World Religions PDF

TOP “SET OF BELIEFS” OVERVIEW: THE TOP 5 “WORLD RELIGIONS” OVERVIEW: Christianity Islam Judaism Hinduism Buddhism  Why study Religion? As a key concept of social science, religion is a key factor that influences the development of civilizations and cu...

TOP “SET OF BELIEFS” OVERVIEW: THE TOP 5 “WORLD RELIGIONS” OVERVIEW: Christianity Islam Judaism Hinduism Buddhism  Why study Religion? As a key concept of social science, religion is a key factor that influences the development of civilizations and culture. Religion helps students to identify and understand behaviors. Furthermore, as the map below suggests, the study of religion offers students a global perspective on traditions and cultural expectations. England Western Europe Asia Japan North America Israel North Africa Arabian India Peninsula South America Station 2 Percentage of World Population Religious Symbols: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are all monotheistic (believe in one god) religions. All three religions were broadly founded on the continent of Asia in the geographic region called the Middle East. These three faiths share common history and traditions. All three have a respect for the Bible, especially the Hebrew Bible or “Old Testament” as all three religions believe in many of the same prophets (messengers of God) such as Abraham and Moses. They all maintain that there is one God and that Jerusalem is a holy city. However, Christianity, Islam and Judaism also differ significantly in both belief and practice. The belief in Jesus is at the forefront of their differences. While Christians believe he is a messiah (savior) and the son of God, Muslims acknowledge him as a prophet only. Still, most Jews deny that he was a prophet or messiah. The following chart is intended to be a brief overview for understanding the basics of these ancient religions and their shared history. Copyright © 2018 Instructomania Station 1 Focus Area Percentage of World Population Religious Symbols: Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the oldest religions in the world! Hinduism originated in the Indus River Valley as early as 7000 B.C.E, while Buddhism dates back to the 400’s B.CE. Both religions are similar in their beliefs with regards to reincarnation, that is that souls will be reborn again. They also both adhere to the idea that meditation, or quiet focused thinking is important. However, they differ in beliefs about gods. Buddhists do not worship a god as creator, but stress self- examination and improvement. Hindus are pantheistic, which means they believe that everything encompasses God and God is virtually present everywhere. However, Hindus worship three different supreme beings. Today there are over one billion Hindus worldwide (mostly in India) and 360 million Buddhists (mostly in China). Copyright © 2018 Instructomania Station 3 The Middle East - Roman province of Palestine. Based on life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, c. 30 CE. Percentage of World Beliefs about God Population Monotheistic (believe in one god) Religious Symbols: Holy Trinity (One God in three persons)=God the Father + God the Son + God the Holy Spirit Followers & place of Worship Beliefs about Jesus called Christians practice Christianity Christians believe he was the worship in a church son of God, as God made in flesh (part of the holy Texts trinity). They consider him to Bible= Hebrew Bible (referred to as Old Testament) and the New Testament. be the Jewish messiah The Old Testament or Hebrew Bible - (savior of the world) Comprised of thirty-nine books. The texts are about law, history, prophecy, and wisdom of the ancient people of Israel. 5% Approximately For example: The ten commandments are laws 9% 2 billion given to the Ancient Israelites by God. The New Testament -Teachings of Jesus and his earliest followers. Major Branches Catholic - Original “Roman Catholic” form of 53% Christianity. 33% Catholic Greek Orthodox (1054) - After the Great Schism (a Protestant disagreement over the selection of a pope). Eastern Orthodox Protestant (1500s) - After the Protestant Non Denominational Reformation initiated mostly by Martin Luther. Christians do not view Muhammad as a prophet. Christians believe Jesus was the messiah (savior) that was prophesized about in the Hebrew Bible. Copyright © 2018 Instructomania Station 4 The Middle East- The religion of the Hebrews. Traces of Judaism are dated back as far as c. 1300 BCE in Ancient Babylonia. Beliefs about God Percentage of World Population Monotheistic One God=Yahweh (Hebrew name Religious Symbols: for God as used in Bible) Beliefs about Jesus Jews do not believe he is the Followers & place of Worship Jewish messiah. He in also not called Jews considered a prophet. practice Judaism Muslims believe he was a worship in a synagogue or temple messenger of god or, prophet. Texts Hebrew Bible or Tanakh and the Talmud. 10% The Hebrew Bible - Comprised of thirty-nine books. Torah (Hebrew: 'Law'), Nevi'im ('Prophets') and Ketuvim ('Writings'). The texts are about law, 35% Approximately history, prophecy, and wisdom of the ancient people of Israel. 14 million For example: The ten commandments are laws given 35% to the Ancient Israelites by God. Orthodox Talmud - A body of Jewish civil and ceremonial law, Reform customs and culture. Conservative 20% Major Branches No denomination Orthodox (1800 CE) - Believe both the written and oral Torah represent the word of God. Reform (approximately 1926) -Jewish traditions and ancient laws were modernized to be more compatible with participation in Western Culture (including use of modern technology). Conservative (1850)- In between Orthodox and Reform Jews. They seek to conserve the traditional elements of Judaism, while also allowing for some modernization. Jews do not view Muhammad as a prophet, nor do they view Jesus as a messiah or son of God. Jews are still awaiting a messiah or savior. Copyright © 2018 Instructomania Station 5 The Middle East - Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Based on teachings of the Prophet (messenger of God) Muhammad; founded 622 CE. Percentage of World Population Beliefs about God Religious Symbols: Monotheistic Allah=Arabic word for God. Followers & place of Worship Beliefs about Jesus called Muslims Muslims believe he was a Muslims practice Islam messenger of god or, prophet. worship in a mosque Texts 10% Qur'an or Koran (Scripture) and the Hadith (tradition). Qur’an - Believed to be the word of God as dictated to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. Hadith - Collection of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad that, with Approximately accounts of his daily practice (the Sunna), 1.3 billion constitute the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Qur’an. Shia Muslims 90% Major Branches Sunni Muslims The difference between Shia and Sunni is about the leadership of Islam (in its original boundaries). Shia -Believe God chose Ali (Muhammad’s blood relative) to be Muhammad's successor. Hence he was the first acceptable caliph (head of state) of Islam. Sunni (c. 650 CE) - Deny that a blood relative of Muhammad needed to be the leader of Islam, hence leaders before Ali were acceptable. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last prophet and that Jesus was also a prophet, but not the son of God. Copyright © 2018 Instructomania Station 6 Northern India (present day Nepal) 400s B.C.E. Beliefs about God Buddhists do not worship a god as Percentage of World creator, but stress self-examination Population and improvement. Buddhism doesn't fit neatly into either Religious Symbols: category of religion or philosophy. When people asked Buddha what he was teaching, he said he teaches "the way things are." Followers & place of Worship called Buddhists Buddhists practice Buddhism worship at home or temple 28% 50% Texts The Tripitaka/The Pali Cannon= Buddhists in Handed down orally then written down in the China 3rd century B.C. E. (50 volumes) Buddhists in Contains the Four Noble Truths: 9% 360 million Thailand 1.All life is suffering. 2.Desire is the cause of Buddhists Buddhists in worldwide pain 3. End pain by overcoming one’s desires. 13% Japan 4.To overcome desire, have virtue and 6% of the world’s In other areas compassion for all living things. population Contains the Eightfold Path that will end desires and lead to a path of Enlightenment. Major Branches Beliefs about Karma 1.Theravada Buddhism (doctrine of the elders) is Believe in karma: the result of our own past actions popular in Southern Asia: Burma, Thailand, Laos, and our own present doings. That people are Sri Lanka, and Cambodia responsible for our own happiness and sorrow. 2. Mahayana Buddhism (greater vehicle) is most Believe people are reincarnated (re-born on earth) commonly found in Northern Asia : Tibet, Nepal, until they have reached inner peace/enlightenment China, Korea and Japan. (Nirvana). 3. Zen Buddhism (Japan) --Buddhists also believe in reincarnation. -Many comparisons have been made between Buddha and Jesus. Both men were believed to have miraculous births, they both began their spiritual teachings at the age of 30 and they both had a great passion for the poor and oppressed. Copyright © 2018 Instructomania Station 7 Indus River Valley 1500 B.C.E., The Vedic Age Based on Indus and Aryan cultures Beliefs about God Percentage of World Population Pantheism (the universe is God and God is the universe). Religious Symbols: Supreme being is worshiped in 3 forms: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer). Followers & place of Worship called Hindus Hindus practice Hinduism 5% worship in a mandir or temple Texts Hindus in India The Vedas: Four books of knowledge written in Sanskrit. Hindus in Rest of Believed to be the work of a deity (higher the World being) -One billion Hindus worldwide Later Writings: -15% of the The Brahmanas, the Aranyankas and the world’s population Upanishads. 95% The Upanishads, written between 700-500 B.C.E. , contain the final part of the Vedas (the dialogues of spiritual masters) Major Branches Beliefs about Karma 1. Vaishavas worship Vishnu (The Preserver) Believe in karma : that people create their own destiny through every action, word or thought. 2. Shaivas worship Shiva (The Destroyer or Purifier) Believe in Samsara (known in the west as reincarnation): 3. Shaktas worship Devi (Female Deities) that after death, the souls of humans and animals will be reborn depending on the karma of their past life. This cycle 4. Smartas worship 5 Deities: Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, can be broken when all karma has been purified through Ganesh (Remover of Obstacles) and Surya (god conduct, meditation, and other Dharma (religious duties). of the sun) -Hindus believe in samsara/reincarnation. -Celebrate holy days like Christianity, Islam and Judaism and Buddhism. -Like the hajj of Islam, religious pilgrimages play an important role in Hinduism. There are several sites in India, each dedicated to a certain god, a group of gods or a famous happening. Copyright © 2018 Instructomania Common Core Writing 6-8.1, Common Core Literacy 6-8.2,4 & 10 A Brief History of the Worlds Most Practiced Religion E arly Christians were Jews looking for a commemorates the exodus of the Jews from messiah, or savior and believed that they Egypt), when Jesus and his followers arrived in found him in the person of the Jewish the city of Jerusalem to celebrate the feast, a Jesus of Nazareth. Proclaiming that his very large crowd gathered around Jesus. The mother, Mary, was a virgin, and that he was the crowd waved palm branches at his feet as Jesus son of God, Jesus is called the Christ, which in rode into the city on a donkey. Christians believe Hebrew means messiah, or deliverer. Born that by doing so, Jesus was fulfilling his role as during the time of Roman occupation in what is today Israel, Jesus was seen as the fulfillment of the promise of a heavenly deliverer found in the Jewish Torah. Birth of Christ and Baptism Jesus’s immaculate conception and birth signifies to Christians that while divine by nature, God’s son, took on an earthly form in order to save his followers from sin, or wrongdoing. The story of Jesus’s birth relates that shepherds from nearby fields came to Messiah, as prophesied in the Torah, or Old Bethlehem to pay homage to the young savior. Testament. Unable to tolerate such a blatant This reminds Christians that Christ is like a show of heresy, opinion or statement at odds shepherd constantly tending and caring for his with religious teachings, the Jewish leadership flock of sheep or believers. This event is had Jesus charged with blasphemy, profaning celebrated by Christians each December and is the name of God. called Christmas. Unable to calm the crowd or satisfy the accusers As a young adult, Jesus asked his cousin, John, to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, sentenced baptism him in the River Jordan. Baptism, or Jesus to death on a cross. He was crucified with washing away of sin, is done in the Christian two criminals, as crucifixion was a common form church today with either a small sprinkle of of punishment at the time. However, Christians water or total immersion. believe that this death was necessary for Jesus to suffer in order that he may experience and take on the sins of mankind and experience the Crucifixion and Resurrection consequences of such a life. As Jesus’s popularity grew the Jewish leadership became more hostile to him and his followers. After his death, Jesus’s followers were allowed They believed that Jesus may have come to to take his body to an empty tomb. There they overthrow the Roman government, threatening lay his body and sealed the tomb. Because it was their power. Passover, they are unable to return to the tomb for three days. At that time, they find that the One Passover (Jewish holiday that Copyright © 2016 Instructomania Common Core Writing 6-8.1, Common Core Literacy 6-8.2,4 & 10 tomb is empty and that Jesus, the Christ, has Despite persecution, Christianity slowly gained risen. Christians believe Jesus made several popularity over the next hundreds of years. By appearances to different individuals after his 313 CE, in a political move to win the favor of death. Following these he ascended, or rose, to Christians, Constantine, the Roman emperor heaven where Christians believe he sits at the converted to Christianity. He declared the faith to be a legal religion. Wanting to insure that the right hand of God. Christians also believe that faith was consistent in its teachings, he they too will rise, like Christ, and live eternally in assembled a council to write a statement of heaven, or paradise. faith. Known as the Nicene Creed, it says that God is three persons or holy trinity. There is the Teachings creator, Father, the son, Christ, and the Holy After his death, four of Jesus’s followers wrote Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that continues to be the about the life of Christ and his teachings. Known conscious of God in the world. as the Gospels, or good news, the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are the first four Splitting of the Church books of the New Testament. In addition, The church will follow the history of Roman epistles, letters, written by early Christian church Empire. When the Roman Empire split in the 5th leaders, and two other books complete the New and 6th centuries, so would the church. Known as Testament, or covenant. This New Testament the Great Schism, two branches of the church combined with the Old Testament, the Jewish emerged. The Eastern Church will become the Orthodox Church and the Western Church Torah, becomes the Christian Bible. remained the Roman Catholic Church. While steeped in the same philosophies the traditions and manner of worship will distinguish these two churches. The church will further split when the Reformation arrived in Europe. As man began to think about his place in the universe, he also started to question his place and role in the church. Martin Luther, a German priest, was particularly outspoken about the church’s practice of collecting indulgencies, money given Spreading of the church by people to pay for their sins and the sins of the Not long after the death of Christ, the Romans departed loved ones. Luther was also in favor of destroyed the city of Jerusalem and scattered its people being able to read for themselves the people. This event helped to spread Christianity scriptures, so he translated the Bible into throughout the Mediterranean including the Roman and the Byzantium empires. Wherever German. Another church reformer was they went they not only evangelized, or spread Frenchman, John Calvin. Calvin believed that the the “good news” of Christ, but also, were scriptures taught predestination, the idea that persecuted. Along with the Jews, Christians were God predetermined a man’s salvation. The seen as the cause of harm and misfortune and church would further split when King Henry VIII suffered the consequences of ignorance. of England would establish himself as head of the Copyright © 2016,2018 Instructomania Common Core Writing 6-8.1, Common Core Literacy 6-8.2,4 & 10 church in England baptism. after the pope refused The church is also the place where other rites to allow him to take place. Christians remember the last supper divorce his wife. His of Christ before his crucifixion and celebrate it granddaughter, Queen as a time of thanksgiving. At this time they say Elizabeth I, would prayers and partaking of the Eucharist, a establish the Church representation of the body and blood of Christ, of England also known by the drinking of wine and eating of bread. as the Anglican or Episcopal Church. Christians wanting to flee the influences of the Festivals Catholic church and wishing for a more simple Besides Christmas, Christians celebrate other religion free of harsh rules and laws found a festivals throughout the year. Some churches new home in America as Puritans and Pilgrims. celebrate the birth or death of brave Christians martyrs, people killed because of their faith. Churches and rites Easter, which is celebrated each spring, There are many types of churches. The church commemorates the death and resurrection of denomination or sect often dictates the type of Christ from the cross. This time of year is seen as church building. Many Roman Catholic Churches a time of renewal of one’s faith. are built with elaborate decorations inside and Did You Know? out. Protestant, or non-Catholic churches tend to be more functional. 31.5 percent of the world population is Christian. Inside the church you will find pews, or long benches for worshipers to sit upon. There is an There are over 2.2 billion Christians in the world. altar at the front of the church from which the Islam is the second largest religion, with 1.6 sermon, or lesson is given. There may also be a billion adherents, or 23 percent of the global baptism font, a receptacle for holding water that population. is used during the rite, religious ceremony, of Major Branches of Christianity Copyright © 2016,2018 Instructomania Common Core Literacy History, Beliefs and Practices J udaism began with Abraham, a man who lived more than 4000 years ago. When Abraham and his wife were very old and childless, God established a covenant or contract with Abraham to make him the “Father of the Jewish Faith”. This covenant promised to make the descendants of Abraham as plentiful as the stars in the sky. Abraham believed God and had a son named Isaac. The Exodus In 1250 BCE, the Israelites found themselves in Egypt serving as slaves. Moses, an Israelite, is adopted by the Pharaoh's, or king’s, sister. Raised in the royal household, Moses is given much authority. God tells states that the followers of God will only worship him. Moses to ask the Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This makes Judaism monotheistic religion, worship of When Pharaoh refuses, God sent a series of ten one god. Later, Christians and Muslims would also follow plagues, or times of difficulty. These included floods, the ten commandments, as they are written in the Old frog infestations, and hail. The last plague happened Testament of the Bible. Muslims accept the Old one night when all the first-born Egyptian sons died Testament as revelations of God. For this reason, while all of the Israeli first-born sons were spared. With Muslims, Christians and Jews are referred to as “people the death of his own son, Pharaoh agreed to let Moses of the book” that believe in one god. and the Israelites leave Egypt. However, Pharaoh changed his mind once the people had left. When the The Promised Land Israelites reached the Red Sea, the Egyptians were close at hand. God allowed all of the Israelites to cross safely, After receiving the Ten Commandments, God allowed his but closed the Red Sea upon the Egyptians. This miracle people to move into Canaan, the Promised Land. It is of the escape of the Israelites and the parting of the here that the Israelites successfully fought for control and Red Sea is known as the Exodus. establish their nation. King David, the son of the first king, Saul, makes the city of Jerusalem the capital of Israel. King Solomon, the son of King David, builds the first The Ten Commandments temple of worship in Jerusalem. For forty years after crossing the Red Sea, Moses and his people roamed the desert. During this time, God provided for their needs. One day, God called Moses Diaspora into the mountains. Here Moses received the first ten God sent prophets, inspired teachers or proclaimers to of God’s laws or remind the people of his laws. The prophets were often commandments, faced with criticism, but held fast to their teaching; the Ten becoming the conscience, or moral guide, of Israel. Commandments. However, after many years of continuing to be These laws are disobedient, God allowed Judah, the region in which seen as the Jerusalem was located, to be overtaken by the foundation of Judaism and Babylonians. Thus, in 586 BCE, Solomon’s temple was have long been destroyed and thousands of Israelites were taken to regarded as Babylonia as slaves. Once again, God allowed the Jews to moral codes for roam or scatter outside of their homeland. This western culture. dispersion throughout the Mediterranean, Spain, The first Portugal, and beyond is known as the Diaspora. commandment Copyright © 2016 Instructomania Sacred Writing Hanukkah, or festival of lights, takes place in November or December and is The Tenakh, is the collection of holy words held sacred a time of thanksgiving. by Jews. As mentioned before, these works are also held sacred by Christians who call them the Old Persecution & The Holocaust Testament. The first five books are known to Jews as For centuries, the people of the Jewish the Torah and contain the writings and teachings of faith were persecuted for their faith. Moses. The Talmud is also held sacred by Jews and This persecution came from not only contains the writings, thoughts, and discussions of first their religious practices, but also for economic reasons. century Jews. Because Jews do not recognize Jesus as the son of God, throughout history Christians have shunned or oppressed Jewish Practices them. Faced with limited resources and occupations Jews worship in synagogues where the Torah is read. In Jews often took jobs seen as distasteful or offensive the synagogue, worship is led by a rabbi, or teacher. to others; such as moneylenders. Christians, according to The Jewish faith has many types of followers. Some, their faith, were not allowed to lend money and charge known as Orthodox, do not allow musical instruments usury, interest. Therefore, many Jews made their living during worship. Progressive Jews allow women rabbis. this way. However, this work often allowed them to Hebrew, the language of become more wealthy than their Christian neighbors Judaism, died as a living which only added to the hard feelings and persecution language. However, in Israelites faced. Perhaps the worst persecution faced by the 20th century, Eliezer Jews took place during World War II when Adolf Hitler, Ben-Yehuda, restored the leader in Germany, killed six million Jews, many in the language, known concentration camps. Known as the Holocaust, this today as Modern horrific event saw more than one third of the world’s Jews Hebrew. Yiddish is another language spoken by Jews. eliminated. This language is the mixture of German and Hebrew. Modern Israel Besides the synagogue, the home is very important to Jews. It is here that the faith is shared, traditions learned, and family is celebrated. Food is very important to Jewish life. Meals are required to be prepared in a kosher, or fit manner, in accordance with Jewish law. This often refers to the cleanliness of where the food is prepared or the way meat is rendered. Throughout the year Jews observe many holy days and festivals. The Sabbath, or last day of the week, is celebrated because it commemorates God’s day of rest after six days of creation. Starting a sundown on Friday In 1948, following World War II, the Jewish people were and lasting until sunset on Saturday, this time is one of given a homeland inside the borders of Palestine. Modern family and celebration with readings, prayer and a Israel faces many hostilities from its neighbors, many Arab special meal. Hashanah, is the Jewish New Year, and Muslims, who not only reject the Jews ownership of the occurs during September or October. Passover, a land but, also the faith they worship. Hostilities celebration of God’s sparing the children of Egypt by throughout the region continue in the 21st century. “passing over” them takes place in March or April. Copyright © 2016 Instructomania Common Core Writing 6-8.1, Common Core Literacy 6-8.2,4 & 10 Key Concept: Religion - A belief system that influences the development and culture of a civilization. The Arabian Peninsula Before Muhammad changed. The angel Gabriel appeared and told T him to recite the word of God. The ability to he majority of Arabs living on the quote the word of God made him a prophet, or Arabian Peninsula at the beginning of the messenger of God. He believed that by first century were nomads, people who worshipping one god, Allah, it would unite his traveled from place to place with no people. Mercy and kindness would be at the permanent home. These people worshipped center of his new religion that he would call many gods and developed into various Islam which means “submission." Muhammad competing tribes. Many families within these would call his followers Muslims which means tribes created caravans, traveling across the “followers of Islam." desert carrying their wares on camels, as well as herding sheep. Scarce resources, such as water and grazing land, developed a warlike culture on Muhammad’s Teachings the Arabian Peninsula, and caravan raiding The word of God, as interpreted by Muhammad became as common as the caravans themselves. was written down in Arabic and recorded in the Qur’an or Koran, the holy book of Islam. In The Holy City of addition to the Qur’an, the hadith, a collection of Mecca and Muhammad records of Muhammad's words and daily actions (referred to as Sunnah, or habits) also provides In 570 CE the wealthy Muslims with a guideline from which to live. This caravan city of Mecca critical part of a Muslim’s life defines how one acquired a reputation should live a life that best follows that of the as sacred because it founder, Muhammad. housed idols, statues of many gods in the Kaaba, a cube-like black shrine for prayer. Furthermore, the wealthy The five Pillars merchant class sold idols to pilgrims visiting the of Islam holy city. Muhammad, the founder of the Islamic The Islamic faith faith, was born in Mecca. As he grew, the stands on five inequity he principles or witnessed between pillars, written in the poor and the hadith. The first, Shahadah, states that all wealthy merchant believers will only worship one god, Allah. The class troubled him. second, Salat, dictates that all Muslims will At the age of forty worship five times a day. At sunrise, noon, Muhammad was midafternoon, twilight and night facing in the meditating in a local cave when his life forever Copyright © 2015, 2017 Instructomania Common Core Writing 6-8.1, Common Core Literacy 6-8.2,4 & 10 direction of Mecca, Muslims will bow in prayer. Muhammad’s cousin/brother-in-law, Ali bin Abu The third pillar is Zakat or the giving of alms. All Talib the new leader. These believers became Muslims are expected to contribute a portion of known as Shiites or Shia. These two groups still there earnings to the helping of others: the poor, exist today. Out of the approximately 14 million the widows, and the orphans. Fasting during the Muslims globally, 90% of Muslims are Sunni. holy month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar and is known as Sawm. Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic Law the Islamic calendar, and during the entire month Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to During the third century, Muslim scholars dusk. They may eat only during the night, and at developed the Shariah or Islamic law. In Arabic, the end of the month, they celebrate with a feast this word means “path” or “way” and is a with their family and friends. The fifth and final detailed system of religious law based on pillar of the Islamic faith is Hajj. At least once in a Muhammad’s teachings and example. Shariah Muslim’s lifetime, they are to visit the city of law contains two main sections. The Mecca and pay respect to the Kaaba. first deals with the different aspects of Leadership After Muhammad worship including how to pray and After the death of Muhammad in 632 CE, there fast. The second was some controversy as to who should become section deals with the new leader of the Islamic people. Some the various types of human interaction. This believed that the new leader should be elected section includes such topics as food and drink from among Muhammad’s worthy companions. (Muslims are not allowed to eat pork), warfare, People who had studied under the great leader. marriage, and divorce. The first elected caliph or highest leader was Abu Bakr a close friend and advisor of Muhammad. Modern legislation (laws), along with Muslim Today, the people who still support the idea that legal scholars who are attempting to relate the devout Muslims like Abu Bakr can lead, are will of Allah to the 20th century, have reopened the door to interpreting the Sharia as known as Sunnis. However, there were those Muhammad intended. This happened even in who believed that the new leader should be a highly traditional Saudi Arabia, where Islam blood relative, like monarchs. They named began. While most Muslim countries have adopted Islamic law to relate to modern Western culture, some countries like Iran, adhere to strict classical Shariah. In these cases, Shariah from the time of Muhammad is mandated and often offer harsh punishments to Western standards. As with most early law, early Shariah has a controversial “eye for an eye” penalty for misconduct. Copyright © 2015, 2017 Instructomania Common Core Literacy Written in Sanskrit, the language of the Aryans, the Vedas are thought to point to beliefs from both before and after their arrival. Aryan priests collected hymns, epics (long poems), religious rituals, and legends orally passed down for hundreds of years. The four Vedas, or “books of knowledge,” are believed by many to be the work of the Deity (non-human, higher being). The Aryans left no artifacts, but the Vedas offer important information about the daily lives, values, and rituals of the Vedic Age. Additionally, later writings, such as the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads, include important discussions H and interpretations of the Vedas. induism today is the third largest world religion behind Christianity and Islam. It is practiced by an estimated 15% of the world population; which amounts to over 1 billion Hindus across the globe. In south Asian countries like India and Nepal, 80% of citizens follow Hinduism. However, in most western countries, populations are smaller. For example,.5% of Americans and 1.5% of Canadians are Hindu. Hinduism is a religion with a rich history closely tied to the story and people of modern-day India. Roots of Hinduism Religious Beliefs Hinduism traces to the ancient civilization of the At the foundation of Hinduism is the divinity Indus River Valley, where archeologists have (holiness) of the Vedas. Eventually, multiple deities discovered nearly 4,000 year-old evidence of were also introduced. The three most important Hindu religious practice. Around 1500 B.C.E., a include Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, warrior culture from the west, the Aryans, and Shiva the Destroyer. Although there are three, conquered this ancient civilization, which began all are considered part of a single, universal spirit or the area’s Vedic Age. During this time, the Aryan supreme being. These three deities also illustrate the and Indus cultures began to combine, as evidenced belief that the universe is in a constant cycle of in the Hindu holy books known as the Vedas. beginning, continuing, and ending. Karma is a law of Copyright © 2015 Instructomania Pavlovich cause and effect central to Hinduism. Through other beings physically or mentally. In addition, karma, people create their own destiny through Hindus are encouraged to perform a yearly everyday actions, words, and thoughts that help or pilgrimage, tirthayatra, to places, temples, or holy hurt them in the future. Reincarnation is the idea people. Pilgrims disconnect from the world and that after death, the souls of humans and animals focus on God and important religious teachings. alike can be re-born into a lower caste, or social class. The cycle of death and rebirth can be broken when all of a person’s karmas have been Influence on Western Culture purified or resolved through conduct, meditation, Hinduism continues to spread throughout the world. The 1870s mark the modern resurgence (return) of its popularity in India. Ramakrishna’s teachings helped followers see that Hinduism and western culture/religions could compliment each other. Numerous political movements used the Hindu nonviolent protest teachings of Mohandas Gandhi to effect societal change, including the Civil Rights campaigns of Martin Luther King, Jr. Hinduism later was planted firmly in global popular culture when the transcendental meditation movement of Maharishi and other Dharma (religious duties). Lastly, Hindus Mahesh Yogi found a well-known group of followers; do not believe that any single world religion is the the British pop band known as The Beatles. Today, true and single path above the others. All are seen elements of Hinduism ranging from meditation to as valid paths to salvation from our higher power. yoga permeate culture and religion outside of traditional Hinduism. Religious Practice Hindus have many practices in common with other faiths, but also some that are unique. Upsana, or worship, includes rituals, chants, and other study performed most often at a shrine within their home. Hindus participate in holy festivals or days known as utsava. Often involving a community temple, followers may celebrate, fast, or worship. In addition to celebrating holy days, Hindus also observe samskara, or rites of passage, which include events like birth, naming, marriage, and death. As indicated earlier, dharma is the act of living a life of selflessness, respect, and good conduct. Clearing karmas is achieved through these actions and a commitment to never injuring Copyright © 2015 Instructomania Pavlovich  Buddha, Born c. 563 B.C., Died c. 483 B.C. about the cycle of reincarnation. Although it is believed that a person's future is largely predetermined, people have some control over their future lives. In addition, people believed in a strict caste system, which is a social order. The people at the highest levels of the system were said to be the most spiritual. Their place in the caste system was a reward for their spiritual enlightenment. Siddhartha's family was part of the high caste. As a child, Siddhartha was sheltered from poverty and sickness of others. As a curious young man, he explored the city around his home. The suffering that he saw during this time led him to give up his marriage and son in order to pursue spiritual wisdom. Early Life I n the 500s, the Gautama family reigned over a kingdom in Northern India, which is present-day Nepal. The king and queen at that time had a son named Siddhartha. According to Buddhist history, Siddhartha was conceived under extraordinary means. In a dream, a white elephant visited his mother and touched her side with a lotus tree blossom. Soon after, she became pregnant. Siddhartha was born out of his mother's side. His mother felt no pain during the delivery. According to legend, Siddhartha told his mother after his birth, "This is my last rebirth -- henceforth there is no more Enlightenment birth for me." Everywhere he walked, lotus blossoms grew beneath his feet. As a 30 year-old single man, Siddhartha practiced meditation as part of the Jains sect. He agreed to live without such basic necessities as food and shelter in Shortly after Siddhartha's birth, his mother died. His order to pursue his spiritual path. After five years of father, Suddhodana, went to a fortune-teller to find struggle, Siddhartha left the sect to recover and out Siddhartha' s future. The fortune-teller meditate on his own. One night he sat under a fig tree presented two futures for his son. The first in northwest India. Meditating under this tree opened prediction was that Siddhartha would be a world his awareness, leading him to an enlightened, peaceful conqueror if he chose to be a ruler. If he chose a life state of being. At this point, he became Buddha. of wisdom, rather than power, he would bring religious salvation to the world. The father chose the path of power for his son. Buddha and Buddhist’s around the world believe that people are reincarnated (re-born on earth) back to earth until they have reached inner peace. The Four During Siddhartha's lifetime, as today, Hinduism was Noble Truths are central to Buddhism: that life is painful the prominent religion of India. Hinduism teaches Copyright © 2017 Instructomania and full of suffering; that desire is the cause of pain; Although India would later reject Buddhism, many holy that a person can overcome desire; and that sites of Buddhism are located in India. These holy sites following the Eightfold Path will end suffering caused include the places where Buddha presented his by desire. According to Buddha, following an sermons, where he meditated, and where his ashes Eightfold Path by conducting a life of discipline, were spread after his death. The special sites where mindfulness and meditation will lead a person to a Buddha's ashes were divided were called the eight state void of desire. This path is a process of facing stupas, or temples. reality and leads to enlightenment, a state of inner peace. Buddhist’s believe that nirvana is the highest Buddha and Jesus state that someone can attain, meaning a person’s Many comparisons have been made between Buddha individual desires and suffering go away. At this and Jesus. Both men were believed to have had point, they will no longer be reincarnated to earthly miraculous births. They both set out on their life's work suffering. as spiritual leaders in around the age of thirty, which led to the establishment of new faiths. For Buddha it 8 Fold Path was Buddhism, and for Jesus it was Christianity, which is the belief in one God. Just as they had several parallels in their lives, they were also different. As a child and young man, Buddha lived a life of wealth and privilege, while Jesus lived a life of poverty. As adults, their lives differed as well. Buddha was a seeker of spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. Jesus was a teacher. According to Christian faith, Jesus was murdered and rose from the dead. According to Buddhism, Buddha attained enlightenment, which led to his life-long ministry. Connections to Today Today there are approximately 360 million Buddhists in Religious Teachings the world. This makes Buddhism the fourth largest religion in globally (in terms of number of adherents). Buddha spent most of his time traveling after his China holds the largest Buddhist population at 108 enlightenment. His travels were in Magadha, which million, followed by Thailand at 55 million. later became the largest Buddhist Empire. For the “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddha next 45 years, Buddha established monasteries, which are places for monks, nuns, and others to have peace and focus on their spiritual growth. Buddha spread the belief that faith should fulfill one's needs. Therefore, there was no need for the caste system. Once he renounces the social order, he became increasingly more popular with the citizens. He remained a preacher up until his death, when he told his followers to continue to seek salvation. Copyright © 2017 Instructomania