Maura O’Neill will lead a course on world religions over five Wednesdays from Oct. 22 to Nov. 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center.

“In today’s world, religion gets much of the blame for violence and strife affecting us all,” O’Neill said. “This course is designed to get to the heart of the beliefs and practices of five of the world’s religions in order to discern the truth of such claims.”

The traditions that will be discussed are Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. 

O’Neill is a retired professor of philosophy and religious studies from Chaffey College in Southern California. She has her doctorate in philosophy of religion from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, Calif., and is the author of two books on women in world religions.

There will be a cost of $30 for members and $50 for non-members of the senior center.