Christianity & Islam

Christianity Divisions Roman Catholicism Eastern Orthodoxy Based in Rome led by the Pope Based on succession from Peter the Apostle Eastern Orthodoxy Based in Constantinople (Istanbul) led by the Patriarch Protestantism Much later started with Martin Luther

Rise of Christianity Christianity spreads through oral and written text in the first century CE Become the Gospels Core beliefs which become the New Testament Why?  Christianity is more personal Jesus was an easy figure to relate to Fulfilled a need to belong/community Helping those in need was encouraged VERY ATTRACTIVE TO THE POOR AND POWERLESS

Medieval Christianity Monastic Orders People who separate themselves from the world live a life of total dedication to God Sacraments of Church (There are 7) Baptism, Communion, Confession, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Last Rites No sacraments = no salvation From life to death, church is most important thing Veneration of saints (men and women to copy) Relics: remains of saints or their stuff (ex. bones, crosses, etc.) Pilgrimages to holy sites provide spiritual benefits

Islam: Means “submission” to the will of Allah Strict Monotheistic Five Pillars (Core Beliefs) Qur’an Islam’s holy book God’s words spoken to Muhammad Written in Arabic (translations are not considered legit) Basis for Shari’ah Law

Divisions in Islam Split derives from leadership Shia – Leaders should be from Muhammad’s family Sunni – Leaders must be Muslim but not necessarily from Muhammad’s family Sufi – form of Islamic Mysticism

Why did Islam Spread? Trade: Routes through the Arabian Peninsula were safer Mesopotamia was politically unstable Dangerous to travel through Mecca became a major center of trade Conquest Universal appeal