1. What is an ethnic religion?

2. An Ethnic Religion is religion that primarily appeals to one group of people living in one place. More closely tied to the physical geography of a particular region, especially with agriculture.

3. Ethnic religions ● Hinduism- 860 million, 3 rd largest ● 97% in India ● It is up to you to decide the best way to worship God ● Beliefs: knowledge, renunciation, devotion, and action. Karma, Dharma, Reincarnation ● 68% Vishnu, mostly west ● 27 % Siva, mostly north and east

4. Ethnic Religions ● Confucianism emphasizes li, or “correct behavior”, 5 relationships ● *Ruler and Subject ● *Father and Son ● *Husband and Wife ● *Oldest son and younger brothers ● *Elders and Juniors ● A series of ethical principles like following traditions and fulfilling obligations

5. ● Taoism- seek the Tao, or “way”. Only by avoiding daily activities and introspection can a person live in harmony with the universe. ● Split into many sects ● Yin Yang Symbol →

7. Ethnic Religions ● Shintoism- ethnic religion of Japan- originally worshipped forces of nature ● Transmitted orally until 5 th century when introduction of Chinese script ● Eventually deceased emperors and ancestors became more important gods than nature ● After WW2 Emperor forced to renounce his divinity

8. Torii Gate: Shintosim symbol that marks the entrance to a sacred space. Represents the transition between the finite world and the infinite world of the gods.

9. Ethnic Religions ● Judaism- Most in Israel and US ● Israel 1 st majority Jewish state since biblical times ● Jesus born a Jew. Islam & Christianity have roots in Judaism ● Founded by Abraham about 4000 yrs ago when he moved from Iraq to Canaan ● 1 st monotheistic religion

10. Ethnic Religions ● Patriarch Jacob (Judaism, Israel). Jacob had 12 sons. 10 sons plus 2 grandsons= 12 tribes of Israel who marched out of Egypt under Moses ● Each tribe got a piece of Canaan ● 10 tribes lost after they were forced to migrate to Assyria 721 BC

12. Ethnic Religions ● African Religions- 100 million people, 12% of Africa are animists. ● Animism- plants, rocks, forces of nature have conscious life and spirit ● 1 supreme god and many other gods under him ● Orally transmitted ● Losing ground to universalizing religion