Interested in learning objectively about the world's religious traditions?
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.
What do you think will change once Hamilton overtakes the capital?
How long it’ll take depends on who you ask and you can measure it in years, elections, or Rugby world cups.
But Hamilton City will eventually be home to more people than Wellington City - likely in somewhere between 24 or 34 years according to Statistics NZ and Waikato University.
What do you think will change once Hamilton overtakes the capital? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato?
New data has pinpointed Hamilton’s most dangerous intersections, including a high risk Cobham Drive turn off that a resident and driving experts believe should be shut for good.
While that turn into Grey St has resulted in the highest number of injuries, most crashes occurred at the bustling intersection of Te Rapa Straight and Wairere Drive.
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.7% Yes
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13.7% No
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1.6% Other - I'll share below