Judaism Christianity Hinduism Buddhism Confucianism

Daoism

Place and time of origin

Diffused to:

Founder

Major Diety/Dieties

Sacred Writings

Principal Beliefs

Symbol

Judaism

Jewish Diaspora

Origins

Founded in 1600 BCE Canaan- Homeland,

Hebrews believed it was promised to them by God (Palestine)

Torah- Holy doctrine, first 5 books of the Bible (Old Testament)

Abraham

“Father” of the Hebrews

Made a covenant (promise) with Yahweh

Abraham promised to be faithful, Yahweh promised to protect his people

Journey from Ur to Egypt

Abraham led his people to Egypt to escape drought and famine

They were later forced into slavery

Moses Led Hebrews exit

from Egypt, known as the Exodus

Spoke with God on Mount Sanai,

He returned with the 10 Commandments

Beliefs

Emphasize moral conduct and the worship of one God (ethical monotheism)

Ideas influenced human behavior for Christianity and Islam

God will send a savior to earth after three signs have been sent

Afterlife often called “world to come” Follow 613 Torah Commandments

Rabbi is the leader of the synagogue

Sabbath is from sundown Friday to sundown on Saturday

Star of David arose as symbol in 16th century

Holidays

Rosh Hashanah- Jewish New Year

Yom Kippur- day of atonement

Passover- exodus of Egypt

Hanukkah- festival of lights

Christianity

Founded circa 35 CE

Based on teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, a Jew.

Emphasized parts of Judaism, but also faith in Jesus as the Messiah and son of God

God was a trinity: The Father (God), son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit

Most important missionary was Paul of Tarsus

Diffused along Mediterranean trade routes

Christianity Detail

Added a new book called the New Testament to the Jewish Bible

Symbol was the cross on which the Roman government of Palestine crucified Jesus of Nazareth

Originally seen as a Jewish cult by Romans

Roman Colleseum

Why did Christianity Spread?

No infanticide -> Population growthLess patriarchyMany poor were attracted to equality of

believersMany educated were attracted to Christian

philosophy and writingsAnd…

Emperor Constantine

Battle of the Milvian Bridge

312 ADConstantine saw a sign in

the sky and heard the words “In this sign, conquer.”

Constantine converts to Christianity, encourages patricians to do likewise

Hinduism and Buddhism

AP World History Bartlett High School

Mr. Pahl

Hinduism

Founded circa 2000 BCENo single founderNo single sacred text. Grew out of various groups in India:The Aryans added their religious beliefs to

those of the Indus Valley.Our of all its complexity, though, there are

certain basic beliefs…

Hindu Beliefs… God is one, but is known by many names. Everything in the universe is part of the

unchanging, all-powerful force called Brahman. Brahman is too complex for most people to

understand. They worship gods that give a concrete form to

Brahman. Gods are Brahma the Creator; Vishnu the

preserver, Shiva, the destroyer All are aspects of Brahman Every person has an essential life, or atman.

More Hindu beliefsBut even the atman is just another name for

Brahman.The ultimate goal is to attain moksha, union

with Brahman.Since this usually takes more than one

lifetime, Hindus believe in reincarnation.Reincarnation is the rebirth of the soul in

another bodily form.Karma; your good or bad deeds affect one’s

future, and the future of those around one, for good or suffering

Vedas and Upanishads are sacred texts. The Bhagavad Gita spells out many ethical ideas.

Even if a very ill-conducted man worships me, not worshipping any one else, he must certainly be deemed to be good, for he has well resolved. He soon becomes devout of heart, and obtains lasting tranquility. (You may) affirm, O son of Kuntî! that my devotee is never ruined. For, O son of Pritha! even those who are of sinful birth, women, Vaisyas; and Sudras likewise, resorting to me, attain the supreme goal.

Bhagavad Gita, Chapter IX

Buddha

Gautama Buddha, from the foothills of the Himalayas, founded a new religion.

Gautama born about 566 BCEHe saw for the first time in his protected

environment, a sick person, an older person, and a dead person.

Gautama left a happy married life to discover the realm of life “where there is neither suffering or death.”

Buddha… He meditated and fasted. For 48 days he

meditated in one place. He believed he understood the cure for suffering and sorrow; he was now Buddha.

The Four Noble Truths are the heart of Buddhism:1. All life is full of suffering, pain and sorrow.

2. The cause of suffering is the desire for things that are really illusions, such as riches, power and long life.

3. The only cure for suffering is to overcome desire.

4. The way to overcome desire is to follow the Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path:Right viewsRight aspirationsRight speechRight conductRight LivelihoodRight effortRight mindfulnessRight contemplation

BuddhismFinal goal of Buddhism is nirvana,

union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth.

Buddhism and Hinduism agree on karma, dharma, moksha and reincarnation.

They are different in that Buddhism rejects the priests of Hinduism, the formal rituals, and the caste system. Buddha urged people to seek enlightenment through meditation.

Hinduism and Buddhism Compared

Similarities Differences

Hinduism and Buddhism

KarmaDharmaMokshaReincarnation

Buddhism rejects the priests of Hinduism, the formal rituals, and the caste system. Buddha urged people to seek enlightenment through meditation

Buddhism Buddha preached in northern India and his teachings

spread. Buddhas followers gathered his teachings into the

Tripitaka. Gradually Buddhism split into two parts, schools:

– Theravada Buddhism. Closely followed Buddha’s original teachings.

– Mahayana Buddhism. Made following Buddhism easier for the ordinary people.

Buddhism declined in India, being swallowed up by Hinduism which made Buddha another Hindu god.

Can you give examples of:

1. How are Judaism and Hinduism similar?

2. How are Buddhism and Christianity similar?

3. How are Buddha and Jesus similar?

4. Why didn’t Hinduism and Judaism spread to new converts?

5. Why did Christianity spread west instead of east?

6. How can Hinduism be considered monotheistic and Christianity be considered polytheistic?