Chapter 6:Religion

Objective: How can religions be classified and grouped?

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Language & Religion

• Two most important forces that bond and define human cultures

• Two most important factors defining culture regions

Monotheism

• Belief in one god

• Examples: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Zoroastrianism

Polytheism

• Belief in multiple or many gods

• Examples: Hinduism, Greek and Roman mythology, many traditional religions, Wicca, forms of Buddhism, Shintoism

Animism

• Belief in divine forces/spirits in nature

• Traditional religions are often animistic

Perspective?

Religion Regions

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Where are religions distributed?

• Classification and Distribution of Religions–Universalizing: Christianity, Islam,

Buddhism all proselytize –Christianity is the most widespread – In Africa, Islam is the fastest growing

• In SubSaharan Africa - Christianity

–Ethnic: Judaism, Hinduism, Shintoism• Tribal (traditional) – small-size ethnic

Shiva devotees in India

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Major Religions: Commonalities

• Religions have a tendency to splinter• Have a founder or key figure • Have scriptures• Have rituals• Have structures for prayer or religious

rituals• Teach a form of the Golden Rule• Prize Peace

Hinduism

Judaism

Buddhism

Confucianism

Christianity

Islam

4 Minute Quick Write

• How are religions similar? How are religions different? Write in complete sentences, be specific, and elaborate!