Origin of World Religions

Study Notes

Belief systems emerge in specific local contexts, shaped by culture and geography.
Decline of religions is noted, exemplified by Zoroastrianism, once prevalent in South Asia, now mainly found in Iran, India, and Central Asia.

Religion is viewed as a universal phenomenon present in all known societies.
Various theories exist to explain the origins of religion, suggesting a commonality among belief systems.
Early humans, including Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons, displayed belief systems, evidenced by burial practices and cave art.

c. 2000 B.C.E.: Abraham, a key figure in the lineage of Israel.
c. 1200 B.C.E.: Moses leads the Exodus for the Hebrews.
c. 1100 – 500 B.C.E.: Compilation of the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism.
c. 563 – 483 B.C.E.: Birth of Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
c. 551 – 479 B.C.E.: Life of Confucius, the founder of Confucianism.
c. 200 B.C.E.: Composition of the Bhagavad Gita, a significant Hindu text.
c. 2/4 B.C.E. – 32 C.E.: Life of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity.
c. 32 C.E.: The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus; the New Testament is penned by his followers.
c. 40 – 90 C.E.: Period of the New Testament writings.
c. 100 C.E.: Emergence of Shintoism, lacking a known founder.
c. 500 – 580 B.C.E.: Life of Lao Tze, founder of Daoism.
c. 570 – 632 C.E.: Life of Muhammad, who documented the Qur'an, foundational to Islam.

Abraham is a pivotal figure in the three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
In Jewish tradition, Abraham is considered the patriarch of Hebrew people through Isaac and Jacob.

All Abrahamic faiths worship a singular supreme being.
Prophets and apostles are significant figures within these religions.
Each religion emphasizes divine revelation or intervention as central to their beliefs.

Indian religious history dates back to at least 6500 B.C.E., encompassing the Harappan civilization's influence, Aryan migration, various dynasties, and later the Muslim conquests.
Four major religions originated in India: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, along with numerous minor sects and local cults.