Spinoza's philosophy encompasses nearly every area of philosophical discourse, including metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy, ethics, philosophy of mind and philosophy of science. It earned Spinoza an enduring reputation as one of the most important and original thinkers of the seventeenth century.

ESCAPING POLYGAMY follows three sisters who left the Kingston clan, a secretive polygamist group in Utah known as the Order, and who now help loved ones and strangers break free of polygamy.

"The United States is in the midst of a religious revolution. Or, perhaps it is better to say a non-religious revolution. Around a quarter of US adults now say they have no religion. The great majority of these religious "nones" also say that they used to belong to a religion but no longer do. These are the nonverts: think "converts," but from having religion to having none. Even on the most conservative of estimates, there are currently about 59...

"This course of 48 lectures is an introduciton to the religious cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world, from the earliest indications of human religious practices during the prehistoric era to the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity in the 4th century of the Common Era. The course examines what we can recover of the religious activities of prehistoric human beings before considering in depth the religious cultures of the great ancient...

This lecture explores what Jesus said about himself, as well as what he specifically preached. Grasp the nature and purpose of Jesus's ethical teachings, and his view of himself as a prophet of the coming kingdom. Study the Jewish conception of the Messiah as a warrior-king who would overthrow the enemies of Israel.

Explore three theories on the proper size of government, focusing on economic regulation and delivery of services. Adam Smith saw a minimal role, Karl Marx envisioned total control, and John Maynard Keynes believed that major government intervention was necessary under certain conditions.

[Galatians, Romans] Continue your exploration of Paul’s letters, this time by studying the correspondence he wrote to the Galatians and the Romans. In these letters, you’ll find some of Paul’s most provocative ideas about freedom and law—ideas that would play a profound role in shaping subsequent Christian communities.

Is divine intervention in the earthly realm possible? And is it responsible for miracles? Through interviews and recreations, explore the role of religion and prayers in the phenomenon of miracles..

[Genesis 12–25] Abraham’s spiritual legacy is nothing short of profound—yet his story also includes some little-appreciated humor. Delve into the biblical text and consider how Israel’s patriarch is portrayed in Genesis 12¬¬ 25. How is the overarching theme of promises reflected in his relationships with Sarah, Isaac, and God? Get to know Abraham as both exemplary and short-sighted—a much more relatable and well-rounded figure.

Since the dawn of humanity, corpses have held lasting significance for us. In this lecture, probe the various ways human civilizations have "disposed"of corpses—from burial (the oldest method for which evidence still exists) and mummification to cremation and natural exposure (known as "excarnation”).