Back
1347 days ago

Interested in learning objectively about the world's religious traditions?

Todd Nachowitz from EarthDiverse

EarthDiverse currently offers three distinct series of courses about religious behaviour and diversity, with each series consisting of four or more Terms. Any of these courses can be taken independently of the others as there are no prerequisites. Students can join our Religious Diversity classes at any time throughout the year. Courses are offered on a rotating basis with different courses offered each Term.

All courses are taught from an objective point of view. They are about religion and religious behaviour, taught from an anthropological and historical point of view, and are designed for participants to get a greater understanding of the depth and scope of the diversity that exists within the world’s various faith and belief traditions.

We're currently offering two distinct courses during Term 1, which begins the week starting Monday 15 February:

1. "Contemporary Beliefs and Practices"
Focuses on a comparative examination of the contemporary values and practices of the major world religions, and involves a critical exploration of lifecycle rituals and beliefs, from birth to death, food and clothing preferences, festivals and other activities associated with what religions do. In this course we look at selected topics in the contemporary practice of religion, focusing on a different topic each class, and view how each religion approaches that particular topic. Structuring discussions in this way allows us to focus on the similarities between the major world religions rather than on any perceived differences. Meets Friday mornings beginning 19 Feb 2021, 11:00am-1:00pm.

2. "Understanding Judaism"
This eight-week course, part of our World Religions series, provides a detailed introduction to the history, texts, beliefs and practices of the Jewish faith tradition. Meets Tuesday evenings beginning 16 Feb, 7:00-9:00pm.

A schedule of topics for each course is available on our website.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
8 hours ago

What workplace change would you like to see most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.

As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.

Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!

Image
7 days ago

Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.

Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.

Image
Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
  • 23.8% Yes
    23.8% Complete
  • 75.5% No
    75.5% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below
    0.7% Complete
2748 votes
5 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

Image