American Religion: How Religion Has Developed in the United States Since the 1600s (Two Parts)

As far as countries go, the United States is fairly young, but it has made its own contributions to religion and spirituality. In this two-part lecture, we’ll examine which religious movements have developed in the U.S., and how those movements have affected the religious landscape. We’ll discuss William Miller and the beginning of the Adventists; we’ll consider Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism; and we’ll explore the Restoration movement and the two Great Awakenings. In all of these things, we will develop a stronger context for American religious life and, most importantly, better understand our own country.

Instructor Jason Hensley holds a PhD in Holocaust and genocide studies and a DMin in Biblical studies, and he teaches religious studies at a private school in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the Michael LaPrade Holocaust Education Institute of the Anti-Defamation League, a higher-education ambassador for the Council on Foreign Relations and the award-winning author of 12 books. His work has been featured in The Huffington Post as well as the BBC, and he has served as the historical advisor for a Holocaust documentary.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

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Register by 3 p.m. Tuesday before each lecture