Unit 3: Western Religions

Think-Pair-Share At your table please discuss and answer the following questions: How can religion be defined? Why do religions exist?

Think-Pair-Share "Religion: A general term used... to designate all concepts concerning the belief in god(s) and goddess(es) as well as other spiritual beings or transcendental ultimate concerns.”                 —Penguin Dictionary of Religions (1997). "Religion: Relation of human beings to God or the gods or to whatever they consider sacred or, in some cases, merely supernatural.”                —Britannica Concise Encyclopedia (online, 2006) "Religion: (2) a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices; (4) a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.”                —Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (online, 2006)  “A system of beliefs & practices that attempts to order life in terms of culturally perceived ultimate priorities.”                --- Stoddard & Prorak, “Geography in America”

Breakdown by Continents

Polytheism vs. Monotheism

Unit 3: Western Religions Judaism Unit 3: Western Religions

The Torah The most sacred text is the Torah 5 books Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy For Christians these five books are Old Testament

Garden of Eden How did the World begin? Good vs. Evil Adam Eve Where did Eve come from? What does this say about women’s role? Good vs. Evil Tree of Enlightenment Cain and Abel

Story of Noah Population growing What does God decide to do? Wickedness What does God decide to do? Noah and the Ark Noah’s Family 2 of every Animal 3 of Every Food 40 days and 40 nights Covenant with God

Rise of Judiasm Abraham was Humanity’s last Chance God asks him to leave Ur Makes three promises Abram becomes Abraham “Father of the people” “Father of the Israelites” Story of Isaac Ultimate sign of faith Covenant They were given Promised land (Canaan). They got to develop special relationship with god

The World Reborn Jacob Jealous Brothers Pharaoh's Dreams Grandson of Abraham 12 Sons Joseph was his Favorite Jealous Brothers Pharaoh's Dreams Joseph’s Predictions Save’s food Jacob leads the Israelites to Egypt due to famine Enslaved for Generations

The Story of Passover Mosses and the burning bush Pharaoh says no “LET MY PEOPLE GO!” God Renews covenant with Moses. For Obedience he would lead them out of bondage Pharaoh says no 10 Plagues Kill the first born Son Passover Mosses Parts the Red Sea Jew’s Escape Hardship is not over yet. Ultimate Act of Faith

40 years in the desert Moses on Mt Sinai Canaan is promised land 10 commandments Renews covenant Canaan is promised land

Canaan and the Fertile Crescent

Kingdom of Israel: 1020-922 BCE 12 Tribes Independent of each other Saul 1020 – 1004 BCE drove out Philistines David 1004 - 965 BCE Unites tries Jerusalem is capital Started building temple of Jerausalem Solomon 965 – 922 BCE David’s Son Finished Temple for Ark of Covenant

Collapse of the Kingdom 922 BCE Revolts Israel splits in two Israel and Judah 722 BCE Assyrians take Israel 586 Babylonians seize Judah King Nebuchadnezzar Temple of Jerusalem Lost the Ark

The Romans Romans took control in 6th Century Romans in Judea 63 BCE Judea had autonomy at first Roman rule strengthened Jesus of Nazareth Ministry 27-29 CE Revolt 66 CE Destruction of temple 70 CE “Wailing wall” remains Masada 73 CE Diaspora