How Others Worship

By B. June Hutchinson

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Theme and Description

A study of the beliefs and practices of Judaism and several mainline Christian groups. Beginning with Judaism before the birth of Jesus, the program traces the rise of Christianity, the Roman Catholic church, and the subsequent fracturing that produced the Protestant movement. The format includes visits to different houses of worship, and, usually, attendance at a worship service.

Goals for Participants

To get an overview of the history of those groups within Judaism and Christianity that worship one god;
To learn about several historical figures in the history of Judaism and Christianity;
To gain some understanding of the practice and meaning of worship for Jews and Christians.

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Age Range

12

Size of Group

6-10

Space Requirements

An average-sized room

Number and Length of Sessions

21 sessions, (plus additional sessions for visits to synagogues and other churches)
Length: 1 hour (the field trips can take 2 to 3 hours)

Leader Training

Background reading about the religious groups studied, plus knowledge and experience in teaching this age level.

Leader Preparation

2-5 hours per session

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Strengths

Presents age-appropriate material of the religious histories of Jews and Christians.
Clarifies similarities and differences among Jews and several Christian groups.
Provides experiential opportunities to learn how others worship.

Limitations

Leaders may need to add opportunities for affective learning to balance the cognitive experiences.
Lacks ways to help participants make connections between their own and others' religious lives.
All of the religious leaders covered are male, and the history itself is male-dominated. Leaders could add information on the Christian Science church and Mary Baker Eddy to the program, devote a session to discussion of male domination within Judaism and Christianity, or make a time line with special colors to mark women's contributions to Western religious history.

Adaptability

With the addition of more visits and activity-oriented presentations, the curriculum would be suitable for grade 6.
Easily adaptable to grade 8 through high school
Works as an intergenerational program for youth and adults.

Unitarian Universalist Values

Wisdom from the world's religions that inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life is upheld throughout. The program encourages acceptance of one another, encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations, and a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

Reviewed on June 30, 1996

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100