RELIGION: A FORCE OF CHANGE RESHAPING EUROPE AFTER THE FALL OF ROME

ROME Romans believed in many gods. Romans believed in many gods. Each god had specific powers/ responsibilities. Each god had specific powers/ responsibilities. Allowed many religions as long as they paid taxes and followed Roman rule. Allowed many religions as long as they paid taxes and followed Roman rule.

AFTER THE FALL OF ROME Three religions grew beyond anyone’s expectations: Three religions grew beyond anyone’s expectations:  Judaism  Christianity  Islam

SIMILARITIES All three are closely related. Judaism started over 3000 yrs ago. Christianity grew out of Judaism, and Islam confirmed the message of both. Christians, Jews, and Muslims all believe in only one God

JUDAISM Jewish people have a special relationship with God as His chosen people Jewish people have a special relationship with God as His chosen people Jews keep God’s laws – Ten Commandments Jews keep God’s laws – Ten Commandments The Torah is the Jewish Holy Book The Torah is the Jewish Holy Book Jews were often persecuted and forced to leave their homes. Jews were often persecuted and forced to leave their homes. The final scattering from Palestine was known as the Diaspora. The final scattering from Palestine was known as the Diaspora.

ISLAM Based on the Qur’an or Koran (Holy Book) Based on the Qur’an or Koran (Holy Book) Revealed to prophet Mohammed in the 7 th Century. Revealed to prophet Mohammed in the 7 th Century. Islam has Five Pillars of Faith Islam has Five Pillars of Faith  One God Allah  Pray 5 times a day  Charity or Alms  Fasting during Ramadan  Pilgrimage to Mecca

CHRISTIANITY Founded in Palestine by the apostles of Jesus Christ. Founded in Palestine by the apostles of Jesus Christ. Started as Jews who felt the church lost the spirit of the Jewish Laws. Started as Jews who felt the church lost the spirit of the Jewish Laws. Romans feared an uprising and killed Jesus by nailing Him to a cross. Romans feared an uprising and killed Jesus by nailing Him to a cross. His followers believed He was raised from the dead so all could share in eternal life. His followers believed He was raised from the dead so all could share in eternal life. Two greatest commandments: Two greatest commandments:  Love God with your whole being.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  Appealed to all people (even the poor)

MAJOR WORLD RELIGIONS