WHAP - World Religions: Confucianism and Taoism

Study Notes

Confucianism

Emphasizes the 5 Great Relationships and Filial Piety, central to social harmony and respect within families.
Implemented a Civil Service Exam to select government officials based on merit.
Status derived from the Scholar-Gentry Class, valued for education and governance.
Merchants held low status due to the Confucian belief that they did not contribute to society by producing goods.

Taoism

The concept of Dao/Tao refers to "the way" which emphasizes harmony with nature.
Encourages rejection of formal knowledge and structures, advocating for following one's instincts.
The principle of Yin Yang symbolizes the balance of opposites in the universe.

Buddhism

Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as The Buddha, who originated as a Hindu prince.
Central teaching asserts that life is suffering caused by desires (The 4 Noble Truths).
Suffering can be alleviated by following the Eightfold Path.
The ultimate goal is to reach enlightenment, escape the cycle of rebirth, and attain Nirvana.

Christianity

One of three major Abrahamic religions alongside Judaism and Islam.
A universalizing religion aimed at all, regardless of socio-economic status, though historically inconsistent.
It is a proselytizing faith, actively seeking to convert others.
Jesus is regarded as both a prophet (in Islam and Judaism) and as the savior in Christianity.
Major branches include Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy (prominent in Eastern Europe and Russia), and Protestantism (emerging from the Reformation in 1517).

Hinduism

The Caste System, a significant and enduring aspect, dictates social hierarchy and roles.
Caste is hereditary, influencing individuals' social, political, and economic status.
Dharma represents the duties associated with one's caste; fulfilling Dharma generates Karma from good deeds.
The cycle of rebirth determines future caste based on one's Dharma and Karma.
The spiritual goal is to achieve Moksha, escaping the cycle of rebirth.
Hinduism is polytheistic, worshipping multiple deities.

Judaism

Another of the three major Abrahamic religions, primarily non-proselytizing, with followers often born into the faith.
Jewish identity is viewed by some empires as both a religion and an ethnicity, leading to misconceptions.
The Jewish Diaspora involved forced migrations, establishing communities across Europe, the Middle East, and Russia.
Continuous Anti-Semitism has historically led to violence and wrongful persecution of Jewish people.
Jews often emerged as merchants during historical periods, affecting socio-economic dynamics.

Islam

Monotheistic religion founded by Muhammad, who was a religious and political leader as well as a merchant.
The intertwining of church and state influenced the structure of Islamic Empires and the significance of trade.
Muslims follow the Five Pillars:
- Shahada: Declaration of faith in Allah and Muhammad.
- Salat: obligatory prayers five times a day facing Mecca.
- Zakat: charitable giving to the poor.
- Sawm: fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
- Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca, facilitating cultural exchanges.
After Muhammad’s death, Islam split into two main sects, Sunni and Shia, due to leadership disputes that continue to create conflict.
The Islamic Golden Age fostered advancements in various fields such as medicine, literature, and astronomy, influencing the European Renaissance.

Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts of Confucianism and Taoism in World Religions. Explore essential ideas such as the Five Great Relationships, Filial Piety, and the Dao. This quiz will assess your understanding of these influential philosophies and their societal impacts.