1. World Religions Unit 2: Organization and Reorganization of Human Societies 600 BCE-600 CE

2. Key Concept 2.1 The Development and Codification of Religious and Cultural Traditions The Development and Codification of Religious and Cultural Traditions

3. Judaism World’s oldest monotheistic religion World’s oldest monotheistic religion Founder: Abraham and followers Founder: Abraham and followers –Originally lived in Mesopotamia before migrating to Palestine Based on belief that Hebrews are God’s chosen people Based on belief that Hebrews are God’s chosen people –Formed a covenant with Yahweh, agree to worship only him –In return, they are granted a homeland in Isreal/Palestine

4. Judaism Hebrews create a kingdom in 1000 BCE Hebrews create a kingdom in 1000 BCE –Eventually, their land will be conquered by various empires  Ex: Assyrian Empire Hebrews forced to flee from homeland (Diaspora) Hebrews forced to flee from homeland (Diaspora) Attempts to preserve cultural identity Attempts to preserve cultural identity

5. Judaism Other key points to know: Other key points to know: –Torah: holy scripture –Synagogue: house of worship –Many ceremonies and rituals for behavior  Ex: Dietary restrictions, circumcision –Not a missionary religion

6. Hinduism Originated in India in the years following the Aryan invasion (1500 BCE) Originated in India in the years following the Aryan invasion (1500 BCE) No single founder No single founder Polytheistic Polytheistic Important texts: Important texts: –Vedas: poems, hymns, prayers, etc –Upanishads: important religious text

7. Hinduism Main Beliefs: Main Beliefs: –Brahma(n): divine source of all things –Atman: human soul, believed to be part of Brahma(n) –Samsara: reincarnation –Karma: reward or punishment for past deeds  Influences one’s reincarnation –Dharma: life’s duties and/or responsibilities  Closely tied to one’s social position

8. Hinduism Reinforces the caste system Reinforces the caste system

9. Shiva, the Destroyer

10. Buddhism Emerged in India as a challenge to Hinduism Emerged in India as a challenge to Hinduism –Will eventually spread to other parts of Asia  China, Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka Founded by Siddhartha Gautama Founded by Siddhartha Gautama –(563-483 BCE) –“Enlightened One” Developed a religion centered on teaching people to eliminate desire and suffering Developed a religion centered on teaching people to eliminate desire and suffering

11. Buddhism Buddhism encouraged followers to Buddhism encouraged followers to –Minimize their worldly desires and focus on achieving spiritual truth –Self-discipline and meditation would eventually result in Nirvana release from desire and suffering  Release from cycle of reincarnation; a state of tranquility Initially, Buddhism centered on the individual, not on gods Initially, Buddhism centered on the individual, not on gods  Goal is to achieve enlightenment and Nirvana and gods were seen as useless in fulfilling such a goal –Over time, the Buddha himself was regarded as a god

12. Buddhism Important Concepts: Important Concepts: –Four Noble Truths –Eightfold Path –Nirvana –Stupa –Monasteries

13. Confucianism Based on the teachings of Confucius Based on the teachings of Confucius –Lived in the latter part of the Zhou Dynasty in China (551- 478 BCE) Developed during the Warring States Period Developed during the Warring States Period First becomes influential in the Han Dynasty First becomes influential in the Han Dynasty –Continues to be influential throughout China’s dynastic history

14. Confucius

15. Confucianism Basic teachings: Basic teachings: –Morality and ethical behavior –Education very important –Obedience and respect –Good government & proper behavior of rulers –Respect for superiors (leaders, men, elders, ancestors) –Filial Piety (dedication to the family) –Social Stratification

16. Daoism Based upon teachings of Lao-tzu (Laozi) Based upon teachings of Lao-tzu (Laozi) –Origins during Warring States Period –Popular among common people Basic teachings: Basic teachings: –Humans should withdraw from demands of society and contemplate the “way” –Solitary contemplation is key to harmony –Nature directs life –Education and politics are irrelevant –Frugal living= harmony

17. Legalism Became popular during the Qin Dynasty Became popular during the Qin Dynasty Important writers and philosophers include Han Fei Important writers and philosophers include Han Fei Main Beliefs: Main Beliefs: –Strong, authoritative government –Strict laws and harsh penalties –Rewards for good behavior

18. Christianity Developed out of Judaism Developed out of Judaism Jesus of Nazareth Jesus of Nazareth –Claims to be the Messiah, Son of God –Charismatic leader and teacher Disliked by the Roman government and leadership within Jewish community Disliked by the Roman government and leadership within Jewish community –Crucified in 30 CE

20. Christianity Main Teachings: Main Teachings: –Old and New Testaments of Bible –Christ as Son of God –Forgiveness of sins, salvation achieved through faith and service to God –Christ as link between God and humans –Love and service to others –Strong Missionary emphasis