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Religions of the Middle East Judaism Judaism Jews/Hebrews/Israelites/Israeli • Background: – 1800 BC - The first Hebrews – Nomadic herders that settled in Mesopotamia • Currently Iran, Iraq, Kuwait • Migrated to the area known today as Israel – Migration led by Abraham to “Promised Land” – Famine and drought, so moved from Palestine to Egypt Judaism Jews/Hebrews/Israelites/Israeli • Background (cont.): – In Egypt, Hebrews were conquered and enslaved • Moses chosen by God to lead them out of Egypt. – While “wandering” on Sinai Peninsula, he received the 10 Commandments • 1025 BC – Kingdom of Israel – King David – Happy Times; made Jerusalem the capital of the “Promised Land” – King Solomon – built his Temple • 930 BC – Persians, Greeks, Romans conquer Israel – Diaspora – Anti-Semitism Abraham’s Covenant w/ God: • Covenant = pact or promise – God made a covenant or agreement with Abraham and his descendants if they worshiped Yahweh and followed his laws • In exchange, they would be protected and loved by Him • “Chosen People” and “Promised Land” Judaism 411 • Founder: Abraham • Book: Torah (overlaps with Old Testament); • gives background to creation and Jewish history Beliefs: – – – – 10 Commandments Monotheistic – Yahweh Messiah is yet to come Palestine is theirs by heritage • Place of worship: Synagogue • Leadership: Rabbi • Holy City: Jerusalem – Temple built by Solomon • The Wailing Wall The Western Wall is a surviving remnant of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, which was destroyed by Titus in 68 C.E. The Temple, the center of the spiritual world, was the main conduit for the flow of Godliness into this world. The Temple Mount is also called Mount Moriah. This is the spot where Abraham bound Isaac, and where Jacob dreamt of the ladder reaching to heaven Abraham’s Family Tree: Abraham Haggar (maid) Ishmael Sarah (wife) Isaac Jacob (Arab Countries) (Israel) Esau Religions of the Middle East Christianity Christianity Christianity was developed by a Jew named Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ • Background: – The Christians were Jews – 4 BC Jesus of Nazareth was born in Bethlehem – At age 30, he began his mission of preaching the word of God. He taught: • Love, forgiveness, and kindness • Used parables, disciples, and miracles • Teachings sometimes threatened and/or criticized Jewish religious leaders • Said he and the Father were one – making him equal to God Christianity Christianity was developed by a Jew named Jesus of Nazareth/Jesus Christ • Background: – Age 33, Jewish Pharisees led a Roman guard to Jesus and arrested him. He was charged by the Jews with blasphemy (declaring himself equal to God) and charged with wanting to become King of the Jews by the Romans • Some interpretations of events say Caesar felt his power was threatened • The Roman governor Pontius Pilate ordered Jesus to be crucified on a cross. Crucifixion was carried out by Roman guards. • Some would say crucifixion was in response to threat to Caesar - Bible seems to indicate that Pilate simply had him crucified to appease the masses that pleaded for his death. Christianity Cont’d • After Jesus’ death, the disciples proclaimed: – Jesus was the promised Messiah – He died to redeem sinners – He rose from the dead after 3 days, giving salvation to all who believe in them • These proclamations marked the beginning of Christianity • and the first Christian 1st Century AD – Persecution of Christians – Seen as a threat to “Pax Romana” – Many became martyrs • 313 AD – Roman Emperor Constantinople • 330 AD – Roman Empire splits: – In the West: Roman Catholicism (Bishop of Rome is head of church (Pope) – In the East: Orthodox Christianity (Emperor is head of the State and the Church) Christianity 411: • Founder: Jesus of Nazareth • Book: Bible – Old Testament – historical and cultural background; – New Testament – Teachings of Jesus and growth of Christianity) • Beliefs: – 10 Commandments – Monotheistic, but belief in Trinity: God, the Father and Creator Jesus, God’s son, Messiah, Savior Trinity Holy Spirit, the sustainer – Place of Worship: Cathedral or Church – Leadership: Depends on sect of Christianity – Holy City: Jerusalem – How spread: Missionaries • Church of the Holy Sepulcher • Originally built by the mother of Emperor Constantine in 330 A.D., the Church of the Holy Sepulcher commemorates the hill of crucifixion and the tomb of Christ's burial. • On grounds of tradition alone, this church is the best candidate for the location of these events. The Garden Tomb was not identified as such until the 19th century. Religions of the Middle East - Islam Islam Muslim – “One who submits” Islam – “There is submission to Allah” • Background: – 570 AD Mohammed born in Mecca • 40 years: the Vision – Angel Gabriel’s message: Mohammed is the last of the 7 prophets and has the final truth -Christians part of the truth (Jesus = prophet #6) -Jews less truth—only prophets of Old Testament He is the messenger of Allah He should preach to the people that there is only one god and Allah is his name Mohammed • Teachings rejected by many initially – Mecca: generational gap in acceptance • Youth believed; older groups did not • Left Mecca for Medina after an assassination attempt – 622 AD – Hejira—the trip; marks the beginning of Islam • 630 AD - Returns to Mecca w/ army – war w/ Mecca – Generational conflict – Mohammed wins; sets up HQ in Mecca; Political Head of State Mohammed • 633 AD – Mohammed dies –Islam divides: Shiites—more “conservative” view of Koran; leave nothing to interpretation Sunnis—more “relaxed” view of Koran; allows for interpretation of Koran -80% of Muslims are Sunni Islam 411 • Founder: Mohammed; Abraham = 1st Muslim • Book: Qu’ran; Koran (Allah’s word given to Mohammed) • Beliefs: – Monotheistic: Allah – Five Pillars of Faith: • • • • • One God—Allah—and Mohammed is his messenger Pray five times per day Give to charity Fast during Ramadan Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj; Hejira) • Place of Worship: Mosque • Leadership: Scholars • Holy City: Jerusalem – Dome of the Rock; Mecca, • Medina How Spread: Conquering armies Dome of the Rock The Sanctuary of Abraham (Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi), Hebron Considered to be the fourth holiest site in Islam, Al-Haram AlIbrahimi (Sanctuary of Abraham) or Tomb of the Patriarchs dominates the city of Hebron. This 1000-year old mosque enshrines the tombs of prophets Abraham "Ibrahim", Isaac "Is'haq", Jacob (pbut), and their wives. It is believed that prophet Mohammad (pbuh) visited it on his night flight from Mecca to Jerusalem. • Al Aqsa Mosque More important to the Muslims than the Dome of the Rock is Al Aqsa Mosque. Believing that this is the place referred to in the Koran as "al aqsa" (the furthermost), Muslims have sanctified this as the third most holy place in the Muslim world. Religions of Asia – Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism Buddhism • Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha); expanded • • • • • from India to China along Silk Road; Chinese found comfort in Buddhism Sacred Text: Tipitaka God(s): None After Life Beliefs: Rebirth for all unless Enlightened; if Enlightened then one reaches Nirvana General Beliefs/Teachings: Mercy and Compassion; Monks, Nuns helped sick and poor; Chinese blended with Confucianism, Daoism; Four Noble TruthsSuffering caused by desire; Three Refuges Key Terms: Nirvana Hinduism • Founder: None; Developed over thousands of • • • • years Sacred Text: Vedas-Eternal truths revealed to wise men; Upanishads-Decodes the meanings of Vedas God(s): Brahman-Nameless, formless, unlimited; Vishnu; Siva After Life Beliefs: Reincarnation-Rebirth; KarmaHow reborn (as a person, animal, etc.); DharmaDuties to station, predict whom you be next General Beliefs/Teachings: Varies widely across the Indian Subcontinent – Karma: “To do”; Good deeds-Happiness; Bad/Evil deeds-Sorrow; – Caste System: Dharma; Duties/Obligations Confucianism • Founder: Confucius in 530 BC; Expanded by followers • after his death General Beliefs/Teachings: 5 Relationships – – – – – Ruler to Ruled Father to Son Older Brother to Younger Brother Husband to Wife Friend to Friend • Legacies: Created a guide to proper behavior based on ethical or moral principles – Family and good of society over the individual – Importance of Education • Key Terms: Filial Piety-The duty and respect that children owe their parents