Monday, April 16, 2012  Clip together Cold War papers, put in Archive folder  Warmup (#1 – lined paper):  Why is it sometimes hard to talk about religion? Why does religion sometimes lead to conflict?  Start vocab sheet (#2):  Religion: Organized system of beliefs and practices regarding the creation of the universe, proper relationships to others and the world, and morality.  Monotheism: A belief that there is one all-powerful, creator god who created and guides the universe  Scripture: writings that guide the members of a religion; often in the form of a sacred, divinely-inspired book (the Torah, Bible, Koran)

Discussing Religion EVERYONE’s beliefs are valid and should be respected (non-belief also!) We will find no “right answer” – the nature of religion is to be unprovable Beliefs are VERY important to people – be sensitive to difference Religion is hard to talk about – assume goodwill, and that others don’t mean to be offensive

This week: Israel & Palestine Site of conflict, tension & war for more than 3000 years. Why? Center of Judaism, Christianity and Islam: each believes that Jerusalem holy. Conflict btwn Israelis and Palestinians has inflamed region since Affects everything from wars in Iraq & Afghanistan to US Elections to gas prices. Our Question: What is a possible solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict?

The “Abrahamic Faiths” (Notes on #3: Abrahamic Faiths) Before 2000 B.C.E religions were polytheistic - people worshiped more than one god Poly-: “many” 2000 B.C.E People in some areas began to believe in one god – monotheism Mono-: “one” 3 Largest Monotheistic Faiths: Judaism, Christianity & Islam All based in one story: Abraham

Abraham In Judeo-Christian legend: 2,000 BCE: God made a promise or contract with Abraham, called a covenant, that his descendants would be God’s “chosen people.” These people must follow God’s laws. In return, God would protect and reward them. Founding of JUDAISM People who originally followed Judaism were Hebrews, now called Jews by most people Based in JERUSALEM Prophesy: a leader will come someday (a “Messiah”) who will lead the Jews to freedom & power

What was new about Judaism? ONE all powerful creator god One of the earliest attempts at an “ethical system” Humans can choose between good and evil – free will. Written language as holy thing: ONE way to be Laws are written in the Torah Ten Commandments

Spread of Judaism: Diaspora 1000 B.C.E.-70 C.E.: Jewish kingdoms and countries in Middle East C.E. 70 Jews exiled from their homeland by Romans. Jews, along with their beliefs, spread to many parts of the world  known as the Diaspora Live in small communities in areas dominated by other faiths

Christianity 4-6 BCE. - Jesus of Nazareth born Jew and Roman subject In Jerusalem and other towns, he preached Judaism and the 10 Commandments, with a twist: You don’t need to follow 1000s of rules, just a few key ones God’s personal relationship with individuals and peoples’ love of others - “love your enemies” Followers believed he was the “Messiah” to save the Jews Named the “King of Jews” by some  Romans viewed him as a threat to their power Romans crucified him in Jerusalem: execution

Beginnings of Christianity Jesus was considered both divine and human – the son of God – miracles Legend: Jesus executed (crucified) and died, but rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven. Became known as Jesus Christ  his followers practiced Christianity.

Basic Christian Beliefs Same god Jews believe in, just different ways of worshipping Bible: Torah + “New Testament” about Jesus’ actions & his followers “Gospels”: Story of Jesus’ life and sayings Believe in god & Jesus = eternal life in heaven Someday Jesus will return to Earth to send the good people to heaven and the bad people to hell

Spread of Judeo-Christian Ideas C.E. 381 Christianity became the official religion of the Roman empire  spread to Europe, Near East and Africa In Middle Ages, Roman Catholic Church influenced all aspect of life in Europe

Branches of Christianity

Islam 570 CE: Mohammad born into nomadic tribe in Mecca, Saudi Arabia Many people polytheistic, but also knew about and had respect for Judaism & Christianity 610 CE: Mohammad visited by an Angel tells him how to better worship god: one world community under Islam (“peace & submission”) Wrote teachings in book: Koran Flees Mecca to Yathrib: helps families resolve disputes, gets many followers for Islam 630 CE: Returns to Mecca with an army of Islamic soldiers – takes over city. He destroyed the idols of the old, polytheistic religion of the Arabs, but kept the Ka’ba as a central shrine if Islam.

Basic Beliefs of Islam Followers of Islam: “Muslims”. Worship at “mosques”Purpose of life is to serve god (“Allah”) Muslims believe in the dignity and brotherhood of all people  a bond of community Muslims are tolerant of Jews and Christians as they are considered “People of the Book”. Believe in the same god, share most older Jedeo-Christian stories & teachings Abraham, Moses & Jesus are great teachers and prophets, but Jesus is not god Mohammad was taken by an angel to JERUSALEM to see the work of god, then returned home “Dome of the Rock” is most holy mosque

5 Pillars of Islam: Faith – believer must make statement of faith: “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah” Prayer – 5 times a day toward Mecca Alms – give to the poor Fasting – during holy month of Ramadan Pilgrimage – to Mecca once in your life (hajj)

Show what you learned:  With your Group of 3-4:  Brainstorm a list of SIMILARITIES shared by the three Abrahamic Faiths  Brainstorm a list of things that are UNIQUE to each faith.  Be sure to cover:  Symbol(s), Scripture, Leader(s), Prophet(s), Actions, Basic Beliefs  When FINISHED, get a Venn Diagram sheet from Mr. Cupp – complete for HW  Textbook pp