Introduction to Monotheistic Religions

Early Religion - Polytheistic In a harsh climate, where famine often prevailed, the Sumerians looked to nearly 3,000 gods helped explain and “order” their world. Temples—or “ziggurats”—were dedicated to the chief god or goddess of the city. (3000—500 BCE)

The Ancient Hebrews

Abraham’s Journey from Ur Canaan  The “Promised Land” Perhaps as early as 2000 BCE, a man named Abraham left the city of Ur with his family and traveled to Canaan. The Bible states Abraham’s God advised him to do so. Abraham’s God represents a shift/evolution from the polytheistic relgions of the era to the age of monotheism.

Abraham’s Geneaology ABRAHAM SARAH HAGAR Isaac Esau Jacob 12 Tribes of Israel Ishmael 12 Arabian Tribes Muslims Jews

Yahweh’s (YHWH”s) “Covenant” With His People The Torah  Abraham’s story—and that of his ancestors, was written down in the “Torah.”  The Torah is the first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible (referred to by Christians as the “Old Testament.)  Abraham’s story—and that of his ancestors, was written down in the “Torah.”  The Torah is the first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible (referred to by Christians as the “Old Testament.)

God wanted to know if Abraham would obey him. God told him to sacrifice Isaac on a mountain. Abraham loved his son very much. He did not want to sacrifice Isaac. But Abraham wanted to obey God.

God told Abraham to go to a mountain. He took Isaac and two men with him. Abraham and Isaac rode on a donkey. They traveled for three days. The two men stayed with the donkey. Abraham and Isaac walked up the mountain. Abraham took a knife. Isaac took some wood.

Isaac asked where the lamb was for the sacrifice. Abraham told him God would provide Himself a lamb. Abraham built an altar. He put wood on it.

Abraham tied Isaac and put him on the altar. He held the knife over Isaac. Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son. But an angel spoke to Abraham. He told Abraham not to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham had obeyed God. God loved Abraham.

Abraham looked around. He saw a ram in the bushes. God had given the ram for the sacrifice. Abraham sacrificed the ram on the altar.

God was happy Abraham had obeyed him. God said he would bless Abraham’s family. Abraham and Isaac went home. Abraham had obeyed God. He was willing to let his son die, but God had spared him.

Moses and Israel “Shepherd of His People” Probably around 1300 BCE, Abraham’s descendants fled drought in Canaan and traveled to Egypt—where they were enslaved by the Egyptian king. Yet God had promised Abraham that a great nation would rise from his descendents... Presumably in Canaan (near modern day Lebanon, Israel, Palestinian territories). Moses led his people back to Canaan between BCE—where they organized their tribes and established a kingdom known as “Israel.”  Story of Moses link

Moses and the 10 Commandments A new “covenant” with Yahweh

Mount Sinai Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites finally returned to Canaan...

King David’s Empire King David—the first effective “King of the Israelites,” established Jerusalem as Canaan’s capital (1006 BCE).

Solomon’s Kingdom ( BCE) Solomon’s Kingdom ( BCE) David’s son Solomon would build the first temple to YHWH. Worship becomes more formal.

The Temple Mount, Jerusalem (Today) Solomon’s Temple Wall: The “Wailing” Wall

Kingdoms of Israel and Judah In 922 BCE—rebellion divided Canaan

Origins of “Judaism” Origins of 722 BCE, Israel was overrun by surrounding empires. Israelites scattered— some joined the Kingdom of Judah, others merged with surrounding peoples and lost their identity. The people of Judah survived captivity and a period of nomadic existence—and ultimately moved back to Jerusalem (now part of Persian Empire.) They would become known as “Jews”— their religion, “Judaism.”

Diaspora  In the years after the destruction of Israel, Jewish people would scatter throughout the world. Prophets (Ezekiel & Isaiah) would explain that YHWH was “mobile,” an in fact the “one true God for all the people of the world.” The stories of Abraham, Moses, etc. were committed to scripture  “People of the Book.” The synagogue evolves as center of study and worship. Diaspora  In the years after the destruction of Israel, Jewish people would scatter throughout the world. Prophets (Ezekiel & Isaiah) would explain that YHWH was “mobile,” an in fact the “one true God for all the people of the world.” The stories of Abraham, Moses, etc. were committed to scripture  “People of the Book.” The synagogue evolves as center of study and worship.

The Rise of Christianity

Roman Palestine 27 BCE: Augustus becomes 1 st Roman emperor. Official state religion focused on worshipping gods and goddesses such as Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Judea—lands of the old Jewish kingdom of Judah, was a province of Rome. Unrest was widespread in Judea—some favoring violent overthrow of Roman rule. The Jewish temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70CE

The Beginnings of Christianity in Bethlehem Scholars generally agree that a child named Jesus was born between 7 and 2 BCE…that year would be renamed “0” in the sixth century. In his young adult life, Jesus became a well-known teacher. Jesus’ preaching stirred controversy— seen as threat to Roman leadership, as his followers (like other Jews) refused to worship state gods.

Christianity Spreads Ponitius Pilate, chief magistrate of Judea, ordered Jesus’ crucification sometime in the 1 st century CE. Upon his death, followers of Jesus came to be called “Christians,” separate from the Jews. Christians believed that Jesus was the son of God, the Messiah mentioned in early Jewish text, who would save the Israelites from oppression and usher in an age of peace. (Jews do NOT believe that Jesus was the son of God or the messiah.)

The Spread of Christianity Early followers of Jesus—known as apostles— spread Jesus’ message during and after his death. These teachings would be recorded in the “New Testament,” the second part of the Christian Bible. After a period of persecution, Christianity flourished when Constantine became the first Christian Roman emperor in 312.

The Judeo- Christian Foundations of Islam

The Prophetic Tradition Abraham Moses Jesus Muhammad (According to Islam, the Qur’an=God’s last revelation)

The Origins of the Qur’an  Muhammad received his first revelation from the angel Gabriel in the Cave of Hira in 610.  622  Hijrah  Muhammed flees Mecca for Medina. * The beginning of the Muslim calendar (1 A.H.)  Muhammad’s revelations were compiled into the Qur’an after his death.

Islam  An Abrahamic Religion  Muslims are strict monotheists.  They believe in the Judeo- Christian God, which they call Allah.  Muslims believe that the Torah and the Bible, like the Qur’an, is the word of God. Peoples of the Book

The Origins of Islam

The Qur’an  Muslims believe it contains the word of God.  114 suras (chapters).  In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful.  Written in Arabic.

The Mosque  The Muslim place of worship.

The Spread of Islam  Easy to learn and practice.  No priesthood.  Teaches equality.  Non-Muslims, who were “Peoples of the Book,” were allowed religious freedom, but paid additional taxes.  Easily “portable”  nomads & trade routes.  Jihad (“Holy War”) against pagans and other non-believers (“infidels”).