TEENS (ages 13-18)

The Teen Class is exploring the book, Sacred Origins of Profound Things: The Stories Behind the Rites and Rituals of the World's Religions by Charles Panati.

The book explores the origins of hundreds of religious rituals, customs, and practices in many faiths, the reasons for religious holidays and sacred symbols, and the meanings of vestments, sacraments, devotions, and prayers. Its many elevations include:

• Why the Star of David became the Jewish counterpart of the Christian cross
• What mortal remains of the Buddha are venerated today
• How the diamond engagement ring became a standard
• That the first pope was a happily married man
• How Hindu thinkers arrived at their concept of reincarnation
• Why Jews don't eat pork, why some Muslims don't eat certain vegetables, and how some Christians came to observe meatless Fridays

Each week a different teen is responsible for leading the discussion on the current topic.