World Religions Notes

Which Symbol Represents Which Religion? Crescent moon and Star “Star of David” Judaism Holy Cross Christianity

Vocab “JCM” = Jews, Christians, Muslisms Monotheistic = belief in One God

Greco-Roman (Greek and Roman) Religion before J,C,M Polytheistic (at first) Belief in many God’s Greeks Egyptians Phoenicians Law was based on reason

Monotheistic Faith #1 – Judaism

JUDAISM Torah- holy book Ten Commandments- law code Monotheism = 1 God Sabbath- holy day is Saturday Synagogue or temple = place of worship JUDAISM Important holidays: Hannukah, Passover, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah Kosher food (no pork or shellfish) Types: Orthodox, Conservative or Reformed

Judaism Taught individual worth, values, and the need to fight for justice. Monotheistic religion of the Hebrews Created in God’s image, gives them dignity Gives moral freedom and responsibility for choices Jewish Law teaches Morality Torah Holy Book Old Testament of the Bible Ten Commandments Written Hebrew Code of Law Prophets Messenger of God

The Ten Commandments

Monotheistic Faith #2 – Christianity

Christianity Monotheistic Based on teachings of the Bible Founded by Jesus Jesus Christ Greek for “messiah” or “savior” Born a Jew Stresses love for God, neighbors, enemies, and themselves God will end evil, create eternal kingdom Repenters can get life after death in Heaven Roman governor in Jerusalem saw Jesus as a threat because some referred to him as the “King of the Jews” Put to death by crucifixion

Spread of Christianity Paul, the apostle, spread the word of Jesus. He stressed the equality of all human beings – a central belief of democracy. Jews exiled from Jerusalem for rebellion Flee to all over the world Share beliefs Romans persecute Christians, but then religion becomes official religion of empire (Roman Catholic)

Monotheistic Faith #3 – Islam

Islam Teachings of Muhammad Monotheistic religion Stresses dignity, brotherhood of people, tolerance of other groups Holy Book called the Qur’an Followers called Muslims Place of Worship = Mosque

Legacy of JCM Religions Ideas are important to the shaping of democracy Duty of individuals, community to combat oppression Worth of the individual, equality of people to God Judeo-Christian ideas had the greatest influence on Western Europeans, especially as they explore the world later

Analyze the similarities and differences in Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian philosophy

Homework Ten Commandments Reading Handout and 3 Discussion Questions