“The German philosopher Karl Jaspers called this period the ‘Axial Age” because it proved to be pivotal in the spiritual development of humanity; the insights gained during this time have continued to nourish men and women to the present day. It marks the beginning of religion as we know it. People became conscious of their nature, their situation and their limitations with unprecedented clarity. New religions and philosophical systems emerged: Confucianism and Taoism in China; Buddhism and Hinduism in India; and monotheism in the Middle East and Greek rationalism in Europe.

...The Axial regions were all caught up in political, social and economic upheaval. There were wars, deportations, massacres and destruction of cities. A new market economy was also developing; power was passing from priests and kings to merchants, and this disturbed the old hierarchies. All these new faiths developed in an environment of capitalism and high finance.

All the Axial movements had essential ingredients in common. They were acutely conscious of the suffering that seemed an inescapable part of the human condition, and all stressed the need for more spiritualized religion that was not heavily dependent upon external rituals and practice. They had a new concern about the individual conscience and morality.”

~Quoted from 'A Short History of Myth' by Karen Armstrong.

Group Sessions held every other Sunday at 8:30 am to 10:15am starting September 19th

• Meeting 1

East Asia before the Axial Age Setting the cultural and religious stage for Confucianism and Daoism. During the first period or historical evidence in China (≈ 15th century BCE) religion and politics are closely connected.

• Meeting 2

The world of Confucius: The Zhou Dynasty. The legitimacy of a ruler is contingent on his Virtue. “A problem occurs when we attribute both omnipotence and morality to god. How can god be both all good and all powerful when evil exists in the world?”

• Meeting 3

Foundations of Confucianism: How should we live our lives? Confucius focused on the practical.

• Meeting 4

The Cultivation of Virtue: “Confucius believed that being good was the essential purpose and primary objective of human beings.” Rituals connected humans with the divine.

• Meeting 5

Early Confucianism and the Rise of Daoism: Is human nature inherently good?  Hans rulers made Confucianism the state religion.

• Meeting 6

The Daodejng: A book about individual spirituality and political advice for governing. Dao is the power underlying yin and yang. Humans are part of the natural world.

• Meeting 7

Daoist Politics and Mysticism: Zhuangzi insists truth is relative. As Daoism spread throughout China it blended with indigenous practices of folk religions.

• Meeting 8

Reflections on the Axial Age: The function of religion became personal transformation. Religions change over time.