1. Christianity & Islam

2. Christianity Divisions Roman Catholicism Eastern Orthodoxy
Based in Rome led by the Pope
Based on succession from Peter the Apostle
Eastern Orthodoxy
Based in Constantinople (Istanbul) led by the Patriarch
Protestantism
Much later started with Martin Luther

3. Rise of Christianity
Christianity spreads through oral and written text in the first century CE
Become the Gospels
Core beliefs which become the New Testament
Why?  Christianity is more personal
Jesus was an easy figure to relate to
Fulfilled a need to belong/community
Helping those in need was encouraged
VERY ATTRACTIVE TO THE POOR AND POWERLESS

4. Medieval Christianity
Monastic Orders
People who separate themselves from the world live a life of total dedication to God
Sacraments of Church (There are 7)
Baptism, Communion, Confession, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Last Rites
No sacraments = no salvation
From life to death, church is most important thing
Veneration of saints (men and women to copy)
Relics: remains of saints or their stuff (ex. bones, crosses, etc.)
Pilgrimages to holy sites provide spiritual benefits

5. Islam: Means “submission” to the will of Allah Strict Monotheistic
Five Pillars (Core Beliefs)
Qur’an
Islam’s holy book
God’s words spoken to Muhammad
Written in Arabic (translations are not considered legit)
Basis for Shari’ah Law

6. Divisions in Islam Split derives from leadership
Shia – Leaders should be from Muhammad’s family
Sunni – Leaders must be Muslim but not necessarily from Muhammad’s family
Sufi – form of Islamic Mysticism

7. Why did Islam Spread? Trade:
Routes through the Arabian Peninsula were safer
Mesopotamia was politically unstable
Dangerous to travel through
Mecca became a major center of trade
Conquest
Universal appeal