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 Abraham – made covenant with God Shared with Judaism and Islam  Israelites – Abrahams followers who were ancestors of the Jewish People  Jewish lands fell to Babylonians Diaspora – spread of Jews across the world

 Torah and Talmud – Key religious texts Ten Commandments were handed to Moses by God  Monotheistic  Sabbath – day of rest and prayer Usually Saturday  Judaism also stresses the importance of equality and social justice.

 The Diaspora helped spread the ideas of Judaism.  Synagogues helped maintain the Jewish culture  The principle of monotheism influenced Christianity and Islam.  The emphasis on ethical conduct influenced the development of law in many lands.

 Focus on life & teachings of Jesus Christ Jesus is considered the Son of God  12 Apostles – in charge of spreading the word of Jesus  Jesus, killed & resurrected 3 days later  Adopted by Roman Empire

 Holy Bible Old & New Testaments  Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Still considered monotheism  Sinners can achieve salvation  Sabbath – Sunday  Many practice Communion and Baptism

 Currently largest religion in the world  Spread due to missionaries, wars, and imperialism  Christian churches were/are very powerful in World History and politics Crusades Renaissance Europe Social Issues (Poverty, Human Rights, Abortion)

 Muhammad – Angel told him he was the prophet of Allah (God), and he must spread the word  Mecca – Holy Shrine to Allah and Muhammad  After much struggle, Islam became the dominant religion in the Middle East

 Qur'an – Holy Text  Recognize Abraham, Moses, and Jesus  Monotheistic  Holy Day - Friday  Five Pillars 1. Acknowledge Allah as one and only God 2. Pray 5x toward Mecca 3. Charity 4. Fast during Ramadan 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca, if possible

 1 Billion Followers  Generally respectful of Christianity & Judaism  Very influential in Middle Eastern Culture Shari’ah Law – Islamic Law adapted in many Muslim countries

 Origins go back to ancient times in India.  No clear starting point or founder.  Developed over centuries by drawing from India’s religious and cultural traditions.  Defines Social Classes

 Polytheistic  Reincarnation  Dharma – set of values and norms to fit one’s social position  Karma – Consequences of one’s actions on reincarnation

 Hindu beliefs are deeply woven into Indian society.  Hindu ideas and practices are followed around the world. Yoga – Hindu tradition adopted around the world

 Based on teachings of Siddhartha Gautama  Nirvana – a state of happiness and peace

 Four Noble Truths  Eightfold Path  1. Right understanding: Deeply understand the Four Noble Truths. 2. Right purpose: Live a life of selflessness, love, and nonviolence. 3. Right speech: Be careful and truthful in what you say. 4. Right action: Do not kill, steal, lie, or hurt others. 5. Right livelihood: Earn a living in ways that do no harm. 6. Right effort: Promote good actions and prevent evil actions. 7. Right mindfulness: Be aware of but not attached to your emotions, thoughts, or feelings. 8. Right concentration: Focus your mind with practices such as meditation.

 Became leading religion in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, China, Korea, and Japan.  Elements such as nirvana and meditation have spread across the world

 Spreading of religions Spreading of religions

 How many ways has religion impacted the world? Art Music Politics Gender Roles Human Rights Wars Peacemaking Economy Charity Literature Education