1. Unit 3 – Belief Systems

2. Map of World Belief Systems

3. Timeline

4. Important Terms Religion: Organized beliefs and rituals of a culture Usually associated with a “god” (deity) or “spiritual force” (worship) Social Philosophy: A set of guiding principles that a community follows They have a great influence on how the community behaves

5. Main Beliefs Belief System/ Symbol Place of Origin/ Holy Text Main BeliefsEssential Elements Hinduism India Reincarnation: Belief that the soul comes back in another form after the body’s death Dharma: the overall values and rules of Hinduism Karma: the behavior of a Hindu (thoughts and actions) Caste System: Social order of separate castes (classes) through Karma – people move up or down the caste system Vedas Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas Shudras untouchables

6. Main Beliefs Belief System/ Symbol Place of Origin/ Holy Text Main BeliefsEssential Elements Buddhism India (but moved out) Began in India but was not accepted (Hindu social order was too strong) Missionaries spread Buddha’s teachings through Asia Four Noble Truths: Everyone suffers Suffering caused by desires To end suffering – end desires To end desires – follow the Eight-Fold Path Right: Views, Resolve, Speech, Conduct, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, Concentration ----- India China Korea Japan Southeast Asia

7. Main Beliefs Belief System/ Symbol Place of Origin/ Holy Text Main Beliefs Essential Elements Taoism China/ Tao Te Ching Founded by Laozi Live in harmony with nature Yin and Yang create balance Follow Dao (The Way) of nature (accept the things that you cannot change) Legalism China/ ----- Founded by Han Feizi People are basically evil Harsh laws and strict punishment Force and power are necessary Be true to government, not family

8. Main Beliefs Belief System/ Symbol Place of Origin/ Holy Text Main BeliefsEssential Elements Confucianism China Founded by Confucius People are basically good Good conduct and being moral = good government and social harmony Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do to you Filial Piety: respect your elders Five Relationships: Ruler → Subject Father → Son Husband → Wife Older brother → younger Friend = Friend Analects

9. Main Beliefs Belief System/ Symbol Place of Origin/ Holy Text Main BeliefsEssential Elements Judaism Middle East Monotheism: belief in one God Kicked out of Palestine by the Romans during the Diaspora, and scattered through Europe God will send a Messiah (savior) to them someday Ten Commandments: Guidelines for Behavior – follow God’s laws for the Messiah to come Torah (first 5 books of Old Test)

10. Main Beliefs Belief System/ Symbol Place of Origin/ Holy Text Main BeliefsEssential Elements Christianity Middle East Monotheism: belief in one God Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Messiah Jesus’ death provided salvation for those who believe Roman Empire initially persecuted Christians, then converted to it Ten Commandments: Guidelines for Behavior Belief in Christ brings salvation and heaven after death Simple rules brought many converts to Christianity Bible

11. Main Beliefs Belief System/ Symbol Place of Origin/ Holy Text Main BeliefsEssential Elements Islam Middle East Monotheism: belief in one God Follow Allah in all things above everything else Mohammed is the Messiah who spread the word of God Religious laws of Islam are so important that they often become political laws also Five Pillars of Faith: Faith: Shahada “there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his profit Prayer: Five time/day facing Mecca Charity: Zakat, give alms to the poor Fasting: no food or drink while sun is up during Ramadan Pilgrimage: Hajj, journey to Mecca once in your life Qur’an (Koran)

12. Main Beliefs Belief System/ Symbol Place of Origin/ Holy Text Main Beliefs Essential Elements Animism Africa/ ----- Worship spirits in nature (trees, animals, etc.) Worship their ancestors Great respect for the natural world Shintoism Japan/ ----- Spirits of “Kami” exist in all things, including their emperor Shrines built at places of beauty in nature (Torii Gates) Great respect for the natural world