Download Major World Religions

Major World
Religions
Five
Major
World
Religions
Hinduism
Buddhism Judaism Christianity
Islam
The Beliefs of Hinduism
Develop
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Unlike most major religions, Hinduism has no single
founder and no single sacred text.
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Instead, it grew out of the overlapping beliefs of the
diverse groups who settled India.
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The process probably began when the Aryans added the
gods of the Indus civilization to their own.
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Later people brought other gods, beliefs, and practices.
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As a result, Hinduism became one of the world’s most
complex religions, with countless gods and goddesses
and many forms of worship existing side by side.
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Despite this diversity, all Hindus share certain basic
beliefs.
One Force Underlies
Everything
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Everything is part of the unchanging,
all-powerful spiritual force called
Brahman.
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Hindus worship a variety of gods who
give concrete form to Brahman.
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The most important Hindu gods are:
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Brahma, the Creator
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Vishnu, the Preserver
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Shiva, the Destroyer
Each can take many forms, human or
animal.
Sacred Texts Reveal Hindu
Beliefs
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Over many hundreds of years, Hindu
teachings were recorded in the sacred
texts of the Vedas.
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The Upanishads are a section of the
Vedas that address mystical
questions related to Hinduism.
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The Vedas use vivid images to
examine complex ideas about the
human soul and the connectedness of
all life.
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In addition, literary works such as the
Bhagavad-Gita were also revered.
Achieving Moksha is the
Goal
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To Hindus, every person has an
essential self, or atman.
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The ultimate goal of existence is
achieving moksha, or union with
Brahman.
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Connectedness to Brahman “Soul”
To do that, individuals must free
themselves from selfish desires
that separate them from Brahman.
Most people cannot achieve moksha
in one lifetime, but Hindus believe in
reincarnation, or the rebirth of the
soul in another bodily form.
Achieving Moksha is the
Goal
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In each existence, Hindus believe, a person can
come closer to achieving moksha by obeying the
laws of karma.
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Karma refers to all the actions of a person’s
life that affect his or her fate in the next life.
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To Hindus, all existence is ranked.
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Humans are closest to Brahman.
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Then come animals, plants, and objects
like rocks or water.
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People who live virtuously earn good karma and
are reborn at a higher level of existence.
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Those who do evil acquire bad karma and are
reborn into suffering at a lower level of existence.
Achieving Moksha is the
Goal
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Hinduism stresses the importance of
dharma, the religious and moral
duties of an individual.
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These duties vary according to class,
occupation, gender, and age.
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Another key moral principle of
Hinduism is ahimsa, or nonviolence.
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To Hindus, all people and things are
aspects of Brahman and therefore
deserve to be respected.
Complex Rules Uphold the Caste
System
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Castes are social groups into which
people are born and can rarely be
changed.
To Hindus, people in different castes
were different species of beings.
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To ensure spiritual purity, a web of
complex caste rules governed every
aspect of life.
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Rules forbade marrying outside one’s
caste or eating with members of another
caste.
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High-caste people had the strictest rules
to protect them from the impure, lower
castes.
Brahmins
Kshatriyas
Vaishyas
Shudras
The Untouchables
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Because they had jobs such as
digging graves, cleaning streets, or
turning animal hides into leather,
some people were considered so
impure that they were called
“untouchables”.
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For the untouchables, today called
Dalits, life was harsh and restricted.
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Untouchables had to live secluded
and to sound a wooden instrument
called a clapper to warn of their
approach.
Caste Affects the social
order
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Despite its inequalities, caste
ensured a stable social order.
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People believed that the law of
karma determined their caste.
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While they could not change
their status in this life, they could
reach a higher state in a future
life through their karma and
dharma.
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Each caste had its own occupation
and leaders.
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Although each caste was strictly
separated, different castes
depended on one another for their
basic needs.
The Beginnings of Buddha
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In the foothills of the Himalayas, a reformer
appeared named Siddhartha Gautama.
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His teachings eventually spread across Asia to
become the core beliefs of Buddhism.
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Gautama’s early life known mostly through
various religious writings/myths.
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He was born a prince about 563 BC.
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His mother dreamed that a white elephant
descended to her from heaven.
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Signs such as this led a prophet to
predict that the boy would someday
become a wandering holy man.
To prevent that, Gautama’s father kept him
in the family’s palaces, surrounded by
comfort and luxury.
From Boy to Buddha
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At age 16, Gautama married a beautiful woman and enjoyed a happy
life.
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At age 29, Gautama’s life changed.
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On several rides outside the palace day saw an old man, a sick
person, and a dead body.
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For the first time, Gautama became aware of human suffering.
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Deeply disturbed by this, he left the palace, never to return to
discover “the realm of life where there is neither suffering nor death.”
From Boy to Buddha
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Gautama wandered for years, seeking
answers from Hindu scholars and holy
men whose ideas failed to satisfy him.
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At some point, he took a seat under a
large tree, determined to stay there until
he understood the mystery of life.
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Throughout the night, evil spirits
tempted Gautama to give up his
meditations.
▶ When he rose, he believed he
understood the cause of & cure for
suffering and sorrow.
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He was no longer Gautama; he had
become the Buddha, or the
“Enlightened One.”
Following the Four Noble
Truths
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In his first sermon after reaching enlightenment,
Buddha explained the Four Noble Truths that
lie at the heart of Buddhism:
1. All life is full of suffering, pain, and sorrow.
2. The cause of suffering is non-virtue, or
negative deeds and mindsets such as hatred
and desire.
3. The only cure for suffering is to overcome
non-virtue.
4. The way to overcome non-virtue is to follow
the Eightfold Path.
Following the Four Noble
Truths
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The Buddha described the Eightfold Path as
guidelines to live one’s life free of non-virtue.
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For the Buddhist, the final goal is Nirvana, or
union with the universe and release from the
cycle of rebirth.
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The Buddha saw the Eightfold Path as a
middle way between a life devoted to
pleasure and one based on harsh self-denial.
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He stressed moral principles such as
honesty, charity, and kindness to all living
creatures.
Eightfold Path
2500 – 250
BC
Right Understanding
Right Speech
Right Intention
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Concentration
Right Mindfulness
Collecting the Buddha’s
Teachings
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Legend holds that at age 80, the
Buddha ate spoiled food.
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After the Buddha’s death, his
followers collected his teachings into
the Tripitaka, or “Three Baskets of
Wisdom”.
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An example of one of these teachings
is the Buddha’s version of the golden
rule:
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“Overcome anger by not growing
angry. Overcome evil with good.
Overcome the liar by truth.”
Buddhism Spreads Beyond
India
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The Buddha attracted many
disciples, or followers, who
accompanied him as he
preached across northern India.
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Many men and women who
accepted the Buddha’s
teachings set up monasteries
and convents for meditation and
study.
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Some Buddhist monasteries
grew into major centers of
learning.
Buddhism Spreads and
Divides
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Missionaries and traders spread Buddhism across India to many parts
of Asia.
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Gradually, Buddhism split into two major sects, or subgroups.
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Theravada Buddhism closely followed the Buddha’s original teachings.
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It required a life devoted to hard spiritual work.
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Only the most dedicated seekers, such as monks and nuns could hope to
reach nirvana.
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The Theravada sect spread to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Mahayana Buddhism easier for ordinary people to follow.
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Although the Buddha had forbidden followers to worship him, Mahayana
Buddhists pictured him and other holy beings as compassionate gods.
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People turned to these gods for help in solving daily problems and salvation.
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While the Buddha had said little about the nature of nirvana, Mahayana
Buddhists described an afterlife filled with many heavens and hells.
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Mahayana Buddhism spread to China, Tibet, Korea, and Japan.
Buddhism Declines in India
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Although Buddhism took firm
root across Asia, it slowly
declined in India.
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Hinduism eventually absorbed
some Buddhist ideas and
made room for the Buddha as
another Hindu god.
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A few Buddhist centers
survived until the 1100s, when
they fell to Muslim armies that
invaded India.
Checking for Understanding
▶
Why would the concepts
of Nirvana and
Buddhism sound
appealing, in contrast to
Hinduism, to the
majority of India’s
population?
Abraham’s Genealogy
4000–550
BC
All 3 Religions are linked by a man known as Abraham
•Islam-Quran
HAGAR
ABRAHAM
Ishmael
● Quran and
the Five
Pillars of
Islam
SARAH
Isaac
12 Arabian
Tribes
● Muhammad
(the last
prophet)
•Judaism-Torah
Mecca
(Muslims)
Jacob/Israel
Esau
12 Tribes of
Israel
2 Tribes - (Jews) of Judah
Jesus Christ (son of God)
The Hebrew Bible - Old
Testament in the Christian
Bible
Other 10 tribes
(Israelites)
(Hebrews)
Origins of Judaism
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Judaism is the oldest of the three
Monotheistic World Religions.
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It began as a set of beliefs and laws
practiced by ancient Hebrew people.
The Bible names Abraham as the
father of the Jews.
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There is no other evidence of his life.
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Scholars place Abraham living sometime
between 2000 and 1500 BCE.
The Bible states that Abraham was
born in Ur, in present-day Iraq.
He later moved to Canaan, in presentday Israel.
Origins of Judaism
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Jews believe Canaan is the Promised Land,
which God promised to Abraham and his
descendants.
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It is said that Abraham’s grandson Jacob had 12
sons.
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The twelve tribes of Israel began with Jacob’s
sons.
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Jacob was later called Israel, and his
descendants are called Israelites.
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According to the Bible, the First Temple for
Jewish worship was built around 900—1000 BCE
and destroyed by Babylonians in 586 BCE.
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The Jews were then sent out of Canaan, but
returned after 50 years of exile.
Origins of Judaism
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A Diaspora occurs
(when a group of
people leave their
homeland and move to
many different
locations).
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All of the world’s
Jewish communities
today that do not live in
present-day Israel are
part of the Jewish
Diaspora.
Judaism Beliefs
Jews believe that there is a
single God (Yahweh) with
whom every Jew can have an
individual and personal
relationship.
▶ They await the Messiah, who
will be an earthly king.
▶ They believe in an afterlife
(heaven,)
▶ Ten Commandments is the
basic code of law.
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Judaism Holy Book
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The most holy Jewish book is
the Torah (the first five books
of the Christian Bible).
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Others include Judaism's oral
tradition, the written form of
which is known as the Talmud.
The Torah (scroll of teachings)
contains the five books
revealed to Moses by God.
Judaism Place of Worship
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The Jewish place of
worship is known as a
Synagogue or temple.
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Worship is led by a
Rabbi.
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Saturday (begins at
sundown on Friday) is
time for worship.
Stamford Hill,
London
Quick Overview of Judaism
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Origins:
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About 4,000 years ago, ancient Israelites developed Judaism
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Covenant (promise between God and Abraham)
Important People/Founder(s):
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Abraham – Father of the Israelite People; original covenant
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Moses – Renewed covenant with God; delivered Israelites from Egyptian Slavery
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Prophets – Spiritual leaders (interpret the will of God)
Sacred Text:
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Torah – First five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and
Deuteronomy)
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Talmud – Book of laws and customs
Major Beliefs:
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Monotheistic (Yahweh)
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Sabbath – Holy day of Rest (Saturday)
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Ten Commandments – Rules to live by
Christianity Briefly
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Christianity is the world's largest
religion.
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It is based on the teachings of Jesus
Christ who lived 2,000 years ago.
Christians believe that Jesus Christ
was the “Son of God”.
God sent his Son to earth to save
humanity from the consequences of
its sins
Jesus rose from the dead on the third
day after his Crucifixion (the
Resurrection)
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Christianity Beliefs
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Christians believe that they can
have a personal relationship with
God, and that they are saved by
faith, and good works.
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They believe in heaven and hell.
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They believe that the Bible is the
inspired word of God.
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The Bible is the Christian holy book.
It is divided into the Old and New
Testaments.
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Parts of the writing contained in the Old
Testament are also sacred to Jewish
and Muslim people.
Christian Place of Worship
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The Christian place of
worship is called a
Church.
Services are led by a
priest, pastor or
reverend.
Day of worship is
normally Sunday.
Westminster Abbey
London
Quick Overview of Christianity
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Origins:
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Turmoil caused by fighting between Romans and Jews in Judea
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At age 30, Jesus begins preaching/healing near Sea of Galilee
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Important People/Founder(s):
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Jesus – Jewish man believed to be “son of God”; “Died for Sins”;
Crucifixion & “Rebirth”
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Apostles of Jesus – 12 total; ex. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
(responsible for accounts of Jesus)
Sacred Text:
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Short stories with moral lessons to get point across
Holy Bible: Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) & New Testament (Christian
Bible)
Major Beliefs:
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Angel tells Mary she will give birth to “son of God”
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Messiah – anointed king sent by God
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Ten Commandments – Rules to live by
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Spiritual Salvation and an Eternal Afterlife
The Rise of Islam
Followers are known as Muslims.
▶ Emerged in the Arabian Peninsula.
▶ Mostly desert, yet home to many Arab
tribes in the 500s.
▶ Nomadic herders called Bedouins moved
through the desert to reach seasonal
pasturelands for their camels, goats, and
sheep.
▶ Competition for water and grazing land
often led to warfare.
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Muhammad Becomes a Prophet
▶ Muhammad was born in Mecca around 570.
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Mecca was a bustling market town & trading center.
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It was also a thriving pilgrimage center.
▶ Many Arabs came to pray at the Kaaba, an ancient
temple that housed statues of pagan gods and
goddesses.
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Weapons were not allowed near the temple, making
Mecca a safe and peaceful place to do business.
▶ Muhammad worked as a shepherd and caravan
trader.
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When he was about 25, Muhammad married Khadija.
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Muhammad became known for his honesty in business
and was a devoted husband and father.
Muhammad Becomes God’s
Messenger
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Muhammad was troubled by the moral ills of Meccan
society, especially greed.
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He often went to a cave in the hills near Mecca to
meditate.
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When he was about 40 years old, the angel Gabriel
calling him to be the messenger of God.
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Khadija (Wife) encouraged him to accept the Angel’s
call.
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She became the first convert.
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Islam, means “to submit to God”.
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Muhammad devoted his life to spreading Islam.
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He urged Arabs to give up their worship of pagan
gods and submit to Allah.
The Hijra: A Turning Point
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At first, few people listened to Muhammad’s teachings.
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His rejection of traditional Arab gods angered Mecca’s
merchants, who feared that it would disrupt the pilgrim
trade route.
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In 622, faced with the threat of murder, Muhammad
and his followers left Mecca for Yathrib, a journey known
as the Hijra.
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Later, Yathrib was renamed Medina, or “city of the
Prophet,” and 622 became the first year of the Muslim
calendar.
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In Medina, Muslim converts developed a community, or
umma.
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Muhammad triumphantly returned to Mecca in 630.
▶ He destroyed the idols in the Kaaba
▶ He rededicated the Kaaba to Allah, and it became
the most holy place in Islam.
Teachings of Islam
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Islam is monotheistic, based on belief in one God.
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The Quran, the sacred text of Islam.
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Teaches that God is all-powerful and
compassionate.
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It also states that people are responsible for
their own actions.
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Islam does not require priests to mediate between
the people and God.
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Muslims believe that God had sent other prophets,
including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
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Muhammad was the last and greatest prophet.
Muslims Study the Quran
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To Muslims, the Quran contains the sacred
word of God as revealed to Muhammad.
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Muslims believe that the Quran is the direct,
unchangeable word of God.
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Individuals will stand before God on the final
judgment day to face either eternal punishment
in hell or eternal bliss in paradise.
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Because the Quran reside in its original
language, all Muslims, learn Arabic.
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This shared language helped unite Muslims
from many regions throughout the world.
Muslims Follow Duties
All observant Muslims perform five basic duties, known as the Five Pillars of
Islam.
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1) SHAHADA – DECLARATION OF FAITH
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2) SALAT - DAILY PRAYER
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Washing ritual
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Must face the holy city of Mecca to pray.
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5 times daily
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Mosque – house of worship
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3) ZAKAT – CHARITY TO THE POOR
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4) SAWM – FASTING DURING RAMADAN
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Not allowed to eat from sunrise to sunset during holy month of Ramadan.
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Celebration of Muhammad and his receiving of his first revelation from God.
5) HAJJ – PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA
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Journey to Mecca - (financially and medically able)
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Pilgrims participate in ceremonies commemorating the actions of
Muhammad, Abraham, and Abraham’s family.
Sharia – Islamic System of Law
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Islam played a major role in the legal
system within the Middle East.
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Sharia - Body of law that includes
interpretation of the Quran, example
of Muhammad’s life, and Muslim
traditions.
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It also unites Muslims under a
common legal framework.
Impact of Islam on Women
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Before Islam, the position of women in Arab society varied.
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Most women had limited rights, could not inherit property
and had to obey a male guardian.
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Not uncommon for unwanted daughters to be sometimes
killed at birth.
Islam extended rights and protection to women by affirming the
spiritual equality of all Muslims.
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The Quran prohibited the killing of daughters, granted
women an inheritance, and allowed women to reject
marriage offers.
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Encouraged education for men and women.
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In Persian & Byzantine lands, Arabs adopted the practice of
veiling upper-class women and secluding them in a part of the
home.
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Women’s lives varied according to region and class.
Early Challenges to Islam
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Muhammad died in 632 due to a
fever.
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Muslims faced a problem when
Muhammad died because he had
not named a successor to lead the
community.
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Eventually, they agreed that Abu
Bakr, Muhammad’s father-in-law,
should be the first caliph, or
successor to Muhammad.
Early Victories
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Under the first four caliphs, the Arab
Muslims marched against the Byzantine
and Persian Empires.
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Once the Arabs united, they conquered
great portions of the Byzantine Empire and
defeated the Persians entirely.
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First, they took the provinces of Syria and
Palestine from the Byzantines, including
the cities of Damascus and Jerusalem.
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Then, they captured the weakened Persian
Empire and swept into Byzantine Egypt.
Division Emerge Within Islam
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When Muhammad died, Muslims disagreed about
who should be chosen to be the leader of the
Muslim community.
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The split between Sunni and Shiite Muslims had a
profound impact on later Islamic History.
Shiites
Sunni
Felt that the caliph should be
chosen by the leaders of the
Muslim community.
Viewed him as a leader, not
a religious authority.
90% of Muslim
Primary location: most
Muslim countries
Only true successor were
descendants of
Muhammad's daughter.
Divinely inspired.
10% of Muslims
Primary location: Iran, Iraq,
Yemen
“People of the Book”
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Muslims, Jews, and Christians worship the
same God.
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The Quran teaches that Islam is God’s final
and complete revelation.
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Muslims consider Jews and Christians to be
spiritually superior to polytheistic worshipers.
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Although there have been exceptions, the
“People of the Book” have historically enjoyed
religious freedom in many Muslim societies.