1. World Religions
Origins of Judaism

2. Early History
Hebrews appeared in Southwest Asia between 2000 and 1500 BC.
Their religion was Judaism
This was the first monotheistic religion
Monotheism – belief in one god
Hebrews = Israelites = Jews

3. Beginnings in Egypt & Canaan
Hebrews ancestor = Abraham (important man in Judaism, Christianity, & Islam)
God told him to leave his home in Mesopotamia
Went to Canaan

4. Abraham’s Route…

5. Beginnings in Canaan & Egypt
The Israelites lived in Canaan for years
Many move to Egypt
Pharaoh made them slaves

6. The Exodus A leader named Moses appeared in 1200s BC
Moses was told (by God) to lead the Israelites from Egypt
Moses went to Pharaoh and demanded he free them

7. 10 Plagues Pharaoh refuses Plagues strike: Flies Water to blood
Locusts
Frogs
Gnats
Boils
Flies
Thunder & Hail
Diseased Animals
Darkness
Death of firstborn

8. Exodus After plagues, Pharaoh let Israelites go
Exodus-Journey of Israelites out of Egypt
Heading back to Canaan
On the way home they reached a mountain called Sinai

9. Exodus Moses receives 2 stone tablets - Ten Commandments
A moral code of laws that shaped Jewish society

10. Later Jewish History…. Hebrews in Israel are conquered/invaded
Diaspora – the Jewish people leave Israel and move scatter throughout the world
Live as minorities in many lands, greatly persecuted
: Holocaust occurs in Europe, more than 6 million Jews are killed by the Nazis (40% of Jews)

11. Judaism – Part 2
Jewish beliefs

12. 3 Key Jewish Beliefs Monotheism (Belief in only one God)
Justice and righteousness (kindness, being fair, compassion to sick/poor)
3. Observe Religious & Moral Law
(10 Commandments, Mosaic laws-guide many areas of lives)

13. 2 Jewish Texts
1. Torah- most sacred text of Judaism Jews believe contents of Torah were revealed to Moses by God Every synagogue has a Torah (don’t touch!) Temple/Synagogue - Jewish house of worship

14. 2. Hebrew Bible 2 Jewish Texts 8 books of messages
from Hebrew prophets
11 books of poetry, songs, stories, lessons & history

15. 3 Branches of Judaism
Rabbis- Jewish religious teachers 3 Branches: 1. Orthodox – very traditional 2. Conservative – adapt beliefs to modern times 3. Reform – adopt traditions they like

16. Traditions & Holy Days Hanukkah – lighting of the menorah, 8 nights,
gifts are exchanged each night
Passover – remembers Exodus, special meal
called a Seder
Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur (High Holy Days)
- RH = Jewish New Year
- YK = Holiest Day of Year,
fast all day for forgiveness

17. Big Celebrations!
Bar Mitzvah – coming into adulthood ceremony/party for 13 year-old Jewish boys
Bat Mitzvah – coming into adulthood ceremony/party for 13 year-old Jewish girls
- learn Hebrew, read the Torah in the temple

19. Origins of Christianity

20. Christianity
Christianity- a religion based on Jesus of Nazareth’s life and teachings
Believed to be the Messiah
Messiah-a great leader the ancient Jews predicted would come to restore the greatness of Israel

21. Some Christian Denominations
Catholic
Lutheran
Methodists
Presbyterians
Baptist
Episcopalian/Anglican
Assemblies of God
Quaker

22. Holy Book of Christianity
THE BIBLE – 2 parts
Old Testament (Hebrews/Moses)
New Testament (Jesus’ life)

23. Birth of Jesus Born in Bethlehem to Mary & Joseph (0)
Lived in Nazareth studied laws & teachings of Judaism and probably carpentry
When he was around 30 he started to travel and teach, gains disciples
Disciple = followers

24. The Crucifixion Jesus drew many followers (disciples)
This challenged Roman & Jewish authorities
He was arrested, tried, & crucified by the Romans
Followers buried him

25. The Resurrection Jesus’ body vanishes from tomb after 3 days
Resurrection- Jesus’ rise from the dead
He appears to his disciples
For 40 days, he taught them
how to pass on his teachings

26. Jesus’ Miracles Bring in Believers
Healing sick or injured people
Feeding a crowd with a few loaves of bread and a few fish
Walking on water
Bringing dead back to life

27. The Importance of Parables
Jesus gained followers by his miracles
Used parables to teach lessons
Parable - a fable that teaches religious lessons
Ex. - Prodigal Son

28. Core Beliefs One God Love God & all people Be kind to poor and sick
Believers would be saved from sins & gain eternal life- salvation

29. The Apostles
Apostles -12 men who Jesus chose to receive special teachings
Continued Jesus’ teachings after the Resurrection
Peter is looked at as Christians first leader

30. Paul Very responsible for spread of Christianity
Introduced the idea of the Trinity
Trinity = father, son, & holy spirit
Saint- a person known or admired for his or her holiness

31. Christianity Today Christian Holidays Easter- Celebrates
the resurrection of Jesus
Christmas – Celebrates the birth of Jesus
House of Worship-
Church
Religious Leaders-
Pastor
Reverend
Minister
Priest

32. Spread of Christianity
Christianity becomes popular
Romans arrest & kill Christians
Must meet in secret
Leader of Christian church is Pope
1st Pope = Peter, apostle of Jesus
(Things are ugly for Christians until…)

33. Emperor Constantine Converts
Constantine, the emperor, has a vision
He obeys the vision, wins a battle
Removes all bans on Christianity, converts
Allows people to be Christian in Roman Empire
Not this Constantine…