Growth and Development of World Religions

Growth and Development of World Religions Explain how world religions or belief systems grew and their significance. Hinduism Judaism Buddhism Christianity Islam

Five of the world’s major faiths and ethical systems emerged establishing institutions, systems of thought, and cultural styles that would influence neighboring peoples and endure for centuries. -I can know and explain the 5 major faiths of the world. -I can know where the 5 major faiths originated and how they grew. -I can know what the 5 major faiths believe. -I can explain how the 5 major faiths have influenced the people around them.

Christianity Based on the teachings of Jesus Christ He was a Jew who lived in Israel over 2,000 years ago Followers of Jesus call him Christ Christ means “Chosen One” Jesus is believed to be the son of God

Life and Teachings of Jesus Jesus born in Bethlehem in Judea After working as a carpenter he traveled to Judea preaching love for his fellow humans, and practicing miracles When he reached Jerusalem for Passover he was greeted by huge crowds, hoping that he would lead a radical nationalist movement against the Romans When they realized he had no intention of this, they turned against him Betrayed by Judas he was charged with treason by Pontius Pilate and crucified Byzantine Icon of the Crucicixion www.macedoniadirect.com

Jesus is believed to be the son of God Followers of Jesus became known as Christians Gospels: After Jesus died, stories of His life and wisdom were combined into 4 books Gospel means “Good News”

The Travels of Paul Word spread that Jesus had been seen alive after his crucifixion, and small Christian communities emerged Paul (born Saul) was an educated Jew originally opposed to the Christians; he received a sign from God on the road to Damascus that converted him to Christianity He then traveled the Roman world arguing that Jesus was the Son of God who had died to forgive for the sins of humanity He traveled 8000 miles preaching; put to death in Rome in 65 AD. As a result of his work, large numbers of Christian communities emerged www.fccoc.org

Appeal of Christianity Christianity spread because it upheld the equality of all, and was a religion offering salvation for all regardless of social class. The simplicity of it demanded belief in one god and rejection of all other religions It was a universal religion that all could join Afterlife — a place where the soul will go after death – “Heaven”

Further Appeal of Christianity It satisfied the universal need to belong to a community. The Roman empire was filled with people looking to belong to a community. Persecution only strengthened the bonds of the early Christian church The Church gave communities social stability as well — it took care of the sick, widowed and orphaned, and gave a sense of self-respect to the poor.

Persecution of the Christians But Christianity seen as a threat to Rome – traitors to the state religion! Christians refused to join the army and condemned other religions Persecutions took place during the first two centuries of the religion In the 3rd and 4th Centuries, when the Empire was in danger of collapse, major persecutions launched Bloodiest under Diocletian (285 – 305) - Christians died rather than making other sacrifices to their pagan gods Eventually the Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, and it became the state religion early in the 4th century Persecution of the Christians Christians in the Coliseum www.artunfrance.com

Council of Nicaea In 313 Constantine decreed that Christianity would be ‘tolerated’ throughout the Empire He invited all of the leading Christian thinkers of the time to assemble at the Council of Nicaea (325) which formally recognized Christianity By the reign of Theodosius I, pagans were being persecuted by Christians Eventually the roles were completely reversed and Christians were the majority religion in world. Byzantine painting of the Council of Nicaea www.sfusd.k12.ca.us

The Nicaean Creed Leaders at Nicaea decided on this declaration, which later became known as the Nicaean Creed: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages. (God of God) light of light, true God of true God Begotten not made, consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven And was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary and was made man; was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried; and the third day rose again according to the Scriptures.

Nicaean Creed Continued And he ascended [went up] into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, of whose Kingdom there shall be no end And (I believe) in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), who together with the Father and the Son is to be adored and glorified, who spoke by the Prophets. And one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church We confess (I confess) one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for (I look for) the resurrection [coming back to life] of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen."  

Holy book known as the bible Has 2 parts Old Testament: Sacred writings of Jesus and His people New Testament: Gospels and letters written by Christians Bible translated into over 1,500 languages!!

The bible is the most read book in the world! Almost 2 billion Christians live on every continent Asia does not have many Christians Picture is of the Last Supper. This is the last supper that Jesus, according to the bible, shared with his 12 apostles. This painting was created by Leonardo daVinci.

Denominations of Christianity Protestant religions came about when many Christians started to protest against the Catholic faith. This happened during the Middle Ages (or Medieval Times) during a time called Reformation. Baptists (34 million) Methodists (13 million) Lutherans (8 million) Presbyterians (4 million) Episcopalians (2.5 million) Pentacostals (2.4 million) In history, it used to be the faith of most Christians. Leader: Pope This religion is dominant in Greek cultures and Eastern Europe

The Cross Cross: Christian symbol Jesus was executed by being nailed to the cross It is Christianity’s most important icon Symbolizes the Christian connection with Jesus