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World Religions and Belief Systems AP World History 2012 Religion vs. Belief System • Religions – Generally are a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and meaning of the universe and often include the belief in a supernatural being (God) • Belief Systems – Generally are a set of mutually supportive beliefs, which are often religious, philosophical, or ideological and can be a combination of these three Chinese Philosophies • Period of the Warring States As the Zhou dynasty broke down during the 5th – 3rd B.C.E, China entered a period of violence and political confusion Three new philosophies (belief systems) emerge to shape Chinese history 1. Confucianism 2. Daoism 3. Legalism Chinese Philosophies • Period of the Warring States Confucianism • Started by Confucius (551-479 BCE) during the Warring States Period in China • Offers solutions to the problems plaguing China – Focus on life rather than the afterlife • Does not advocate a specific deity – Emphasizes worship of ancestors Drawing of Confucius • Teachings compiled in book known as the Analects Confucianism • Goal is to promote harmony through relationships – Less concerned with political affairs • Five Relationships – Filial Piety – relationship between children and parents • Show respect for elders Dacheng Temple in Confucius’ hometown of Qufu in China. Confucianism • Emphasized studying and practicing the values of the Five Relationships – Believed those who observed them would gain influence in society • Promoted peace, education, and harmony between people • Traditional Chinese education based on the learning of Confucian values – Government posts earned through cycle of studies of it Social Impact of Confucianism • Becomes foundation of Chinese government • Reinforced importance of patriarchal relationships • Reinforced family as the center of Chinese society • Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore are influenced by Confucian ethics Family altar in Malaysian Chinese home. Family is inviting ancestors to partake in the Hungary Ghost festival Daoism • Emerged about same time as Confucianism – Contrasted it and considered it wasteful to try and create solutions to problems that cannot be solved • Political quarreling • Founded by Laozi • Belief that humans should strive to live in harmony with nature – Eventually bring peace and harmony to society Daoism • Based on teaching of the Daodejing • Everything revolves around the Dao – Invisible force that governs the world – Goal: create societal harmony by living according to the natural laws of the universe (Dao) • Centers on action of wuwei – “without action” – remove self from engagement in world affairs Impact of Daoism • Encourages respect for nature • Heavily influenced Chinese art and literature – Landscape paintings • Yoga and meditation • Hygiene and cleanliness • Medicine Balance between Yin (feminine, dark) and Yang (masculine, light) Legalism • Philosophy seeking to strengthen and expand the state at any cost • Did not seek principles of relationships of Confucianism and Daoism • Emerged from teachings of Shang Yang Legalism • Encouraged the development of strong agriculture and military • Focused on clear and strict laws (hence legalism), with harsh punishment for offenders – Fear as a deterrent to crime Impact of Legalism • Belief system of Qin Dyansty – Unify China using Legalist beliefs and put end to the Period of Warring States – Centralized administration – Use of Iron Weapons and Great Wall of China • Later Han Dynasty built on this centralized state about the same time as Roman empire Impact of Legalism Religions of India • About the time of the emergence of the Chinese belief systems, several new religions solidified themselves in the regions of India: 1. Jainism 2. Buddhism 3. Hinduism • All three were heavily influenced by the Vedas and ancient Indian beliefs of reincarnation Jainism • Everything in the universe possesses a soul – humans, animals, plants, rocks, etc… • Need to escape this physical existence to relieve suffering • Do so by observing “ahimsa” or nonviolence to other living things or their souls – Taken to extremes by Jainist Monks • Appealed to lower classes because it does not draw distinctions between social groups Buddhism • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE) – Commonly known as the Buddha • Life is a spiritual quest to escape the suffering of human existence • Use methods such as meditation, fasting, and vows of silence Basic Beliefs of Buddhism • Four Noble Truths – – – – Life is suffering Desire causes suffering End suffering by ending desire To end desire follow the Eightfold Path • Right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration Buddhist Wheel of Life; the eight spokes represent the Eightfold Path Impact of Buddhism • Spreads throughout central and SE Asia – The conversion of Ashoka (Mauryan emperor) • Appeals to many lower social classes because did not recognize social distinctions (Castes) Hinduism • Began in India c.1500 BCE • God reveals self in many different forms (known as Brahman) – Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva – Krishna • Sacred Texts – Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads Shiva, the Destroyer Basic Beliefs of Hinduism • Souls are reincarnated after death • Ultimate goal is to escape the cycle of rebirth and become one with Brahman (known as Moksha) • Major Ideas – – – – Dharma (duty) Karma (action) Samsara (cycle of life) Moksha (liberation) Kali, goddess of death and destruction Impact of Hinduism • Ultimately becomes religion of India – Gupta Empire adopts it • Leads to development and solidification of the Caste System • “Untouchables” considered the lowest in society based on their rebirth into that class – Think Karma and how their previous life would be perceived Social Impact of Hinduism Social Impact of Hinduism Spread of Belief Systems Spread of Belief Systems • All belief systems and religions spread for many interconnected reasons, but three main themes include: 1. Trade 1. Buddhism into China along the Silk Road 2. Islam into West Africa along Saharan caravan routes 2. War and Conquest 1. Expansion of Islamic empire 2. Charlemagne's empire across Europe Spread of Belief Systems 3. Conversion of Elites (Political, Military, and Commercial leaders) 1. Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism 2. Gupta empires acceptance of Hinduism 3. Constantine’s conversion to Christianity Major Religions Today by Region