Judeo-Christian Contributions to Democracy How do the roots of these religions contribute to modern day democracy?

Monotheistic Religions Mono= one Monotheistic= the belief in one God. There are three monotheistic religions that have strong roots in democratic beliefs. Judaism Christianity Islam All three spread the message of individual freedoms and individuals responsibilities to the community.

Judaism Hebrews, later called the Jews, wrote the Torah. The Hebrews believed in only one god. This god was perfect, all- knowing all- powerful and eternal. God’s wish was for them to live moral lives. God had given human beings moral freedom- the capacity to choose between good and evil. Therefore each person was responsible for the choices he or she made. These beliefs led to a new emphasis on the worth of individuals. Later the Jews believed that it was the responsibility of every person to oppose injustice and oppression The Ten Commandments: written and delivered by Moses. These commandments were the code by which the Jews should live their lives.

Christianity Christians follow the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth, who later became known as Jesus Christ Jesus preached about the principles of the Ten Commandments. Which would then become The Bible. Jesus stressed the importance of people’s love for God, their neighbors, their enemies and themselves. Jesus taught that God would end wickedness and establish an eternal kingdom. People who repented their sins would find life after death in Jesus’ kingdom About 29 A.D. Jesus was put to death by crucifixion. His followers claim he rose three days later and ascended into heaven

Islam Islam was based on the teaching of the prophet Muhammad in the early 600’s These teachings were found in the Muslim holy book called the Koran In the Koran, Allah(God in Arabic) emphasized the dignity of human beings and the brotherhood of all people. A belief in the bond of community and the unity of all people led to a tolerance of different groups within a community Followers are called Muslims Muslims were required by the religion to offer charity and help those in need Muslims were required to show tolerance for the religious practices of Jews and Christians

Judeo-Christian Contributions to Democracy The three monotheistic religions were crucial in the development of democracy. They include the following: The duty of the individual and the community to combat oppression (responsibility) The worth of the individual (personal choice) The equality of people before God (equality) These ideas would form part of the basis of democratic thinking. More ideas about the value of the individual and about the question of authority would surface during the Renaissance and Reformation.

Judeo-Christian Contributions to Democracy Personal Choice: People have both worthy and unworthy qualities. People can decide between good and evil, right and wrong The individual is responsible for choice and free will. Equality People are made in God’s image, therefore everyone is equal and should be treated with dignity Equality of all individuals is essential to democracy. Responsibility It is the duty of all human beings to make the world a better place regardless of obstacles.

Wrap-Up Activity On a separate sheet of paper please answer the following questions in complete sentences. Create a table like the one below.. Judaism Christianity Islam

Questions Who is credited with the creation of this religion? What was the name of these creators work? In what way does this religion relate to democracy?