Lesson 2

Compare the three major religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

Analyze the Islamic religion to dispel any preconceived notions.

Explore the causes behind fundamentalism and its impact on US foreign policy.

Why is the Middle East an area of US interest?

Strategic Location – Economic, Military

Oil Religious Significance

To what religious affiliation do most Middle Eastern groups belong?

Islam- Muslims All but Israelis and Armenians

~1800 BCE, Hebrews flee Canaan, migrate to Egypt (enslaved). Moses, Mt Sinai. 1 God, 10

Commandments

~1025 BCE: Kingdom of Israel in Fertile Crescent.

~500 BCE :Persians take over, Return to Israel & rebuild temple in Jerusalem.

~70 CE: Romans expel Jews from Israel/Palestine “diaspora” Won’t return until late

1800s

Jesus born in Roman ruled Palestine (Bethlehem)

Some believed he was the messiah - savior from foreign rule

Romans, scared of popularity & angry over refusal to accept emperor as a god, crucified him 33CE

Followers, Christians, spread “word” Everyone equal, eternal life Became martyrs 313CE, Constantine converts 395CE, official religion

empire

What was life like in the Middle East in early centuries?

Desert Bedouins Oasis towns Feuds, rivalry,

lawless

~610 CE Angel Gabriel tells Mohammed he is to be the messenger of God/Allah

~622 flee from Mecca to Medina, build 1st mosque Hejira – Yr 1 of Muslim

Calendar Prophet

Expansion of Islam Use war & political

maneuvering to spread ideas 632 control Peninsula 732 empire Atlantic to India

People of the Book – Monotheistic, Allah same God,

Judgment Day & Afterlife, Tolerance, Sons of Abraham

In small groups, create a graphic representation of content related to

four of the following :

Five Pillars Jihad

Sunni v. Shi’ite (Shia) Women Attire

Political & social movement promoting a return to traditional, or fundamental, interpretation of any religion.

Islamic Fundamentalism or “Political Islam” Est. Shari’a law as foundation of

government Rid society of non-Islamic influence

Decline Islamic empire, exploited by West, frustrated w/domestic politics.

Frustration with rapid social & economic changes.

Western presence in Holy Lands & ME policies; perceived attack on Islam

MOST Muslims DO NOT ADVOCATE violence!

Terrorism as form of jihad

Seek to overthrow secular regimes & rulers they regard as un-Islamic Saudi Arabia, Egypt,

Jordan, and Kuwait as well as US

What terror groups can you identify by name?

Chart

Similarities? Differences? Role in

government?

US Concerns Poly & econ stability

Terror attacks against Western Interests

“Islamaphobia”- Anti-Arab Anti-Muslim, sentiment born out of fear and ignorance

Do you consider Islamic Fundamentalism a threat to US security? Why or why not?

Wiki Post Middle East tab “Islam and Fundamentalism”

Why is it important to study Islam and fundamentalism and its many meaning?