In this final week of the course, you will expand your consideration of religion to those that are alternative. In this context, alternative simply means other possibilities in religion besides the most-followed religions you have already explored.

Respond to the following in a minimum of:

• What are some primary reasons these religions emerged?
• What are some commonalities in their popularity or characteristics?
• Consider the roles of women in these alternative religions. How have they changed over time? Are women's roles in these religions similar to or different from some of the other religions you learned about in this course? Explain.