1. Religions II Monotheistic Religions

2. Objectives Describe evolution of major monotheistic religions Analyze common beliefs between systems Explain how monotheistic religions moved around world Explain influence of secularization AZ SS C2 PO2

3. Thinker What happens after you die? How do you know?

4. Monotheism Basics Monotheism- the belief in one God, who controls the universe, the lives of humans and decides the fate of their souls.

5. Roots of Monotheism Several regions experimented with monotheism in ancient times Sumerian Suenism Egyptian Atenism

6. Suenism* Suen was Moon God of City of Ur in Sumeria around 2000 BCE Abraham of Ur, patriarch of Jews, Christians and Muslims, would have been familiar with Suenism Beliefs could have given root to Atenism during Hebrew slavery in Egypt

7. Atenism* Founded as a reform movement by Pharaoh Akhenaten of Egypt, about 1353 BCE – Nefertiti was his wife – Tutankhamen his son One God (Aten) to replace Egyptian pantheon Several interesting theories about Atenism exist: – Judaism evolved from Atenism among Hebrew slaves – Moses was taught about Atenism by royal tutors – No direct evidence to support these theories at this time O sole god, like whom there is no other! Thou didst create the world according to thy desire, Whilst thou wert alone: All men, cattle, and wild beasts, Whatever is on earth, going upon (its) feet, And what is on high, flying with its wings. The countries of Syria and Nubia, the land of Egypt, Thou settest every man in his place, Thou suppliest their necessities… – Hymn to the Aten

8. Modern Monotheistic Faiths Dominant form of religion in the world Gradually become more “universal” in accepting people regardless of ethnic group

9. Judaism-# Torah written down by Moses of Egypt, around 1300’s from earlier Hebrew oral tradition worshiping YHWH (yah-wey) Since destruction of Solomon’s temple in 70 CE, Jewish worship has emphasized ritual observance and intensive study of Torah and Talmud Jewish identity through mother’s family, very little conversion

10. Modern Judaism

12. Zoroastrianism-# Gathas recorded by Zoroaster of Persia in 600’s BCE Ahura Mazda encourages humans to turn away from “not life” choices to avoid hell Fire Represents Purifying Light Almost all followers are Persian/Iranian ethnicity

13. Modern Zoroastrianism

14. Worldwide Population Figures All rounded figures are approximate. Country or Region 1855 1 19411976 2 1990 3 2004-52006 4 India145,544114,00077,000 69,60069,000 Iran7,158+20,00025,000 24,00020,000 Pakistan 5,0002,8002,1001,800 Singapore 4,500 Hong Kong 150 200 Kenya & Africa 80 ? 100 Afghanistan 10,000 Azerbaijan 2,000 Persian Gulf 2,200 USA 6,50010,80011,000 Canada 4,5005,3006,000 Britain 2,0005,000 6,500 Australia 753002,5002,700 New Zealand 458401,000 Total152,694+134,000+131,000+ 127,000+137,000

15. Christianity Founded by Jesus of Nazareth as reform of Judaism Gospels written to Jews, Epistles to Gentiles Acceptance of Jesus’ divinity, self-sacrifice, resurrection are critical to belief, heaven Spread by conquest and missionaries across Roman trade routes into Europe, Africa and Asia

16. Modern Christianity

18. Islam Founded by Muhammad of Mecca as reform of Judaism & Christianity Quran fixes earlier misunderstandings Spread by conquest and missionaries along trade routes in Asia, Africa and Europe Performance of Five Pillars assures Allah’s acceptance into heaven – Iman=Faith in Allah – Salah=5 prayers a day – Zakat=Charity to poor – Sawm=Fast during Ramadan – Hajj=pilgrimage to Mecca

19. Modern Islam

21. Side by side- 4 billion faithful

22. Sikh Founded by Guru Nanak of Punjab about 1500CE One God, but humans may be re-incarnated as necessary Have been subject of “anti-Muslim”violence in USA since 9/11/01 – Arizona 9/12/01 – Wisconsin 8/5/12

23. Modern Sikhism

25. Summary 20 words