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Religion and Politics in the World • What is Religion? 1. Religion = system of beliefs that seek to understand our origins, human existence 2. Religions usually have some form of deity or deities. 3. There are two basic forms of religion—Monotheism and Polytheism. 4. Monotheism- The belief in only one god. 5. Polytheism- The belief in many gods. Why study religion? Religion and Politics in the World • Why study religion in the world? ▫ Influences everyday life & decisions ▫ Influences politics ▫ Globalization interaction of cultures Religion and Politics in the World • Fundamentalism in the Modern World 1. Fundamentalism = return to traditional beliefs 1. Literal interpretation of 2. beliefs Against modernization of religion 2. The end of the Twentieth Century witnessed a resurgence of religious fundamentalism in the world. 3. This means that different religious groups are pushing traditional values onto world politics. 4. The danger is in the fact that there is a great diversity of religions in the world. 5. Clash of religious fundamentalism has led to violence. Religion and Politics in the World • The Polytheisms of the World 1. There are many polytheistic religions in the world. 2. There are hundreds of religions which are known as animistic. 3. Animism- the belief that animals, plants, and other natural objects posses souls which can interact with humans. Religion and Politics in the World: World Polytheisms • Most modern Animistic Religions are found in SubSaharan Africa. Religion and Politics: Part II- World Polytheisms • Animism and Tribal Structure 1. In tribal animism, religious beliefs are very important to government. 2. In most tribes, it is believed that the spirits of nature and those of ancestors can interact with the existing world. 3. Therefore, using religion in tribal politics is very common. Religion and Politics: Hinduism • Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva • Caste system, karma, reincarnation • Moksha 1. In the past, Hinduism has effected the governments of India and who can serve where. 2. No where was this clearer than in the caste system. 3. However, India has had a democracy for the last 65 years, and the caste system no longer bans participation in government. Religion and Politics: Buddhism • Buddhism 1. Buddhism is difficult to describe as either monotheistic or polytheistic. 2. It began as a philosophy of life not an actual religion. 3. However, over the centuries it has evolved into the largest religion of Eastern Asia. 4. There is approximately 350 million Buddhists in the world. Religion and Politics in the World: Buddhism Religion and Politics in the World • Buddhism and Politics 1. In modern times, Buddhism has not controlled national governments. 2. However, Buddhism has played key roles in movements towards social justice and equality— especially in east Asia. Religion and Politics in the World • Monotheisms of the World 1. The three great monotheisms of the world include: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. 2. All three of these religions originated in the area we know today as Palestine. 3. Christianity is the largest religion in the world, and Islam is the fastest growing religion. 4. The two make-up over onethird of the world’s population. Religion and Politics in the World: World Monotheism Religion and Politics in the World: World Monotheisms • Judaism 1. Judaism is the world’s oldest surviving monotheism. 2. It originated in Eastern Mediterranean around 2,000 B.C.E. 3. Jews claim that their first prophet was Abraham. 4. The traditional home of the Hebrews was Palestine. 5. However, beginning in 73 C.E. the Romans forced the Jewish Diaspora. Covenant – mutual agreement between the Hebrew people and God Hebrews enslaved in Egypt Moses – led Hebrews out of slavery 10 Commandments – God’s laws for Hebrew people Exodus – time wandering Sinai peninsula between leaving Egypt and locating the “promised land” - Palestine Torah = book of religious teachings, origins Beliefs of Judaism Sabbath (holy day) is Saturdays • Teachers & religious leaders are Rabbis • Religious meeting place is a synagogue or temple • A Yamulke is a head covering worn out of respect for God Mezuzah Yarmulke Star of David Talmud Tallit Prayer Shawl Rabbi Kingdom of Israel • Saul, David, Solomon • Holy (capital) city = Jerusalem • Solomon’s temple The temple was built to glorify God and house the Ark of the covenant. Captivity of the Jews • • • • Kingdom of Israel divides Conquered by Chaldeans – temple destroyed Conquered by Persians – temple rebuilt Under Roman rule, temple destroyed again The surviving wall of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem Religion and Politics in the World 1. • The Diaspora The movement of Jews throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia led to further persecutions. 2. The culmination of these persecutions occurred in the 20th Century—The Holocaust. 3. Due to these persecutions many Jews sought to return to Palestine after nearly 2,000 years of expulsion. (Zionism) Religion and Politics in the World: World Monotheisms 1. Christianity has its • The Development of Christianity foundations in Judaism. 2. Shortly before the Diaspora, Christianity arose as a new branch of the old Jewish tradition. (the belief in a Messiah) 3. Initially, Christians faced persecution from the Roman Empire. 4. However, in the 4th century C.E. Emperor Constantine made the practice accepted. Jesus of Nazareth Beliefs of Christianity • One God ▫ Holy Trinity (three in one) • Salvation Sabbath (holy day) = Sunday Beliefs of Christianity • Divisions ▫ Roman Catholic Church ▫ Eastern Orthodox Church ▫ Protestant churches • Leaders & teachers ▫ Pope, bishops, cardinals (Cath.) ▫ Priests ▫ Reverends ▫ Pastors • Holidays ▫ Christmas ▫ Easter • Rituals – sacraments (baptism, communion, etc.) Religion and Politics in the World Spread of Christianity through 600 C.E. Religion and Politics in the World: World Monotheisms • Christianity in the Middle East 1. A Coptic ChristianTraditional Christianity in Egypt Although Christianity became the religion of the Romans and later Europe, there are significant numbers of Christians in Asia and Africa. 2. They, like the Jews, view Palestine as the holy land. (Crusades) 3. Christians in the Middle East: Protestants, Roman Catholics, Copts, Greek Orthodox. Religions and Politics in the World: World Monotheism • Jews, Christians, and Muslims all believe Palestine to be holy and Jerusalem to be its most important city. View of modern Jerusalem The Arabian Peninsula • Mostly desert • Few oases of fertile land for agriculture • Crossroads of three continents: Africa, Europe, Asia Early Inhabitants Bedouins Arab nomads Tribes & groups called clans Provided security & support Ideals of courage & loyalty to family 600s – Arabs settled near oases or markets Origins of Islam Muhammad – Meccan businessman Received revelation from angel Gabriel outside the Cave of Hira in 610 Proclaim! In the name of they Lord and Cherisher, who created man out of a mere) clot of congealed blood. Proclaim! And thy Lord is most bountiful. He who taught (the use of) the pen taught man that which he knew not. He was one of the prophets Mecca Important trade city Ka’aba ancient shrine (Black Rock) Brought religious pilgrims for worship Associated w/Abraham Contained over 360 idols, worship of many gods Religion of Islam Arabic term for God = Allah Islam = “submission to the will of Allah” Muslim = “one who has submitted” Abraham’s Genealogy HAGAR ABRAHAM Ishmael 12 Arabian Tribes SARAH Isaac Jacob 12 Tribes of Israel Esau The Prophetic Tradition Adam Noah Abraham Moses Jesus Muhammad The Hijrah • 622 - migrated from Mecca to Yathrib – known as the Hijrah • Yathrib was renamed Medina • It is from this year that the Muslim calendar begins (1 A.H.) • Attracted many followers in Medina Return to Mecca (630 AD) • Muhammad became military leader – conquered Mecca • Umma = Muslim religious community • Muhammad died at age 62 w/no plans for his succession The golden gate outside Muhammad’s tomb Swords belonging to Prophet Muhammad The Dome of the Rock The Five Pillars The World of Islam 1 2 3 4 5 The Five Pillars of Islam 1) Shahada – “there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah” 2) Salat – Pray 5x’s a day facing Mecca 3) Zakat – almsgiving to the poor & sick 4) Sawm – fasting during Ramadan Festival of Eid-Al-Fitr – celebration at end of Ramadan 5) Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca Mosque = Islamic house of worship The Mosque The Muslim place of worship. The Qur’an Muslims believe it contains the word of God. 114 suras (chapters) In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful. Written in Arabic. Islamic Way of Life • Sunna – Muhammad’s example as model for proper living • Shari’a = Islamic body of law • No priests – only authority is Allah • Purpose of serving the community • No pork, alcohol • Ramadan • sheikh (Sunni), imam (Shi'ite) The Spread of Islam Easy to learn and practice No priesthood Teaches equality Non-Muslims, who were “Peoples of the Book,” were allowed religious freedom, but paid additional taxes Easily “portable” nomads & trade routes Jihad - inner struggle against evil Term has been used differently over time (different interpretations, understandings). Muslims in the World Today Countries with the Largest Muslim Population 1. Indonesia 183,000,000 6. Iran 62,000,000 2. Pakistan 134,000,000 7. Egypt 59,000,000 3. India 121,000,000 8. Nigeria 53,000,000 4. Bangladesh 114,000,000 9. Algeria 31,000,000 10. Morocco 29,000,000 5. Turkey 66,000,000 * Arabs make up only 20% of the total Muslim population of the world. Muslim Split • Disagreement over Muhammad’s successors Sunni Shi’a Believe that first four caliphs were “Rightly Guided” Believe that Ali should have succeeded Muhammad Muslim rulers should follow the Sunna All Muslim rulers should be descended from Muhammad; don’t recognize the Sunna Claim that the Shi’a distorted Claim that the Sunni have the meaning of passages in the distorted the meaning of Qur’an passages in the Qur’an Majority of Muslims Minority of Muslims