1. Religions of the Middle East Lesson 2

2. Goals of the Day I will compare the three major world religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. I will explain how geography contributed to the birth of Islam. I will analyze the Islamic religion.

3. Warm Up To what religious affiliation do most Middle Eastern groups belong? Islam- Muslims All but Israelis and Armenians

4. Comparative Religions Religion JudaismChristianityIslam Origins Canaan ~2000 BCE Palestine ~30 CE Saudi Arabia 622 CE Founders MosesJesus ChristMohammad Adherents JewsChristiansMuslims Population 14 million Israel, Euro, US 2.1 billion Euro, Americas, Africa 1.5 billion Mid East, SE Asia

5. Comparative Religions Religion JudaismChristianityIslam Diety God Yahweh, Elohim God Allah Holy Book “People of the book” Torah (Old Test.) Bible (Old and New Test.) Qur’an (Koran) Religious Law HalakhahCanon LawSharia Place of Worship SynagogueChurch Chapel Cathedral Mosque Clergy RabbisPriest, Minister, Pastor Imam

6. Judaism ~1800 BC, Hebrews flee Canaan, migrate to Egypt (enslaved). Lead by Moses to Sinai Peninsula. Covenant w/God. 1 God, 10 Commandments, Chosen People ~1025 BC form kingdom of Israel in Fertile Crescent. Kings David & Solomon help reach greatest glory ~500 BC Persians take over, Return to Israel & rebuild temple in Jerusalem. ~70 AD, Romans expel Jews from Israel/Palestine – diaspora … Won’t return until late 1800s Israel formed after WW2

7. Christianity Jesus born in Roman ruled Palestine (Bethlehem) Carpenter’s apprentice Studied w/ rabbis - Preacher 30 yrs old Some believed he was the messiah – Savior from foreign rule, restore kingdom Roman’s, scared of popularity & refusal to accept emperor as a god, crucified him. Followers, Christians, spread word Everyone equal, salvation & eternal life Persecuted by Romans, became martyrs Becomes the official religion Roman Empire

8. Birthplace of Islam What was life like in the Middle East in early centuries? Desert Bedouins Oasis towns Feuds, rivalry, lawless

9. Islam ~Angel Gabriel tells Mohammed he is to be the messenger of God/Allah ~Fleed to Medina, build 1 st mosque Hejira – Yr 1 of Muslim Calendar Expansion of Islam Uses war & political maneuvering to spread ideas

10. Activity- In groups of 3, analyze various elements of the Islamic faith. Ideas of Islam Five Pillars Jihad Sunni v. Shi’ite (Shia) Women

11. Closure What is meant by the term “People of the Book”? Allah is same God and God of Jews/Christians Follow God’s teachings in the Bible Believe in final day of judgment (heaven/hell) Protected/treat all with tolerance