The Spread of World Religions

How has the geography of religion evolved over the centuries, and where has it sparked wars? Our map gives us a brief history of the world's most well-known religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. Selected periods of inter-religious bloodshed are also highlighted. Want to see 5,000 years of religion in 90 seconds?

What is religion? A strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship. The belief in and worship of a god or gods, or any such system of belief and worship. A set of symbolic forms and acts that relate man to the ultimate conditions of his existence.

POLYTHEISM Religions actually change over time. Review of origins is important…but then learn how they change.

POLYTHEISM Belief in, or worship of, multiple deities or gods. Gods are conceived as complex personages of greater or lesser status, with individual skills, needs, desires and stories. The gods are not always omnipotent or omniscient; rather, they are often portrayed as similar to humans in their personality traits, but with additional individual powers, abilities, knowledge or perceptions. Sumer, Egypt, Aztecs, and Greeks all were polytheistic civilizations

HINDUISM The sound OM, or AUM, is the most sacred symbol for Hindus. It is often used in prayer.

HINDUISM Collection of beliefs that developed over thousands of years (combo of Aryan beliefs w/ native beliefs). No founder. India. Brahman is most divine spirit Holy Men, GURUS, are spiritual teachers. They interpret the religion. Sacred Books: Vedas/Upanishads Liberation from desires and suffering: Moksha. Reincarnation based on Karma and Darma Caste System (ex: Brahmin) Oldest religion

JUDAISM Star of David (shield of David)…is the universal symbol of Judaism. It refers to King David, who ruled the kingdom of Israel.

JUDAISM First heavily followed monotheistic religion. Book: Torah God chose Abraham to be the “father” of the Hebrew people. To Hebrews, God (Yahweh) was not a physical being and no images were made of Yahweh. Migrated to Egypt from Canaan (today’s Israel) and were forced into slavery. Exodus: 1300-1200 BCE…Moses led them from slavery. 900 BCE – 2 kingdoms: Judah and Israel. Judah was destroyed by Assyrians. Fighting for Jerusalem still exists today.

CONFUCIANISM Confucius

CONFUCIANISM Confucius lived during Zhou Dynasty (500’s BCE) His influence wasn’t appreciated until Han Dynasty (200’s BCE) 5 Basic Relationships Ruler/Subject 4. Older brother/younger brother Father/Son 5. Friends Husband/Wife FILIAL PIETY – respect for parents and elders. Social Order/Harmony Education is critically important

DAOISM YIN YANG, represents harmony if YIN (EARTH/FEMALE/PASSIVE) and the YANG (HEAVEN/ MALE/ ACTIVE)

DAOISM Laozi (600 BCE). Natural Order is KEY! Of all creatures of nature, only humans fail to follow the Dao or “the way”. Government should do as little as possible and leave the people alone. Communion with nature instead of political chaos.

BUDDHISM WHEEL OF LAW – his teachings are often a symbol of the wheel and interconnectedness of life and all living things.

BUDDHISM Siddartha Guatama – 563 BCE Wandered to find “Enlightenment”. 4 Noble Truths about suffering and how to get rid of it. 8-Fold Path = steps to Nirvana (release from selfishness and pain. Draws from Hinduism – but also a reaction to harsh Hindu traditions (Caste). Spread throughout all of Asia

CHRISTIANITY CROSS = symbol of crucifixion of Jesus Christ…represents Jesus’ love for humanity in dying for its sins. Picture #1 – Ethiopia! Christianity spread early

CHRISTIANITY Worship of Roman gods was impersonal, practiced without a great deal of emotion. Christianity was accepted and spread. Emphasized individual relationships with God. Jesus (prophet) was born a Jew in Judea (4 BCE?). Christians believe he is the son of God. Bible = combo of Jewish and new Christian ideas Constantine was first Roman emperor to accept it as the Romans expanded East. It became official religion of Rome, eventually.

ISLAM Crescent Moon – became symbol during Ottoman Empire. Maybe 5 stars represent Pillars? Some Muslims actually do not accept it. It is often used on political flags to represent Islamic nations. Symbols can be on test

ISLAM Mecca, Saudi Arabia – holy city Muhammad – Final Prophet (accepts Abraham and Jesus as well. )…about 1000 years after AXIAL AGE! 5 Pillars of Faith Monotheistic Islamic Empire – becomes it own empire! Trade and Commerce spread its ideas and became a huge empire.

Practice it! Use your chart to answer the following question as a group. Use the response cards when prompted to show the answer.

Which of the following is NOT an element of Hinduism? fertility rituals reincarnation practicing yoga human sacrifice eating a special diet

Which of the following is not related to the Jewish Faith? A belief that a Messiah would appear and free them from oppression. The Torah Monotheism The eightfold path Abraham

Diaspora means faith. separation. fulfillment. dissatisfaction. scattering.

The basic tenets of Jewish belief and practice prohibit murder, adultery, theft and lying. banking, trading, and traveling. alcohol consumption, meat eating and violence. facial hair, pastoralism, and mercantile trade. gambling, money lending, and begging.

Which of the following is an accurate statement about Hinduism? It draws from many different religious traditions. Its founder was Lao Zi. It originated in China. It was founded in 1500 BCE It is monotheistic.

What is a major similarity between Hinduism and Buddhism? Both religions support a caste system. Both religions accept reincarnation. Both embrace the Four Noble Truths. Both follow the Five Moral Rules. These two religions are diametrically opposed.

Because of the influence of Confucian ethics, Chinese values emphasized wealth and business ownership. the independence of children. obedience and proper conduct. the obligation of the rich to care for the poor. rugged individualism.

Scholars largely learn about Jesus from Roman archives. oral histories. books written by the ancient Egyptians. the Gospels. Greek myths.

What contributed most to the spread of Christianity? Christians offered new adherents access to Roman luxuries. Christians decreed that new followers did not have to observe Roman law. Christians befriended Emperor Nero, who proclaimed Christianity a state religion. Christian armies swept across Europe and forced the conquered peoples to accept the new religion. Christians found adherents in the upper Roman classes of Roman society.

After Mohammad’s death, the Muslim community began to be ruled by a caliph, who was a religious leader. a political leader. thought to be the reincarnation of Muhammad. both a political and religious leader. none of the above.