Two of the world’s major religions.
We will compare and contrast prophecy in Christianity and Buddhism, and scriptural emphases; special attention will be paid to what is said about human imperfection and what to do about it, e.g., the human potential for both good and evil.
We also will look at religion in the lives and communities of Christians and Buddhists, and the relevance of the two religions to the crises of our times.
These religions are important in the lives of the instructors and, we expect, in the lives of class members. We hope to draw upon this experience as well.
Instructor Steven Piker is an anthropologist by career, with 44 years at Swarthmore College, including work with the college’s foreign study program, field research in Thailand and with religious conversion in the U.S. Over the past 10 years Steve has offered courses in three of Maine’s senior colleges, and looks forward to this introduction to Coastal Senior College. Steve now lives in Yarmouth, ME, two blocks from two of his three grandchildren, and heats his home mainly with a wood stove.
Instructor Paul Doherty studied piano at the New England Conservatory of Music (Boston), where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Education. He is now retired from careers in music education, radio broadcasting, and ministry. Paul currently enjoys volunteer work and lifelong learning and teaching in various Maine senior colleges.