Religions of the Middle East Chapter 7 Section 3: Culture

Origins of Judaism... Oldest of the 3 religions from this region. Abraham is often considered the founder of Judaism and the physical and spiritual ancestor of all Jewish people. While most people of his time were polytheistic, Abraham believed in 1 God & in this way is seen as one of the earliest “monotheists.” In 1800 BC Hebrews (another term for Jewish people) are driven from Canaan (Palestine) to Egypt where they become slaves Many years later Moses leads them out of Egypt & the Hebrews make a covenant (sacred – binding agreement) that they will accept one God as ruler of Heaven & earth & in return, they will be His chosen people. This is significant because it is the basis of Judaism’s claim to “the Holy Land” land up to the present time. Hebrews eventually settle back in Canaan (Palestine) & set up the ancient kingdom of Israel.

Origins continued… Under Kings David & Solomon, ancient Israel thrives with Jerusalem as its great capital, even including a temple with gold covered walls. Because of its accessible location ancient Israel is frequently taken over by invaders & ultimately in AD 70 the Hebrews (now called Jews) lose a brutal war to Rome & are scattered from their homeland (called the diaspora). The one remaining wall from this ancient temple is now called the “wailing wall” & is a significant place in Jerusalem for Jewish prayer & worship.

Beliefs of Judaism… Monotheistic (one God = Yahweh) Sacred book = Torah Ten Commandments – religious, ethical or moral laws that are guides for conduct. Ethical World View – required Hebrews to treat slaves kindly; lead moral lives; individuals are responsible for their actions & must choose between good & evil. Prophets warned of God’s anger & punishment for those who strayed from their duties.

Practices of Judaism Sabbath Synagogue Keeping Kosher Following commandments ?? SECTS OF JUDAISM: Orthodox, Reform, Conservative.

Origins of Christianity… Centered around Jesus who was born in Palestine & raised as a Jew. Around age 30 Jesus began preaching about God’s goodness & mercy The Gospels record that he performed miracles & attracted many followers Some Jews believed Jesus was the Messiah (one annointed by God who would deliver the Jews from foreign rule & restore the kingdom of Israel).

Christianity origins continued… Other Jews were threatened by Jesus’ teachings – which eventually worried Roman officials; Jesus refused to accept the emperor as god & in A.D. 33 He was arrested & put to death by crucifixion. Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead & ascended into Heaven & after His death they preserved His teachings in the New Testament & set out to spread his word despite their persecution by the Romans (martyrs – people who suffer & die for their beliefs).

Beliefs of Christianity… Monotheism 10 Commandments & Old Testament – which is the Torah. God is forgiving & compassionate & the loving father of all people, rich, poor, Jew, non-Jew All are = in God’s eyes; Reward for humility, mercy & selflessness is eternal life (heaven) Jesus is son of God; Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) - this is the point of differentiation between Judaism & Christianity.

Spread of Christianity… Persecution actually helped Christianity spread & eventually it becomes the official religion of Rome; Eventually a formal church was organized with Bishops as the highest church officials. The bishop of Rome became pope (father of the Church) There is a split over leadership & eventually Christians divide into the Eastern Orthodox Church (centered in Constantinople) & the Roman Catholic Church.

Origins of Islam… Muhammad (key prophet of Islam)was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia around 570 A.D. At the time, Mecca was a polytheistic city with a busy tourist economy from pilgrims who came to visit the Kaaba (sacred shrine); His father died when he was young & he eventually went to work for a wealthy widow, Khadija, whom he later married; she encouraged him to explore his spiritual side through prayer & meditation.

Origins continued… One day while praying & fasting Muslims believe that Muhammad was taken by the angel Gabriel on a “night journey” to Heaven where he received the word of God. He was told to preach to all people that there is one God, Allah. Muhammad’s message threatened the economy of Mecca & he was forced out in 622 to Medina…called the hejira it is a turning pt. in Islam b/c it marks the beginning of its expansion; Ultimately Muhammad returns to Mecca, smashes the images of the false gods in the Kaaba & dedicated the black stone to Allah. At his death in 632, Islam had spread across the Arabian peninsula & into North Africa.

Beliefs of Islam… Islam means submission; a Mulsim is one who submits to God; Declaration of faith= “No God but God & Muhammad is the prophet of God.” This is the first Pillar of Islam…there are 4 more (Shahada); 2 – Pray 5 time a day facing Mecca (Salat); 3 – Charity to the poor and aged (zakat); 4 – Fast during the holy month of Ramadan (Sawm). No food from sunrise to sunset during this holy month. 5 – Once in life make a pilgrimage to Mecca, if you are able (Hajj).

Beliefs continued… Muslims honor Abraham, Moses & Jesus as prophets; Muhammad is seen as last & most important prophet & is not worshipped as a god; Sacred book = Koran which Muslims see as the authority on religion, politics, law, economic & social life. (written in Arabic) Allah is same God as God of Jews & Christians; Muslims believe in judgement day & eternal reward of heaven; Muhammad respected Jews & Christians as “people of the Book” and required they be treated with tolerance Ethical conduct is required for Muslims

Spread of Islam… Within a century of Muhammad’s death, Islam spread far & wide (map p. 572) to form the largest empire in the region at its height; After Muhammad’s death, however, there was a split over leadership or who should become his successor (called “caliph”). Some Muslims believed it could be any devout believer (“Sunni” sect) while others believed it had to be a descendent of Ali – Muhammad’s cousin & son-in-law (“Shiite” sect) Today these sects have other differences & the Sunnis are the majority.

COMPARE & CONTRAST… Use your Venn diagram to visually display the similarities and differences between these 3 faiths. Based on what you see, do you think the people of these faiths living in this region should be able to get along or not? Explain!! How might it be different living in a non-secular part of the world vs. a secular one? http://www.religionfacts.com +