Learning plan cover

Modern religion & history

LEARNING PLAN

Modern religion & history

Religion shapes billions of lives and influences global politics, conflicts, and cultural values. This learning plan is essential for anyone seeking to understand historical and contemporary world events, from political movements to social tensions, or for those exploring philosophy, history, international relations, or comparative cultural studies.

ByCommunity User
2 h 21 m
12 coursesUpdated 12 days ago
A History of God4,000 Years of Human Spiritual QuestSapiens12 sources

How This Learning Plan Was Made

This plan was crafted by BeFreed's proprietary AI to help you learn Modern religion & history with ease. It is curated from in-depth research on the topic and structured around the most effective learning journeys proven by BeFreed users.

Each episode delivers bite-sized, high-impact lessons distilled from world-class sources — bestselling books, research papers, and expert insights. Together, they form a sophisticated yet accessible path to mastering Modern religion & history.

What You'll Learn

  • Trace the 4,000-year evolution of major religious traditions from ancient origins to modern spiritual diversity
  • Analyze how different world religions uniquely address fundamental philosophical and existential questions
  • Evaluate religion's role in contemporary society, including secular alternatives and faith-reason tensions
  • Examine the intersection of religious institutions with political power and cases of religious extremism
  • Develop critical thinking skills to understand both historical religious development and current global conflicts

Explore how major religious traditions emerged and evolved over 4,000 years, from ancient monotheism to today's diverse spiritual landscape.

A History of God cover
A History of God

Tracing the 4,000-year evolution of monotheism in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

9 m
podcast cover
source 1source 2source 3History of religion - Wikipedia
6 sources
4,000 Years of Human Spiritual Quest

Journey through humanity's complete religious history, from ancient sacred encounters to today's global faiths. Discover how different traditions offer unique solutions to life's ultimate questions.

9 m
Sapiens cover
Sapiens

A sweeping narrative of human history

9 m

Learn how different world religions approach fundamental questions through distinct philosophies, examining what makes each tradition unique rather than similar.

God Is Not One cover
God Is Not One

A provocative exploration of major world religions, challenging the notion that all faiths are fundamentally the same.

9 m
podcast cover
source 1source 2source 3source 4
6 sources
The Wild History of World Religions

Eli and Blythe explore how major world religions aren't just different paths up the same mountain - they're actually solving completely different problems through radically different means.

10 m
podcast cover
source 1source 2The Question of Suffering and the Abrahamic FaithsThe "Salvation of the Soul" according to Judaism, Christianity and ...
6 sources
Fear, Love, or Hope? The Abrahamic Faiths Decoded

Lena and Eli explore whether Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are driven by fear of death or something deeper. Discover how each tradition offers radically different solutions to human suffering, salvation, and the search for meaning in our modern world.

25 m

Examine how religion functions in the modern world, from secular replacements to political conflicts and the ongoing tension between faith and reason.

Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What to Do about It (New and Revised) cover
Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What to Do about It (New and Revised)

Explores how modern pursuits have become replacement religions, offering a fresh perspective on society's search for meaning and fulfillment.

8 m
Enlightenment Now cover
Enlightenment Now

The case for reason, science, and human progress.

9 m
podcast cover
If God Is Love, Don't Be a JerkMere ChristianityLoving God
3 sources
The Radical Call to Authentic Faith

Discover what it truly means to be a Christian in today's world through insights from three powerful voices. Real faith isn't about cultural conformity-it's about radical transformation that changes everything.

11 m

Investigate the complex relationship between religious institutions and political authority, exploring both critiques of organized religion and cases of religious extremism.

Under the Banner of Heaven cover
Under the Banner of Heaven

A chilling exploration of religious extremism, violence, and the dark side of faith in Mormon fundamentalism.

11 m
God Is Not Great cover
God Is Not Great

A critique of religion and its impact

9 m
podcast cover
source 1The Cambridge History of Christianity, Volume 1: Origins to Constantinesource 3Institutions in the pre-Constantinian ecclesia					           (Chapter 23) - The Cambridge History of Christianity
6 sources
From Jewish Sect to Catholic Empire

Explore Christianity's remarkable transformation from a small Jewish movement to the powerful Catholic Church that built Western civilization. Journey through political maneuvering, theological battles, and institutional innovations that reshaped the Roman Empire and created the foundations of our m

22 m

Discover more

Explore world & US history and religions

Explore world & US history and religions

LEARNING PLAN

Explore world & US history and religions

Understanding the interplay between history and religion provides crucial context for navigating today's complex global society. This learning plan benefits those seeking to develop cultural literacy, engage with diverse perspectives, and gain insights into how historical and religious forces continue to influence modern political, social, and cultural landscapes.

1 h 42 m4 Sections
History

History

LEARNING PLAN

History

This learning plan provides essential context for understanding our modern world by revealing how historical forces shaped contemporary society, politics, and culture. It's ideal for anyone seeking to become a more informed citizen, professionals working in policy or international relations, students preparing for advanced studies, or curious minds who want to grasp why the world works the way it does today. By mastering historical thinking, you'll gain analytical skills applicable far beyond history itself—critical reasoning, source evaluation, and pattern recognition that enhance decision-making in any field.

2 h 15 m4 Sections
Compare religious philos.

Compare religious philos.

LEARNING PLAN

Compare religious philos.

This learning plan is essential for anyone seeking to understand the philosophical foundations that shape billions of people's worldviews and ethical frameworks. It's particularly valuable for students of philosophy, theology, religious studies, international relations, or anyone working in multicultural environments who needs deeper insight into how different traditions think about ultimate questions. By combining historical knowledge with critical analysis, learners gain both cultural competence and advanced reasoning skills applicable to contemporary debates about meaning, morality, and coexistence.

2 h 12 m4 Sections
History, Philosophy & Global Relations

History, Philosophy & Global Relations

LEARNING PLAN

History, Philosophy & Global Relations

This learning plan is essential for anyone seeking to understand the forces shaping our world—from policy analysts and diplomats to informed citizens wanting deeper insight into global affairs. It provides the intellectual foundation and analytical frameworks needed to move beyond headlines and develop sophisticated perspectives on international relations, political systems, and strategic challenges.

1 h 55 m4 Sections
History: Nations, Individuals & Interactions

History: Nations, Individuals & Interactions

LEARNING PLAN

History: Nations, Individuals & Interactions

Understanding history through the lens of civilizations, leadership, and geopolitics provides crucial context for interpreting current global events and power dynamics. This learning plan benefits professionals in international relations, politics, and business, as well as anyone seeking to develop a more nuanced understanding of how past patterns continue to shape our interconnected world.

3 h 17 m4 Sections
History's impact on our modern world

History's impact on our modern world

LEARNING PLAN

History's impact on our modern world

Understanding history's ongoing influence helps us make sense of today's complex world and anticipate future developments. This learning plan benefits professionals in international relations, policy-making, and business, as well as anyone seeking to understand the historical context behind modern challenges and opportunities.

2 h 27 m4 Sections
Study global history & events

Study global history & events

LEARNING PLAN

Study global history & events

Understanding global history reveals the patterns, connections, and forces that created our modern world. This learning plan benefits anyone seeking to make sense of current events, international relations, and societal challenges through the lens of historical perspective. Whether you're a student, professional, or curious mind, these insights help you recognize how past civilizations, conflicts, and exchanges continue to influence our interconnected present.

9 h 15 m14 Sections
Learn key historical moments

Learn key historical moments

LEARNING PLAN

Learn key historical moments

This learning plan provides essential context for understanding today's world by examining the civilizations, conflicts, and decisions that created our modern reality. It's ideal for curious learners, professionals in policy or international relations, educators, or anyone seeking to develop critical thinking skills by understanding how historical patterns repeat and evolve across time.

1 h 49 m4 Sections

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

See More Stories?

How people are talking about BeFreed across the web
Start your learning journey, now