Intro to Religions

What is religion - NOTES The word "religion" can be defined in many ways but usually it involves one or more of the following three things: the worship of a God or gods guidelines about how to behave answers to life's biggest questions

Why do YOU think people practice religion? Brainstorm some ideas…

Origins - NOTES The origin of religious beliefs can be classified in three basic categories: Polytheistic Pantheistic Monotheistic

Polytheism - NOTES Polytheism: a belief in multiple gods Originated with Hinduism in about 2500 BC. Hindu beliefs were recorded in the Bhagavad Gita Many gods were subject to a supreme Brahman god Polytheism was also the religion of many other ancient cultures Egypt, Greece and Rome

Polytheism - NOTES Ancient polytheistic belief systems Gods in control of all natural events such as rainfall, harvests and fertility In general, polytheistic cultures believed in sacrifices to appease their gods. The Greeks and Romans developed polytheism into a highly structured pantheon of gods and goddesses.

Pantheism - NOTES Pantheism: the belief God and the universe can be equated; God is everything & everything is God. Many ancient cultures practiced pantheism The universe itself was divine Pantheists do not believe in a distinct personal or anthropomorphic god.

Pantheism - NOTES There is no divinity other than the universe and nature. Reveres and cares for nature All things are interconnected and interdependent. In life and in death humans are an inseparable part of this unity.

Monotheism - NOTES Monotheism: a belief in one God The foundation of the Judeo-Christian-Muslim line of religions began with a man named Abraham in about 2000 BC.

Two main categories of religion

5 main world religions Can you name all 5? Watch the clip and pay attention to some key details about each religion Video clip Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism

Textbook Resources Buddhism: pp. 79-82 Christianity: pp. 167-170 Hinduism: pp. 76-78 Islam: pp. 366-368 Judaism: pp. 57-60