Chapter 4 – Eurasia/North Africa (600 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.) Culture and Religion Chapter 4 – Eurasia/North Africa (600 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.)

Legalism Strict rules and severe punishments. A pessimistic view of human nature. Only the state can act in people’s long-term interest. Focus on promoting farmers and soldiers: - the only two productive groups in society. Inspired the Qin dynasty (Shihuangdi). Discredited shortly thereafter because of its brutality.

Confucianism Confucius (551-479 B.C.E.): - an educated aristocrat. - teachings collected in “the Analects.” Principles for harmony and social order: - life consists of unequal relationships. - superior people should lead by moral example. - superior people should be benevolent and sincere. - lesser people should be “motivated” into obedience. Education as key to moral betterment: - advocated for broad liberal arts education. - application of liberal arts into government.

Confucianism Became the central part of education in the Han Dynasty (after Qin discredited legalism). Family as a model for political life: - filial piety. - women should be humble and obey men (patriarchal). History: - spoke of a “golden age” in the past; restoration. - modest social mobility through education (civil service exams). Confucianism was not religious, but it did not discredit spirits and gods; educated elites had little to do with them.

Confucianism

Daoism Laozi (6th century B.C.E. archivist) wrote “The Way and Its Power.” Daodejing Daoists ridiculed Confucian ideology. Education and improving oneself is useless. Advocated for withdrawal to the world of nature; spontaneous behavior is natural. Daoism entered popular religion: - spirits, meditation, and magic. Provided the ideology for peasant rebellions: - Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Daoism

Hinduism Hinduism – the polytheistic religion in India. - The term was invented by outsiders. There was no founder. Widely recognized sacred texts created some uniformity/commonality. “The Vedas” – Holy Books of Hinduism (earliest text): - compiled by Brahmins (priests, top caste). - told orally until about 600 B.C.E. - told of rituals and sacrifices, brought Brahmins wealth and power.

Hinduism “The Upanishads” developed in response to dissatisfaction with Brahmins: - composed between 800-400 B.C.E. - Brahman is world soul, atman is human soul. - moksha is liberation, or union with Brahman. - goal of reincarnation is to achieve moksha. - law of karma: one’s actions effects reincarnation. - reincarnate one caste at a time displays good karma. This world view endorsed caste distinctions and hierarchy as well as patriarchy. The Laws of Manu institutionalized gender inequality.

Hindu Gods

Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama (ca. 566-486 B.C.E.): - referred to by followers as the Buddha (enlightened one). Central Principle: all life is suffering. - Sorrow’s cause: craving for individual fulfillment. - Cure: living a modest, moral life with meditation. Goal is to achieve nirvana, “oneness with the universe.” A serenity without greed, hatred, and delusion.

Buddhism & Hinduism Similarities: - ordinary life is an illusion. - the concepts of karma and rebirth. - overcome demands from the ego. - hope to escape the cycle of rebirth. - practice meditation. Buddhism – a simplified, accessible version of Hinduism.

Buddhism & Hinduism Buddhist challenges to Hinduism: - rejection of Brahmin’s religious authority. - individuals take control of their own spiritual development. - achieve Nirvana from any caste or gender. Buddhist women: - offered more independence than Hinduism (though women still considered inferior). - many women converted.

Types of Buddhism Theravada (Teaching of the Elders): - respect for the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhartha). - a set of practices rather than beliefs. - the Buddha is not divine. Mahayana (Great Vehicle): - developed in early centuries C.E. - the Buddha became divine. - a popular religion of salvation. In first millennium C.E., a new popular Hinduism emerged in India, epic poems such as Mahabharata and Ramayana. Buddhism eventually spread to China along the silk roads during the Han Dynasty.

Zoroastrianism Monotheism first developed in Zoroastrianism and Judaism. Both influenced Christianity and Islam. Developed in Persia during the time of the prophet Zarathustra in the 6-7th century B.C.E. Ahura Mazda – God of Zoroastrianism: - represented truth, light, and goodness. Spread mainly within the Persian Empire. Setbacks during Alexander’s Empire, but final decline came with the arrival of Islam in Persia. The Parsis fled to India and continued the faith.

Ahura Mazda

Judaism and Zoroastrianism The Jews in the Persian Empire borrowed much from Zoroastrianism: - idea of God (good) vs. Satan (evil). - idea of last judgment and bodily resurrection. - belief of a final defeat with the help of a savior (Messiah). - remaking the world at the end of time.

Judaism Holy Book: the Torah (Old Testament). Early migrations under Abraham to Canaan. Moses led exodus from slavery in Egypt back to Palestine – Kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Covenant with God (Yahweh) – Hebrews were “chosen people” in exchange for sole devotion to God. Cease from evil, learn goodness; seek justice. The foundations for both Christianity and Islam.

Map of Ancient Israel

The Torah

The Cultural Tradition of Classical Greece Did not create an enduring religious tradition: - system of polytheism and cults. Most intellectuals rejected religion. - The world is a physical reality governed by natural laws. - Human reason can create a system for ethical life. - A growing role of law in Athenian political life.

The Greek Way of Knowing (600-300 B.C.E.) Socrates (469-399 B.C.E.) questioned logic. - Plato (429-348 B.C.E.) wrote The Republic, a design for a good society. - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.E.) emphasized empirical observation. Pythagoras – mathematics (the Pythagorean theorem). Herodotus – wrote the History of the Persian Wars. Hippocrates – balance of fluids in the body, the Hippocratic oath.

Socrates

Pythagoras

The Birth of Christianity with Buddhist Comparisons Similarities: - were mystics (claimed another level of spirituality). - challenged conventional values. - stressed love and compassion as the basis of morality. - followers believed they were Gods. Those men sought to re-vitalize their traditions.

The Birth of Christianity with Buddhist Comparisons Differences: Gautama was royal while Jesus was lower class. Jesus was monotheistic while Gautama ignored the supernatural. Jesus was more social and political than Gautama. Jesus was active for 3 years, but Gautama was active for over 40 years. Jesus executed as a criminal, Gautama died of old age

Christianity Becomes a World Religion Process began with St. Paul (10-65 C.E.). Missionary journeys to spread the good news. Inclusive of non-Jews; conversions. Women had more opportunities, but still patriarchy. Attraction – miracle stories, caring for each other. Christians persecuted in Roman Empire until Emperor Constantine converted in the early 4th century C.E. Theodosius the Great made it the official religion of Roman Empire (help to unify the empire).

The Spread of Christianity and Buddhism

Emperor Constantine

Institutions, Controversies, and Divisions Debates over doctrine and texts about the teachings and nature of Jesus. Council orthodoxy and expulsion: establish an orthodoxy in regards to teachings, texts, and ritual. Those who did not adhere would be expelled. Roman and Greek cultural traditions: cultural divide between the Latin west and Greek east. It influenced the interpretation and practice of the Christian faith. Diversity in the Buddhist world: an experience of diversity of traditions and inability to impose unity upon the faith and its practitioners.