Belief Systems

What are belief systems? Belief systems are organized ways to view the world Typically include a moral code, or way to live life Religions are belief systems with a god(s) Monotheistic- one god Polytheistic- more than one god

Nature Religions Animism Shinto Taoism Each of these religions focuses on living in harmony with nature and nature spirits (making them polytheistic) Animism Shinto Taoism Began in Africa and the Americas Everything has a spirit Communicate with dead ancestors Began in Japan Kami- ancient gods/nature spirits Shrines are marked by Tori Gates Began in China Contemplate Tao- “the way” Balance of Yin and Yang

Hinduism Started in India Founded through cultural diffusion from the Aryans Main Ideas: Polytheistic Goal is to unite with Brahman (unifying spirit) Reincarnate to get closer to Brahman Dharma- moral duty Karma- good gets good, bad gets bad Caste System Ganges River is sacred

Buddhism Started in India, but moved to Southeast Asia Founded by Siddhartha Gautama Main Ideas: No god Goal is to reach Nirvana (enlightenment) Reincarnation to try to reach Nirvana Four Noble Truths- life is suffering because of desire Eightfold Path- how to end desire and reach Nirvana

Confucianism Started in China Founded by Confucius Main Ideas: No god Five Relationships- everyone has a position that must be respected to keep order in society Ruler to ruled Father to son Older brother to younger brother Husband to wife Friend to friend Filial Piety- respect for elders

Judaism Started in the Middle East, practiced worldwide Founded by Abraham/Moses Main Ideas: Monotheistic 10 Commandments Holy book is the Torah (Old Testament) Diaspora- Jews were forced to leave Israel and searched for a place to practice

Christianity Started in Israel, currently practiced worldwide Founded by Jesus (the Messiah) Main Ideas Monotheistic 10 Commandments Holy Book- the Bible (New Testament) The primary difference between Judaism and Christianity is that the Jews do not thing the Messiah has come

Islam Started on the Arabian peninsula, currently practiced worldwide but primarily in the Middle East Founded by Muhammad Main Ideas: Monotheistic- Allah Five Pillars of Faith The Hajj- pilgrimage to Mecca Sharia Law

Other Belief Systems Legalism China- based on the idea that humans are evil and harsh punishments are needed to keep order in society Humanism Renaissance Europe- focus on humans/individuals and life on earth instead of on God and Heaven

Review The Ten Commandments and Five Pillars of Wisdom are similar in that they established a class structure for society are guidelines for living consist of prayers for salvation promise a happy and easy life

Review Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are similar in that they all place great value on having many statues and images of holy people believe in Mohammed as the Prophet of God are monotheistic in belief require their members to settle in the Holy Land

Review Hinduism and Buddhism are similar in that both religions practice a belief in many gods provide followers with a rigid social caste system stress attainment of a better life through spiritual rebirth look to the teaching of one person for their basic beliefs

Review The terms Brahma, dharma, and moksha are most closely associated with which religion? Judaism Islam Hinduism animism

Review Which term is most closely related to these three actions? Showing respect for parents Maintaining family honor Honoring all elders Which term is most closely related to these three actions? nirvana animism filial piety hadj (hajj)