Ancient World Religions Mr. Wilson Wren High School

The Vedic Religion The religion of the Vedic period (1500 BC to 500 BC) (also known as Vedism, Vedic Brahmanism, ancient Hinduism Map of the Beginnings

Vedic Cont. The mode of worship was worship of the elements like fire and rivers, worship of heroic gods like Indra, chanting of hymns and performance of sacrifices.

Judaism Monotheistic – Yahweh (Yhwh) Abraham considered “father” of the Jews Hebrews are the chosen people of God & Canaan is the chosen land Messiah will create God’s kingdom on Earth Abraham and Issac by Rembrandt

Basic Beliefs of Judaism Death is not the end of human existence – Focus on life instead of afterlife Believe dead will be physically resurrected One is saved through commitment to being moral to God. – 614 Rabbinical laws Moses by Rembrandt

Social Impact of Judaism Short lived kingdom in the Middle East Jewish Diaspora Heavy emphasis on tradition & culture – Language, diet, holidays, etc. Patriarchal community – Matrilineal descent Israel as a united monarchy lasted from BCE. Eventually it was divided into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom of Israel would last until 720 BCE. The southern kingdom of Judah would last until 586. The fall of the two kingdoms led to Jewish Diaspora.

The Diaspora

Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions. It was founded by the Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Iran approximately 3500 years ago. It was the official religion of Persia (Iran) from 600 BCE to 650 CE.

Zoroastrianism Cont. Zoroastrians believe there is one God called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and He created the world. Zoroastrians are not fire-worshippers, as some Westerners wrongly believe. Zoroastrians believe that the elements are pure and that fire represents God's light or wisdom.