Download Religions of the Middle East

Religions of the Middle
East
Chapter 7 Section 3: Culture
Origins of Judaism...
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Oldest of the 3 religions from this region. Abraham is often
considered the founder of Judaism and the physical and
spiritual ancestor of all Jewish people. While most people of
his time were polytheistic, Abraham believed in 1 God & in this
way is seen as one of the earliest “monotheists.”
In 1800 BC Hebrews (another term for Jewish people) are
driven from Canaan (Palestine) to Egypt where they become
slaves
Many years later Moses leads them out of Egypt & the
Hebrews make a covenant (sacred – binding agreement) that
they will accept one God as ruler of Heaven & earth & in
return, they will be His chosen people. This is significant
because it is the basis of Judaism’s claim to “the Holy Land”
land up to the present time.
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Hebrews eventually settle back in Canaan (Palestine) & set up
the ancient kingdom of Israel.
Origins continued…
► Under
Kings David & Solomon, ancient Israel
thrives with Jerusalem as its great capital, even
including a temple with gold covered walls.
► Because of its accessible location ancient Israel is
frequently taken over by invaders & ultimately in
AD 70 the Hebrews (now called Jews) lose a brutal
war to Rome & are scattered from their homeland
(called the diaspora).
► The one remaining wall from this ancient
temple is now called the “wailing wall” & is
a significant place in Jerusalem for Jewish
prayer & worship.
Beliefs of Judaism…
► Monotheistic
(one God = Yahweh)
► Sacred book = Torah
► Ten Commandments – religious, ethical or
moral laws that are guides for conduct.
► Ethical World View – required Hebrews to treat
slaves kindly; lead moral lives; individuals are
responsible for their actions & must choose
between good & evil.
► Prophets warned of God’s anger & punishment for
those who strayed from their duties.
Practices of Judaism
► Sabbath
► Synagogue
► Keeping
Kosher
► Following commandments
► ??
► SECTS OF JUDAISM: Orthodox, Reform,
Conservative.
Origins of Christianity…
► Centered
around Jesus who was born in Palestine
& raised as a Jew.
► Around age 30 Jesus began preaching about God’s
goodness & mercy
► The Gospels record that he performed miracles &
attracted many followers
► Some Jews believed Jesus was the Messiah (one
annointed by God who would deliver the
Jews from foreign rule & restore the
kingdom of Israel).
Christianity origins continued…
► Other
Jews were threatened by Jesus’ teachings –
which eventually worried Roman officials;
► Jesus refused to accept the emperor as god & in
A.D. 33 He was arrested & put to death by
crucifixion.
► Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead &
ascended into Heaven & after His death they
preserved His teachings in the New Testament &
set out to spread his word despite their
persecution by the Romans (martyrs – people
who suffer & die for their beliefs).
Beliefs of Christianity…
► Monotheism
► 10
Commandments & Old Testament – which is
the Torah.
► God is forgiving & compassionate & the loving
father of all people, rich, poor, Jew, non-Jew
► All are = in God’s eyes;
► Reward for humility, mercy & selflessness is
eternal life (heaven)
► Jesus is son of God; Holy Trinity (Father, Son,
Holy Spirit) - this is the point of differentiation
between Judaism & Christianity.
Spread of Christianity…
► Persecution
actually helped Christianity spread &
eventually it becomes the official religion of Rome;
► Eventually a formal church was organized with
Bishops as the highest church officials.
► The bishop of Rome became pope (father of the
Church)
► There is a split over leadership & eventually
Christians divide into the Eastern Orthodox Church
(centered in Constantinople) & the Roman Catholic
Church.
Origins of Islam…
► Muhammad
(key prophet of Islam)was born
in Mecca, Saudi Arabia around 570 A.D.
► At the time, Mecca was a polytheistic city
with a busy tourist economy from pilgrims
who came to visit the Kaaba (sacred
shrine);
► His father died when he was young & he
eventually went to work for a wealthy
widow, Khadija, whom he later married; she
encouraged him to explore his spiritual side
through prayer & meditation.
► One
Origins continued…
day while praying & fasting Muslims believe
that Muhammad was taken by the angel Gabriel
on a “night journey” to Heaven where he received
the word of God. He was told to preach to all
people that there is one God, Allah.
► Muhammad’s message threatened the economy of
Mecca & he was forced out in 622 to
Medina…called the hejira it is a turning pt. in
Islam b/c it marks the beginning of its expansion;
► Ultimately Muhammad returns to Mecca, smashes
the images of the false gods in the Kaaba &
dedicated the black stone to Allah.
► At his death in 632, Islam had spread across the
Arabian peninsula & into North Africa.
Beliefs of Islam…
Islam means submission; a Mulsim is one who submits to
God;
► Declaration of faith= “No God but God & Muhammad is
the prophet of God.” This is the first Pillar of Islam…there
are 4 more (Shahada);
► 2 – Pray 5 time a day facing Mecca (Salat);
► 3 – Charity to the poor and aged (zakat);
► 4 – Fast during the holy month of Ramadan (Sawm). No
food from sunrise to sunset during this holy month.
► 5 – Once in life make a pilgrimage to Mecca, if you are
able (Hajj).
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Beliefs continued…
Muslims honor Abraham, Moses & Jesus as prophets;
► Muhammad is seen as last & most important prophet & is
not worshipped as a god;
► Sacred book = Koran which Muslims see as the authority
on religion, politics, law, economic & social life. (written in
Arabic)
► Allah is same God as God of Jews & Christians;
► Muslims believe in judgement day & eternal reward of
heaven;
► Muhammad respected Jews & Christians as “people of the
Book” and required they be treated with tolerance
► Ethical conduct is required for Muslims
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Spread of Islam…
► Within
a century of Muhammad’s death, Islam
spread far & wide (map p. 572) to form the
largest empire in the region at its height;
► After Muhammad’s death, however, there was a
split over leadership or who should become his
successor (called “caliph”). Some Muslims believed
it could be any devout believer (“Sunni” sect)
while others believed it had to be a descendent of
Ali – Muhammad’s cousin & son-in-law (“Shiite”
sect)
► Today these sects have other differences & the
Sunnis are the majority.
COMPARE & CONTRAST…
► Use
your Venn diagram to visually display
the similarities and differences between
these 3 faiths. Based on what you see, do
you think the people of these faiths living in
this region should be able to get along or
not? Explain!!
► How might it be different living in a nonsecular part of the world vs. a secular one?
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