Early Belief Systems

Ancient Civilization Religions Polytheism = belief in many gods Ancient Egypt Theocracy (gov’t officials divinely guided) Religion guided all aspects of life Mesopotamia Each city claimed a god Gods are unpredictable and selfish Afterlife was grim Angry gods to be appeased

Wrap Up Explain some of the similarities among the three religions. What are the major differences among the religions? Are you surprised that the religions are so similar? Why?

Judaism, Christianity, Islam Abrahamic Religions Judaism, Christianity, Islam

Answer this question on a sheet of paper: Why do religions exist? - Think about what religions do…

Why do religions exist? To explain the unexplainable Earthquakes, storms, creation Gives humans a way to impact things beyond our control Prayer/sacrifice could earn better weather/harvests Answer philosophical questions What’s the meaning of life? What happens when it’s over?

Abrahamic Religions Basics Judaism, Christianity, Islam Monotheistic (belief in a single god) Judaism founded ~1000 B.C. Christianity ~50 A.D. Islam ~600 A.D. Deity: God, Allah, Yahweh (Same person, different names)

Judaism Oldest monotheistic religion that is practiced today “Ethnoreligion” – share religion and culture Torah/Tanakh – Holy Book

Christianity Jesus Christ = Prophet and Son of God Followers work to follow teachings of Jesus to be saved Ten Commandments = behavior Holidays: Christmas, Easter

Islam Founded last of Christianity, Judaism & Islam 2nd largest religion in the world today Muharram (New Year), Ramadan, Malid al-nabi (Muhammad’s birthday) Central tenets called 5 Pillars of Islam

Role of Old Testament Jewish holy book – Most of Old Testament Book 1 of Christian Bible Also includes New Testament Portions of the Old Testment in the Quran

Role of Jesus Christ A man named Jesus Christ existed… but who was he?? Christianity: Divine, Son of God Islam: A Prophet, sent by Allah Judaism: Normal Jew, not divine, not a prophet

Islam – Five Pillars Faith: Must say & believe, “There is no god but Allah, & Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” Prayer: Pray 5x/day facing Mecca, may be in a Mosque Alms: Charity, Support the less fortunate, religious tax Fasting: No eating dawn-sunset during Ramadan (spiritual needs > physical needs) Pilgrimage: Muslims who can afford it must travel to Mecca at least once in their lives

Answer on a sheet of paper that you will turn in: What do Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all have in common? Make sure you write at least three things!

Writing a Paragraph Mini version of an essay Smaller, shorter, more concise Must be argumentative – have a point Can be debated

Elements of an Argumentative Paragraph 1. Claim/Thesis Outlines argument 2. Reasoning Argumentative reasons/ways, etc 3. Evidence Facts, figures, quotes that support reasons 4. Conclusion Sentence Restates thesis, wraps up paragraph

Paragraph Outline 1. Thesis 2. First Reason 3. Second Reason Evidence to support 3. Second Reason 4. Third Reason 5. Conclusion

Question: How are Christianity and Islam similar? Thesis: Christianity and Islam are similar because they . . . What are some ways they are similar? Need 3!!

Answer on a sheet of paper 1. What happens when you do bad things? 2. How many bad things do you have to do to be considered a bad person?

Eastern Religions

Hinduism Founded in India 1 billion followers One of the oldest religions Polytheistic (sort of) Choose god(s) to believe Three main gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva Brahma = creator of universe

Hindu Beliefs Matter of practice, not beliefs Basis in respect and karma Everything in universe is cyclical Reincarnation of soul All living things have souls  respect all lives Dharma (righteousness) = main goal Each person has their own dharma Reborn until you reach dharma

Other facts about Hinduism No founder or prophet No single holy book (though has vedas) Om (Aum) = most sacred sound = root of universe Refers to self/soul & ultimate reality (Brahma) Inspired Yoga Health, emotional well-being, mental clarity Helps reach dharma

Hinduism vs. Christianity - Make a T-chart in your notes to compare/contrast Hinduism & Christianity (> 5 things) - Highlight Similarities Hinduism Christianity No founder Jesus Christ = Founder

Buddhism 375 Million followers Primarily in Asia (China) Founded ~500 B.C. Siddhartha Gautama = founder & Buddha Not a god No main book Reincarnation (reborn) until enlightenment is reached