Scientific approaches to the study of religious phenomena. An overview of the major world religions and a basic characterization of modern religiosity, including new spiritualities, new religious movements, and sects. Key concepts include: conflicting and appealing aspects of spirituality, spiritual experience in a globalized world, new religious communication in postmodernity, mutual enrichment through spiritual experience, and dialogue between Christian and non-Christian spiritualities. The course is structured in the following steps: * World religions and new religious movements * New religious movements and their social roles * Typology of religious spiritualities * Communication of religions and cultures **Introduction to the Study of Modern Religiosity and Spirituality** (Introduction to scientific approaches to the study of religious phenomena. Definition and characteristics of modern religiosity and spirituality. Overview of the major world religions.) **New Religious Movements and Modern Religiosity** (The development of new religious movements and their role in contemporary societies. Conflicting and appealing aspects of spirituality in various contexts.) **Typology of Religious Spiritualities** (Typology and classification of new spiritualities and religious trends. Spiritual experience in a globalized world: its various forms and meanings.) **Communication of Religions and Cultures** (New religious communication in postmodern society. Mutual enrichment through spiritual experiences via dialogue between Christian and non-Christian spiritualities.) **Final Reflection and Discussion** (Summary of key topics and final discussion on the significance of studying contemporary non-Christian religions and spiritualities.)
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