In Your Opinion Has religion played a significant role in the history of our world? If so, how? If Not, than what has?

World Religions What exactly is religion? (1) a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices; (2) a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary Religion: Human beings' relation to that which they regard as holy, sacred, spiritual, or divine Encyclopedia Britannica

World Religions Commentary From Historical Characters "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, just as it is the spirit of a spiritless situation. It is the opiate of the people." Karl Marx "Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people quiet." Napoleon Bonaparte

World Religions “Religion is all bunk." Thomas Edison “Religion itself is nothing else but Love to God and Man. He that lives in Love lives in God, says the Beloved Disciple: And be sure a Man can live no where better” William Penn

World Religions How many religions are there in the world? According to David Barrett et al, editors of the "World Christian Encyclopedia: A comparative survey of churches and religions - AD 30 to 2200," 19 major world religions subdivided into a total of 270 large religious groups, and many smaller ones. 34,000 separate Christian groups have been identified in the world

World Religions Some World Religions

Religion (n.) Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. Culture (n.) The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.

In your opinion… How much of a role does religion play in American government? How much of a role does religion play in foreign governments? Describe the relationship between an individual’s culture and his/her religion if any?

The Origins of Judaism At different times Canaan was conquered and inhabited by Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Persians, and Syrians. According to the Bible the founder/father of the Hebrew people was named Abram. Abram had a wife by the name of Sarai

The Origins of Judaism Later God would change their names to Abraham & Sarah –Abram led his people through the desert to Canaan. Abraham & Sarah had a child named Isaac Modern Jews trace their lineage and heritage through Isaac’s son Jacob. –Jacob had twelve sons who became known as the twelve tribes of Israel

The Origins of Judaism The Hebrews eventually left Canaan for Egypt (possibly due to famine and/or drought) At first the Egyptians and Hebrews existed peacefully. The Egyptians expelled the Hyksos people and enslaved the Hebrews for 400 years.

The Origins of Judaism The Hebrews were eventually led out of Egypt and back to Canaan by a leader named Moses. The first five books of the Bible tell the story of Moses and in some schools of thought were authored by Moses. These books became known as The Torah

The Origins of Judaism This escape from Egypt by the Hebrews was known as the Exodus According to the Bible Moses received the Ten Commandments from Hebrew God Yahweh The first four commandments establish the relationship between Yahweh and the Hebrews

The Origins of Judaism Agreeing to these commandments they entered a covenant with Yahweh –Covenant – a solemn agreement After agreeing to this covenant Moses informed his people that Yahweh had granted them a ‘promised land flowing with milk and honey’. The Hebrews moved into the land of Canaan

The Origins of Judaism The Nation of Israel Was founded when the Hebrews left Egypt and were joined by the Hebrews who settled on the outskirts of Canaan. Hebrews became one tribe and remained as such due to the need to maintain the security of the Ark of the Covenant which housed the Tablets of the Ten Commandments

The Origins of Judaism Government Structure Leaders of the camp were known as Judges Holy men within the tribe were known as prophets who would bring the message of Yahweh to the Hebrews and would bring warnings of Yahweh’s wrath when they would disobey his commandments

The Origins of Judaism The land known as Canaan was inhabited by other tribes. However the Hebrews believed that God (Yahweh) had granted them this land. –Philistines –Canaanites The Hebrews conquered and defeat only the Canaanites Nearly defeated the Philistines

The Origins of Judaism Judges Replaced by a King The very first King of the Hebrews was named Saul. Saul was proceeded by King David. Under King David –The Hebrew kingdom known as Israel was expanded. –Jerusalem became the capital of his kingdom

The Origins of Judaism David was succeeded as ruler of Israel by his son Solomon. Under King Solomon: –Israel reached the height of its wealth and power –In gaining power Solomon gained access to riches and glory –Solomon had over 700 wives In ancient times lesser Kings would give conquering Kings their wives as gifts

The Origins of Judaism Solomon also decreed that a temple dedicated to God be erected. The temple became both the center of religion and a symbol of the Israelite state.

The Origins of Judaism After the death of Solomon the Kingdom of Israel was split in two due to in fighting and a series of irresponsible leaders. –The northern part kept the name Israel. –The southern portion was renamed Judah The land of the Hebrews was eventually invaded by neighboring peoples like the Chaldeans and Persians Solomon’s Temple was destroyed.

The Origins of Judaism King Cyrus of Persia allowed the Hebrews to go back to their land and rebuild the Temple (King Solomon’s) The Torah The Torah is considered the Holy book of Judaism –1/3 is Hebrew History –The rest are laws, poetry & prophecy

The Origins of Judaism Religion Yahweh was the Hebrew peoples only god Yahweh protected them from their enemies Sinning resulted in punishment from Yahweh –Suffering would be experienced by later generations Yahweh was to be feared and respected Yahweh lived in the hearts of men and men could not assume god like attributes (divinity)

The Origins of Judaism Ethical Monotheism – religion believing in one god, emphasizing ethics Judeo Christian Ethics – values first established by the Hebrews that contribute greatly to Western civilization