People from different ethnic groups may share the same religion; through they may be from very different cultures. Religion has been important to the history of the Middle East. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism were started in this region. People who follow Judaism are called Jews. Followers of Christianity are called Christians. Followers of Islam are called Muslims.

 World’s second largest religion; monotheistic  Developed in Saudi Arabia  Worship in Mosques  Holy Book- Koran (Qur'an)

 AD 600s- Arabia had no central government; clans fought for wealth and power. People went to Mecca to worship many gods & goddesses.  Islam was began by Muhammad (born in Mecca, Arabia.)  Raised by uncle and grandfather.  Muhammad believed the angel Gabriel came to him and told him he was God’s prophet.  Began teaching that Allah was the only true God

 However, Muhammad’s beliefs were not popular  622- he & his followers were forced to flee from Mecca to Medina- known as the Hegira  Thus, began the Muslim calendar  Two groups formed:  Sunnis- 80% Muslims today; strictly interpret the Koran & Muhammad’s teachings  Shi’ites- broke away and followed Muhammad’s son-in-law

 Names Abraham as the “father of the Jews”  Abraham was called by God to enter into a covenant with him. God promised to bless and guide the Hebrews if they would obey his law.  God told Abraham to move into the land of Palestine and promised him a new nation (Israel) if he would obey. Abraham did, & his descendants lived there for many years.  Eventually, the Hebrews were taken as slaves by the Egyptians.  Moses led Hebrews out of Egypt- this is called the Exodus  God would later give Mosey the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai  3 types of Jews: Orthodox, Conservative, & Reform

 World’s largest religion  Old Testament & New Testament (the Gospels- 4 books describing life and teachings of Jesus, others are letters and sermons written by early Christians)  Christmas- birth of Christ  Easter- Christ’s resurrections  3 types- Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant

 Jesus Christ- the Messiah told of in the Jewish scriptures; believed to be God in human form; came to save humans from sin & eternal death  Born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth as a Jew  Preached message of love & forgiveness; drew large crowds  Crucified by Roman soldiers, rose again 3 days later (resurrection- Easter)  Lived among disciples for 40 days; then, rose to Heaven

 Holy Wars between Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land in the Middle East  What caused them?  Ottoman Empire kept expanding and Europeans were fearful of being taken over  Religious revival during this time  Economic opportunities (get land, power, material goods)  Provided a way out for the serfs  Eight crusades in all, but did NOT succeed in taking over Jerusalem for the Christian West  Increased trade, developed better ships, destroyed feudalism, created permanent divisions between the 3 religions

Use notes to create a tri(3)-circle Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the 3 types of religion

ISLAM CHRISTIANITY JUDAISM 1. STARTED IN ME 2. MONOTHEISM 3. JERUSALEM THE HOLY CITY JEWS CHRISTIANS MUSLIMS LARGEST 2 ND LARGEST 12 TH LARGEST QUR’AN 1. OLD TESTAMENT FRIDAY MOSQUE SYNAGOGUE CHURCH 622 CE 33 CE SAUDI ARABIA 2. CHURCH STATE SEPARATE SATURDAY SUNDAY MUHAMMAD ABRAHAM JESUS 1. DENY RESURRECTION OF JESUS 1. VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS 2. BELIEVE IN A SECOND COMING OF JESUS DISBELIEVE IN THE 2 ND COMING OF JESUS 3. PALESTINE 4. GOOD DEEDS = SALVATION 2100 BCE CHURCH AND STATE INTEGRATED BELIEVE IN RESURRECTION OF JESUS