RELIGIONS

Mesopotamia

Judaism Origins God (Yahweh) created a covenant (promise) with Abraham. Yahweh gave Abraham and his descendants Canaan (land) and Abraham promised to worship only Yahweh.

Founder(s): Abraham “the Father of the Jews” Moses the law-giver (the Ten Commandments) and author of the first books of the Torah (Old Testament Bible)

Principles There is only one God called Yahweh. Monotheism. He is all powerful, all knowing, merciful, and just. The Hebrews (descendants of Abraham) believe they are a chosen people and have a unique relationship with Yahweh. The land of Israel symbolizes this relationship.

Yahweh’s law was revealed by Moses. Ten Commandments are the most well known laws. The holy text is the Torah (Old Testament). It teaches that Yahweh rewards people according to their deeds. There will be a Messiah (savior) one day who will restore the nation of Israel. God loves & respects his people but He expects them to be responsible for their actions.

Diffusion Judaism is mainly concentrated among the Hebrew people and their descendants. It is not a religion that actively seeks to convert others.

India

Hinduism Origin Can not be traced. Developed in India over the course of several centuries. Founder None Principles The world’s largest polytheistic (more than one god/goddess) religion Brahman - the great spirit or universal being

Reincarnation - a belief in the cycle of life, death, & rebirth that is repeated by the soul many times until the soul reaches Nirvana (eternal bliss) and reunites with Brahman. Karma- the cause and effect nature of what happens in life Dharma- a person’s duty and the need to fulfill that duty Caste System

The goal of Hindu faith is to reunite with the Brahman in a series of reincarnations. This is known as Moksha (salvation) and can be reached by: words, knowledge, or devotion. Holy Books: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagaad-Gita

Diffusion Spread throughout the Indian subcontinent and eventually to SE Asia through trade, education, and teaching of the Hindu priests.

Buddhism Origins Began in India and incorporated much of Hinduism

Founder- Siddhartha Gautama The Buddha was a prince, but that was not why he was famous. The prince had parents who loved him, many servants to wait on him, the finest clothes, and a different palace for every day of the year! (But that was not why he was famous.) Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who would one day be known as the Buddha, began his life as a prince in a kingdom in ancient India. He was born over 2,500 years ago! With all his wealth, with all his treasures, and in spite of his loving family, the prince could not be happy. He found his world full of suffering. It upset him that painful old age, sickness, and death were all part of life in this world. That did not seem fair to him. As the prince grew up, his life became even more wonderful. Everyone who met him liked him. He had a warm heart, two parents who loved him, a beautiful wife, a brand new baby boy to fill his life with happiness, and still, he could not be happy.

One day, he met a monk. The prince was amazed that this monk could find calm and peace in a world filled with such sufferings. That very day, he made a very difficult decision. He decided to leave his wealth, his comfort, his wife, and his newborn son, to become a monk. For the next six years, he traveled throughout India. But the answers he found were not enough. One day, while sitting under a fig tree, an understanding came to him. This understanding was a way to end suffering. That was the day Prince Siddhartha Gautama began to earn a new title, the Buddha, which means “Awakened One.”

Principles Desire is the cause of suffering and the way to end suffering is to end desire. Does teach the concept of reincarnation, but isn’t looked at like a ‘rebirth’. Nirvana = eternal peace Does not worship a deity (god or goddess) Is considered a ‘philosophy’ (way of thinking) Places emphasis on a man’s actions, the ability to think properly, and to live in harmony with the forces of the universe. The core of Buddhism is based on The Four Noble Truths and The Eight-Fold Path

Diffusion Spread to southeast Asia and east Asia under King Ashoka of India Actively seeks to converts others

CONFUCIANISM ORIGINS – China Crime was rampant and Confucius spoke of returning to moral standards. FOUNDER - CONFUCIUS (Kung Fu-Tzu) Principles NOT a religion An ethical code dealing with the moral character of individuals, society, and government

Goals: to have order, harmony, peace and happiness on earth Man can achieve this through education, self-effort, and self-reflection. Ideal conduct (behavior) is taught with 5 RELATIONSHIPS * Parent-child: Kindness in father and obedience in the son * Husband-wife: Good behavior in the husband and obedience in the wife * Elder sibling & younger sibling: Gentility in the Elder and respect in the younger * Elder Friend & younger friend: humane consideration in Elders and deference in younger * Ruler & subject: benevolence in rulers and loyalty in subjects

Diffusion Spread by his followers after the death of Confucius as they obtained positions in the government Led to CIVIL SERVICE exam in China. (The method by which talented people were recognized and selected for future positions in government.) These principles became the foundation of Chinese education. Later spread to Japan & Korea.

Taoism Origins- Grew from ancient Chinese philosophies that were merged into one basic teaching. *A reaction to the spread of Confucianism and Buddhism. FOUNDER- Lao-Tse

Principles: Tao or Dao means “The Way” or the path that focuses on achieving balance & harmony in the universe and in one’s life. Taoism places great emphasis on NATURE as an example of the way humans should live. If people lived by nature’s way, they would find inner peace. ‘Effortless Doing’: your actions are in harmony with the universe (peaceful)

The symbol Yin/Yang symbolizes harmony and balance. Taoism also emphasizes the Three Jewels: compassion, moderation, & humility. Text: Tao Te Chang

Diffusion Spread to areas around China Incorporated into Buddhism and Shintoism (Japan)