WHAP - World Religions: Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism

Questions and Answers

What are the 5 Great Relationships in Confucianism and why is filial piety important?

The 5 Great Relationships are ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friend-friend. Filial piety emphasizes respect and duty towards one's family, which is central to maintaining social harmony.

Explain the significance of the Civil Service Exam in Confucian society.

The Civil Service Exam was crucial as it established a merit-based system for selecting government officials, promoting skilled governance over hereditary privilege. It helped elevate the scholar-gentry class.

What is the concept of the Dao in Taoism, and how does it relate to nature?

The Dao, or 'the Way,' is the fundamental principle that emphasizes harmony with nature. Taoism teaches individuals to reject strict rules and formal knowledge in favor of going with the natural flow of life.

Describe the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism and their significance.

The Four Noble Truths state that life is suffering caused by desire, that suffering can end, and that following the Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of suffering. They are foundational to Buddhist teachings on enlightenment. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Christianity as a universalizing and proselytizing religion?

Christianity is universalizing because it is intended for all people, and it emphasizes proselytizing, which is the active effort to convert others. This dynamic has influenced its spread across diverse cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the caste system play in Hinduism, and what is its significance regarding Dharma?

The caste system categorizes individuals into hereditary groups, dictating their social and economic roles, while Dharma refers to the duty one has within their caste. Performing one's Dharma well leads to positive Karma. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Judaism considered a non-proselytizing religion, and what does the Jewish Diaspora signify?

Judaism does not actively seek converts; it is often viewed as a faith one is born into. The Jewish Diaspora represents the forced migration of Jews, leading to their settlement across Europe, the Middle East, and Russia. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the 5 Pillars of Islam and explain their importance to Muslim practice.

The 5 Pillars are Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). They are essential acts of worship that structure a Muslim's faith and guide their daily actions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Confucianism

Emphasis on the 5 Great Relationships governs moral behavior and social harmony.
Filial Piety highlights respect for elders and ancestors as a core value.
Civil Service Exam established merit-based governance in China.
Scholar-Gentry Class consisted of educated elites who held power; merchants held a low status due to Confucian views.

Taoism

The Dao/Tao signifies the natural way of the universe, encouraging harmony with nature.
Advocates for intuition over formal knowledge, suggesting a spontaneous approach to life.
The concept of Yin Yang symbolizes balance between opposite forces.

Buddhism

Siddhartha Gautama, known as The Buddha, originated from a Hindu background.
Central tenet: Life is suffering caused by desires, as expressed in the 4 Noble Truths.
The 8-fold path offers a practical guide to extinguishing suffering and achieving enlightenment.
Nirvana represents the ultimate liberation from the rebirth cycle.

Christianity

One of the three main Abrahamic religions alongside Judaism and Islam.
Considered a universalizing religion meant for all, despite historical exclusion.
Proselytizing ideology aims to convert followers worldwide.
Jesus viewed by Christians as the savior, while Muslims and Jews see him solely as a prophet.
Important branches include Catholicism, Orthodoxy (predominantly in Eastern Europe), and Protestantism (emerging from the Reformation in 1517).

Hinduism

The Caste System remains a significant aspect of social structure, determining status and roles.
Caste is hereditary and influences an individual's social, political, and economic life.
Dharma relates to the duty associated with one's caste; fulfilling it generates Karma.
The cycle of re-birth is linked to one's Dharma, with Moksha representing liberation from it.
Polytheistic belief system includes a multitude of deities.

Judaism

Part of the Abrahamic religions along with Christianity and Islam.
Non-proselytizing nature means followers are typically born into the faith, resulting in fewer adherents.
Sometimes perceived as an ethnicity, leading to unique societal challenges.
The Jewish Diaspora reflects the historical forced emigration leading to a global spread.
Continuous anti-Semitism has persisted, manifesting in violent acts historically, including pogroms.
Jewish merchants appear throughout history, influencing trade dynamics.

Islam

Monotheistic religion founded by the prophet Muhammad, who was a religious, political, and wealthy merchant.
The intertwining of church and state shaped the governance of Islamic empires.
The 5 Pillars of Islam outline the core practices: Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage).
Sect differentiation occurred after Muhammad's death, leading to Sunni and Shia divisions characterized by ongoing conflicts.
The Islamic Golden Age laid the groundwork for the European Renaissance through the preservation and advancement of classical knowledge, including medicine, literature, and astronomy.

Description

This quiz explores essential concepts of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, focusing on the key principles and figures associated with each religion. Test your knowledge about the 5 Great Relationships in Confucianism, the significance of the Dao in Taoism, and the life of Siddhartha Gautama in Buddhism. Ideal for World History AP students seeking to grasp must-know information about these influential philosophies.