TED Talks
Dan Dennett: Let's teach religion -- all religion -- in schools
Philosopher Dan Dennett calls for religion -- all religion -- to be taught in schools, so we can understand its nature as a natural phenomenon. Then he takes on The Purpose-Driven Life, disputing its claim that, to be moral, one must...
Wonderscape
Exploring Judaism: History, Beliefs, and Cultural Diversity
This video provides an insightful journey into the history, beliefs, and cultural diversity of Judaism. Tracing its origins to Abraham, the video discusses Judaism's transition from polytheism to monotheism, influencing religions like...
Religion for Breakfast
Should Public Schools Teach Religion?
Should Public Schools Teach Religion? Is religious illiteracy a problem? If so, how should we fix it?
Curated Video
The Kumbh Mela: A Sacred Festival of Immortality and Rebirth
This video provides an overview of the Kumbh Mela festival in India. The festival, which takes place every 12 years, is a significant event for Hindus as it is believed to cleanse sins and provide spiritual benefits. The video explains...
Curated Video
Experience the Vibrant Sinulog Festival
The Sinulog festival in Cebu City, Philippines is one of the biggest and most famous festivals in the country. Learn about how it showcases the clash of past and present Philippine cultures, incorporating both Catholic and Pagan...
Curated Video
Discovering Gion Matsuri: A Celebration of Culture in Kyoto
Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's oldest and largest festivals. The celebration happens every year in Kyoto and lasts the whole month of July! Learn about the history and customs of the festival from goryo-e (a purification ritual) to the...
Curated Video
Discovering the Beauty and Meaning of the Yi Peng Festival
The Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand is a breathtaking celebration where people release floating lanterns into the sky. Learn about the meaning of the event, as well as the parade, dance performances, and traditional Thai costumes.
Curated Video
The Carnival of Venice: A Feast for the Senses
Carnival is the last chance to indulge before Lent for observant Christians. Festivities usually include food, drink, and creative costumes and masks. Learn what makes the Carnival celebrations of Venice, Italy unique.
Curated Video
Songkran: The Water Festival of Unity, Purification, and Fun
The video describes the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand, a national holiday and traditional New Year celebration that involves water fights, pouring water on Buddha images, and paying respect to elders. It marks the start of summer...
Curated Video
San Fermin Festival: Running with Bulls in Pamplona, Spain
Experience the thrill and danger of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain, where the running of the Bulls takes place. Join the locals clad in white and red as they brave the streets, showcasing their bravery and paying homage to...
Curated Video
Experience the Spectacular Rio Carnival
Check out the vibrant and exhilarating Rio Carnival, the biggest carnival in the world, where the entire city of Rio de Janeiro comes alive for a five-day extravaganza. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the carnival,...
Curated Video
Semana Santa: Holy Week Observances in Seville and Antigua
Semana Santa, also known as Holy Week, is a Christian holiday celebrated differently in various regions around the world. Learn about the customs, clothing, and the intricate carpets that mark the events in Sevilla, Spain and Antigua,...
Curated Video
Holi: The Festival of Colors and Celebration
Learn all about the Holi festival, a Hindu celebration of colors in India and Nepal. This video explores the origins of Holi, its significance, and how it is celebrated.
Curated Video
Thaipusam: A Sacred Hindu Festival of Devotion and Atonement
This video highlights the significance of Thaipusam, which is observed by Hindu communities worldwide. The video mentions that Thaipusam is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of War, and takes place over three days during the full...
Curated Video
Saint Patrick's Day: The Worldwide Celebration of Irish Culture
This video provides a brief overview of Saint Patrick's Day, highlighting its worldwide celebration and the Irish traditions associated with it. It explains the origins of the holiday, the significance of wearing green, and the various...
Curated Video
Mardi Gras: The Colorful Celebration of New Orleans
Mardi Gras (or "Fat Tuesday") is New Orleans, United State's version of Carnival. It's a three-week long festival of indulgence before the Christian season of Lent. Learn about the history, symbolism, and customs of the festivities - and...
Curated Video
The Origins and Traditions of Christmas
For many people around the world, December 25th means Christmas, a time to gather with family and friends. For Christians, this date commemorates the birth of Christ. What are the cultural and religious origins of Christmas customs like...
Curated Video
Awa Odori: Japan's Vibrant Dance Festival in Tokushima
This video explains the origins of the Awa Odori Festival, its connection to the Obon Festival and the Tokushima Castle, and the unique dance style of Awa Odori. The video also highlights the family reunions, lantern ceremonies, and the...
ShortCutsTv
Religion: What It Is and What It Does
Ask a hundred people what they think religion is and you'll probably get a hundred different answers. However, to study religion we have bring together more general ideas about what religion is and what it does. This film, with Professor...
PBS
Inca Origins
Origin stories aren't just for comic books. Learners explore the Inca origin story and compare it to other familiar creation myths with an installment of the Native American Stories series. An easy-to-use lesson plan includes an...
PBS
A Gift of Corn to the Choctaw
A mysterious woman. A humble sharing of a meal. A generous gift. The universal value of generosity is threaded throughout a core Choctaw legend on why the tribe began to grow corn. Using part of the Native American Sacred Stories series,...
Crash Course
Islam, the Quran, and the Five Pillars All Without a Flamewar
How did Islam become the religious and organizing principle for one of the largest empires in the world? Invite learners to discover the rich history and evolution of the religion, as well as its major tenets in the Five Pillars of Islam.
Curated OER
Ancient Rome: Constantine - Part 3/6
Religious equality starts, or attempts to start, with the Roman Empire's division into two empires instead of four. With this new political agreement, Constantine fights for people to be able to believe in whatever higher power they...
Curated OER
Ancient Rome: Constantine - Part 5/6
A holy war ensues after the senate attempts to murder Constantine. Then, after neither side secures victory, a seven year-long stretch of peace follows. Still furious and unwilling to accept this change in religious intent, Licentious...