THE BIG PICTURE - CED€¦ · reflection of the year. Muslims also observe Hajj. During Hajj, millions of Muslims take a journey to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia. During their visit, they

HISTORY & HUMANITIES | RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY

THE BIG PICTURE

The Salvation Army Adventure Corps: Rangers 1 History & Humanities | Religion & Philosophy

People all over the world have different religious beliefs and philosophies. It is important to spend time learning about them, because while we may initially identify the differences between us, we may actually find that we are really more alike than we once thought. Educating ourselves is the key to understanding and empathizing with others.

When we spend time learning about the religions of the world, it gives us an opportunity to open our hearts and understand others. Faith is believing in something you do not see, but you know that it is there. People in all religions have faith; they believe, trust, and hope!

There are three main categories of religion. Polytheistic religions worship multiple gods and goddesses such as those from ancient Greek and ancient Roman faiths. Monotheistic religions, like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, believe in one God. Atheist religions, such as Buddhism and Taoism, do not worship any god.

Philosophy, or the study of knowledge, challenges us to explore and speculate about our existence and the nature of the world around us. For this emblem, we are going to philosophically look into religions around the world and put the pieces together. We will think about how people worship, pray, and celebrate. More specifically, we will focus on the three largest monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. We will look at what the followers believe and how they practice their religion. As you read about, study, and investigate these different religions, notice the similarities as well as the differences.



ZOOMING INCHRISTIANITYChristianity is the largest religion. It has approximately 2.1 billion followers throughout the world and is present on every continent! Christians have been around for nearly 2,000 years. There are many denominations or groups within Christianity. Some are: Roman Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Nazarene, Mennonite, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, and Episcopalian. They may have different ways of confessing sins or singing praises to God, but they all believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the Godhead as consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Foundational Beliefs

The holy book is called the Bible. Christians believe there is only one God, and there are three parts: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Followers believe that Jesus was sent to Earth to live and die for people’s sins. After His death by crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead. He will come again to judge the living and the dead, and will create a new world with all who believe in Him.

Celebrations

There are many holidays and special occasions followed in Christianity. Christmas, observed on December 25th, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on Earth. Christians also celebrate Easter, the day Jesus rose from the dead. Other holy periods include:

+ Advent includes the four weeks preceding Christmas, in which Christians prepare the way for Christ.

+ Lent covers the forty days in which Jesus dwelled in the desert, fasted (to go without food), and resisted temptation from the Devil, committing Himself to God’s will. The Lenten season often includes fasting, giving up luxuries, and solemn prayer. Lent culminates in Holy Week, in which Jesus traveled to Jerusalem, was crucified, and rose from the dead. Jesus’s crucifixion is observed on Good Friday. The Lenten season and Holy Week end with the celebration on Easter of Jesus’s victory over death and God’s forgiveness of our sins!

+ Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles after Jesus rose from the dead.



JUDAISMJudaism comes from the times of Moses, Abraham, and the Hebrew prophets that we read about in the Old Testament. Today, there are several million Jewish people living around the world. Many live in Israel and the United States as well as Europe and South America.


God chose the Israelites as His people and Abraham as the father of the Israelites; their lineage is continued on to Jews living today. They follow the laws laid out in the Old Testament as a way of life and they await the coming of the Messiah as predicted by the Old Testament prophets. Jews read weekly from the Torah —Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—during worship, which occurs on Friday night at Synagogue. Jewish people observe the Sabbath, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, as a time of rest, as God commanded in the Ten Commandments. Strict observant Jews, those who follow Orthodox Judaism, do not work, drive, operate machinery, turn on lights, or use technology during the Sabbath.

Celebrations

+ Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is the Day of Atonement. On this day, followers are to bring reconciliation between themselves and God. Often, Jews will fast during this day and worship together.

+ Rosh Hashanah commemorates the Jewish New Year. During this two-day holiday, the fate of the wicked and the righteous are inscribed for the upcoming year. Therefore, Jewish people aspire to be righteous and pray for a prosperous year ahead, celebrating through eating foods sweetened with honey as a sign of hope for a happy new year.

+ The Jews also celebrate Passover with food, ritual, and prayer. This 7- or 8-day holiday (depending on which form of Judaism is observed) celebrates the account in the Book of Exodus in which God frees the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and designates Moses to lead them towards the Promised Land. A symbolic meal, known as the Seder, is eaten, and passages from the Old Testament are read aloud. You might remember that Jesus is celebrating Passover when He is captured by the Jewish priest to be crucified.



ISLAMThere are approximately one billion followers of Islam, called Muslims. It is the fastest growing religion worldwide. The majority of Muslims live in the Middle East and North Africa, and many are of Arab heritage. However, there are many Muslims in America and Europe as well as on islands in the Indian Ocean. There are two major denominations: Sunni and Shi’ite.


The roots of the word Islam are Arabic and mean peace and submission. A primary teaching is that a person can find peace in life if they submit to the will of Allah (the name for their almighty god) with all their heart, soul, and good deeds. The Five Pillars of belief—faith, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage—guide Muslims’ daily lives. They must pray to Allah five times a day, give to the poor, and visit the holy city of Mecca at least once in their life, if possible. The holy book of Islam is called the Qur’an; Muslims believe that Allah’s last and greatest prophet, Mohammed, wrote down his revelations from Allah to form the Qu’ran.

Celebrations

+ Ramadan is a time of year when Muslims fast from sunup to sundown. They do this for one whole month. During the month, followers will spend time in prayer and meditation. In the evenings, families will come together and focus on prayer and reflection of the year. Muslims also observe Hajj. During Hajj, millions of Muslims take a journey to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia. During their visit, they participate in ancient rituals. All Muslims make the journey, if possible, so they can be spiritually refreshed and have their sins forgiven.

#ONE MORE THING

It is estimated that there are over 4,000 religions worldwide right now. Check out more information at your local library or online to learn more and get the scoop on religions and philosophies.

A couple of websites to get you started:

+ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions_and_ spiritual_traditions

+ www.humanreligions. info/religions.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions_and_spiritual_traditions



http://www.humanreligions.info/religions.html

http://www.humanreligions.info/religions.html


ACTIVITY | RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY

GO DO SEE BE NAME:

DATE:

Complete three tasks to earn this emblem.

TASK 1People practice religion in many different styles of buildings, areas, and settings. To complete this task, learn firsthand about a religious center in your area. Arrange to visit the facility and learn about the areas of the building and grounds.

TASK 2Review the holidays and celebrations in the Zooming In section for each religion. Choose a holiday to research in-depth. Then, plan your own holiday celebration from one of the events you learned about. Have your whole group participate in the celebration, explaining to them what they are doing as they are taking part!

TASK 3Examine religions not mentioned in the Zooming In section of the manual. Complete the chart below.

Hinduism Buddhism Shintoism Taoism Confucianism

Number of Followers

Countries where the Religion is

Widely Practiced


Major Celebrations



GO DO SEE BE NAME:

DATE:

TASK 4In The Salvation Army, prayer holds an important part of our spiritual life. We learn to pray by Jesus’s example in Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV):

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” Amen.

In other religions, there are prayers and mediations that the followers learn, study, and incorporate in their lives. Choose two different religions and describe their prayer/meditation life below. Some religions to consider are: Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Shintoism, or Hinduism.

RELIGION 1

RELIGION 2



GO DO SEE BE NAME:

DATE:

TASK 5Spend some time thinking about the different world religions and philosophies you have learned about in this emblem. Creatively express how important it is for each one of us to open our hearts and learn to get along with people who are different from ourselves. You can write a poem, compose a song, choreograph a dance, put together a video presentation, or any other form of creative expression approved by your guide.

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK! Choose one of the religions listed in the Zooming In section or one approved by your guide. Make a list of books and websites about this religion.

Identify the following:

+ When it began

+ How it began

+ Where in the world do most of the followers live

+ What god/gods do they follow

+ What texts do they read

+ Interesting facts about this religion

Next, put this information in a form so that you can share it with others in your group. It can be a computer slide show presentation, poster board, make your own book, speech, or another creative display.

NOTES

The Salvation Army Adventure Corps: Rangers GR-1 History & Humanities | Religion & Philosophy


GUIDE’S RESOURCES


MATERIALS

¨ Manual (have enough copies for everyone or a plan for sharing)

Due to its content, this emblem may be more suitable for high school aged boys. As the leader, if you are not comfortable with this emblem or feel you are not versed enough to teach about this complex subject matter, feel free to talk with your Corps Officer for further guidance or see if your Corps Officer will assist you in teaching the class.

The purpose of this unit is to provide an overview of the three major monotheistic religions, including their foundational beliefs and practices. This emblem aims to give a basic introduction to the philosophical underpinnings of each religion, highlighting the similarities between the monotheistic religions. This emblem may pair well with the Bible and Salvation Army emblems.

Because of the large amount of content surrounding each religion, this emblem focuses on the three largest monotheistic religions. However, we encourage the group to explore any other religions that are of interest. The tasks are designed to allow flexibility in this regard.

You may wish to impart to the boys the importance of valuing others’ spiritual journeys while still maintaining a personal commitment to God. Holding to one’s own beliefs while accepting and learning about others is an important way to honor God!

X Differentiation point: Boys may begin this unit with different amounts of knowledge across the topic. Ask the boys to share their knowledge base to see what their prior background is in studying different religions. Perhaps they can teach each other about certain ones they know well!

X Differentiation point: This emblem contains specialized vocabulary that can be challenging for English language learners and English-speakers alike. Boys that speak Hebrew or Arabic can help with pronunciation and serve as leaders as needed.

X Differentiation point: Some of the individual tasks require outside research to supplement information in the manual. If you have limited connectivity to the Internet, you may wish to bring in printouts of information found on the Internet or bring in (or have students check out) books from the library. Encyclopedias and almanacs will have information on different cultures and languages as well.

X Differentiation point: Consider resources that may make the concepts in this emblem more accessible to the boys. Are there rabbis or imams who could speak with the boys? Is there a synagogue or mosque that would allow the boys to visit and/or tour? All of these can be wonderful experiences for the boys.

The group task will delve into the three major monotheistic religions through a small group activity while reading the manual. The individual tasks will deepen their understanding of different facets of religions, both monotheistic and polytheistic, through research, trips, and activities. The closing task will consider the wellsprings of the three monotheistic religions in the Book of Genesis.

TOPIC GUIDE: INTRODUCTION1. Welcome students and have them sit down. For this lesson, the boys can sit in any

configuration.

2. Distribute the manual and read The Big Picture together. You or a few students can read it aloud, or you can give them a moment to read to themselves.

GROUP TASK: ZOOMING IN & ONE MORE THING1. Read the Zooming In and One More Thing sections together. We recommend doing this in small groups since there is quite a

bit of information. This way, the boys can teach each other! Follow the steps below.

a. Have the boys get into three groups (or six, or nine groups, if you have a large group).

b. Have each group read the section on a particular religion. That pair or group will become the “experts” and teach the class about their category.




GUIDE’S RESOURCES

MATERIALS

¨ Manual (have enough copies for everyone or a plan for sharing)

MATERIALS

¨ Writing tools

¨ Paper

¨ Research texts AND/OR

¨ Websites (printed or via Internet research)

¨ Materials for celebrations, as needed

2. Create a physical or electronic chart that demonstrates the different monotheistic religions. You may wish to lightly draw arrows to show connections between the philosophies. You might consider other connections with the boys and add to your arrows as the emblem proceeds. We recommend you keep it posted for the duration of the emblem. You might add the polytheistic religions as you study them.

INDIVIDUAL TASKSThe boys must complete three tasks to earn the emblem.

TASK 1This task requires visiting a religious center. We highly recommend completing this as a group.

X Differentiation point: We encourage you and the boy(s), if possible, to visit a center of a religion different from their own. For instance, if the boys in the group are Christian, we encourage you to visit a synagogue, mosque, or Buddhist center if accessible.

1. You (and the boys) must locate a place to visit in your area.

a. Be sure to arrange transportation to and from the range for yourself and the boys. Determine precise times and places for drop-off and pick-up.

b. Verify that all proper procedures are followed for gaining parental permission and obtaining all necessary information to be prepared in case of a medical emergency or accident while on the field trip.

c. Be sure to contact the appropriate persons at the site to arrange a time and date of visit. If possible, you and the boy(s) should ask for a guided tour.

TASK 2This asks the boys to research a religious celebration. They will then share their knowledge through planning a celebration and have the boys take part. This may be completed individually or in small groups.

1. Before visiting, discuss proper behavior for visiting the center. For instance, some may have strict dress codes or require certain rituals to be performed. It is important that visitors respect protocol. Remind them that they represent the Corps and its values of respect and love for all.

2. At the end of the trip, debrief with the boys. What did they enjoy? What new thing did each boy see or learn?

X Differentiation point: If completed as a group, have each boy say at least one thing that he learned. If completed individually, ask the boy to share his thoughts of his experience.

MATERIALS

¨ Paper & writing instruments (for taking notes to teach the groups, if using the small group approach)

¨ Chart paper & markers OR computer program for electronic chart




GUIDE’S RESOURCES

MATERIALS

¨ Writing tools

¨ Paper



MATERIALS

¨ Writing tools

¨ Paper



TASK 3This asks the boys to fill in a chart detailing the foundational beliefs and major celebrations of a religion not addressed in the manual. This may be completed in small groups or individually.

X Differentiation point: Depending on the boys’ resources and your schedule, the boys may do the necessary research at a local library, at home, or during meeting time. The research may be done online and/or through use of texts or encyclopedias.

1. If the boys are completing this task during meeting time, circulate and help them as they research and fill out the chart as directed in the manual.

2. Once the research is complete, the boys will share their findings. They might share their charts with the group. Alternatively, they might post their charts, and then engage in a Gallery Walk.

TASK 4This asks the boys to research two prayers in another religion. This may be completed in small groups or individually.

X Differentiation point. Depending on the boys’ resources and your schedule, the boys may do the necessary research at a local library, at home, or during meet-ing time. The research may be done online and/or through use of texts.

1. Begin by reading the Lord’s Prayer together as a group.

2. If the boys are completing this task during meeting time, circulate and help them as they research and fill out the chart as directed in the manual.

3. Once the research is complete, the boys will read their prayers to the group.

ISLAM PRAYER AND 5 PILLARS

+ www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hW3hH9_7pI

SHINTOISM

+ www.patheos.com/blogs/pagantama/2016/06/12/a-shinto-prayer-for-beginners/

+ www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWAPCxNo-PU

HINDUISM

+ www.thoughtco.com/hindu-prayers-for-all-occasions-1770540

+ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_in_Hinduism

+ www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MvF17wOFO8

BUDDHISM

+ www.wikihow.com/Say-a-Buddhist-Prayer

+ http://kadampa.org/buddhism/prayers-for-meditation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hW3hH9_7pI

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/pagantama/2016/06/12/a-shinto-prayer-for-beginners/

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/pagantama/2016/06/12/a-shinto-prayer-for-beginners/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWAPCxNo-PU

http://www.thoughtco.com/hindu-prayers-for-all-occasions-1770540

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_in_Hinduism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MvF17wOFO8

http://www.wikihow.com/Say-a-Buddhist-Prayer

http://kadampa.org/buddhism/prayers-for-meditation




GUIDE’S RESOURCES

TASK 5This asks the boys to express creatively the importance of appreciating the spirituality of all religions. The task is designed to allow self-direction and creativity of expression and can be completed during or outside of session time, individually or in small groups.

Encourage the boy(s) to engage in whatever would best express his feelings of love and empathy for others and their beliefs. Some choices include: artwork, dance, poem, skit, poster, or piece of music. We recommend you approve their chosen medium of communication in order to ensure rigor and appropriateness.

Have the boys share with the group, and praise them for their hard work!!

CLOSING TASK: WORLD RELIGIONSPaul gives us a terrific example of how to interact with people from other religions while proclaiming the truth of the gospel. Read Acts 17:22-28:

Paul in Athens22Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown God. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.24The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28’For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’”

Some from the crowd of listeners made fun of Paul, but others wanted to know more (see Acts 17:32)! Paul had actually taken the time to look around and see what they believed. And he seemed to have some authority and information about a God they didn’t know. They were curious. And some actually believed (Acts 17:33-34). That day, an unknown God became the living Savior in the lives of those who believed Paul’s message.

Pray as a group for those who are searching for God. Pray for those who are sharing the message with those who don’t yet know the one, true God. And pray for each boy to grasp God’s love for them, as seen through sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sin.

MATERIALS

¨ Writing tools

¨ Paper

¨ Poster board

¨ Devices to create music or other digital project




GUIDE’S RESOURCES

RESOURCES

Helpful websites containing information on religions are listed below:

CHRISTIANITY

» www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/world-religions-multicultural/christianity.shtml

» www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/teach/

ISLAM

» www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hW3hH9_7pI

» www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/islam.cfm

» www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/islam08.socst.world.glob.lppillars/the-five-pillars-of-islam/

» www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/world-religions-multicultural/islam.shtml

JUDAISM

» www.britannica.com/topic/Judaism

» www.jewfaq.org/judaism.htm

» www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/world-religions-multicultural/judaism.shtml

HINDUISM

» www.himalayanacademy.com/readlearn/basics/nine-beliefs

» www.beliefnet.com/faiths/2001/06/what-hindus-believe.aspx

» www.dummies.com/religion/hinduism/hinduism-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/

SHINTOISM

» www.uri.org/kids/other_shin.htm

» https://worldreligions.wordpress.ncsu.edu/shintoism/

» www.gotquestions.org/Shintoism.html

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/world-religions-multicultural/christianity.shtml

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/teach/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hW3hH9_7pI

http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/islam.cfm

https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/islam08.socst.world.glob.lppillars/the-five-pillars-of-islam/

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/world-religions-multicultural/islam.shtml

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Judaism

http://www.jewfaq.org/judaism.htm

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/world-religions-multicultural/judaism.shtml

https://www.himalayanacademy.com/readlearn/basics/nine-beliefs

http://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/2001/06/what-hindus-believe.aspx

http://www.dummies.com/religion/hinduism/hinduism-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/

http://www.uri.org/kids/other_shin.htm

https://worldreligions.wordpress.ncsu.edu/shintoism/

https://www.gotquestions.org/Shintoism.html

Documents

THE BIG PICTURE - CED€¦ · reflection of the year. Muslims also observe Hajj. During Hajj, millions of Muslims take a journey to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia. During their visit, they