Watch Bill Moyers: The Wisdom of Faith with Huston Smith
- 1996
- 1 Season
Bill Moyers: The Wisdom of Faith with Huston Smith is a PBS series that explores the world's major religions through conversations with renowned scholar and author Huston Smith. The series consists of five one-hour episodes: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
Huston Smith, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 97, was a highly respected scholar and expert on world religions. He wrote numerous books on the subject, including the bestselling The World's Religions, and taught at universities across the United States. In this series, he shares his deep knowledge and insights in a way that is accessible to anyone, regardless of their religious background or beliefs.
Each episode of the series focuses on one religion, with Smith providing an overview of its history, beliefs, and practices. He also explores the ways in which these religions have shaped the lives of their followers and contributed to the broader cultural and political landscape.
The first episode, Hinduism, looks at the origins of this ancient religion and its rich mythology. Smith explains the concept of dharma, the duty or moral law that guides Hindus, and discusses the various paths to liberation that are outlined in the sacred text, the Bhagavad Gita.
The second episode, Buddhism, examines the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Smith explains the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which are at the heart of Buddhist philosophy, and discusses the rich diversity of Buddhist traditions around the world.
In the third episode, Islam, Smith explores the life of Muhammad and the origins of this monotheistic religion. He discusses the Five Pillars of Islam and the importance of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. He also looks at the ways in which Islam has been misunderstood and misinterpreted in the West.
The fourth episode, Judaism, looks at the history and beliefs of the Jewish faith. Smith delves into the Torah, the Jewish holy book, and explains the importance of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. He also discusses the ways in which Jewish customs and traditions have evolved over time.
The final episode, Christianity, explores the life of Jesus and the origins of this major world religion. Smith discusses the Ten Commandments and the role of grace in Christian theology. He also looks at the various denominations within Christianity and the ways in which the religion has influenced Western culture.
Throughout the series, Bill Moyers engages in thoughtful conversations with Smith, asking probing questions and drawing out his wealth of knowledge and experience. The result is a fascinating and informative exploration of the world's religions, presented with empathy, nuance, and respect.
Overall, Bill Moyers: The Wisdom of Faith with Huston Smith is an excellent introduction to the world's major religions. It provides a valuable opportunity for viewers to learn about different faiths and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical contexts in which they developed. Anyone who is interested in religion or spirituality will find this series to be engaging, informative, and thought-provoking.
