Comparative World Religions : Streaming Films

Throughout history, human beings have dreamed of heaven, built their lives around it, and even killed for their particular religion’s version of the hereafter. This program explores the concept of heaven according to some inspiring followers of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. Viewers meet a Catholic priest working with gangs, an unusual Thai Buddhist monk, a Hindu priest who is also a hydraulics engineer, Sufi dervishes, and the remarkable Mountain Jews of Azerbaijan. The video includes expert commentary about the historical evolution of the notion of heaven. With Diana Eck, Harvard University professor of comparative religion; Alan Segal, Columbia University professor of religion; and Carol Zaleski, Smith College professor of world religions. (98 minutes)

Some of history’s most violent religious conflicts have taken place among people who profess the same beliefs. Are there insights to be learned from schisms within faiths? This seven-part series exposes the internal arguments and core beliefs of the world’s major religions. Examining Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism—as well as the Humanist movement and the resurgence of Paganism—the series goes inside every manner of religious institution: temples, mosques, churches, as well as dynamic and colorful religious festivals. Each program presents an eye-opening, transformative view into a spiritual world that many viewers will find surprisingly complex. 7-part series, 24 minutes each.