Major World ReligionsSOL WHII.15

Warm-up:How have the five world religions had a profound impact on culture and civilization?What are some characteristics of the five major world religions?

Monotheism Belief in only one God Three monotheistic religions

Judaism Christianity Islam

JUDAISM Semitic Religion Based on the history of Hebrews (who

were an ethnic group from the Fertile Crescent)

Hebrew God=Yaweh Holy Text=Torah

JUDAISM HISTORY Hebrews originated in Mesopotamia around

the Fertile Crescent Abraham—covenant with God From there they went to Canaan or

Palestine Forced to Egypt—enslaved Moses leads from slavery Return to Palestine (present day Israel)–

believe God promised land to them David was king who united Hebrew tribes

JUDAISM-BELIEFS Hebrew beliefs=religion of Judaism Monotheistic Basis=laws that governed daily life Ten Commandments Rabbis Diaspora

JEWISH INFORMATION Belief in the messiah Mitzvoth Branches of Judaism

Orthodox Conservative

JEWISH RITUALS Circumcision Bar/Bat mitzvah Death=usually no cremation or

embalming Funeral w/in 1-2 days in wooden casket Kippah or Yamekah

JEWISH HOLIDAYS Chanukah Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Passover

Where in the world can we find Judaism? Concentrated in Israel, Europe, North

America and the Middle East

CHRISTIANITY HISTORY Emerged from the Roman Empire Emerged as a result of Jesus (Son of

God) Life of Jesus=Gospels (1st 4 books of

New Testament) Christianity began as a sect of Judaism

CHRISTIANITY--Jesus Jesus-the messiah Disciples Moved to Jerusalem

Similarities/Differences in Jesus’ teaching and JudaismSIMILARITIES Monotheistic Ten

Commandments Laws of Moses

DIFFERENCES Jesus is the Son of

God Jesus is the Messiah Jesus could provide

salvation and eternal life for believers

Preached forgiveness Christians belief in

Trinity

JESUS’ LIFE Feared by Jewish priests Feared by Roman leaders Betrayed by a disciple Arrested by Romans Tried by Pontius Pilate Condemned and Executed by Crucifixion Paul—spread Christianity

Where in the world can we find Christianity? Concentrated in Europe and the Middle

East

Warm-up: Why are the cities of Mecca and Medina

important to Muslims?

ISLAM Arabian Peninsula-major trade route Mecca—market and location of the

Kaa’ba Monotheistic Religion Medina

Muhammad’s Life Successful merchant Married Kadejah/raised by an uncle At 40-met angel Gabriel in a cave while

meditating Was told to spread the word of God or

Allah Islam—submission Muhammad and followers were forced

to leave Mecca

Muhammad’s Life (cont.) In 622, journey to Medina—hijra 1st year of Muslim calendar In 630,returned to Mecca—destroyed

statues in kaa’ba Spread by caliphs

Religious Principles Monotheistic religion God is called Allah Holy Book=Koran (Quran) Judgment Day Five Pillars Jihad Harsh penalties for crimes No pork or alcohol

Five Pillars 1. Declaration of Faith 2. Daily Prayer 3. Alms 4. Fasting 5. Hajj

DIFFERENT SECTS Sunni Muslims

Largest group Traditional path Islamic leader DOES NOT need to be a

direct descendant of Muhammad Elect caliphs based on ability Entire Islamic community to be judged on

the Day of Judgment

DIFFERENT SECTS Shi’ite Muslims

Believe that only descendants of Ali should lead Islam

Believe that the Imam is the only person that can guide a Muslim to salvation

RITUALS AND RITES OF PASSAGE Celebration of birth Men and women usually do not mingle

together Polygamy—up to 4 wives Death is marked by simplicity

Where in the world can we find Islam? Located in parts of Asia, Africa, and

southern Europe

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

Monotheistic Religions

Monotheistic Religions

HINDUISM No single founder No single text Religion based on compilation of many

beliefs and many people Hundreds of gods and goddesses—Many

forms of one deity (God) Numerous ways to worship

BASIC BELIEFS Polytheistic (some consider it monotheistic?) Important gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva Gods can be in human or animal form Believe in atman Ultimate goal is to reach moksha Reincarnation Dharma—duties Karma—Knowledge that all

thoughts and actions result in future consequences

All life is ranked

CASTE SYSTEM 1. Brahmans 2. Kastriyas 3. Vaisyas 4. Sudras 5. Untouchables

Principles of Hinduism Vedas and Upanishads Nonviolent Cleanliness/ritual bathing (Ganges River) Pilgrimage Name ceremony for new baby Ear piercing ceremony Hair cut Rite of passage ceremony Marriages are arranged Cremation at death

Where in the world can we find Hinduism? Located in India and part of Southeast

Asia

Buddhism Grew out of Hinduism—spread of Buddhism

from India to China as a result of Asoka’s missionaries and their writings

Founder = Siddartha Gautama Gautama was a Prince Sheltered in a castle—in luxury He left the castle and saw suffering Meditated beneath a fig tree (48 days) Realized causes of suffering—became

known as Buddha-”Enlightened One”

Buddhism 4 Noble Truths Eightfold Path Nirvana Reincarnation

Similarities and Differences of Buddhism to Hinduism Similarities

Honesty Charity Kindness Nonviolence

Differences No formal rituals No polytheism No god Just a spirit of the

universe

Buddhism Followers established

monasteries/convents Birth ceremony Dalai Lama—most sacred religious

leader within Buddhism

Where in the world can we find Buddhism? Located in East and Southeast Asia

(China)

Hinduism/Buddhism

Create a Map Using the map provided please identify

the world religions Color code your map using colored

pencils

Location of the World’s Major Religions