1. Early Belief Systems

2. Ancient Civilization Religions
Polytheism = belief in many gods
Ancient Egypt
Theocracy (gov’t officials divinely guided)
Religion guided all aspects of life
Mesopotamia
Each city claimed a god
Gods are unpredictable and selfish
Afterlife was grim
Angry gods to be appeased

3. Wrap Up Explain some of the similarities among the three religions.
What are the major differences among the religions?
Are you surprised that the religions are so similar? Why?

4. Judaism, Christianity, Islam
Abrahamic Religions
Judaism, Christianity, Islam

5. Answer this question on a sheet of paper:
Why do religions exist? - Think about what religions do…

6. Why do religions exist? To explain the unexplainable
Earthquakes, storms, creation
Gives humans a way to impact things beyond our control
Prayer/sacrifice could earn better weather/harvests
Answer philosophical questions
What’s the meaning of life?
What happens when it’s over?

7. Abrahamic Religions Basics
Judaism, Christianity, Islam
Monotheistic (belief in a single god)
Judaism founded ~1000 B.C.
Christianity ~50 A.D.
Islam ~600 A.D.
Deity: God, Allah, Yahweh (Same person, different names)

8. Judaism Oldest monotheistic religion that is practiced today
“Ethnoreligion” – share religion and culture
Torah/Tanakh – Holy Book

9. Christianity Jesus Christ = Prophet and Son of God
Followers work to follow teachings of Jesus to be saved
Ten Commandments = behavior
Holidays: Christmas, Easter

10. Islam Founded last of Christianity, Judaism & Islam
2nd largest religion in the world today
Muharram (New Year), Ramadan, Malid al-nabi (Muhammad’s birthday)
Central tenets called 5 Pillars of Islam

11. Role of Old Testament Jewish holy book – Most of Old Testament
Book 1 of Christian Bible
Also includes New Testament
Portions of the Old Testment in the Quran

12. Role of Jesus Christ
A man named Jesus Christ existed… but who was he??
Christianity: Divine, Son of God
Islam: A Prophet, sent by Allah
Judaism: Normal Jew, not divine, not a prophet

13. Islam – Five Pillars
Faith: Must say & believe, “There is no god but Allah, & Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
Prayer: Pray 5x/day facing Mecca, may be in a Mosque
Alms: Charity, Support the less fortunate, religious tax
Fasting: No eating dawn-sunset during Ramadan (spiritual needs > physical needs)
Pilgrimage: Muslims who can afford it must travel to Mecca at least once in their lives

14. Answer on a sheet of paper that you will turn in:
What do Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all have in common?
Make sure you write at least three things!

15. Writing a Paragraph Mini version of an essay
Smaller, shorter, more concise
Must be argumentative – have a point
Can be debated

16. Elements of an Argumentative Paragraph
1. Claim/Thesis
Outlines argument
2. Reasoning
Argumentative reasons/ways, etc
3. Evidence
Facts, figures, quotes that support reasons
4. Conclusion Sentence
Restates thesis, wraps up paragraph

17. Paragraph Outline 1. Thesis 2. First Reason 3. Second Reason
Evidence to support
3. Second Reason
4. Third Reason
5. Conclusion

18. Question: How are Christianity and Islam similar?
Thesis: Christianity and Islam are similar because they . . .
What are some ways they are similar?
Need 3!!

19. Answer on a sheet of paper
1. What happens when you do bad things?
2. How many bad things do you have to do to be considered a bad person?

20. Eastern Religions

21. Hinduism Founded in India 1 billion followers
One of the oldest religions
Polytheistic (sort of)
Choose god(s) to believe
Three main gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva
Brahma = creator of universe

22. Hindu Beliefs Matter of practice, not beliefs
Basis in respect and karma
Everything in universe is cyclical
Reincarnation of soul
All living things have souls  respect all lives
Dharma (righteousness) = main goal
Each person has their own dharma
Reborn until you reach dharma

23. Other facts about Hinduism
No founder or prophet
No single holy book (though has vedas)
Om (Aum) = most sacred sound = root of universe
Refers to self/soul & ultimate reality (Brahma)
Inspired Yoga
Health, emotional well-being, mental clarity
Helps reach dharma

24. Hinduism vs. Christianity
- Make a T-chart in your notes to compare/contrast Hinduism & Christianity (> 5 things)
- Highlight Similarities
Hinduism Christianity
No founder Jesus Christ = Founder

25. Buddhism 375 Million followers Primarily in Asia (China)
Founded ~500 B.C.
Siddhartha Gautama = founder & Buddha
Not a god
No main book
Reincarnation (reborn) until enlightenment is reached