Agenda – 10/22 Share about our weeks off! 4 weeks until Thanksgiving! 9 weeks until Winter Break! Talk about this quarter

UNIT THREE: The Postclassical World (600-1450) Unifying Forces and Cultural Renaissances Judaism, Christianity, Islam “Golden Ages” of empires Islamic Empires Tang/Song China Renaissance  Scientific Revolution (we will do as y’all read Macbeth) I haven’t figured out your reading for this unit yet – be patient! It will come! Generally speaking:

MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

RECAP Universalizing religions: religions with a core of beliefs that transcend cultures and actively recruit new adherents (anyone can convert) Examples?? Ethnic religions: religions that create strong social bonds between people but mainly are restricted to one ethnic group (people can’t always readily convert; not a strong missionary aspect)

JUDAISM One God – merciful, just, all-powerful, all-knowing Created all things Chosen people: Hebrews Hebrews – Semitic people living in Ancient Mesopotamia Hebrews/Semites/Semitic people/Jewish people

JUDAISM: HOLY TEXT Hebrew holy text – all together, called the Tanakh “Old Testament” “Hebrew Bible”

JUDAISM: CONFLICT AND DIASPORA Israel (nation) splits into two: Judah and Israel Conflict and wars; in Mesopotamia… what do you remember? History of diaspora – being forcefully dispersed from your original homeland

21st Century Judaism map: Israel & diaspora The majority of Diaspora Jews live in the US today

Current variations in Judaism Around 15-16 million Jews worldwide Spectrum of observance ranges from Orthodox-Conservative-Reform Many secular Jews as well

CHRISTIANITY

Christianity: intro More than 2.2 billion adherents worldwide (about 30% of world) Vast array of beliefs and denominations Jesus’s role always central

History of Christianity Roman Empire thoroughly in control of Mediterranean world Practiced rationalism, polytheism – but, people were supposed to worship Roman Emperor as a god What problems might this cause for Christianity?

History of Christianity But, the Empire also helps! Roads assist spread of religious thought Roads, safety, common language (common Greek in east)

History of Christianity Jesus was born into a Jewish family Immaculate conception: Mary was born sinless Incarnation: Virgin Mary conceives and gives birth to Jesus Jesus as “son of God” – the long-awaited Jewish Messiah

Life and Teachings of Jesus Jesus as Son of God and savior of the world One third of the Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit People are born into sin, and cannot work their way up to salvation by being good Lived a sinless life, was crucified, and was resurrected “After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3)

Life and Teachings of Jesus Lived a sinless life, was crucified, and was resurrected “After making purification for  sins, he sat down at the right hand of the  Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3)

Life and Teachings of Jesus Preached love, mercy, compassion, equality among believers Can only go to Heaven through believing in Christ as Savior Christian Bible = Old Testament (Torah) + New Testament (writings about Jesus’ life) Written by Jesus’ apostles after his death Predicted second-coming of Christ

CHRISTIANITY Big missionary pull – Paul and other apostles What about its beliefs would Christianity be attractive to people?

CHRISTIANITY Says that Gentiles (non-Jewish people) can have a relationship with God through Christ Jewish law less relevant Humans can’t keep the law, but Jesus did on humanity’s behalf Equality amongst believers – all “brothers and sisters” and “adopted children of God”