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Major World Religions Five Major World Religions Hinduism Buddhism Judaism Christianity Islam The Beliefs of Hinduism Develop ▶ Unlike most major religions, Hinduism has no single founder and no single sacred text. ▶ Instead, it grew out of the overlapping beliefs of the diverse groups who settled India. ▶ The process probably began when the Aryans added the gods of the Indus civilization to their own. ▶ Later people brought other gods, beliefs, and practices. ▶ 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. ▶ Despite this diversity, all Hindus share certain basic beliefs. One Force Underlies Everything ▶ Everything is part of the unchanging, all-powerful spiritual force called Brahman. ▶ Hindus worship a variety of gods who give concrete form to Brahman. ▶ The most important Hindu gods are: ▶ ▶ Brahma, the Creator ▶ Vishnu, the Preserver ▶ Shiva, the Destroyer Each can take many forms, human or animal. Sacred Texts Reveal Hindu Beliefs ▶ Over many hundreds of years, Hindu teachings were recorded in the sacred texts of the Vedas. ▶ The Upanishads are a section of the Vedas that address mystical questions related to Hinduism. ▶ The Vedas use vivid images to examine complex ideas about the human soul and the connectedness of all life. ▶ In addition, literary works such as the Bhagavad-Gita were also revered. Achieving Moksha is the Goal ▶ To Hindus, every person has an essential self, or atman. ▶ ▶ The ultimate goal of existence is achieving moksha, or union with Brahman. ▶ ▶ 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 ▶ In each existence, Hindus believe, a person can come closer to achieving moksha by obeying the laws of karma. ▶ Karma refers to all the actions of a person’s life that affect his or her fate in the next life. ▶ To Hindus, all existence is ranked. ▶ Humans are closest to Brahman. ▶ Then come animals, plants, and objects like rocks or water. ▶ People who live virtuously earn good karma and are reborn at a higher level of existence. ▶ Those who do evil acquire bad karma and are reborn into suffering at a lower level of existence. Achieving Moksha is the Goal ▶ Hinduism stresses the importance of dharma, the religious and moral duties of an individual. ▶ These duties vary according to class, occupation, gender, and age. ▶ Another key moral principle of Hinduism is ahimsa, or nonviolence. ▶ To Hindus, all people and things are aspects of Brahman and therefore deserve to be respected. Complex Rules Uphold the Caste System ▶ ▶ 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. ▶ To ensure spiritual purity, a web of complex caste rules governed every aspect of life. ▶ Rules forbade marrying outside one’s caste or eating with members of another caste. ▶ High-caste people had the strictest rules to protect them from the impure, lower castes. Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas Shudras The Untouchables ▶ 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”. ▶ For the untouchables, today called Dalits, life was harsh and restricted. ▶ Untouchables had to live secluded and to sound a wooden instrument called a clapper to warn of their approach. Caste Affects the social order ▶ Despite its inequalities, caste ensured a stable social order. ▶ People believed that the law of karma determined their caste. ▶ 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. ▶ Each caste had its own occupation and leaders. ▶ Although each caste was strictly separated, different castes depended on one another for their basic needs. The Beginnings of Buddha ▶ In the foothills of the Himalayas, a reformer appeared named Siddhartha Gautama. ▶ His teachings eventually spread across Asia to become the core beliefs of Buddhism. ▶ Gautama’s early life known mostly through various religious writings/myths. ▶ He was born a prince about 563 BC. ▶ His mother dreamed that a white elephant descended to her from heaven. ▶ ▶ 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 ▶ At age 16, Gautama married a beautiful woman and enjoyed a happy life. ▶ At age 29, Gautama’s life changed. ▶ On several rides outside the palace day saw an old man, a sick person, and a dead body. ▶ For the first time, Gautama became aware of human suffering. ▶ 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 ▶ Gautama wandered for years, seeking answers from Hindu scholars and holy men whose ideas failed to satisfy him. ▶ At some point, he took a seat under a large tree, determined to stay there until he understood the mystery of life. ▶ 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. ▶ He was no longer Gautama; he had become the Buddha, or the “Enlightened One.” Following the Four Noble Truths ▶ 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 ▶ The Buddha described the Eightfold Path as guidelines to live one’s life free of non-virtue. ▶ For the Buddhist, the final goal is Nirvana, or union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth. ▶ The Buddha saw the Eightfold Path as a middle way between a life devoted to pleasure and one based on harsh self-denial. ▶ 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 ▶ Legend holds that at age 80, the Buddha ate spoiled food. ▶ After the Buddha’s death, his followers collected his teachings into the Tripitaka, or “Three Baskets of Wisdom”. ▶ An example of one of these teachings is the Buddha’s version of the golden rule: ▶ “Overcome anger by not growing angry. Overcome evil with good. Overcome the liar by truth.” Buddhism Spreads Beyond India ▶ The Buddha attracted many disciples, or followers, who accompanied him as he preached across northern India. ▶ Many men and women who accepted the Buddha’s teachings set up monasteries and convents for meditation and study. ▶ Some Buddhist monasteries grew into major centers of learning. Buddhism Spreads and Divides ▶ Missionaries and traders spread Buddhism across India to many parts of Asia. ▶ Gradually, Buddhism split into two major sects, or subgroups. ▶ Theravada Buddhism closely followed the Buddha’s original teachings. ▶ ▶ It required a life devoted to hard spiritual work. ▶ Only the most dedicated seekers, such as monks and nuns could hope to reach nirvana. ▶ The Theravada sect spread to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Mahayana Buddhism easier for ordinary people to follow. ▶ Although the Buddha had forbidden followers to worship him, Mahayana Buddhists pictured him and other holy beings as compassionate gods. ▶ People turned to these gods for help in solving daily problems and salvation. ▶ While the Buddha had said little about the nature of nirvana, Mahayana Buddhists described an afterlife filled with many heavens and hells. ▶ Mahayana Buddhism spread to China, Tibet, Korea, and Japan. Buddhism Declines in India ▶ Although Buddhism took firm root across Asia, it slowly declined in India. ▶ Hinduism eventually absorbed some Buddhist ideas and made room for the Buddha as another Hindu god. ▶ 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 ▶ Judaism is the oldest of the three Monotheistic World Religions. ▶ It began as a set of beliefs and laws practiced by ancient Hebrew people. The Bible names Abraham as the father of the Jews. ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ There is no other evidence of his life. ▶ 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 ▶ Jews believe Canaan is the Promised Land, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. ▶ It is said that Abraham’s grandson Jacob had 12 sons. ▶ The twelve tribes of Israel began with Jacob’s sons. ▶ Jacob was later called Israel, and his descendants are called Israelites. ▶ According to the Bible, the First Temple for Jewish worship was built around 900—1000 BCE and destroyed by Babylonians in 586 BCE. ▶ The Jews were then sent out of Canaan, but returned after 50 years of exile. Origins of Judaism ▶ A Diaspora occurs (when a group of people leave their homeland and move to many different locations). ▶ 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. ▶ Judaism Holy Book ▶ The most holy Jewish book is the Torah (the first five books of the Christian Bible). ▶ ▶ 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 ▶ The Jewish place of worship is known as a Synagogue or temple. ▶ Worship is led by a Rabbi. ▶ Saturday (begins at sundown on Friday) is time for worship. Stamford Hill, London Quick Overview of Judaism ▶ Origins: ▶ About 4,000 years ago, ancient Israelites developed Judaism ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ Covenant (promise between God and Abraham) Important People/Founder(s): ▶ Abraham – Father of the Israelite People; original covenant ▶ Moses – Renewed covenant with God; delivered Israelites from Egyptian Slavery ▶ Prophets – Spiritual leaders (interpret the will of God) Sacred Text: ▶ Torah – First five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) ▶ Talmud – Book of laws and customs Major Beliefs: ▶ Monotheistic (Yahweh) ▶ Sabbath – Holy day of Rest (Saturday) ▶ Ten Commandments – Rules to live by Christianity Briefly ▶ Christianity is the world's largest religion. ▶ 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) ▶ ▶ ▶ Christianity Beliefs ■ Christians believe that they can have a personal relationship with God, and that they are saved by faith, and good works. ■ They believe in heaven and hell. ■ They believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. ■ The Bible is the Christian holy book. It is divided into the Old and New Testaments. ■ Parts of the writing contained in the Old Testament are also sacred to Jewish and Muslim people. Christian Place of Worship ▶ ▶ ▶ 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 ▶ Origins: ▶ Turmoil caused by fighting between Romans and Jews in Judea ▶ At age 30, Jesus begins preaching/healing near Sea of Galilee ▶ ▶ ▶ Important People/Founder(s): ▶ Jesus – Jewish man believed to be “son of God”; “Died for Sins”; Crucifixion & “Rebirth” ▶ Apostles of Jesus – 12 total; ex. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (responsible for accounts of Jesus) Sacred Text: ▶ ▶ Short stories with moral lessons to get point across Holy Bible: Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) & New Testament (Christian Bible) Major Beliefs: ▶ Angel tells Mary she will give birth to “son of God” ▶ Messiah – anointed king sent by God ▶ Ten Commandments – Rules to live by ▶ 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. ▶ Muhammad Becomes a Prophet ▶ Muhammad was born in Mecca around 570. ▶ Mecca was a bustling market town & trading center. ▶ 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. ▶ 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. ▶ When he was about 25, Muhammad married Khadija. ▶ Muhammad became known for his honesty in business and was a devoted husband and father. Muhammad Becomes God’s Messenger ▶ Muhammad was troubled by the moral ills of Meccan society, especially greed. ▶ He often went to a cave in the hills near Mecca to meditate. ▶ When he was about 40 years old, the angel Gabriel calling him to be the messenger of God. ▶ Khadija (Wife) encouraged him to accept the Angel’s call. ▶ She became the first convert. ▶ Islam, means “to submit to God”. ▶ Muhammad devoted his life to spreading Islam. ▶ He urged Arabs to give up their worship of pagan gods and submit to Allah. The Hijra: A Turning Point ▶ At first, few people listened to Muhammad’s teachings. ▶ His rejection of traditional Arab gods angered Mecca’s merchants, who feared that it would disrupt the pilgrim trade route. ▶ In 622, faced with the threat of murder, Muhammad and his followers left Mecca for Yathrib, a journey known as the Hijra. ▶ Later, Yathrib was renamed Medina, or “city of the Prophet,” and 622 became the first year of the Muslim calendar. ▶ In Medina, Muslim converts developed a community, or umma. ▶ 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 ▶ Islam is monotheistic, based on belief in one God. ▶ The Quran, the sacred text of Islam. ▶ Teaches that God is all-powerful and compassionate. ▶ It also states that people are responsible for their own actions. ▶ Islam does not require priests to mediate between the people and God. ▶ Muslims believe that God had sent other prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. ▶ Muhammad was the last and greatest prophet. Muslims Study the Quran ▶ To Muslims, the Quran contains the sacred word of God as revealed to Muhammad. ▶ Muslims believe that the Quran is the direct, unchangeable word of God. ▶ Individuals will stand before God on the final judgment day to face either eternal punishment in hell or eternal bliss in paradise. ▶ Because the Quran reside in its original language, all Muslims, learn Arabic. ▶ 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. ▶ 1) SHAHADA – DECLARATION OF FAITH ▶ 2) SALAT - DAILY PRAYER ▶ Washing ritual ▶ Must face the holy city of Mecca to pray. ▶ 5 times daily ▶ Mosque – house of worship ▶ 3) ZAKAT – CHARITY TO THE POOR ▶ 4) SAWM – FASTING DURING RAMADAN ▶ ▶ Not allowed to eat from sunrise to sunset during holy month of Ramadan. ▶ Celebration of Muhammad and his receiving of his first revelation from God. 5) HAJJ – PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA ▶ Journey to Mecca - (financially and medically able) ▶ Pilgrims participate in ceremonies commemorating the actions of Muhammad, Abraham, and Abraham’s family. Sharia – Islamic System of Law ▶ Islam played a major role in the legal system within the Middle East. ▶ Sharia - Body of law that includes interpretation of the Quran, example of Muhammad’s life, and Muslim traditions. ▶ It also unites Muslims under a common legal framework. Impact of Islam on Women ▶ ▶ Before Islam, the position of women in Arab society varied. ▶ Most women had limited rights, could not inherit property and had to obey a male guardian. ▶ 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. ▶ The Quran prohibited the killing of daughters, granted women an inheritance, and allowed women to reject marriage offers. ▶ Encouraged education for men and women. ▶ In Persian & Byzantine lands, Arabs adopted the practice of veiling upper-class women and secluding them in a part of the home. ▶ Women’s lives varied according to region and class. Early Challenges to Islam ▶ Muhammad died in 632 due to a fever. ▶ Muslims faced a problem when Muhammad died because he had not named a successor to lead the community. ▶ Eventually, they agreed that Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s father-in-law, should be the first caliph, or successor to Muhammad. Early Victories ▶ Under the first four caliphs, the Arab Muslims marched against the Byzantine and Persian Empires. ▶ Once the Arabs united, they conquered great portions of the Byzantine Empire and defeated the Persians entirely. ▶ First, they took the provinces of Syria and Palestine from the Byzantines, including the cities of Damascus and Jerusalem. ▶ Then, they captured the weakened Persian Empire and swept into Byzantine Egypt. Division Emerge Within Islam ▶ When Muhammad died, Muslims disagreed about who should be chosen to be the leader of the Muslim community. ▶ 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” ▶ Muslims, Jews, and Christians worship the same God. ▶ The Quran teaches that Islam is God’s final and complete revelation. ▶ Muslims consider Jews and Christians to be spiritually superior to polytheistic worshipers. ▶ Although there have been exceptions, the “People of the Book” have historically enjoyed religious freedom in many Muslim societies.