Lesson 2

 Compare the three major world religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.  Explain how geography contributed to the birth of Islam.  Discuss connection of Islam and fundamentalism  Identify the different fundamentalist groups

 To what religious affiliation do most Middle Eastern groups belong?  Islam- Muslims  All but Israelis and Armenians

 ~1800 BCE, Hebrews flee Canaan, migrate to Egypt (enslaved).  Moses takes to Sinai Peninsula.  1 God, 10 Commandments,  ~1025 BCE form kingdom of Israel in Fertile Crescent.  ~500 BCE Persians take over, Return to Israel & rebuild temple in Jerusalem.  ~70 CE, Romans expel Jews from Israel/Palestine – diaspora…  Won’t return until late 1800s

 Jesus born in Roman ruled Palestine (Bethlehem)  Some believed he was the messiah – Savior from foreign rule, restore kingdom

 Roman’s, scared of popularity & refusal to accept emperor as a god, crucified him in 33 CE.  Followers, Christians, spread word  Everyone equal, salvation & eternal life  Persecuted by Romans, became martyrs  313 CE, Emperor Constantine converts  395 CE, official religion Roman Empire

 What was life like in the Middle East in early centuries?  Desert  Bedouins  Oasis towns  Feuds, rivalry, lawless

 ~610 CE Angel Gabriel tells Mohammed he is to be the messenger of God/Allah  Merchant in Mecca  ~622 flee to Medina, build 1 st mosque  Hejira – Yr 1 of Muslim Calendar  Prophet  Expansion of Islam  Uses war & political maneuvering to spread ideas  632 control Peninsula  732 Atlantic to Indus

In small groups you will create a graphic representation of content related to one of the following:  Five Pillars  Jihad  Sunni v. Shi’ite (Shia)  Women  Muslim Attire

 What is meant by the term “People of the Book”?  All 3 monotheistic  Abrahamic religions  Allah is same God as God of Jews/Christians  Follow God’s teachings in the Bible  Believe in final day of judgment (heaven/hell)  Protected/treat all with tolerance

In small groups you will create a graphic representation of content related to one of the following:  Five Pillars  Jihad  Sunni v. Shi’ite (Shia)  Women  Muslim Attire

 Political & social movement promoting a return to traditional, or fundamental, interpretation of any religion.  Islamic Fundamentalism or “Political Islam”  Est. Shari’a law as foundation of government  Rid society of non-Islamic influence

 Islamic empire eclipsed, dominated, and exploited by West. Frustrated w/politics.  Frustration with rapid social & economic changes.  Western presence in Holy Lands, ME politics, perceived attack on Islam

 World Gone Wrong  Religion to cope & guide  Tool for social activism & poly change  Motivate & justify purpose  Cosmic War Against Enemy  Good vs Evil (God/Devil)  Stakes so high, cause so virtuous = any means justify ends From “Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy”

 No Other Option  Tried traditional channels for change, failed  Lack power, voice  Hopeless & frustrated  Symbolism & Violence  Value to target & timing  “Four Cases” Read From “Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy”

 Most DO NOT ADVOCATE violence!  Terrorism as form of jihad  Seek to overthrow secular regimes & rulers they regard as un-Islamic 0HrhUl9w

 What terror groups can you identify by name?  Chart  Commonalities?  Differences?  Role in government?

 US Concerns  Poly & econ stability  Terror attacks against Western Interests  “Islamaphobia”- Anti- Arab Anti-Muslim, sentiment born out of fear and ignorance

 Do you consider Muslim Fundamentalism a threat to US security? Why or why not?