Faiths of Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, Islam October 2, 2007

Faiths of Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, Islam
This course is an introduction to the three major religious traditions that claim Abraham as a forefather. The course examines the historical evolution and fundamental doctrines and beliefs, practices, liturgy, rituals, institutions, and cultural expressions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jewish topics include: Biblical origins; Jewish concepts and values; the Jewish liturgical cycle; the impact of exile from Israel; and Judaism and modernity. Christian topics include: the Gospel and early writers; evolution from persecution to imperial Christianity; medieval Rome and the Church; the Protestant Reformation; and the Catholic Reformation. Islamic topics include: the historical background of the Islamic tradition; the Five Pillars of Islam; Islamic philosophy and law; Islamic mysticism; and Islam and modernity. Students of all faiths are welcome.

Instructor: Saba Soomekh obtained her BA from University of California, Berkeley, her MA in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School, and is a PhD candidate in the religious studies department at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is currently a visiting professor in the theological studies department at Loyola Marymount University.

Tuesdays
October 2–November 6
1:30–3:00 p.m.
6 sessions

$150 General
$120 Skirball Members
$90 Students

Official Website: http://www.skirball.org