four facilitators. For example, one facilitator takes
Hinduism (planning and presenting the curriculum, finding a guest speaker, and coordinating the field
trip), while another takes the Buddhism module. In this way, each facilitator is responsible for only a few
modules and can enjoy the other modules more or less as a participant. Another option is to designate
one person responsible for guest speakers and field trips while other facilitators are responsible for the
classes.
Participants The course is designed for adults who are interested in learning more about world religions. Participants
are asked to:
Purchase or borrow the book God Is Not One by Stephen Prothero.
Read selections from God Is Not One and/or listen to the related podcasts from Interfaith Voices
radio show in preparation for class discussion.
Visit houses of worship representing the religions we are studying and that we will visit as a
group. Most visits are either on Saturday or Sunday mornings.
Put aside prejudices, fears, and preconceptions in order to enter into true dialogue.
How to Use These Materials This document serves as the foundation document for the course, and provides links to all other
documents that you can download and customize for each class/module. It also provides tools for the
facilitator such as customizable emails. NOTE: As described below in Program Structure, each module
generally consists of two classes plus one field trip.
You will need Microsoft Word and PowerPoint in order to use the materials in this curriculum.
1. About a month before you facilitate a particular module, look up its module in this document.
That is where you will find everything you need to design the two classes plus field trip.
2. Under Resources in the module, you will find a link to the Lesson Plans/Agendas for both Class 1
and Class 2. These documents provide sample, customizable lesson plans and agendas for each
class.
a. They are downloadable documents so you can easily customize them based on your
class plans and needs. For instance, switching a Guest Speaker to come during the first
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class instead of the second. This design also allows you to easily add in notes for your
own activities. Once you have finalized a lesson plan, you may also wish to create a
shorter agenda for participants by deleting sections such as the Bring to Class list and
time allocations, which are for facilitators.
b. Other documents (Thought Questions, Religion 101 PowerPoint, etc.) are also available
for class use.
c. Some modules include Notes for Facilitator which provide additional background.
3. Each module includes a sample email that you can copy/paste, customize, and send to your
participants as a reminder of the next class, field trip, and/or guest speaker.
Program Structure
Course Schedule The course is composed of eight modules, each one focuses on one religion, plus the Welcome Class and
the Final Class. (Note: Christianity consists of two months since it is the majority religion in the U.S. and
the foundation religion of many of our congregants.) Most modules encompass a month and include:
An initial class, introducing the religion and discussing the relevant chapter from God Is Not
One;
A trip to a house of worship; and
A concluding class, often consisting of a guest speaker, although the guest speaker may visit the
first class, depending his or her schedule.
See sample Course Schedule.
Class Format/Lesson Plan/Agenda All classes follow the same structure: An opening and closing reading begins and ends each class to
establish continuity, and help to define the religious education time as sacred. A typical class schedule
for a 90-minute class is as follows:
Lighting the Chalice (5 minutes). Ask participants to sign up for a date to bring an opening and
closing reading related to that month’s religion. Announcements (5 minutes). Take care of any
administrative tasks or other announcements. You may want to wait until the end of class to
discuss an upcoming visit as questions may have been answered during the class.
Gathering Activity (15-20 minutes). Go around the room to allow each participant an
opportunity to share their name, experiences or questions. You may not want to include this on
days with guest speakers. Set parameters on the amount of time each person should speak.
o First Class in a Module. Participants share what experience they may have with the
religion being introduced, e.g., from a Jewish family, lived next door to a mosque,
and/or their comments on the readings.
o Second Class in a Module. Participants share their impressions or questions from
previous field trip.
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Guest Speaker (45 minutes).
Discussion of Religion (30 minutes). This discussion is led by the facilitator providing information
and insights into the religion.
o One of the two classes in a module is led by a facilitator to introduce some basic ideas
about the religion. This time is not intended to be a lecture, but is designed to allow the
facilitator to spark discussion by asking questions. Resources, including the “Religion
101” PowerPoint, provide an overview to help this discussion.
PowerPoint Presentation. Each module includes a PowerPoint that over time
will allow participants to compare the various religions. The slides address the
size, beliefs, scriptures, and general practices of the religions. This information is
based on a number of resources, including but not limited to God Is Not One.
Other Options. If you have extra time, or if you do not have a guest speaker,
below are some additional ideas for the class:
Discuss in more detail Prothero’s idea of the particular religion’s
problem and solution.
Discuss in more detail a particular topic, e.g., role of women,
relationship to other religions, role of culture vs. politics vs. religion.
Read and discuss a passage from one of the scriptures. See the Reading
Scripture exercise.
Using journaling and class discussion to explore one’s reactions to a
particular topic. See the Exploring Our Lenses into Religion exercise.
Watch/read and discuss a video, article, or art from an Internet resource
such as Interfaith Voices or BeliefNet or a reliable source of the religion
you are studying.
Compare and discuss various aspects of several religious traditions. See
the Patheos Library’s Side by Side Comparison.
Thought Questions (20 minutes). Each module contains thought questions to help participants
explore ideas and practices from the religion, including how they are similar or different to the
UU faith. Throughout the year, use the questions to encourage participation from less vocal
members.
o Break into small groups (2-4 people) to discuss the same or different questions. You may
bring them back as a group to share results of the discussion.
o Discuss thought questions with entire class.
Reminders (5 minutes). Discuss upcoming field trip or how to prepare for the next class.
Extinguish the Chalice (5 minutes). Share closing reading.
See How to Use These Materials for additional guidance.
Class Communications Because of the multiple trips the class takes, having a means of communicating is vital. In addition,
facilitators and participants often want to exchange articles, recommend books, and engage in
discussions outside of class.
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Work with your congregation to see what resources are available, and discuss options with your class,
keeping in mind that not everyone may use or have access to email or texting. Below are some options.
Email. Email may be the simplest way to communicate. In order to eliminate multiple emails,
discuss rules for sharing information, such as placing messages on a shared drive. Consider
designating one facilitator as the primary communicator.
Shared Drive or Cloud Storage. Use a web service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, to store
class documents, including the schedule, Lesson Plans/Agendas, thought questions, sign-up for
opening/closing readings, additional readings, and recommended resources. Check with your
congregation’s web administrator to see if they have any options.
Facebook. Create a group space to allow participants to discuss issues and share events
between meetings.
Planning a Visit to a House of Worship “Field trips” may well be the number one reason people sign up for this course. The purpose of a visit is
not solely to observe, but to participate when invited, to the extent they invite participation.
The modules include ideas for visiting a house of worship. Below are some suggestions.
Finding a Place to Visit
At the beginning of the course, reach out to your minister, Religious Exploration administrator, or other
people in the congregation to see if they can recommend some contacts. Many RE programs have a
Neighboring Faiths or Building Bridges curriculum for youth that also includes visits, and the teachers
may have suggestions. Be sure to coordinate schedules with them to be respectful of the time and
resources of the people you will be visiting. Ask your class participants for ideas or contacts. If you
cannot find any specific contacts, generally using the "Contact" page on an organization’s website will
work as well.
Before reaching out, check their website for the dates that you are considering. Identifying special
events may help decide the best time to attend. You may want to attend a holy day observance or you
may prefer a more routine visit to get a better sense of their regular way of worship. Be open to visiting
at a different time than they normally worship. If your class meets twice a month, it is best to schedule
the visit in between classes. The first class discusses the religion and what to expect. The second class
allows participants to share what they learned or address any questions.
The people you visit may be interested in learning about Unitarian Universalism. Consider bringing a UU
brochure, and be prepared to give an “elevator speech” of what UU means.
Preparing to Visit
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Below is a sample email to introduce yourself and request a visit.
Ask your contact in advance if there are restrictions on clothing and/or on what part of the service the
class can participate. Their website may provide suggestions for visitors. The book How to Be a Perfect
Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook by Stuart M. Matlins and Arthur J. Magida
provides a valuable overview of what is expected of visitors for a number of different religions and
denominations.
In addition to ritual, scripture, prayer, and belief, here are other areas to be aware of as you make visits
throughout the year:
What speaks to you? What do you find compelling?
What is the general feeling, e.g., peace, excitement, awe, from the facility, leaders, or service?
How does the service involve each of your five senses?
What symbols, colors, images, and music are used? What are their effects? Why are they used?
Look at the bulletin boards and announcements. What do they tell you?
Besides services, what other ways do the members regularly worship or come together, e.g.,
Sunday School, small groups?
What role does architecture play? The outdoor environment?
What is the center of the worship space?
Sample Email: Request a Visit to a House of Worship
Good morning! I'm a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax (UUCF), and I
am helping to facilitate an adult class on World Religions. Our goal is to develop greater
appreciation, respect and understanding of world religions by visiting local congregations and
learning from members of these communities.
During October, our class is studying Hinduism, and we would love to visit [name of temple].
Would it be possible for our World Religions class of 14 adults to visit [name of temple] the
weekend of October 19 or 20 and speak to someone who could help us better understand how
Hindus worship and practice their faith? If that date does not work, would another weekend in
October be better? Our visit would be about 1-2 hours.
If there is someone else I should contact, would you please direct me to them? Thank you for
your assistance; our class is looking forward to learning more about the Hindu way of life.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Facilitator, World Religions Class
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How formal are the service, clothing, and speech?
How are each gender, children, the elderly, spiritual leaders, and guests treated?
How large is the congregation? How does the size affect the worship service?
How does the service and place of worship reflect their members’ culture? What role do they
play in their community?
After a Visit
Send a follow-up thank you email and card to the individuals who spoke with the group and/or arranged
your visit, as well as the congregation as a whole. Many places will post your thank you note on a
bulletin board or read it to the congregation.
Use the check-in time during the next class to give participants an opportunity to share what surprised
them, what they found compelling, what they enjoyed, or any remaining thoughts.
Finding a Guest Speaker Look for opportunities to invite other voices into the class, both as formal speakers, but also as visitors
who might share their experiences or answer questions. They may talk about their childhood in a
particular religious community, discuss issues or concerns related to that religion, or speak on a topic
you may never have known to ask. Below are some ideas for guest speakers:
Someone from the religious community (ideal);
Members of your UU congregation who grew up in another religion;
Referrals from class participants (or the participants themselves), who may have a family
member, neighbor, or colleague willing to visit;
Someone who lived for a while in a country where the religion is practiced extensively;
A professor of religious studies; and/or
Someone from an interfaith alliance.
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Below is a sample email to introduce yourself and request a guest speaker.
Sample Introduction Email to Request a Guest Speaker
Good morning! I'm a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax (UUCF),
and I am helping to facilitate an adult class on World Religions. Our goal is to develop greater
appreciation, respect, and understanding of world religions by visiting local houses of worship.
In addition, we invite guest speakers with a background in these religions to speak during one
of our classes to share their experiences and insights. .
In December, we are studying Judaism (we've already covered Hinduism and Buddhism), and
I was wondering if you would be interested in joining our class to share your insights?
We will meet on Wednesday, December 11 and 18, 7:30-9:00 p.m. We'll have an introductory
session on December 11, visit a synagogue that weekend, and then have a follow-up class on
December 18. We hope you would join us on either Wednesday for a presentation and
discussion. We would be grateful to hear your perspective!
Please give me a call if you would like to discuss more. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Facilitator, World Religions Class
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Welcome Class: Introduction
Purpose ● To help facilitators and participants become acquainted with each other
● To develop a group covenant
● To provide an overview of the course
Resources Reading: God is Not One by Stephen Prothero, Introduction
Audio: Interfaith Voices, Why Schools Need Religion Class
Notes for Facilitator: Sample Class Covenant
Other: Sample Course Schedule
Preparation As Participants Sign Up
Email class participants Welcome email (see sample below).
One to Two Weeks before Welcome Class
Finalize the Lesson Plan and email participants the Agenda.
Print copies of the class covenant for participants.
Print Sign-Up Sheet for Opening and Closing Readings.
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Remember to attach World Religions Course Schedule.
Sample Email to Participants for the Welcome Class
Welcome to World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing! On September 23
at 7:30 p.m., at our first class, we will provide course details, as well as an opportunity to
introduce ourselves and share what has led you to this class. The class will be interactive, as
we have found that much of our learning comes from each others' questions, answers, and
experiences.
To prepare for the first class, please:
Purchase/borrow the book God Is Not One, by Stephen Prothero, and read the
Introduction.
Listen to Interfaith Voices, Why Schools Need Religion Class, in which Stephen Prothero
and Jeffrey Kipal reflect on the state of religious education.
We will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, exploring a different world religion
each month. For a detailed schedule, see the attached World Religions Course Schedule.
We will meet in Room 5 of the Program Building at 7:30 p.m. on September 23. We already
have a waiting list for this class; so if you find that you are unable to participate, please let us
know as soon as possible.
We look forward to a great year of learning with you!
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Module 1: Hinduism Problem: Samsara -- the vicious cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Solution: Moksha -- spiritual liberation from this cycle.
Purpose ● To share personal experience with/exposure to Hinduism
● To explore Hinduism FAQs (origins, history, beliefs, demographics, etc.)
● To discuss God is Not One, Chapter 4, Hinduism: The Way of Devotion
● Visit Hindu Temple
Resources Reading: God is Not One, Chapter 4, Hinduism: The Way of Devotion
Audio: Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Hinduism: The Way of Devotion
Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Hinduism: Om
Lesson Plan/Agenda: Class 1
Class 2
PowerPoint: Hinduism 101
Discussion: Hinduism Thought Questions
Notes for Facilitator: Hinduism Notes
Optional Activities::
o Problem and Solution Handout
o Bhagavad Gita Summary
o Reading Scripture
Preparation One Month before First Class
Arrange temple visit (see Visit Hindu Temple)
Invite guest speaker one to two weeks before Welcome Class
Review and customize (optional) Hinduism 101 and select Hinduism Thought Questions
Finalize and print (optional) the Lesson Plans/Agendas (see Resources for all documents)
Email class participants about the upcoming classes (see sample below)
Visit a Hindu Temple Hindus often visit the temple to offer prayers at any time. There are not many large services like other
religions; therefore, you may have flexibility with scheduling a time. Be prepared to remove your shoes
when entering the temple. See Planning a Visit to a House of Worship for more details.
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Remember to attach Thought Questions.
Sample Email to Class
During the upcoming month, we will be exploring the religion of Hinduism, which is described
as “an over-the-top religion of big ideas, bright colors, soulful mantras, spicy foods, complex
rituals and wild stories.” The world’s oldest living religion, Hinduism is an attempt to escape
the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. The goal is to free the soul from bondage, a path
known as moksha, or release. (Interfaith Voices)
To prepare for the first class:
Read God Is Not One, Chapter 4, Hinduism: The Way of Devotion
Listen to Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Hinduism: The Way of Devotion.
Listen to Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Hinduism: Om (optional)
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] signed up to bring the opening and closing
readings.
Please also plan for our temple visit:
Location: [Name of Temple, Address]
Date: [Date, Beginning Time – Ending Time]
Comments: Be prepared to remove your shoes while inside the temple. Add other
instructions as necessary.
During our second class, we will be joined by:
Guest Speaker: [Name]
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] will provide the opening and closing readings.
Attached are the Hinduism Thought Questions you may want to consider as you prepare
for the classes.
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Module 2: Buddhism Problem: Suffering -- life is suffering because it is impermanent and ever-changing.
Solution: Awakening -- everything becomes clear and we can understand our place
in the universe.
Purpose ● To share personal experience with/exposure to Buddhism
● To explore Buddhist FAQs (origins, history, beliefs, demographics, etc.)
● To discuss God Is Not One, Chapter 5, Buddhism: The Way of Awakening
● Visit Buddhist Temple
Resources
Reading: God Is Not One, Chapter 5, Buddhism: The Way of Awakening
Audio: Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Buddhism: The Way of Awakening
Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Buddhism: Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
Lesson Plan/Agenda: Class 1
Class 2
PowerPoint: Buddhism 101
Discussion Questions: Buddhism Thought Questions
Notes for Facilitator: Buddhism Facilitator Notes
Preparation One Month before First Class
Arrange temple visit (see Visit a Buddhist Temple)
Invite guest speaker
One to Two Weeks before First Class
Review and customize (optional) Buddhism 101 and select Buddhism Thought Questions
Finalize and print (optional) the Lesson Plans/Agendas (see Resources for all documents)
Email the class about the upcoming classes (see sample below).
Visit a Buddhist Temple or Monastery Some Buddhists temples are closely related to a particular culture. Knowing the cultural background
may provide additional understanding about the place you visit. Besides a Buddhist temple, you may
also consider visiting a Buddhist monastery. If neither is available, or if you cannot find a guest speaker,
consider spirituality-based yoga or meditation. Be prepared to remove your shoes when you enter the
temple. See Planning a Visit to a House of Worship for more details.
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Remember to attach Thought Questions.
Sample Email to Class
During the upcoming month, we will be exploring the religion of Buddhism, which is described
as, “A tradition that almost resembles psychotherapy in its analysis of human suffering and its
focus on mental discipline. Buddhists value insight gained from personal experience, not faith
or belief, and there is no concept of God. The 2,500-year old tradition is based on the
teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, or ‘the awakened one,’ who preached that we can
overcome our suffering through techniques like chanting and meditating, and by realizing the
true nature of reality.” (Interfaith Voices)
To prepare for the first class:
Read God Is Not One, Chapter 5, Buddhism: The Way of Awakening
Listen to Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Buddhism: The Way of Awakening.
Listen to Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Buddhism: Nam-Myoho-Renge-
Kyo (optional)
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] signed up to bring the opening and closing
readings.
Please also plan for our temple visit:
Location: [Name of Temple, Address]
Date: [Date, Beginning Time – Ending Time]
Comments: Be prepared to remove your shoes while inside the temple. Add other
instructions as necessary.
During our second class, we will be joined by:
Guest Speaker: [Name]
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] will provide the opening and closing readings.
Attached are the Buddhism Thought Questions you may want to consider as you prepare
for the classes.
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Module 3: Judaism Problem: Exile -- we have become distant from God, and distant from our
community.
Solution: Return -- through storytelling and law.
Purpose ● To share personal experience with/exposure to Judaism
● To explore Jewish FAQs, (origins, history, beliefs, demographics, etc.)
● To discuss God is Not One, Chapter 7, Judaism: The Way of Exile and Return
● Visit Synagogue
Resources
Reading: God is Not One, Chapter 7, Judaism: The Way of Exile and Return
Audio: Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Judaism: The Way of Exile and Return
Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Judaism: The Shofar
Lesson Plan/Agenda: Class 1
Class 2
PowerPoint: Judaism 101
Discussion Questions: Judaism Thought Questions
Preparation One Month before First Class
Arrange synagogue visit (see Visit a Synagogue)
Invite guest speaker
One to Two Weeks before First Class
Review and customize (optional) Judaism 101 and select Judaism Thought Questions
Finalize and print (optional) the Lesson Plans/Agendas (see Resources for all documents)
Email the class about the upcoming classes (see sample below).
Visit a Synagogue Saturday morning services are often long and congregants arrive at different times. Ask your contact
what is the appropriate time for you to arrive.
Men may be asked to wear a yarmulke when entering (the synagogue/temple may provide them for
visitors). In some congregations, women may also wear them, although they are generally optional.
Using electronics or writing may be forbidden on the Sabbath in some synagogues.
In some places, women and men may worship separately.
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Following the Torah reading may be difficult in congregations since much of it is read in Hebrew, but
usually members will help visitors find their way through the service. See Planning a Visit to a House of
Worship for more details.
Remember to attach Thought Questions.
Sample Email to Class
During the upcoming month, we will be exploring the religion of Judaism, which is described
as, “One of the world's oldest monotheistic traditions, tracing its beginnings to more than
three thousand years ago. For Jews, humanity's great problem is exile -- we have become
distant from God, and distant from our community. The solution is return, through storytelling
and law.” (Interfaith Voices)
To prepare for the first class:
Read God is Not One, Chapter 7, Judaism: The Way of Exile and Return
Listen to Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Judaism: The Way of Exile and Return.
Listen to Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Judaism: The Shofar (optional)
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] signed up to bring the opening and closing
readings.
Please also plan for our temple visit:
Location: [Name of Temple, Address]
Date: [Date, Beginning Time – Ending Time]
Comments: Add instructions as necessary.
During our second class, we will be joined by:
Guest Speaker: [Name]
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] will provide the opening and closing readings.
You may also want to consider these Judaism Thought Questions as you prepare for the
classes.
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Module 4: Christianity Problem: Sin -- the breaking of God's law.
Solution: Salvation -- the saving of the soul from sin and its consequences.
Note: The Christianity module is expanded across two months. The first month
presents a more general overview of Christianity. The second month takes a
Eastern Orthodoxy, Liberation Theology, Catholicism, or Protestantism. We’ve
included Lesson Plans/Agendas for the second month on Mormonism.
Purpose ● To share personal experience with/exposure to Christianity
● To explore Christianity FAQs, (origins, history, beliefs, demographics, etc.)
● To discuss God is Not One, Chapter 2, Christianity: The Way of Salvation
● Visit Christian Church or Monastery
Resources Reading: God is Not One, Chapter 2, Christianity: The Way of Salvation
Audio: Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Christianity: The Way of Salvation
Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Christianity: Sacred Harp
Lesson Plan/Agenda: Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 (Mormonism) Class 4 (Mormonism)
PowerPoint: Christianity 101
Discussion: Christianity Thought Questions
Resources for Mormonism: Interfaith Voices, The Year of the Mormon: The Rise of The LDS Church
Section on Mormonism in God is Not One, Chapter 2, Christianity
Patheos, Side-by-Side Comparison of Christianity, Mormonism, and UU
Other: Exploring Our Lenses into Religion (Optional Activity)
Preparation One Month before First Class
Arrange church/monastery visit/s (see Visit a Church/Monastery)
Invite guest speaker/s
Plan topics for all four classes (see Note at top of page for possible topics, such as Mormonism)
One to Two Weeks before First Class
Review and customize (optional) Christianity 101 and select Christianity Thought Questions
Finalize and print (optional) the Lesson Plans/Agendas (see Resources for all documents)
Email the class about the upcoming classes (see sample below)
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 18
Visit a Church/Monastery Many class participants are already familiar with both Catholic and mainline Protestant services. Below
are some possible, new experiences:
Monastery or convent
Eastern Orthodox church
Coptic church
Mormon church
Revival services held at a Protestant church
Pentecostal church
“Mega-church”
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 19
Remember to attach Thought Questions.
Sample Email to Class
During the upcoming month, we will be exploring the religion of Christianity, which is
described as, “You might think you already know what Stephen Prothero is going to say in
the fourth part of our series on the world's major religions. But if you think you know the most
popular religion in the United States, think again. It's always changing, expressed in a
‘dizzying diversity’ of interpretations and practices. For Christians, the problem is sin, and the
solution is salvation.” (Interfaith Voices)
To prepare for the first class:
Read God Is Not One, Chapter 2, Christianity: The Way of Salvation, or
Listen to Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Christianity: The Way of Salvation
Listen to Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Christianity: Sacred Harp
(optional)
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] has signed up to bring the opening and closing
readings.
Please also plan for our church or monastery visit:
Location: [Name of Church, Address]
Date: [Date, Beginning Time – Ending Time]
Comments: Add instructions as necessary.
During our second class, we will be joined by:
Guest Speaker: [Name]
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] will provide the opening and closing readings.
You may also want to consider these Christianity Thought Questions as you prepare for
the classes.
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 20
Module 5: Islam Problem: Pride -- the sense that we can get along on our own without God.
Solution: Submission -- serving God, following his commands, and rejecting
polytheism.
Purpose ● To share personal experience with/exposure to Islam
● To explore Islam FAQs, (origins, history, beliefs, demographics, etc.)
● To discuss God Is Not One, Chapter 1, Islam: The Way of Submission
● Visit a Mosque
Resources Reading: God Is Not One, Chapter 1, Islam: The Way of Submission
Audio: Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Islam: The Way of Submission
Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Islam: The Call to Prayer
Lesson Plan/Agenda: Class 1
Class 2
PowerPoint: Islam 101
Discussion Questions: Islam Thought Questions
Preparation One Month before First Class
Arrange mosque visit (see Visit a Mosque)
Invite guest speaker
One to Two Weeks before First Class
Review and customize (optional) Islam 101 and select Islam Thought Questions
Finalize and print (optional) the Lesson Plans/Agendas (see Resources for all documents)
Email the class about the upcoming class (see sample below)
See Lesson Plans/Agendas for details for each class.
Visit a Mosque Ask your contact about appropriate dress and whether women should wear head scarves. Be prepared
to remove your shoes when you enter the mosque. Often, the men and women worship in separate
areas. During Ramadan, most mosques look for opportunities to invite members of the community to
break their fast and share a meal with them.
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 21
Remember to attach Thought Questions.
Sample Email to Class
During the upcoming month, we will be exploring the religion of Islam, which is described as,
“The word ‘Islam’ in Arabic means both ‘peace’ and ‘submission.’ The problem that Islam
wants to solve is pride -- the sense that we can get along on our own without God. The
solution is submission to Allah, through techniques like praying five times a day, and saying
the Shahada, the testimony of faith that "there is no God but God." (Interfaith Voices)
To prepare for the first class:
Read God Is Not One, Chapter 1, Islam: The Way of Submission, or
Listen to Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Islam: The Way of Submission.
Listen to Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Islam: The Call to Prayer
(optional)
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] has signed up to bring the opening and closing
readings.
Please also plan for our mosque visit:
Location: [Name of Mosque, Address]
Date: [Date, Beginning Time – Ending Time]
Comments: Be prepared to remove your shoes while inside the mosque. Add other
instructions as necessary.
During our second class, we will be joined by:
Guest Speaker: [Name]
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] will provide opening and closing readings.
You may also want to consider these Islam Thought Questions as you prepare for the
classes.
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 22
Module 6: Humanism and Atheism Problem: (Atheism) -- Religion.
Solution: (Atheism) -- Cleanse the world of religion.
Note: Prothero deals strictly with Atheism; however, we’ve expanded the topic to
include Humanism. One branch of Humanism defines itself as atheist, but others do not. The problem
and solution as Prothero relates it applies solely to Atheism.
Purpose ● To share personal experience with/exposure to Humanism and Atheism
● To explore FAQs about Humanism and Atheism (origins, history, beliefs, demographics, etc.)
● To discuss God is Not One, Chapter 9, A Brief Coda on Atheism: The Way of Reason
● Visit a Humanist or Atheist Center/Group
Resources Reading: God is Not One, Chapter 9, A Brief Coda on Atheism: The Way of Reason
Audio: Interfaith Voices, Reflections of an Anti-Theist
Sermon on Humanism by Rev. Mary Katherine Morn
PowerPoint: Humanism and Atheism 101
Humanism 101
Atheism 101
Lesson Plan/Agenda: Class 1
Class 2
Discussion: Humanism/ Atheism Thought Questions
Other: What is Humanism? Handout (to accompany Humanism and Atheism 101, Part 2)
Preparation One Month before First Class
Arrange visit (see Options for Visits)
Invite guest speaker
One to Two Weeks before First Class
Review and customize (optional) Humanism and Atheism 101, Humanism 101, Atheism 101, and
select Humanism/Atheism Thought Questions.
Finalize and print (optional) the Lesson Plans/Agendas (see Resources for all documents)
Email class participants about upcoming class (see sample below).
Options for Visits See the American Ethical Union for a local Ethical Society, or look for a local group through the American
Humanist Association or American Atheists.
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 23
Remember to attach Thought Questions.
Sample Email to Class
During the upcoming month, we will be exploring Humanism and Atheism. Stephen Prothero
only addresses the topic of Atheism, but we will also look at Humanism, which some people
equate with Atheism, but others do not. Prothero writes, “Atheists argue that the human
problem cannot be solved by religion, because religion itself is the problem. Religious belief is
man-made and murderous—irrational, superstitious, and hazardous to our health. The
solution is to flush this poison out of our system…” (p. 318,God Is Not One).
To prepare for the first class:
Read God is Not One, Chapter 9, A Brief Coda on Atheism: The Way of Reason
Listen to Interfaith Voices, Reflections of an Anti-Theist.
Listen to Sermon on Humanism by Rev. Mary Katherine Morn
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] has signed up to bring the opening and closing
readings.
Please also plan for our visit:
Location: [Name of Group, Address]
Date: [Date, Beginning Time – Ending Time]
Comments: Add other instructions as necessary.
During our class, we will be joined by:
Guest Speaker: [Name]
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] will provide the opening and closing readings.
You may also want to consider these Humanism/Atheism Thought Questions as you
prepare for the class.
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 24
Module 7: Earth-Centered Religions Note: This module is designed for a single class. You could choose an earth-based
religion, such as the Native American Church or a more recent religious movement such
as Neo-Paganism or Wiccan. We have provided materials on a variety of Earth-Centered
religions.
Purpose ● To share personal experience with/exposure to Earth-Centered religions.
● To explore FAQs about Earth-Centered religions (origins, history, beliefs, demographics, etc.)
Resources Audio: Interfaith Voices, Margot Adler on Paganism and Public Radio
Lesson Plan/Agenda: Class 1
PowerPoint: Neo-Paganism and Wiccan 101
She Who Remains, The Religion of the Great Goddess
Discussion Questions: Pagan Thought Questions
Notes for Facilitator: Goddess Spirituality Facilitator Notes
Preparation One Month before First Class
Arrange visit (see Options for Visits)
Invite guest speaker
One to Two Weeks before the Class
Review PowerPoint and other resources, and select Pagan Thought Questions.
Finalize and print (optional) the Lesson Plan/Agenda.
Email class participants upcoming class (see sample below).
Options for Visits
Many Neo-Pagan and Wiccan communities are small and do not advertise themselves due to the risk of
harassment, and many people worship only as individuals or families, therefore it may be difficult to find
a group to visit. However, a local UU congregation may have members who celebrate certain rituals or
who are themselves Pagan/Wiccan and may be willing to talk to the class. Local Native American
communities can be found via the Internet.
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 25
Remember to attach Thought Questions.
Sample Email to Class
During the upcoming class, we will be exploring Paganism and/or Earth-Centered Religions.
Stephen Prothero doesn’t cover these topics in his book, so use the link below for an
introduction. According to the UUA’s Building Bridge’s curriculum, “There are many different
religions that may define themselves—or be defined by others—as Pagan. One definition for
‘Pagan’ from the Religious Tolerance website is ‘Wiccans and other Neo-pagans whose
religion is based on the deities, symbols, practices, seasonal days of celebration, and other
surviving components of ancient religions, which had long been suppressed... Some modern
pagan sects are earth-centered. They focus on living in harmony with the earth and observing
its cycles. Others... are deity centered.’ We will use this definition because, in the United
States—and in our UU congregations—the Pagans we encounter will mostly be Wiccans and
Neo-Pagans.”
To prepare for the class:
Listen to Interfaith Voices, Margot Adler on Paganism and Public Radio
Readings: [Name of Class Participant] has signed up to bring the opening and closing
readings.
Please also plan for our visit:
Location: [Name of Group, Address]
Date: [Date, Beginning Time – Ending Time]
Comments: Add other instructions as necessary.
During our class, we will be joined by:
Guest Speaker: [Name]
You may also want to consider these Pagan Thought Questions as you prepare for the
class.
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 26
Final Class Note: The Final Class is scheduled an hour earlier to include a potluck dinner for
participants, guest speakers, and other contacts.
Purpose To explore what problem and solution Unitarian Universalism addresses
To discuss the difference between tolerance and respect for other religions
To thank guest speakers
To enjoy the ritual of communal eating with the class participants
Resources Reading: Tolerance Isn't Good Enough: The Need for Mutual Respect In Interfaith Relations by Rajiv
Malhotra
Beyond Tolerance by Rev. Jennifer Brooks
Lesson Plan/Agenda: Final Class
Other: UU Principles Handout
Preparation One Month before Final Class
Schedule time and room for potluck
Invite guest speakers and other guests to potluck (see sample email below)
Announce plans in class so participants can prepare
One to Two Weeks before Final Class
Customize the session exercises (see the Lesson Plan/Agenda).
Collect several definitions for “tolerance” and “respect” to provide during the discussion.
Finalize and print (optional) the Lesson Plan/Agenda.
Email class participants (see sample below).
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 27
Remember to attach the selections.
Sample Email to Class
The upcoming class will be our final meeting. Please remember to come an hour earlier and
bring a dish to share for the potluck. We may be joined by some of the guest speakers from
our classes this past year.
Part of our discussion will include considering what problem is UU trying to solve, and what is
its solution. What do you think? We will also discuss the difference between respect and
tolerance for other religions. To prepare for this discussion, please read the following attached
selections:
“Tolerance Isn't Good Enough: The Need for Mutual Respect In Interfaith Relations” by
Rajiv Malhotra
“Beyond Tolerance” by Rev. Jennifer Brooks.
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 28
Sample Email to Guest Speakers
On behalf of the facilitators and participants in our World Religions class, I want to thank you
again for the time you took to help our class, whether visiting as a guest speaker or hosting at
your own house of worship. We have touched on Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity,
Islam, Humanism and Atheism, and Earth-Centered Religions. We've visited [list the places
that you went to]. It has been a wonderful experience, and you've been a big part of it. We
take away a much greater appreciation for the variety of beliefs and practices within each of
the religions.
On [date], we are holding our last class as a potluck, and we hope you will join us! It will begin
at 6:30 in the [location], but you are certainly welcome to join us later as your schedule
permits. During this time, we will hold our final discussion, and you are welcome to join us.
Final Discussion Topic: Stephen Prothero, in his book God Is Not One, has identified a
different problem that each of the world religions is trying to solve. So what problem is
UU trying to resolve, and what is its solution? From Prothero's website:
Islam: the problem is pride/ the solution is submission
Christianity: the problem is sin/the solution is salvation
Buddhism: the problem is suffering/the solution is awakening
Judaism: the problem is exile/the solution is to return to God
Thank you again for joining us on this journey! We hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Facilitator, World Religions Class
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 29
Resources: Videos, Podcasts, Notes, PowerPoints, and Other Materials Wherever possible in the curriculum, we’ve tried to link to the original videos, podcasts, PowerPoints,
articles, and other materials so you can explore them in context. We’ve also included copies of the
material for you to download.
Module Original Link
Introduction Flyer to Advertise Course
Sample Course Schedule
Opening and Closing Readings
Reading Scripture Alternate Activity
Exploring Our Lenses into Religion Alternate Activity
First Class: Introduction Interfaith Voices, Why Schools Need Religion Class
Lesson Plan/Agenda
Class Covenants
Sample Course Schedule
Module 1: Hinduism Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Hinduism: The Way of Devotion
Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Hinduism: Om
Class 1 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Class 2 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Hinduism 101
Hinduism Thought Questions
Hinduism Notes
Problem and Solution Handout
Bhagavad Gita Summary
Reading Scripture
Module 2: Buddhism Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Buddhism: The Way of Awakening
Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Buddhism: Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
Class 1 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Class 2 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Buddhism 101
Buddhism Thought Questions
Buddhism Facilitator Notes
Module 3: Judaism Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Judaism: The Way of Exile and Return
Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Judaism: The Shofar
Class 1 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Class 2 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Judaism 101
Judaism Thought Questions
World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Curriculum
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Page 30
Module Original Link Module 4: Christianity Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Christianity: The Way of
Salvation
Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Christianity: Sacred Harp
Class 1 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Class 2 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Class 3 Lesson Plan/Agenda (Mormonism)
Class 4 Lesson Plan/Agenda (Mormonism)
Christianity 101
Christianity Thought Questions
Interfaith Voices, The Year of the Mormon: The Rise of The LDS Church
Patheos, Side-by-Side Comparison of Christianity, Mormonism, and UU
Exploring Our Lenses into Religion
Module 5: Islam Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Islam: The Way of Submission
Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Islam: The Call to Prayer
Class 1 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Class 2 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Islam 101
Islam Thought Questions
Module 6: Humanism and Atheism
Interfaith Voices, Reflections of an Anti-Theist
Sermon on Humanism by Rev. Mary Katherine Morn
Humanism and Atheism 101
Humanism 101
Atheism 101
Class 1 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Class 2 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Humanism/Atheism Thought Questions
What is Humanism? Handout
Module 7: Earth-Centered Religions
Interfaith Voices, Margot Adler on Paganism and Public Radio
Class 1 Lesson Plan/Agenda
Neo-Paganism and Wiccan 101
She Who Remains, The Religion of the Great Goddess
Goddess Spirituality Facilitator Notes
Neo-Pagan Thought Questions
Final Class Article: Tolerance Isn't Good Enough: The Need for Mutual Respect In Interfaith Relations
Article: Beyond Tolerance
Final Class Lesson Plan/Agenda
UU Principles Handout