Religions of the World

One of the world's oldest surviving religions, Judaism is both a theology and a way of life for over 12 million followers in the world today. The first religion to be founded upon the principle of monotheism, Judaism has survived despite persecution against its people throughout the ages. Discover how followers of Judaism utilize the ancient text of the Torah as a foundation to their reciprocal relationships with God.

From the public ministry of Jesus to the legendary battles of the Crusades, examine the interwoven histories of these two distinct branches of Christianity. Although its followers were long persecuted by the Roman Empire, Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean region and eventually became the favored religion of the Empire, following the ascension of Constantine to the Roman throne. Discover how Catholicism proliferated into the many branches of Christianity today.

Political, religious and social events of 16th-century Europe changed the course of history. These factors sparked the birth of Protestant Christianity, whose new doctrines were formulated in reaction to the Roman Catholic Church. Viewers will explore the many denominations that developed over the centuries, including Baptists, Calvinists, Mennonites, Presbyterians, Puritans, and Quakers.

Islam is one of the great monotheistic world religions practiced today. Discover the Islamic culture through the daily life and rituals of Muslims around the world. Viewers will learn about Islam's history, from its inception in the seventh century, to the rise of the Ottoman Empire between the ninth and twelfth centuries, and to the present.

Learn how and why Hinduism has survived to be one of the oldest and largest world religions with nearly one billion followers, located mostly in India. Hinduism encompasses wide practices and traditions largely due to its great capacity to integrate the new with the old, layering these traditions and enriching culture. Discover how Hindus strive to achieve the realization of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality which permeates everything, within Atman, the inner self.

Discover the history behind the philosophy that has led millions of followers on a quest for spiritual enlightenment. Through the epic story of Siddhartha Gotama, learn why Buddhists believe the key to Nirvana lies within themselves, accessible through thoughtful meditation and prayer. By avoiding sentimental engagement with material possessions, Buddhists believe that they can unlock their most enlightened selves and reach a greater plane of existence.

Explore the rituals and ceremonies of Japan’s Shinto through interviews, archival and on-location footage. Shinto or “the way of the Kami” which loosely translated, means “god” or “the sacred” is rooted in mythology and folk rituals that are passed through the generations. Shinto is unique among religion in that it has no congressional worship, founder, or organizing doctrine.

While the major religions of the Western world affirm a belief in a single God, Confucianism and Taoism focus inward on human behavior and thought. Learn how the philosophy and doctrine of Confucius has impacted Chinese culture. Enter the world once shrouded in secrecy as the rituals of Taoism are explained.

Examine the religious rituals and myths of the many small groups of indigenous people living around the world. From the Ainu of northern Japan to the Indians of North America, discover common beliefs and practices that bind these societies on a spiritual level. Learn how these small societies have maintained their cultural identities while fighting off the encroachment of Western ideology.

Learn about the cultural diversity of Africa through its many religions -- traditional and neo-traditional African, Christianity, and Islam. See how shared elements of various customs serve as unifying threads across tribes, centuries, and even continents. Observe the strong traces of African religious spirituality that exist today in cultures that have survived slavery.

Through archival footage, artifacts and interviews, viewers will gain a broad understanding of Native American spirituality, featuring Aztec and Maya religions as well as the beliefs of Eskimo and Iroquois populations. Discover traditions with an ancient history that dates as far back as 9000 BCE, and the way changing cultural circumstances have altered the religious lives of these people.

Examine the role of philosophy and science in the universal quest to understand the "cosmic order" or purpose to life. Survey major Western thinkers, beginning with the Greek philosophers, Socrates and Plato. Discover how their ideas and questions about morality became the roots of skepticism and religious relativism, and later led to scientific work by Aristotle and Copernicus.