World Religion PDF

WR | Academics Committee WORLD RELIGION CREATED BY: Kahlil Tagabucba, Ciara San Luis, Anil Ramos, James Suallo, Gabs Celles, Enzo Deniega, Clouie Mesias, Arianne Arobinto, Fjord Gallegos INTRODUCTION: UNDERSTANDING BELIEFS AND WORLDVIEWS WORLDVIEW - A collection of beliefs about life and the universe being held by the people. - Social environment and upbringing are crucial in the development of a religious life, as belief in God/s is found in almost all religions. - “It is the mental model of reality that signifies a comprehensive framework of ideas and attitudes about the world ourselves, life, a system of beliefs, a system of personally customized theories about the world and how it works.” BELIEF SYSTEM - A set of principles that help in interpreting our daily reality. - These beliefs are influenced by factors such as: ➔ How we know things ➔ How we were raised ➔ Peer pressure KINDS OF BELIEF SYSTEM KINDS DESCRIPTION Theism A belief in the existence of one God who created the human race and the world who transcends yet is immanent in the world. Monism There is no real distinction between God and the universe. Two implications arise from this belief: 1. God is dwelling in the universe as part of it. 2. The universe does not exist at all as a reality but only as God’s manifestation. Polytheism The belief and worship of many Gods. It was common among the early people and none of these gods were more supreme than the other. Ancient polytheistic societies included Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Monotheism The doctrine and belief in one supreme God. WR | Academics Committee (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) Atheism Denial of the existence of God. Agnosticism Denial of the possibility for man to acquire knowledge of the existence of God. RELIGION - An organized system or institution that practices a set of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a God or group of Gods. - Latin word religio → something done with thorough attention to detail. - Latin verb religare → to tie together or bind fast - In its original sense, the word refers to the expression of proper piety or devotion, that is binding to God. NATURE OF RELIGION Social Scientist Background View on Religion Edward Burnett Tylor English Anthropologist and Belief in spiritual beings. (1832-1917) founding figure of the science of social anthropology. James George Frazer Scottish social Conciliation of powers (1854-1941) anthropologist and one of superior to man which are the founding figures of believed to control the modern anthropology. course of nature and human life. Bronislaw Kasper Malinowski An eminent 20th century A body of self-contained (1884-1942) Polish Anthropologist. acts being themselves the fulfillment of their purpose; an affair of all, which everyone takes an active and equivalent part. Devid Émile Durkheim French sociologist and A unified system of beliefs (1858-1917) Father of Sociology. and practices relative to sacred things. COMMON CHARACTERISTICS AMONG RELIGIONS ❖ Religious Rituals ❖ Code of Conduct WR | Academics Committee ❖ Belief in Deity ❖ A doctrine of salvation AUTHORITIES - The essential qualities of religion are maintained and passed from each generation through authorities. - The most important religious authorities are writings known as scriptures: ➔ Bibles (Christians and Jews) ➔ Koran (Muslims) ➔ Vedas (Hindus) - Religious authority can also come from writings of saints, holy persons, or decisions by religious councils and leaders. Unwritten customs and laws (A.K.A Traditions) also form a basic part of authority. 1. Belief in Deity - Three philosophical views: Atheists believe that no deity exists Theists believe in deity/ies Agnostics say that the existence of a deity cannot be proven or disproved. 2. A Doctrine of Salvation - Based on the belief that the people are in some danger and need to be saved. - Major religions (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism) stress that salvation is the highest goal of the faithful and should be achieved. 3. A Code of Conduct - Set of moral teachings and values that all religions have. - Code or ethics that tells believers how to conduct their lives. - Instructs them how to act toward the deity and one another. 4. Religious Rituals - Acts and ceremonies by which believers appeal to and serve God, deities, and other sacred powers. Rituals commemorate events in the history of religions and mark important events in a person’s life: ➔ A service is the performance of a ritual. ➔ Prayer is the most common ritual (Meditation for some Asian religions) ➔ Pilgrimages are rituals that intend to purify the body. ELEMENTS OF RELIGION The 4 C’s 1. Cult - Belief in Deity, how we worship 2. Creed - A Doctrine of Salvation, what we believe 3. Code - A Code of Conduct, how we live 4. Community - The believers WR | Academics Committee THEORIES ON THE ORIGINS OF RELIGION ANIMISTIC THEORIES ➔ Edward Burnett Tylor: Primitive people believed in anima (souls) found in people and in all nature. THey pray and offer sacrifices to these spirits. ➔ Robert Henry Codrington: All early people began their religion with their belief of mana, a mysterious force that inhabited nature. The destructiveness of mana can be avoided by establishing taboos. NATURE WORSHIP THEORY ➔ Human beings first developed their religions from observations of forces of nature. Primitive people personified them and created myths about the regularity of seasons, phases of the moon, and the tides. THEORY OF ORIGINAL MONOTHEISM ➔ Wilhelm Schmidt: Originally there had been one great god above all others but he went away and had little contact with the world that resulted in the majority of attention and worship to other deities. MAGIC THEORY ➔ James George Frazer: People had gone three phases of development concerning the spirit world: 1. Primitive magic 2. Religion 3. Science WISH FULFILLMENT THEORY ➔ Ludwig Andreas von Feuerbach: There were no gods. Troubled people who faced difficulties in life only developed gods and religion to project their wishes onto them. ➔ Karl Heinrich Marx: Religions were developed by the few to control the masses and suppress revolution as a result of the continuing struggle between classes. ➔ SIgmund Freud: Religion originated from the guilt that individuals feel in hating their fathers. THEOLOGY - A branch of study concerning the nature and purpose of God. - A systematic study of the existence and nature of the divine. PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION - Deals with issues concerning religion with an analysis on the existence of a divine being or on sacred texts. WR | Academics Committee - A branch of philosophy. EXPLORING SPIRITUALITY SPIRITUAL - Relating or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. - The Latin word spiritus → its verb root spirare means “to breathe”. There is an impression that people are surrounded by a divine reality as pervasive, intimate, necessary, and invisible as the air we breathe. - The main belief of spirituality is of having an invisible spirit/soul which is enjoying an earthly experience/journey, in a visible body. DEFINING SPIRITUALITY SPIRITUALITY - One’s soul and inner self. - Holding one’s personal set of beliefs and practices and searching for the purpose of life. - Each person’s definition of spirituality can change or adapt throughout their lifetime through individual experiences by personal study and self-reflection. - The goal of spirituality is to realize your own inherent power to combat all of life’s challenges, and connect with something greater than oneself. ELEMENTS OF SPIRITUALITY 1. An automatic intuitive connection with every other spiritual being on Earth. 2. The power and centrality of instinct and intuition to guide life and its outcomes. 3. Emphasis on loving and emotionally supporting others, and reaching out to them as a natural way of living. 4. Keen appreciation of the wonders of nature and its possibilities. 5. Feeling serenity, fearlessness, contentment, and acceptance of one’s life and fate. THEIR DIFFERENCES RELIGION SPIRITUALITY THEOLOGY PHILOSOPHY (of religion) Refers to any set of Reflects one’s Deals with the study Deals with issues like beliefs, attitudes, and integrative view of of the nature and the analysis on the practices concerning life while affecting purpose of God that existence of a divine a supernatural the human soul. may be undertaken being or on sacred power. It is the using a particular texts. pursuit of perspective. transformation guided by a sacred WR | Academics Committee belief system. RELIGION VS SPIRITUALITY (BELIEVING versus BEING) ➔ RELIGION emphasizes the content of followers’ beliefs and how those beliefs are applied in their everyday lives. ➔ SPIRITUALITY is the process of becoming attuned to one’s inner self. OVERVIEW: THEODICY (of Greek origin: theos - ‘god’ + dike - ‘justice’) - Was created to solve the evidential problem of ‘evil’. - This is done through reconciling the traditional & divine characteristics of omnibenevolence, omnipotence, and omniscience with the occurrence of evil or suffering in the world. GOTTFRIED WILHELM VON LEIBNIZ - A German philosopher who coined the term ‘Theodicy’ in 1710. “Can God’s existence be proven?” - Theodicy provides the frameworks that claim God’s probable existence. - In general, the highest being is always God. - The first logical question always has to do with his existence. A. SCHOOL OF THEISM Theism - God exists and is either indwelling in the world or is transcendent being part of the world. Pantheism - God is the world. Deism - God created the world and abandoned it. Monotheism - The belief that there is only one God. Polytheism - The belief that there are multiple Gods. Polytheistic Pantheism - The belief that there are multiple Gods but they are all manifestations of a single divine force. (Ex. Hinduism) Animism - The belief that there are spirits that dwell in parts of nature. (Ex. Anito) ARGUMENTS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: Ontological - The existence of God isn’t proven by experiences, rather it is proven because we can think of the “most perfect” or “most sublime”. - The concept of ontology means that every thought we have must be somewhat related to something that exists. If we can have thoughts about something being the “most perfect”, then it must exist in some way. WR | Academics Committee - However, the thought of being the “most perfect” does not apply to humans or objects. The “most perfect” being will always be God and the mere fact we can think of the most perfect means that perfect being must exist. Cosmological - This argument states that it all started from the cosmos. - Every effect has a cause → the world is an effect → something beyond the cosmos is the cause for our creation. - In easier terms, if the world all started from the big bang, what created the big bang? Tomas de Aquinas’ Quinque Viae (Five ways to prove God’s existence) - Problem of Motion: There is a prime mover as the source for all motions. - Problem of Causality: Everything that happens in this world has a cause, there must be a First Cause that triggered the series of events that happen after. - Contingency to Necessity: Everything in the world relies on another being to exist (they are contingent), so there must be a self-existing being that doesn’t depend on anything, otherwise nothing would exist. - Degree of Perfection: We can compare things and beings with one another, deciding which is more perfect than the other, but to do this means a being of the Supreme Standard of Perfection exists. This being is God. - Design of the Universe: There must be a Divine Lawgiver that explains all of the regularities and laws of our universe. B. SCHOOL OF AGNOSTICISM David Hume: Dialogue Concerning Natural Religion - We are in no position to assume that we have a Divine Lawgiver, just because something is a certain way, doesn’t mean that it has to be that way. - The factual order of things does not imply the existence of God. Immanuel Kant: Critique of Pure Reason - God, immortality, and freedom are beyond rational justification. - Human reasoning has limits, if we think of anything beyond the phenomenal world we are always faced with contradictions. The noumenal world simply transcends our cognitive power. - This means that knowing God is a matter of faith, not knowledge. Logical Positivist - Based on the Principle of Verification; any metaphysical concept that cannot be computed and any experience that cannot be proven, is simply nonsensical. Ludwig Wittegenstein - “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.” - If something cannot truly be proven, it is meaningless to discuss. WR | Academics Committee - The existence of angels, demons, and Gods are not necessarily false but these concepts have no meaning if it cannot truly be verified. AGNOSTICISM VS ATHEISM AGNOSTICISM ATHEISM It is impossible to know if a God exists. Denial of the existence of God. C. SCHOOL OF ATHEISM - There is no God, but if they exist then it has no relevance to the life of man on Earth. - Atheism argues that belief in God has a relation of man’s moral, intellectual, and economic retrogression; hence it is best that the concept of God is scrapped entirely. THE MODERN AGE - An age of great awakening. - This marked the liberation of the human mind from the medieval age with its scholastic philosophy, religious dogmatism, and political absolutism. - The rise of radical ideas in religion. Ludwig Feuerbach: Essence of Christianity - It was not God who created man in his likeness, it was the opposite. Man created God in his image and likeness. - God is the objectification of man’s longingness for perfection. This is because man is finite and imperfect, so man projected himself to be infinite and perfect. - God is the objectification of man’s wish fulfillment. Contemporary Atheism - Belief in God obstructs human freedom and autonomy. - God is a tyrant and jealous Being who would not want men to outgrow their dependency and fears of the divine. Jean-Paul Sartre: Being and Nothingness - Atheistic existentialism: if God does not exist, there is at least one being on whom existence precedes essence, a being who exists before he can be defined by any concept, and that being is man. - This means that people themselves must create their own purpose as we are born without any predetermined definition. - Existentialism is humanistic because it never exceeds the bounds of human situation, it focuses only on our experiences, responsibilities, and choices without going beyond. POSITIVE & NEGATIVE EFFECTS POSITIVE EFFECTS: WR | Academics Committee PROMOTES SOCIAL HARMONY - Assimilates and stabilizes cultures and nations PROVIDES MORAL VALUES - Provides a systematic model of the universe - People are able to distinguish right from wrong, good or evil - Provides a systems of reward and punishment PROVIDES SOCIAL CHANGE - Since it is a source of moral values it also provides social change - Can be very effective in lobbying and campaigning for social issues EXPLAINS THE UNKNOWN/REDUCES FEAR OF UNKNOWN - Provides an answer for phenomena and questions that science can’t explain GIVES A POSITIVE GOAL IN LIFE - People were inspired by prophets from their religions (Moses, Siddharta Gautema, and Muhammad) GIVES PEOPLE A SENSE OF BELONGING - Allows people to personally identify as a part of a group with similar worldviews, beliefs, values, practices, and lifestyles. - Provides communities with prospects to recognize and offer vital action and service to provide the needs of the larger community NEGATIVE EFFECTS: AFFIRMS SOCIAL HIERARCHY - Some affirm social hierarchy which favor men, this causes gender discrimination and oppression - Ex. political structures of Confucians CAUSES DISCRIMINATION - People do not tolerate religious ideologies different from the one they follow. - Religion can be a source of discrimination, or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people of people or things especially on the basis of race, religion, age, and sex TRIGGERS CONFLICTS AND FIGHTS - Has some aspects which make it susceptible to be a source of conflict and war - History witnessed numerous lives sacrificed and lost in the name of religion SERVES AS AN ECONOMIC TOOL FOR CONTROLLING THE MASSES - Karl Marx said “religion is the opium of the masses” - He proposed that the bourgeoisie keep the proletariat in control through religion IMPEDES SCIENTIFIC SUCCESS AND DEVELOPMENT - Throughout history, religion has impeded scientific development. - Ex. The Catholic church were flat Earthers OBSTRUCTS THE USE OF REASONS WR | Academics Committee - Many question the suitability of religious doctrine to the needs of the present and the future generations. - Religion should evolve and learn to adapt to the ever changing world HISTORICAL EVENTS CAUSED BY RELIGION: SELF-IMMOLATION OF A BUDDHIST MONK IN VIETNAM - Self-Immolation - the act of killing oneself as a form of sacrifice, originally referred to as the act of setting oneself on fire. It is used as a form of political protest or martyrdom WINDOWS BURNING AMONG THE HINDUS IN INDIA - Sati - self-immolation of a widow on her husband’s funeral pyre. Rajput women burnt themselves to death after their men were defeated in battles to avoid being taken by conquerors. (originated 700 years ago in India) THE INQUISITION - The Roman Catholic Church groups charged in order to subdue heresy from around 1184 [Includes Episocal Inquisition (1184-1230’s) & Papal Inquisition (1230’s)] - This was a response to large popular movements in Europe considered heretical or profane to Christianity, particularly Catharism (a Christian dualist movement which espoused the idea of two gods, one being good the other being evil.) THE GODRA TRAIN INCIDENT IN 2022 - February 2002 - Train was set on fire because the train was filled with Hindu pilgrims and activists returning from the holy city of Ayodha after a religious ceremony at the disputed Babri Masjid site ORIGINS OF WORLD RELIGIONS: - Religions have their own origin stories and are universal in nature - Geography and culture have an effect on the establishment and development of religions HISTORICAL FOUNDATION - Prehistoric humans (Neandethals and Cro-Magnons), have practiced a set of belief systems (e.g. burying their dead, painting on the walls of caves and carving images from stones) - Many religions may have been unrecorded in the past. Others may have gradually died overtime like Zoroastrianism which flourished in South Asia but is now only confined in Iran, India, and Central Asia. Important Dates on the Origin of World Religions DATE SIGNIFICANCE c. 2000 BCE Time of Abraham, the patriarch of Israel WR | Academics Committee c. 1200 BCE Time of Moses, the Hebrew leader of Exodus c. 110 - 500 BCE Hindus compiled their holy texts, the Vedas c. 563 - 83 BCE Time of Buddha, founder of Confucianism c. 551 - 479 BCE Time of Confucius, founder of Confucianism c. 200 BCE The Hindu book, Bhagavad Gita, was written c. 2 to 4 BCE - 32 CE Time of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and founder of Christianity c. 32 CE The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ c. 40 - 90 CE The new Testament was written by the followers of Jesus Christ c. 100 CE Beginnings of Shintoism (no known founder) c. 500 - 580 CE Time of Lao Tze, founder of Daoism c. 570 - 632 CE Time of Muhammad, who recorded the Q’ran as the basis of Islam ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS The Patriarch Abraham - Played a major role in the establishment of the three monotheistic religions: namely, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which account for more than half of the world’s total population. - The importance of Abraham in these three religions lies in the fact that the patriarch appears as a primary figure for monotheistic belief system and a paragon (exemplar) for extreme devotion WR | Academics Committee Commonalities 1. They all worship one supreme being. - Ancient Hebrews - Elohim, Adonai or Yahweh - Present day Judaism - “Lord” or “God” - Muslims - Allah 2. Prophets and apostles play major roles - Judaism has 48 prophets and 7 prophetesses - Early prophets include Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, and Joshua - Christianity has 12 apostles, some of whom wrote parts of the New Testament - Islam believes that Muhammad is the final prophet or the “Seal of Prophets” 3. Prior to the establishment as organized religions, the role of divine relation or intervention is associated among their ancestors - God instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac at Mount Moriah - God presented the 10 Commandments to Moses at mount Sinai - God sacrificed His son Jesus Christ through crucifixion as the plan to salvation - God commanded Muhammad to establish a new religion at a cave in Mount Hira THE INDIAN MOSAIC - India is one of the oldest surviving civilizations, with its history dating back to at least 6500 BCE. The many conquerors that came to India were gradually absorbed into the native Indian religions. - The Harappan civilization, Aryan influence, local dynasties, and the Muslim conquest all had their fair share in building the intricate Indian mosaic. As a result, variety and complexity characterize Indian culture. - Four great religions originated in India (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism) and a myriad of minor cults and local sects WR | Academics Committee HINDUISM - Perfectly reflects Indian heterogeneity with its eclectic (diversified and assorted) ways of religious expressions that can be confusing to outsiders. - Has no specific founder, no one sacred book, and with innumerable gods and goddesses that any Hindu can venerate. - Museum of religions - It was during the Vedic Period that Hinduism or Santana Dharma became systemized as a religion that preached order and purpose to the cosmos and human life. - Universal order became equated with a stable society as evidenced by the establishment of a centralized government and the integration of collective traditions into Indian lives. BUDDHISM - Centers its attention on Buddha, who was a human being who came to discover how to terminate sufferings in order to escape the painful and continuous cycle of rebirth - Buddhists revere Buddah the same way that others worship their gods - The Mahayna sect of Buddhism differs from the Theravada school because of its rich array of buddhas and bodhizattvas who have attained spiritual enlightenment. These beings are eligible to enter nirvana but choose to delay this glorious path to guide others to the path of salvation - Born near the end of the 6th century BCE, Siddharta Guatama’s life is closely linked with the historical and religious development of Buddhism in India. - Buddhism spread far and wide from India to Sri Lanka and to Southeast Asia. The religion was transported to China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Across Humalayas, it reached the Tibetan lands CONFUCIANISM - China adopted Confucius’ ideals and ethics as the nation developed meritocracy (power goes to those with superior intellects) as a basis for government officials - Confucius is regarded as China’s greatest philosopher and teacher who lived at the same time as Siddharta Gautama in India - Confucian ideals aspire to harmonize human relations and serve as a guide to social behavior - An ideal human society is the utmost concern for Confucian followers. - Confucians dwell upon the theme of the Dao as being the truth or way things ought to be done - Confucian Dao concerns human affairs DAOISM - Mysteries abound the birth and life of Laozi who may have written Dao De Jing (The Book of the Way and its Power) WR | Academics Committee - Believed to be a contemporary version of Confucius, he once worked as a record keeper at the time of Zhou Dynasty but soon left the service due to his frustration with corruption - Around 142 CE, Daoism began as an organized religion with the establishment of the Way of the Celestial Masters sect by Zhang Daoling during the Han Dynasty - The writing of Daoism centers on the concept of Dao, as a way or path signifying appropriateness of one’s behavior to lead other people - Dao in Daoism means road, path, or way in which one does something - Daoist Dao means the way the universe works SHINTOISM - A loosely organized local belief in Japan, somewhat a dedicated religious form of Japanese patriotism. - Japanese people believed that their emperors literally descended from the sun goddess Amaterasu - ‘Shinto’ was coined around the 16th century CE to distinguish native belief system from the imported religions of China and Korea (Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism) - It came from the Chinese words ‘shen’ and ‘tao’ which roughly translates to ‘way of the gods’ - Kami were what they called their gods but it could also refer to deities of heaven and earth, or even spirits in human beings, animals, trees, seas, and mountains GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT THE WESTERN FRONTIER - West Asia is the home of three great religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) - The Levant - Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Syria, and Palestine - Israel remains the only country in the world with a Jewish-majority population comprising of almost 75% or its citizens - Arabian Peninsula - World’s largest peninsula - Islamic in character - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Oman - Iran and Iraq (Shi’a) | Saudi Arabia (Sunni) - The city of Jerusalem in Israel - there are more than a thousand synagogues, more than one hundred churches and more than 70 mosques - Has been sacred for: - Jews for almost three thousand years - Site of the First Temple (King Solomon’s Temple) - Site of the Second Temple - Christians for two thousand years WR | Academics Committee - Mount Zion - Church of the Holy Sepulchre [Golgotha (place of crucifixion) & empty tomb of Jesus] - Muslims for 1400 years - For Sunni Muslims it is their third holiest city Most Sacred Sites (JCI) - Al-Aqsa Mosque - Associated with Muhammad’s night journey - Dome of the Rock - Most recognizable structure in Jerusalem - Spot where Muhammad ascended to heaven - Dome of the Chain Sacred Mountains Holy Mountains Location Significance Mount Ararat Eastern part of Turkey Landing place of Noah’s Ark (Book of Genesis) Mount Sinai Sinai Peninsula in Egypt Moses received the 10 Commandments here Mount Zion/Mount Moriah Jerusalem City of David and Temple Mount Mount Tabor Israel Site of transfiguration of Jesus Christ Sacred Deserts & Waters Place Significance Yam Suph (Red Sea) Israelites crossed this as they escaped from Egyptian lands Sinai Desert Israelist lived here en route the Promised Land (spiritual cleansing) THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT - The subcontinent of South Asia covers an area of more than one and a half million square miles that stretches from the Hindu Kush and Baluchi Hills on the west and the Great Himalayan mountain range on the north, to the Burmese mountain on the east and the Indian Ocean on the south WR | Academics Committee - More than 4000 years ago, a civilization emerged along the Indus River that developed a unique culture long before the dawn of the Christian era - Invasions from people originating in Macedonia and Central Asia have added diversity to India’s population and complexity to its culture - India’s main ecological setting is sweltering heat - Hindus revere the sun (Surya) and fire (Agni) - Hindus venerate the god of water and celestial oceans (Varuna) - India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh depend on the rivers of Indus, Ganga-Yamuna and Bramaputra - Ganga (holiest river for the Hindus) - Ancient pilgrimage sites and cities along Ganga - Rishikesh - Haridwar - Prayag - Varanasi - This is also considered by Buddhist as an important religious site - Siddharta Gautama gave his first sermon about the principles of Buddhism here - Presently marked by the Dhamek Stupa shrine - Has the Chaukhandi Stupa monument which commemorates Buddha’s first meeting with his disciples THE EASTERN END - Culturally and politically dominated by China - The location of China proper in the valleys of two great bodies of water (Huang He and Yangtze), is favorable because the streams helped Chinese people make historic China - the center of culture - Shang and Zhou - First recorded dynasties - The small states emerged from the river valleys and were controlled by these dynasties - Confucius became fascinated with ethical questions and morality in government officials - Confucius - He did not intend to start a religion but rather explain the nature of order and stability in society - With the rise of Confucianism, shamanism began to decline - His teachings, ideals, and philosophy spread after 2 millennium of his death in 479 BCE - It was during Han dynasty when his teachings became state religion WR | Academics Committee - It spread in Korea around the 15th century and in Japan around the 18th and 19th century. - Daosim - Emerged in response to widespread warfare and social turmoil that besieged the Zhou dynasty - Served as the guiding principle to abandon and withdraw from disorder brought by incesstant struggle for power, wealth, and prestige - Common people opposed rising authoritarian rule and the rigidity of the moralists (Confucian supporters) - Daoist followers aspired for autonomy - Koreans - Adopted Buddhism and Confucianism from the mainland due to the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje were influenced by China - Japanese - Their representatives in China picked useful aspects of Chinese culture and adopted them to their own need - Japanese feudal system embraced the ideals of Confucianism and Daoism that emphasized the concept of filial piety (devotion to family) - Buddhism entered between the 4th and 8th century and had a direct effect in their religious traditions - Shinto was introduced - Shinto followers acknowledged that the numerous buddhas and bodhisattvas were revelations of the kami - Fusion between Shintoism and Buddhism - Japan developed a unique form of Buddhism [Zen (meditative form)] CULTURAL MILIEU EXCLUSIVE - Monotheistic - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam NON-EXCLUSIVE - Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism MONOTHEISM & UNIVERSALITY - Unitarian Creed (Judaism and Islam) - Presence of one god - Trinitarian Creed (Christianity) - One God in three persons - Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit - Universalizing Religion (Christianity & Islam) - Attempt to operate on a global scale - Have a variety of means to transmit their principles and their followers believe that what they think is appropriate for humankind WR | Academics Committee - Ethnic Religion (Judaism) - Draws members from a specific group of people from a definite locality with most of its practices and rituals performed continuously throughout generations DHARMA - Integral in religions that emerged in India (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism) - Meaning in different religions: - Hinduism - Duty, righteousness, and ethics - Buddhism - Cosmic law and order - Theravada - All the factors of existence - Dharmic religions do not require their followers to profess their devotion to be a believer or practitioner. - Hinduism VS Buddhism - Hindus believe in trimurti (three forms of god) - Buddhist do not believe in the existence of any god NATURE AND ANCESTORS - Confucianism - Confucius has a firm conviction in a natural order that was moral order - Establishment of an ideal human society is key to its followers - Five basic social relationships: - Ruler and Subjects - Father and Son - Husband and Wife - Older and younger brothers - Friends or members of the community - Daoism - Lesser dieties are apparent, includes atmospheric gods, gods of locality, and functional gods - Promotes harmonious relationship between humankind and nature - Appropriateness of one’s behavior is integral - Shintoism - Divinities are closely linked to nature and natural forces - Three Holy Mountains - Mount Fuji - Abode of Japanese gods - Mount Tate - Mount Haku - Shrines are erected to venerate or remember ancestors WR | Academics Committee - Shinto followers carry our ritualistic practices diligently in order to establish union with the present society and the nation’s past - Majority of its followers also practice Buddhism JUDAISM Judaism - The root of religion in the West - is one of the oldest monotheistic religions Beliefs common to the West (To the Monotheism Religion) Humans = the highest creation of God Linear timelines God has a personal relationship with humans Speaks through prophets God is love How can three religions as diverse (and often hostile) as Judaism, Christianity and Islam, can classified as closely related religions. In the book of Genesis, God bestows a new name upon Abram–Abraham, a father of many nations. With this name and his Covenant, Abraham would become the patriarch of three of the world’s major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. (The Abrahamic Religions: A Very Short Introduction, 2023) Monotheism: Belief in one God. the doctrine or belief that there is only one God. WR | Academics Committee The Abraham Family Tree religion: WR | Academics Committee Abraham: Considered the patriarch of all three religions. Isaac & Ishmael: Abraham's sons. Isaac is the lineage through which Judaism and Christianity trace their origins. Ishmael is associated with Islam through his connection to the Arab people and ultimately to Muhammad. Jacob: Isaac's son, father of the twelve tribes of Israel (foundational to Judaism). Moses, David, Solomon: Key figures in Judaism, shown in the lineage. Jesus: Shown as a descendant of David, central to Christianity. Muhammad: Placed in the lineage of Ishmael, the final prophet of Islam. JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, AND ISLAM TIMELINE WR | Academics Committee 1800 BCE - Abraham: Considered the patriarch of all three religions. 1300 BCE - Moses and the Ten Commandments: A foundational event in Judaism. 1000 BCE - Time of the Kings (Saul, David, Solomon): A significant period in Israelite history. Roman Occupation of Palestine: Refers to the period when the Roman Empire controlled the region, impacting Jewish history and setting the stage for the emergence of Christianity. Birth of Jesus: A central event in Christianity, WR | Academics Committee Death of Jesus: Another crucial event in Christianity. Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (79 CE): A major turning point in Jewish history. Exiling of the followers of Jesus from the Jewish Synagogues: Marks the growing separation between Judaism and Christianity. Exile of the Jews from Palestine (Diaspora) and into Europe: Refers to the historical expulsions and dispersal of Jews. 600 CE - Death of Muhammad: The founder of Islam. Period of the Caliphs: The era after Muhammad's death, marked by the rule of Islamic leaders (Caliphs) and the expansion of the Muslim empire. Invasion of the Mongols: A significant historical event that impacted the Middle East and other regions. WR | Academics Committee The central focus is a map of the ancient Near East, showing the region where Abraham traveled. Ur: Abraham's original home, located in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Haran: A city in northern Mesopotamia where Abraham stayed for a time. Canaan: The "Promised Land," roughly corresponding to modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Jordan and Syria. This is Abraham's destination. "Covenant with God (agreement)": The core of the story is the covenant God made with Abraham: "Follow only 1 God (I AM)": Establishes monotheism, a key concept in these religions. "God will provide a land of Milk and Honey - MONOTHESISM": Refers to the promise of Canaan and the establishment of a special relationship between God and Abraham's descendants. "Promised Land = Canaan": Clarifies the destination of the journey. "Abraham moved family (& people) from UR to CANAAN": Emphasizes the migration aspect. "2 sons = Isaac and Ishmael": Important for the lineage of Judaism and Islam. Most Likely Route (Solid Line): This route goes from Ur northwest to Haran, then southwest through Syria/Palestine down to Canaan. Possible Route (Dashed Line): This route goes from Ur directly west to Canaan. JACOB, ABRAHAM, ISAAC: THE PATRIARCH OF JUDAISM Patriarchs: The founding fathers of Judaism. Specifically, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Covenant: A sacred agreement or pact between God and the Jewish people. It's the basis of their relationship. Chosen People (The Jews): The term used to describe the Jewish people, based on the covenant with God. It signifies a special relationship and responsibilities. WR | Academics Committee Promised Land: The land of Canaan (later Israel), which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. It holds deep religious significance for Jews. Tribes of Israel: The twelve groups of people descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. They formed the ancient nation of Israel. Egypt: The place where the Israelites migrated and eventually were enslaved, setting the stage for the Exodus story. MOSES Moses: Raised in Pharoah’s palace and called to free the Israelites 10 Plagues: God sent ten terrible plagues to Egypt to convince the Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. The Exodus: This escape from Egypt is called the Exodus. It involved crossing the Sinai Peninsula. Passover: This is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Exodus. 10 Commandments: God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, a set of important laws, on Mount Sinai. Diaspora: Term used when referring to the Jewish population living outside of Israel. By the 3rd century BCE, most Jews lived in the Diaspora End of the era predicted by Prophets: A prophet is a person who receives a message from God and delivers that message to God's people. Usually, prophets warn of a coming crisis based on the inability of people to b e true to their covenant with God. The prophetic tradition is shared by Christianity, Islam and Judaism A HISTORY OF JEWISH PERSECUTION Zionism Movement to restore the nation of Israel to the Jews. It began strongly in 1900 and finally succeeded in 1948, with the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel\ HEBREW BIBLE WR | Academics Committee Tanakh = Old Testament or Hebrew Bible Written over a period of 1000 yrs (c. 1300 BCE to 300 BCE) TORAH (Pentateuch): The most important section TORAH: Written over 400 years. The word torah means “Revelation”, “teaching”, or “instruction”. For Jews it means a way by which to live. TORAH=FIRST 5 BOOKS OF THE HEBREW SRIPTURES Genesis= Myth and story about creation Exodus= The story of Moses leading Israelites to Canaan Levitivus= Rituals and Ceremonies performed during TEMPLE worship Numbers= Outlines Israelite's growth in faith Deutronomy= Outlines the 613 Laws that Jews called to follow The Talmud Talmud = commentary on Tanakh written by Rabbis. The Talmud is not the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) itself, but rather interpretations and expansions of it. It was written and compiled by rabbis (Jewish scholars and teachers) over centuries. It is a collection of written Jewish Law and oral traditions pertaining to the Law. The Talmud blends legal interpretations with stories, ethical guidelines, and philosophical discussions In addition, the Talmud contains a collection of oral stories dealing with how Yahweh intervened in the lives of the Hebrew people. The Mishnah: A collection of oral laws edited and compiled around 200 CE. It's the foundation of the Talmud. The Gemera: A collection of discussions and debates on the Mishnah. It explores different interpretations and applies the laws to various situations. Revolts and Foreign Control: a period where the Jewish people struggled against outside domination. Jews return: After being exiled, Jewish people returned to their homeland (Judea). This marks the beginning of the Second Temple period. Prophets condemn non-Jewish ways: Religious leaders (prophets) spoke out against Jewish people adopting the customs of other cultures. They wanted to maintain Jewish traditions and WR | Academics Committee religious purity. Temple is rebuilt: The Second Temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt, becoming the center of Jewish worship. Maccabean Revolt (c. 164 BCE): A successful rebellion by the Maccabees (Jewish rebels) against the Greek rulers who were trying to force them to abandon their religion. Self Rule: For a short time, the Jews regained independence after the Maccabean Revolt. Chanukah: A Jewish holiday celebrating the Maccabean victory and the rededication of the Temple. Roman Domination (c. 64 BCE): The Roman Empire took control of Judea. Jewish Revolt (c. 66 CE): A major revolt by the Jews against Roman rule. Temple destroyed (70 CE): The Romans crushed the revolt and destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Survival depends on Pharisees: A Jewish group (Pharisees) emphasized the importance of studying and following Jewish law. They became leaders after the Temple's destruction. Rabbinic Judaism emerges: The type of Judaism we are most familiar with today developed from the teachings of the Pharisees. It focuses on prayer, study, and following religious laws in daily life, as opposed to Temple sacrifices. Chanukah: The Jewish festival of Hanukkah celebrates the Maccabean victory and the rededication of the Temple. The Shema Shema = MOST important/fundamental statement of Jewish beliefs taken from the Torah. The Sh'ma: The Hebrew text of the Shema Recite while covering the eyes: The instruction to cover the eyes during recitation is a common practice, meant to enhance concentration and focus on the meaning of the words. Sh'ma Yisra-eil: Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad! This is the core statement of the Shema, and the English translation is: "Hear, O Israel: the Eternal One is our God, the Eternal God alone." WR | Academics Committee In Simple Terms: The Shema is like the most important "cheer" or statement of belief for Jewish people. It's a prayer that reminds them: God is their one and only God. They have a special relationship with God. Creed (Five Fundamental Concepts) Philo (20 BCE – 50 CE), a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria, Egypt. He sought to synthesize Jewish faith with Greek philosophy. Philo's 5 Basic Ideas: There is a GOD: Affirms the existence of God. There is only ONE God: Emphasizes monotheism, the belief in one God. God created the WORLD, but it will not last forever: God is the creator, but creation is not eternal. This suggests a divine plan and potential for renewal or a Messianic age. There is only ONE Universe: Reinforces the idea of a single, unified creation. God CARES for the world and all of its creatures: God is not distant or indifferent but actively involved in and concerned with creation. Maimonides' 13 Key Beliefs: THE 13 ARTICLES OF FAITH Maimonides (1135-1204 CE), also known as Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (Rambam), a leading medieval Jewish philosopher, legal scholar, and physician. 1. The existence of God, the creator: Echoes Philo's first point, emphasizing God as the origin of everything. 2. God's unity: Similar to Philo's "one God," stressing God's indivisible nature. 3. God's incorporeality: God is not physical or limited by space. 4. God's eternity: God is beyond time, existing eternally. 5. The obligation to worship God alone: Derived from the concept of monotheism, emphasizing exclusive devotion to God. 6. The truth of the words of the prophets: Acknowledges the divine inspiration of the Hebrew prophets. 7. The superiority of the prophecy of Moses (TORAH): Moses' prophecy and the Torah are considered the foundation of Jewish law and belief. 8. The Torah as God's revelation to Moses: Affirms the divine origin of the Torah. WR | Academics Committee 9. The immutability of the Torah (unchanging): The Torah's teachings are eternal and cannot be altered. 10. God's omniscience: God is all-knowing. 11. Reward and retribution in this world and the next: Belief in divine justice and consequences for actions. 12. The coming of the Messiah: Hope for a future Messianic age. 13. The resurrection of the dead: Belief in a future resurrection. In Simple Terms: Philo gave us five basic ideas about God and the world. Maimonides took those ideas and expanded them into thirteen key beliefs that are very important in Judaism. They both try to answer the fundamental questions: Who is God? What does God want from us? And what is the meaning of the world? Creed (Other Beliefs) What Jewish people believe (Creed): They are God's chosen people (for a special purpose). God promised them the land of Israel. A Messiah will come and make the world good. They want their Temple rebuilt. They follow the 10 Commandments. How Jewish people act (Mitzvah): They do good deeds because God commanded them. There are 613 commandments, including: Following the 10 Commandments. Praying three times a day. Giving to charity. 10-15% (Tzedakah) Resting on the Sabbath (Saturday) The "Creed" section outlines the core beliefs and hopes of Judaism, while the "Mitzvah" section explains how Jews are expected to live based on those beliefs. THE KOSHER: is a set of rules about food that some Jewish people follow Permitted and Forbidden Animals: WR | Academics Committee Permitted (Kosher): Jews may eat all fruits and vegetables, split-hooved animals (like cows, sheep, and goats), and birds like chicken, turkey, and duck. Fish with fins and scales are also allowed. Forbidden (Non-Kosher): Horses, pigs, birds of prey, and shellfish are not permitted. Forequarter Restriction: The primary reason for this restriction is the presence of the sciatic nerve in the hindquarters. Jewish dietary laws prohibit the consumption of this nerve. Don't mix meat and milk: You can't eat meat and dairy together. You need separate dishes and utensils for each. Kosher (Code) Hygienic: Judaism forbids eating animals that died without proper slaughter and the draining of blood (which is a medium for the growth of bacteria). Judaism also forbids eating animals that have abscesses in their lungs or other health problems. Moral Lessons: Jews are taught to be sensitive to others’ feelings - even to the feelings of animals. National Reasons: The Jewish people have a mission of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. A special diet reminds them of their mission and keeps them together as a people to fulfill it. Mystical: The Torah calls the Jews a “holy people” and prescribes a holy diet. You are what you eat. Kosher is God’s diet for spirituality. Jewish mysticism teaches that non-kosher food blocks the spiritual potential of the soul. Discipline: If a person can be disciplined in what and when he eats, he can be disciplined in other areas of life. Covenant with Noah (Code) Jews believe that non-Jews are also obligated to follow those mitzvot pronounced before Abraham’s time (by Noah). These include: 1. Do not commit adultery. 2. Do not commit blasphemy. 3. Do not commit murder. 4. Do not commit theft. 5. Do not commit sexual immorality. 6. Do not remove and eat the limb of a living animal. 7. Establish a judicial system with courts to enforce the above six. Sin (Code) A sin is: A failure to live the covenant Going against moral laws and violating ritual or purity laws A break in the relationship with God - In the days of the temple, sacrifices were carried out to heal this break, which Jews today call Yom Kippur. Community Outreach (Code) WR | Academics Committee Hospitality: key feature of Judaism Jews believe in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), which can involve anything from political action to tree planting. Worship (Cult) Clergy and Laypersons - any Jew is considered knowledgeable and can conduct and lead a worship service. However, it is usually the rabbi who will do so. Rabbi - Trained scholar, teacher, and interpreter of Jewish law - Officiate at certain ceremonies such as Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and Marriages Synagogue - Center of all worship Blessings (Breakhah) - Foundations of Jewish prayer - Through blessings, Jews acknowledge, praise, thank, and petition God 3 TYPES OF BLESSINGS. Thanks (kiddish) Mitzvot (recited before performing a mitzvah - acknowledges that commandments are divinely given and thanks God for the chance to fulfill a religious precept) Praise (recited before each festival) Services (Cult) Minyan/quorum of ten males over 13 is required. (Reform and Reconstructionist Jews count women). Three worship services are held daily (evening, morning, and afternoon). The Torah reading is the central part of certain worship services during the week. One of the Torah’s 54 sections is read each week, and the entire Torah is read each year. Worship in the home is also central to the Jewish faith - meals specifically are considered sacred for Jews and are used to commemorate most events. The Torah Scroll (Cult) The five books of Moses on parchment The most sacred object in Jewish life - essential for worship. Kept in a place of honour and read at specific times during service. The Holy Ark (symbolized the Ark of the Covenant) sits on a raised platform and contains the scrolls. The Sabbath (Cult) Friday sunset to sundown on Saturday A time to put aside work, shopping, housework and is instead focused on family, prayer, and friends Jews may go to the synagogue on Friday evening. When they return home, families share a meal that begins with Kiddush (prayer over wine). Usually, challah (a special egg bread) is blessed and eaten during the meal. On Saturday morning, Jews return to the synagogue for prayer and worship. At sundown on Saturday, the Sabbath WR | Academics Committee concludes with a brief prayer in which people greet each other by saying “Shavua tov” (may it be a good week). REQUIREMENTS. No work is to be done No discussion of work or one’s job is allowed. No money is to be handled. Nothing is to be carried in public. No motor vehicle is to be ridden, even if driven by a non-Jew. No lights are to be switched on or electrical appliances operated. No food is to be cooked. DIVISIONS IN MODERN JUDAISM. After the Holocaust, some Jews lost faith in old traditions or failed to see them as relevant; others began to rely more heavily on traditions. In some cases, traditions become a unifying and strengthening aspect of the community. These reactions serve as the primary distinctions between the modern divisions in Judaism. Divisions (Cult) ORTHODOX - "Right Way Strict Jews who believe that they should preserve the traditions of the Jewish people and conform to the will of God in all areas of life. The Torah is held to be "the word of God". Resistant to change: all services in Hebrew, strict rules about customs, rituals, clothing, gender roles, etc. CONSERVATIVE - Mix Orthodox w. Reform "Religious Jews living within the modern world." Follow old ways (most services still in Hebrew) and traditions. The needs of the community come before the individual. Allow men and women to sit together, female rabbis are permitted, and Bat Mitzvahs are performed. REFORM - Very Liberal Retain the essential elements of Judaism that make the most sense in the modern world. The rules of Judaism are open to individual interpretation. Believe the Torah was a human creation and that God allows successive generations to interpret the Torah. WR | Academics Committee Allow female rabbis and men and women are allowed to intermingle HASIDIC - Ultra-Orthodox Live in exclusive communities, rejecting the modern world. Founders taught that communion with God happens through prayer, good deeds, humility, and joy. Emphasize singing, dancing, and Kabalah ( mystical reading of the Torah) Very traditional clothing and grooming (black clothes, tassels, complete body covering, beards, etc.). Strict observance of Jewish law. RECONSTRUCTIONIST - new, fastest-growing, Off-shoot of Conservative Judaism. Wish to "reconstruct" Judaism by making it more meaningful to today's world (different than reforming or changing Judaism). Believe that Judaism is a "work-in-progress." Festivals (Cult) PASSOVER/PESACH Usually held in March or April (during Nisan - the first month of the Jewish year). .Represents the 10th Plague Families gather to retell the story of Exodus Jews do not eat anything chametz (leavened) in order to commemorate the haste in which the Hebrews left Egypt Eat foods that remind them of slavery, SEDER PLATE ·Maror - bitter herb (bitterness of slavery) Charoset - mix of apples, walnuts, cinnamon & wine (mortar) Z'roah - roasted bone (sacrifice) Beitzah - roasted egg (new life) Karpas - parsley dipped in H2O (tears of slavery ) Matzvah - unleavened bread (haste) Wine - God's promise ROSH HASHANAH - Jewish New Year September or early October 2-day festival commemorating the creation of the world Day of judgment when Jews believe that God balances a person's good deeds over the past year against their bad deeds and decides what the next year will be like for them. God records this judgment in the Book of Life. Starts with 10 days of repentance (days of awe); Jews request forgiveness from God and others for their mistakes and transgressions. The period ends with blowing a SHOFAR (ram's horn). Apples are dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet year to come. Rosh Hashanah ends with … YOM KIPPUR - Day of Atonement WR | Academics Committee Rosh Hashanah ends with the festival of Yom Kippur. The most important religious day in the Jewish calendar as it is believed that the Book of Life and judgments are finally sealed on this day. Jews spend the day seeking reconciliation with God and atoning for sins. Marked by a 25-hour fast. No signs of comfort or luxury are allowed on this day. For example, women may choose not to wear make-up, no food or drink, and no sex. HANUKKAH/CHANUKKAH Jewish Festival of Lights held in December. Commemorates the miracle of the menorah in the temple (after the Maccabean Revolt). Jews light a candle for each of the eight days of Hanukkah on a candelabrum (menorah). The menorah has nine branches, one for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah and the ninth for the candle known as the shamus (servant candle), which is used to light the others. Families gather to light the candles, say prayers, recite blessings, and share gifts each night. Milestones (Cult) BRIT MILAH or BRIS 8th day after birth, the rite of circumcision is performed, combined with naming. Initiates the infant into the people of the covenant. A MOHEL performs the ceremony. BAR/BAT MITZVAH Son or Daughter of Commandment 1st Sabbath after 13th birthday Prior - study TORAH Read, in Hebrew, passage in front of Congregation Only modern (Reform) Jews do this for girls MARRIAGE Usually same faith because a child can technically only be Jewish IF born of a Jewish mother Most marriages are in the synagogue and are presided over by a rabbi. The couple starts under a Chuppah (canopy) - representing their home Share blessed wine The marriage contract is read and signed by the groom. Exchange rings and vows The ceremony ends with the groom crushing a glass - representing good & bad times AND destruction of TEMPLE Divorce is allowed but highly discouraged - if reconciliation fails, a certificate known as a GET is given by the husband to the wife, allowing the couple to remarry again in WR | Academics Committee the faith. DEATH When a parent dies, son/daughter recites the Kaddish (a prayer of sanctification) in the synagogue each morning and evening for 11 months. Funeral occurs as soon as possible following death (usually within 24 hours). Simple service - NO cremation because we should not destroy what God has created. Believe in life after death but do not dwell on it; one should concentrate on being a good person now, in the present. Sitting Shiva - 7-day period of mourning following the funeral. Family mourners are protected from everyday problems and responsibilities. Mourners will not leave their homes for the seven-day period. CHRISTIANITY: BACKGROUND Christians share a belief in one God who created the world and in the human form of God in Jesus Christ (the Messiah). Jesus was born to a Jewish family in Judea, Bethlehem and lived in Palestine, Galilee about 2000 years ago. His stepfather, Joseph was a General builder and his mother was The Virgin Mary At around 30 years old, Jesus was publicly claimed by John the Baptist, his cousin and had joined John with a substantial following. After John’s execution, Jesus returned back to Galilee, beginning his three-year ministry of teachings, healings and gathering of many followers - otherwise known as the 12 male disciples. Jesus communicated his preachings and messages to large groups of ordinary people, often challenging the prevailing teachings of the Jewish religious leaders. These messages were said through moral stories (Parables). Jesus was known to be successful in healing many people and was believed to have raised at least one person from death, and was also known to have performed a number of miracles. Jesus emerges from the accounts in the New Testament as a charismatic figure, but was not fit for the role of messiah which was supposed to be convenient to religious authorities. As he firstly came from Galilee, and secondly he was openly critical of the practices of religious hierarchy, hypocrisy, and political issues of Roman occupation. At the last part of his ministry, Jesus prepared 12 disciples to carry on his teaching as he had anticipated his own death. Jesus would then go to Jerusalem for the festival of Pesach (called also as the Passover) where he was welcomed enthusiastically by the population. Within a week after being delivered to Roman authorities through actions of local Jewish religious leaders, including his own disciple (Judas Iscariot), Jesus would be WR | Academics Committee convicted of blasphemy and charge of sedition (being a traitor) by the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, and then he was crucified. Two days later, the disciples of Jesus would find his tomb empty, after his appearance to some individuals and groups. The followers over a few weeks emphasized the importance of his teachings and their responsibility to continue. Around 40 days after his death, Jesus ascended into heaven. Then, the early Christians would spread the teachings not only with the Jewish people, but also to non-Jewish communities and cultures around the world. Key Beliefs Christians believe that, although Jesus was born of Mary, his father was God and not Joseph. It is believed that, through his death, Jesus offers salvation to those who recognize the truth. Christians are monotheistic: worshipping the one God. However this supreme being is believed to exist in three forms: 1. As the God who is perceived as a heavenly Father, 2. Jesus who was God’s Son on earth, and 3. As the power of the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) This threefold nature of God is called the Holy Trinity. Catholics place a strong emphasis on the importance of Christ’s mother, the Virgin Mary, and different saints. They may pray to God through these saints. Christians believe that there is only one life, and that is after death, believers are united with God in Heaven, and the unbelievers will go to hell, a place of torment and suffering. Humans are regarded as essentially sinful and rebellious, but able to be redeemed through penitence and commitment to God. Some Christians groups promote equality between men and women; however, others view it that women are inferior and possibly a source of sin (reference to Genesis in the Old Testament) in which the first woman, Eve, tempted Adam, the first man to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. Writings and Holy Books The Bible In two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Some additional are known as the Apocrypha. Both the Old and New Testaments are subdivided into many sections, written by different people at different historical times and translated into other languages. The books of the Old Testament are shared with Judaism but are interpreted differently. Christians believe the Old Testament predicts the birth of Christ as Messiah, whereas Jews believe the Messiah is still to come. WR | Academics Committee Jews do not dispute that Jesus was a historical figure but they disagree with the Christian belief that he was the long-awaited Messiah. The 27 books of the New Testament: related to Christianity which recounts the life of Christ, his followers, and the spread of the Christian faith beyond Palenstine Four Gospels, written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, provide slightly different versions of the birth, life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that their lives should be partly guided by the Ten Commandments, as in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament. Stories of the Saints Other important stories for Christians derive from the accounts of lives of special men and women who have led a life that has been outstanding or have shown great qualities of goodness. Christian saints have been officially recognised (canonised) by the Catholic or Orthodox Church, usually long after their death. Worship Church- protestant or catholic Chapel- methodist or baptist Meeting house- quakers Kingdom hall - Jehovah’s witness Icons - which are paintings of the holy family or of saints and are intended as focus for worship. Creed - is a statement of shared religious beliefs. Lord’s Prayers - series of petitions for protection and help to God as the father. Religious Leaders Minister - One officiating or assisting the officiant in the church worship. Priest - one authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as mediatory agent between humans and God. Vicar - one serving as a substitute or agent. Religious Ceremonies Sacraments 1. Baptism 2. Confirmation 3. Eucharist 4. Reconciliation or Penance 5. Anointing of the Sick 6. Holy Orders 7. Matrimony WR | Academics Committee Holy Communion This event symbolizes the last supper which Christ took with his followers before his death and a reaffirmation of the faith of the congregation. Important Symbols Cross A significant symbol because Christ is believed to have died on the cross of crucifix to redeem the sins of humankind Rituals and Ceremonies Naming Initiation Christening - ceremonies bring the child or adult into contact with holy water, either through a small amount marked into a cross on the forehead. Water - symbolizes the washing away of original sin. Confirmation - girls usually wear white as a symbol of purity and boys wear smart, sober outfits, possible dark trousers and a white shirt Weddings Christian weddings are a religious service but have also absorbed cultural traditions over centuries Bride - wear white as a symbol of virginity and carry a bouquet as a symbol of life Wedding Ring - symbol of eternity and that the couple is expected to stay together Throwing of Rice/Paper Confetti - fertility and the hope of children from the union Funerals The funeral service marks the death of a person, remembrance of their life and confidence in life after death. Mourners - traditionally wear black or dark colors and respect is often shown by bringing flowers. Some service are kept very simple but others may be very elaborate, sometimes followed by a social gather of the mourners This is known as a Wake - a deceased person is remembered. The Christian service used to be one of burial, but cremations are acceptable now for some denominations. Festivals Religious Celebrations WR | Academics Committee Christmas - celebrated on the 25th December by western Church and the 6th January by the Eastern Church. The festival marks the birth of Jesus Christ, believed to be the Son of God, albeit born to a human mother, Mary. The build-up of the Christmas season is Advent which is a four week progress to lead up to Christmas. Christians may attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and this service is a special Holy Communion. The first day of Easter weekend, Good Friday, is always the Friday following the first full moon of the spring equinox, which is one of the two points in the year when day and night are of equal length. Consequently, Easter is a variable date, falling within March or April and the many days of religious significance linked with Easter move accordingly. Lent lasts from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday of the Easter weekend. The time marks the 40 days that Christ spent in the wilderness, when Christ believed that he resisted the temptations offered by the devil and found the strength to start his teaching. Ascension Day - celebration of Christian belief, 40 days after Christ’s death, He disappeared from early life, not through death, but through being drawn into heaven with God his Father. White Sunday - follows ten days later, also called as Pentecost, it is the celebration of how the holy spirit came to Christ’s remaining disciples, inspiring them to continue his teachings Harvest Festival - ancient celebration of thanks for the year’s crops. Absorbed by Christianity and is celebrated on a Sunday in September or October. Churches often have a display of food, which traditionally is distributed to the less well-off people of the parish Application to Daily Living Food and Drink No consistent rules about diet that apply across Christianity. Some Christian’s quote the Bible to support an anti-vegetarian stance: that God provided the creatures for the express use of humankind, including their nutritional needs. Some Christians avoid alcohol, for example: Ex. Mormons, and some Baptists and Methodists. Periods of Fasting - used to be a common practice within the Christian faithl much less usual now as some Christians still avoid meat on Fridays because of the link to Good Friday, when Christ died on the cross. Some give up one of two foods for Lent to remember the testing of Christ in the wilderness The type of food given up for Lent: usually a treat (e.g. chocolate). WR | Academics Committee Catholics may fast on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Christians from the Orthodox Church are more likely to continue to follow the religious traditions of avoiding meat, eggs and milk products for all of Lent. Pilgrimages Ancient path along the survey Downs is still Known as the Pilgrims’ Way. Christian Pilgrimage still occurs, for instance: Catholics make a journey to Rome to be part of the large audiences addressed by the Pope, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Christian community. Some Christian make Pilgrimage to Lourdes in France in order to seek relief from their own pain or illness, or relatives. There is once evidence the the onset of the millennium in the year of 2000 has spurred a revival of interest in pilgrimage, with large gatherings expected at what were important sacred sites in previous centuries. ISLAM: There is an estimated 1.2 billion muslims worldwide Approx. ⅕th of the world’s population ○ 18% – Arab World - UAE, Middle East ○ 20% – Sub-Saharan Africa ○ 30% – South Asian region of Pakistan INDONESIA – World’s largest single Muslim community TOP 9 MUSLIM COUNTRIES:. 1. Indonesia 6. Iran 2. Pakistan 7. Egypt 3. Bangladesh 8. Nigeria 4. India 9. China 5. Turkey MUHAMMAD: A prophet of God, but not god himself He is NOT worshipped THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD. Born in Saudi Arabia, in the city of Месса A trader until age 40, when Qur'an revealed to him His teachings are the foundation of Islam Muhammad slowly began to attract some followers, most of them are young and of modest social standing WR | Academics Committee He and his followers make polytheist in Mecca angry, and they moved to Medina. (hijrah) After a decade, he invades Mecca Later, he leads some battles himself to "defend his faith" Muhammad's life was cut short by his sudden death on June 8, 632 about 60 years old Within 100 years, Islam spread across the world, occupying more territory than the Roman Empire ISLAM means “SUBMISSION” MUSLIM means “ONE WHO SUBMITS” QUR’AN The holy book of the muslims ○ IMAM – someone who interprets the Qur’an (equivalent to a priest) God’s revelations to Muhammad Has 114 Chapters (suras) Written in Arabic. Translation is prohibited (must be able to read arabic) “In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful.” MECCA The holy city of the Muslims This has already appeared at the time Muhammad was born KA’BA Located at the center of Mecca A square building containing a sacred Black Stone said to have been given by God The most holy site in the islamic region THE MOSQUE Also known as “Masjid” ○ The word ‘Mosque’ is a French term A place of worship for the Muslims THE DOME OF THE ROCK MOSQUE IN JERUSALEM Mount Moriah Rock ○ Where Muhammad ascended into heaven SIX ARTICLES OF BELIEF:. Belief in one God (Allah) Belief in the books sent by God: ○ SUHUF – Scripts of Abraham ○ TAWRAT – Sent to Moses (Torah) ○ ZABUR – Sent to David (Psalms) ○ INIIL – Sent to Jesus (Gospels) WR | Academics Committee ○ QUR’AN – Sent to Muhammad Belief in all prophets sent by God ○ 124,000 prophets of whom 313 are messengers ○ 25 of these messengers are very important (mentioned in the Qur’an) Belief in the Angels of whom four are held in high esteem and are named in the Qur'an Belief in the Day of Judgment when you die and in the life after death Belief in Fate (predestination) Muslims believed in the divine destiny OTHER BELIEFS: Islam emphasizes: ○ Tolerance ○ Humility ○ Justice ○ Generosity ○ Obedience to the Law ○ Courage Islam forbids the consumption of: ○ Pork (pigs are believed to be unclean) ○ Alcoholic drinks 5 PILLARS OF ISLAM: 1. SHAHADA: The Testimony of Faith Saying ‘shahada’ throughout the day “There is no other god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” 2. SALAT: Prayer Praying five times a day, facing Mecca: dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, nightfall Muslim communities gather for collective prayer mostly on Fridays 3. ZAKAT: Charity Alms giving Muslims believe that what they have are Allah’s belongings They are required to give 2.5% of their income to the poor or needy 4. SAWM: Fasting During Ramadan, Muslims cannot eat or drink anything during the daylight hours ○ EID MUBARAK – End of Ramadan 5. HAJJ: Pilgrimage Once in their lives, Muslims make a pilgrimage in Mecca 3-6 days of rituals or prayer WR | Academics Committee The focus is on the Ka’ba, the holiest shrine and supposed first house of mankind

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