Download Distribution of Religions

How does religion spread and
influence how people interact locally
and internationally?
Universalizing vs. Ethnic Religions
What are Universalizing religions?
Designed to appeal to all people
everywhere
Founded by teachings and
actions of one individual.
Christianity, Islam, and
Buddhism
What are Ethnic Religions?
Limited to one particular group
Hinduism and Judaism
Distribution of Religions
Distribution of Hinduism
What is the distribution of
Hinduism?
Hinduism is an ethnic
Religion (third largest
religion). Membership is
gained through birth into a
caste system.
97% in India (remainder
in Nepal, Bali, Sri Lanka
and elsewhere)
900 Million followers
Origins of Hinduism
*Unique among major
religions in that it cannot be
traced to any specific
individual or historical event
(unknown start).
Hinduism began 1,500
years before the birth of
Jesus in the Indus Valley
(modern day Pakistan).
 .
Scholars believe Hinduism
arose about 3,500 years ago out
of interactions between
conquering Aryans and
traditions already present
(note the term Aryan has
nothing to do with the Nazi’s).
Some scholars believe that the
Aryans failed to secure total
control of the valley, allowing
worship to continue and thrive.
Believers regard it as having
existed forever.
Holy Scriptures
 What are the sacred writings
of Hinduism
 The Rig-Veda, the earliest and
most revered of the holy
scriptures of Hinduism, was
developed between 1500 and
1200 B.C.E. (consists of 1,028
hymns).
 Veda, a Sanskrit word
meaning “knowledge,” refers
to the great collection of early
Hindu religious scriptures.
The Vedas outline spiritual
principles accepted by
Hindus as fundamental to
their religion.
 Many Hindus believe the
Vedas existed since the
beginning of creation. Many
historians regard the Vedas
as the oldest surviving text of
humanity.
Hindu Teachings and Practices

What are some of the common
teachings and practices?
Considered a polytheistic
religion (belief in many Gods),
but has one godhead
(monotheistic).
Brahma (the creator) is the
godhead.
Vishnu-(Preserver and
protector).
Shiva (protector and destroyer).
Krishna (messenger, seducer
of wives and daughters)
How does Hinduism direct
life in this world?
 Respect for all life – vegetarian
 Human life as supreme:
 Four “stations” of life (Caste) - priests &
teachers, nobles & warriors, merchant class,
servant class
 Four stages of life – student, householder,
retired, renunciant
 Four duties of life – pleasure, success, social
responsibilities, religious responsibilities
(moksha)
Caste System
The system of castes (social hierarchy)
has been a part of Indian religious and
social life for centuries.
In India, society is divided into four
social classes, or castes:
 Brahmins, (priests and scholars)
Kshatriyas (nobility and military)
Vaisysa (merchants and farmers)
Sudras (peasants and laborers)
Untouchables were/are so low they were
not even part of the caste system.
(Gandhi was an advocate and champion
for the abolishment of the caste system
which was legally abolished in 1949,
however it still exists).
 Reincarnation
 The hymns of the Rig-Veda
appear to incorporate the
notion of heaven and hell.
But around 600 B.C.E., a new
trend of thought emerged,
reincarnation. (a belief that
the human spirit, in an
ongoing quest for perfection,
returns again and again in
varying forms after the death
of each physical body).
Freedom from this cycle was
seen as a preeminent spiritual
goal.

“worn out garments are shed by the
body: worn out bodies are shed by the
dweller” (Bhagavad Gita, II:22)
Karma
“What goes around comes around”
 Karma relates to the law of
cause and effect.
 Full accountability for every
thought, action and word
Hardships and inequalities in
this life may be explained by
actions and decisions in
previous lives.
 An ethical and moral life,
with undisturbed dharma
(ultimate moral value), will
lead to happiness.
The world is a training
ground.
What are the spiritual
practices of Hinduism?
 The Four Yogas - seeking union with the divine:
 Karma Yoga – the path of action through selfless
service (releases built up karma without building
up new karma)
 Jnana Yoga – the path of knowledge
(understanding the true nature of reality and the
self)
 Raja Yoga – the path of meditation
 Bhakti Yoga – the path of devotion
 Guru – a spiritual teacher, especially helpful for
Jnana and Raja yoga
Moksha
 Like heaven for Christians,
Hindus strive for Moksha, or
a state of changeless bliss.
Moksha is achieved by living
a life of religious devotion
and moral integrity without
interest in worldly things
(union with Brahman). This
make take many lifetimes.
 Current scientific theory in
the quantum physics looks
familiar to the ancient beliefs
of the Hindus.
-Parallel Universes/Astral
world
-Infinite universes
-No beginning or end
(constant cycles)
YOGA
 A Hindu discipline aimed
at training the
consciousness for a state
of perfect spiritual insight
and tranquillity.
 A system of exercises
practiced to promote
control of the body and
mind. A pathway to
enlightenment.
Symbols
 Third Eye
 AUM

Many Religious Deities, mainly
Buddhist and Hindu, have a tilak
in the middle of the forehead.
This symbol is known as the
"Third Eye" or "The Eye of
Wisdom", and references are
made to the Third Eye in almost
all of the major religions. Hindus
wear tilak between the eyebrows
to represent the third eye.

The symbol AUM signifies God
Almighty. AUM means "That
which has No Beginning or End.”
The chanting of AUM and
meditation on the symbol are
believed to bring health,
prosperity, and longevity to the
spiritual aspirant.
Buddhism
Developed in India as a nonconforming system outside of
Hinduism (universalizing religion)
Reject the Vedic rites and refuse to accept the caste system
as authoritative
Believes in the concepts of reincarnation, karma, and
entering Nirvana, or absolute liberation
Origins of Buddhism
 In the 6th Century B.C.E. Siddhartha Gautama was born, a son
to a wealthy powerful ruler of a small kingdom. At his birth, an
old sage foretold that the prince would become either a ascetic
(one who gives up worldly possessions) or a supreme
monarch. To keep his son from the life of an ascetic, the king
kept him in the palace. As a young man Siddhartha married
and became a father. At the age of 29 Siddhartha Gautama left
his family and the life of luxury to live in the forest and
meditate (a common practice at the time). After years of
searching for the meaning of life, he emerged as the Buddha
(enlightened one), while sitting under a tree in Northern India.
The Awakening
 Siddhartha/Buddha exclaimed that all beings
possess enlightenment, but some are blinded
to this fact.
 In order to achieve enlightenment, you must
give up desire, anger, and ignorance. This
sets the motions of Dharma* (basic doctrines
of Buddhism).
*Dharma- in Buddhism refers to sublime
religious truth.
IMPORTANT FACT
 The four Noble Truths are a rarity among
the world’s major religions: a set of
founding ideas that has never been used as
justification for the acts of a warrior class
or culture, or for any military exploit. There
has never been a military crusade launched
in the name of the Buddha.
Teachings: The Four Noble Truths
 The Four Noble Truths are taught in Buddhism as the fundamental insight of
enlightenment.
 Dukkha: Life is suffering. The very nature of human existence is inherently
painful.
 Samudaya: Suffering has a cause; craving and attachment. Suffering is the
result of our selfish craving and clinging. (tanha).
 Nirodha: Craving and attachment can be overcome. When one completely
transcends selfish craving, one enters the state of Nirvana,

Magga: The path toward the cessation of craving and attachment is an Eightfold
Path
 Buddha’s teachings and traditions of Buddhism are collected in writings know as
the Tripitika.
Right Speech - One speaks in a non hurtful, not exaggerated, truthful way.
Right Conduct - Wholesome action, avoiding action that would do harm.
Right Livelihood - One's way of livelihood does not harm in any way
oneself or others; directly or indirectly.
Right Effort- One makes an effort to improve.
Right Alertness - Mental ability to see things for what they are with clear
consciousness.
Right Concentration - Being aware of the present reality within
oneself, without any craving or aversion.
Right Purpose - Change in the pattern of thinking.
Right Understanding - Understanding reality as it is, not just as it appears to be.
Schools of Buddhism:
 Theraveda Buddhism (way of the Elders)- claims to be the
original teachings of Buddha. Concentration on meditation and
spiritual discipline. It requires enormous amount of time and is
mainly practiced by monks.
 Mahayan Buddhism- concentration on generosity and good
works. Open to anyone, the goal is to become a Bodhisttva (a
being who is dedicated to assisting all beings achieve complete
Buddahood).
 Although Buddhism is very patriarchal, women are permitted to
become nuns.
 The Dali Lama is a good example of the Buddha of Compassion
Buddhism began to spread rapidly in
270 B.C.E. during the reign of King
Asoka, the ruler of northern India. After
engaging in a bloody war, he underwent
a spiritual transformation and embraced
Buddhism. He sent missionaries
throughout Southern Asia.
Trade also was a factor in the diffusion
of Islam (Korea, China, Japan etc.)
FREE TIBET
Judaism
 What is the distribution of
Judaism?
 There are
approximately 14
million Jews
worldwide.
 Though most Western
Jews look
sympathetically on
Israel, Jews are
citizens of many
countries. More Jews
live in the U.S than
Israel.
Ethnic or Universalizing
 Is Judaism and ethnic or
universalizing religion?
 Judaism is an ethnic religion.
Jews are people linked by
common history, a common
language of prayer, a
common literature, and a
sense of common destiny.
Jews believe themselves to
be an ethnically unique group
descended from the twelve
tribes of Jacob.
 A Jew is any person whose
mother was a Jew or any
person who has gone through
the formal process of
conversion to Judaism.
Origins and History
 What are the origins of
Judaism?
 Began 2000 B.C.E among
Hebrews, Semitic Nomads in
Canaan (Modern day Israel)
 The history of the Jews goes
back some 3,300 years ago,
and as described in the Bible,
begins with the patriarch
Abraham. Abraham was the
first to forsake the polytheism
and idol worshipping of his
people for a belief in one God
(monotheism). Abraham's
son, Isaac, and Isaac's son,
Jacob, are also considered to
be patriarchs by the Jews.
History
 What is the history of
Judaism?
 According to the old
testament, God promised
Abraham and his people a
permanent home in Canaan,
the promised land. Abraham
led the Israelites from
Mesopotamia to the land of
Canaan, the name for ancient
Palestine.
 Moses, the next leader of the
Israelites led his people out of
slavery from Egypt and
received the law of God.
 Later many revolts led to the
destruction of Israel and its
temple in 70 AD, by the
Roman Empire.
Diffusion of Judaism

Why did Judaism spread?

The Jews were scattered out of
Israel throughout Europe and
Russia after the destruction of
the temple in 70 AD by the
Romans. This is considered the
third Diaspora (any people or
ethnic group forced to leave their
homeland, dispersed throughout
the world)

Jews were persecuted under
Christian rule in Europe and
Russia until the 1940’s. The
individual incidents are known as
pogroms (a form of riot directed
against a particular group)

Zionist movement began in the
late 1800’s with the goal of
creating a homeland for the Jews
(Land of Israel)
Jewish Beliefs
 What are some of the
traditional Jewish texts
and beliefs?










Torah- first five books of the
Bible (written law revealed
directly to Moses by God)
Tanakh- often referred to as the
old testament
Talmud- law, medicine,
knowledge (compilation of
Jewish oral law)
God is creator.
Monotheistic (one God)
God rewards for good deeds.
God communicates through
prophets.
The Messiah has not yet come.
Boys are circumcised within a
week of their birth.
When praying, Jews face toward
Jerusalem.
Sects within Judaism
 What are the sects within

Judaism?


Reform (majority of Americans)modernized old rituals, began in
Europe in the 1820’s. Later
brought to America by liberal
German Jews. Reform Jews don’t
obey dietary laws or Sabbath
restrictions.
Conservative-When Jews from
Poland and Russia began arriving
in the U.S. in the 1880’s, they
joined orthodox congregations,
but many were attracted by the
reform movement. It provided a
bridge for those who wanted
some concession to modern
ways, but thought reform went
too far.
Orthodox-Have retained practices
unchanged over time (observe
dietary prohibitions, genders
segregated during worship, etc).
Christianity
Christianity
 What is the distribution of
Christianity?
 2 billion followers (1/3
of entire world)
 Three major branches
Roman Catholic – 50%
Eastern orthodox –10%
Protestant – 25%
Origins and History of Christianity
 What are the origins of
Christianity?
 Christianity centers around
the life of Jesus of Nazareth
( a Jewish rabbi) starting
around 4 BCE to 30 AD. In
his early thirties he was a
teacher and a healer, his
ministry lasted three years.
In time he incurred hostility
of some of his compatriots
and the suspicion of Rome,
which led to his crucifixion.
Many theories exist as to the
historical versus
mythological Jesus. Many
theories also exist about the
eighteen missing years from
the Bible.
History
 What is the history of
Christianity?
 Born in present day Palestine.
 Christians believe that Jesus
rose from the dead after he
was crucified. Some of his
followers (apostles) reported
him missing from his tomb. It
appears that most of the
gospel about Jesus was
written nearly 70 years after
his reported death. Saul
(Paul) did not believe in the
mythical figure until he
reports that he had a vision of
him while on his way to
Demasus. He becomes a true
believer and begins to spread
the gospel (Good News).
 There was no central authority figure. Some of
the early Christian groups are referred to as the
Gnostics (possessing intellectual or spiritual
knowledge) .
 The Gnostics were tolerant of different religious
groups, did not discriminate against women,
believed salvation is achieved through
knowledge.
 Some of the early Christians demonstrated a lot
of parallels to the eastern religions.
 In 1945 some of the lost gospels and the Dead
Sea Scrolls were discovered burried in caves.
These documents give some additional clues to
the early Christians.
History and Diffusion

How did Christianity spread
(diffusion)?




Saul (Paul) was the principal
theologian and missionary during
the first century. Christianity was
spread throughout the
Mediterranean by missionary
efforts.
Early Christians were persecuted
by the Romans, but eventually it
become the dominate religion.
Around 300 AD Christianity was
made the official religion of the
Roman empire. It had to be
adopted into the empire to keep
the power.
Emperor Constantine made it the
official religion, and during the
council of Nicene decided which
documents will be included in the
Bible, and which will be thrown
out as heresy.
 By 600 AD almost the entire
empire was Catholic.
 All of Europe except Iberia,
Middle East and North Africa
which were Muslim.
 Christianity continued to
spread from conquest,
colonization and missionary
work.
 It continues to spread today.
Branches of Christianity
 How did Christianity divide
into many different churches?
 The most significant division
within Christianity happened
in 1064 C.E. When the eastern
and western churches
separated. The eastern
church is composed of
Greece, Russia, Eastern
Europe, and Western Asia.
The capital of the Western
church was Rome. The
western church believes the
closest to God was the Pope,
therefore most capable of
leading the Christians. The
Eastern church did not
believe the Pope should have
authority. The Pope would
act as the supreme spiritual
authority.
16th century Reformation.
A movement started by
Martin Luther caused a split
which divided the Roman
Catholic church.
They were fed up with the
abuses of the Pope and the
Catholic Church, in particular
the indulgences (giving
money to the church for
ticket to heaven)
They came to be known as the
Protestants.
Protestantism
What are the sects of
Protestantism?
 Reject papal authority
and Roman Catholic
rituals.
 It’s difficult to speak
of Protestantism as
one religion since it
has many
denominations.
 They include such
groups as the
Lutherans, Quakers,
Baptists, Methodists,
Presbyterians, etc.
Islam (surrender)
Distribution of Islam

What is the distribution of Islam?
 There are approximately
1.3 billion followers. Could
be the largest religion
worldwide within the next
15 years.
 50% in Indonesia,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, and
India
 The remainder in The
Middle East and Northern
Africa
Origins of Islam

What are the origins of Islam
(Mecca/Medina- present day
Saudi Arabia)?



The roots of Islam, go way back
to Abraham (The father of the
Jewish religion) around 2000
BCE. Muslims regard Abraham as
their forefather. Abraham
fathered a son before the birth of
Isaac (Judaism). The boy was
Ishmael who’s mother was
Abraham’s servant.
Islam is the youngest of the
Monotheistic religions. It was
founded by the prophet
Muhammad who was born in 570
CE. He received the words of the
Koran from the angel Gabriel
near Mecca. His teachings
aroused persecution and he fled
to Medina.
Muslims regard Moses, Jesus
and Muhammad as great
prophets.
Diffusion of Islam

Where and how did Islam spread?
 By 750 CE, Muslim armies conquered North Africa, Persia, Iberian




peninsula and Northern India. Many of the conquered found it easy to
convert. The early Muslims allowed the conquered to practice
freedom of religion, while not enforcing hefty taxes on the people,
unlike the Christian conquerors.
Missionaries and traders extended Islam into Central Asia in the
1300s.
Muslim armies captured all of Turkey and much of eastern Europe by
the 1500s.
The Christians eventually expelled the Muslims from Spain by the
1400s.
The Muslim world was superior to the rest of Europe in the fields of
science and medicine until the 1600s.
Teachings of Islam
 What is the Koran?
 The Koran is the Islamic
scripture. Muslims believe
it is literally the word of
Allah (God in Arabic) as
received by Muhammad.
They look to the Koran for
guidance. Muslims believe
the Koran follows the
Torah and the gospels of
the new testament in a
series of holy books. Like
the Bible, the Koran
speaks of a
compassionate, loving
God, but also warns of
judgment day.
 Although the Koran
(Quran) may be translated
into other languages, it is
considered sacred only in
Arabic.
 Believe earlier scriptures
were altered to the extent
that they no longer fully
reflect the prophets
original teachings
Five Pillars of Islam
 Shahada- prayer claiming oneness to God. “There is no




God but Allah”
Salat- Muslims are required to pray five times a day
towards Mecca.
Zakat- this is charity. Muslims are expected to give to the
poor and sick.
Sawm- Muslims are required to fast during the month of
Ramadan from sun up to sun set.
Hajj- this is a pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim is
expected to make in a lifetime.
Islamic Sects
 What are the branches of

Sunni- Any Muslim male can serve as
Caliph. A Caliph is like what a Pope is
to Christianity.

Shia- Believe only direct descendants
of Mohammad can serve as successor
to prophet.

Sunni Muslims dominate, constituting
about 85 percent of the world’s
estimated 1.4 billion Muslims. Iraq and
Iran is the only Muslim nation with a
Shi'a majority, though there are
significant minority populations in
Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and India.
Conflict, sometimes violent, continues
to this day between Sunni and Shi'a
Muslims.

Sufi’s- A mystical branch of Islam.
Islam
Conflict within Islam

While overwhelming majority of Sunnis and Shia are against religious
intolerance and believe in harmony of relationships within various sects and
also with people from other religions, there have been certain elements on both
sides who preach hatred. This hatred is at the same intensity as that nonMuslims usually experience from Islamic fanatics.
In Iraq, where the Shia have been a majority of the population,
the Sunni establishment ruled them for many years. The British, who, having put down
a Shi’a rebellion against their rule in the 1920s, “confirmed their reliance on corps
of Sunni ex-officers of the collapsed Ottoman empire“.
Under the rule of Saddam Hussein, the Shia were oppressed.
The US led invasion has rekindled civil strife between Shia and Sunni’s. Civil war
looks inevitable as Sunni’s fear oppression of Shi’a dominated government.
Civil war in Iraq
A civil war is a war in which parties within the same culture, society or nationality fight
against each other for the control of political power.
 www.yahoo.com