Jump To
Philosophy Course: The Philosophy of World Religions

Philosophy Course: The Philosophy of World Religions

What you'll learn

Learn philosophical perspectives on the world's great religions with our philosophy short courses online!

For thousands of years, the world's great religions have explored some of humanity's deepest questions. Why are we here? What happens after death? Do we have free will? What is the nature of consciousness, morality, and the divine? This thought-provoking course examines how the major religious traditions have approached these enduring philosophical questions and the ideas that continue to shape cultures around the world.

Through the study of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, you'll explore the central beliefs, philosophical traditions, and influential thinkers of each faith while examining both their distinctive perspectives and the surprising ideas they share. Guided by an experienced philosophy tutor, you'll investigate concepts such as the soul, God, karma, reincarnation, suffering, free will, salvation, and enlightenment through reasoned discussion and critical analysis.

Whether you have a personal interest in philosophy, religion, history, or simply enjoy exploring life's big questions, this course offers a fascinating opportunity to deepen your understanding of some of humanity's most influential systems of thought.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Philosophy of World Religions course, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

  • Comparing the philosophical foundations of the world's major religious traditions
  • Understanding key concepts including God, the soul, consciousness, free will, karma, reincarnation, salvation, and enlightenment
  • Exploring how different religions address fundamental questions about human existence
  • Examining the ideas of influential religious figures and philosophers
  • Developing critical thinking through philosophical discussion and analysis
  • Appreciating both the similarities and differences between major religious worldviews

Course content

What will be covered in this Philosophy of World Religions course?

Week 1 - Judaism: God, Creation and Ethics

  • Key ideas in orthodox Judaism
  • The nature of God in orthodox Judaism
  • Adam & Eve and creation in orthodox Judaism
  • Ethics in orthodox Judaism
  • Reformist Judaism

Week 2 - Christianity: Early Christian Philosophy

  • The council of Nicaea and the holy trinity
  • Introduction to Gnostics and the Patristic Fathers
  • The concept of christ as the logos
  • Christ as divine and eternal
  • The creation of humanity

Week 3 - Christianity: The Development of Christian Thought

  • Revised Christianity after 325AD
  • The idea of the trinity
  • The dogmatic doctrine of heaven & hell
  • The doctrine of salvation

Week 4 - Islam: Philosophy and the Qur'an

  • The holy Quran
  • The Hadith & the other holy scriptures
  • The prophet Muhammad
  • The five pillars
  • The key metaphysical ideas of Islam

Week 5 - Hinduism: Brahman, Karma and Reicarnation

  • The key doctrines of Hinduism
  • Reincarnation in Hinduism
  • The supreme being, creates the universe
  • Human beings, self, soul, mind and the body

Week 6 - Buddhism: Suffering, Compassion and Nirvana

  • The main schools of Buddhism
  • The key role of suffering in Buddhism
  • Reincarnation in relation to karma
  • The ten laws and the five precepts of morality
  • Comparison of ethical teachings of Buddha & Jesus
  • The self and consciousness in Buddhism

Week 7 - Buddhism and Course Conclusion

  • The seven realms of the phenomenal universe
  • Views on Karmic consequences
  • The nature of Nirvana
  • The similarities in the metaphysical schemas of Buddhism and early Christianity.
  • General conclusion to the course

Intended audience

Who is this Philosophy of World Religions course for?

This course is ideal for anyone interested in philosophy, religion, history, or culture who would like to explore the world's major religious traditions through critical thinking and philosophical enquiry.

No previous knowledge of philosophy or religious studies is required. Curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to engage in thoughtful discussion are all you'll need.

Course venue

Online via Zoom.

Zoom details will be emailed to you with your enrolment confirmation.

Requirements:

  • A device with a stable internet connection

Course testimonials

  • said: Interesting topic and very well presented.

  • said: I enjoyed turning my mind to a completely different area of learning. I found the interaction with the tutor engaging and helpful, and I was always comfortable to ask questions. The course content was thought provoking and I find myself wanting to read more broadly on the topic, largely due to the comprehensive material and expertise of the tutor. I thought it was fabulous.

  • said: Andrew is an excellent presenter and an extremely knowledgeable person. Thank you Andrew for such an excellent course alf

  • said: The tutors knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject matter is very impressive. He delivers his classes in an engaging manner and I feel I have learnt a great deal. The take-home notes he provides are very comprehensive.

  • said: The tutor gave fantastic notes we could read in advance and then he summarised that in the lecture. He was really open to questions and I found the length and density of the course perfect.

Course tutors

Dr Andrew Theophanous holds a Bachelor of Letters in Philosophy from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Melbourne. Throughout his academic career, he has...

Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us

Small classes

A personal approach means quality learning, so you can enjoy plenty of interaction with your instructor and the chance to ask questions.

Short & sweet

Our short courses & workshops get straight to the point, providing the skills you need with minimal commitment of your precious time.

Facilities & equipment

Our range of venues suit every type of course, are easy to get to, and have the equipment and tech needed to support your learning.

Easy, secure enrolment

Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process.

Quality instructors

Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.

Business or pleasure

Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.

4.7 starsaverage rating on Google

1,400+courses to choose from

99%customer support rating

View upcoming classes

Classes

Philosophy Course: The Philosophy of World Religions

<p>Learn philosophical perspectives on the world's great religions with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/philosophy-psychology/philosophy">philosophy short courses</a>

...
2026-07-20 Mon 20 Jul 2026 - 2026-08-31 Mon 31 Aug 2026
7 sessions, 14 hours total
6:30pm - 8:30pm (UTC+10:00) (first session)
Online via Zoom
Andrew Theophanous
$289 Limited inc GST / $231.20 / $245.60 / $260.10 / $260.10
Unlock 15% off when you enrol in any three Philosophy courses – deepen your thinking and save!

If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist

If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist

Related courses