World major religion

WORLD RELIGION

Religion (The Basics)

Religion is a belief in a supernatural power or powers that are regarded as the creators and maintainers of the universe.

Types of Religions

Monotheistic religions believe in one god.

Polytheistic religions believe in many gods.

Animistic or traditional religions often believe that different aspects of nature have divine powers.

Religions of the World

Religions of the World

Religion Followers

Christianity 1.9 billion

Islam 1.1 billion

Hinduism 781 million

Buddhism 324 million

Sikhism 19 million

Judaism 14 million

Southwest Asia

The three religions that began in Southwest Asia are:

A. Judaism (2000 BCE)

B. Christianity (26-36 CE)

C. Islam (610 CE)

Judaism Some of the major beliefs of Judaism are:

A. Monotheism - There is one god who is all powerful and all knowing.

B. This god made a special covenant or agreement with Abraham, who is the ‘father’ of the Jewish people.

C. God revealed his laws to his people through Moses and the ten commandments.

Importance of History

*The basis of the Jewish religion is its history. It is the most important aspect.

demonstrated through the celebration of life cycle events in people’s lives

holiday celebrations commemorate historic events

The key event is the Exodus from Egypt (recorded Book of Exodus)Many important aspects of observances are

linked to this event

From the beginning, the Jewish people have interpreted acts of history as God acting on behalf of the Jewish peopleEither to promote them or to

punish themHistory is seen as the story

of God’s intervention in the lives of His “Chosen People”

Six Periods of Jewish History

The Patriarchs: AbrahamMoses (19th - 13th cent. BCE)

Mosesthe Hebrew Monarchy (13th - 6th cent. BCE)

The Babylonian Exile and Post Exilic Judaism (6th cent BCE - 1st cent. CE) ("Second Temple" period)

Rabbinic period (1st - 7th cent CE) Medieval Judaism (7th - 18th cent. CE) Modern Judaism (18th cent. - current)

Judaism as a Race Judaism is an ethnic religion Began as a religion of an extended family, a

tribe of peoples known as the Hebrews Jewish people today continue to think of

themselves as a family, a nation of peoples, as well as a religion

God is understood by the Jews to intervene, to act, in and through history time and again, especially in the history of Israel (the people)

Jews look to God’s action in the world

Sacred Texts The Hebrew Bible or Tanakh

Known by Christians as "Old Testament“ contains the same books as the Christian version but in a

different order after the first five

Considered revealed and inspired by God Interpretation of early history of the Hebrew people,

establishment of a nation Story of God’s interaction with His "Chosen People" (His-Story) Foundation of Jewish life

Called the Bible (Biblia) means "little books“ Actually a library of 39 independent books divided into 3

categories:

The 3 Categories

1. Torah Most important text Divine instruction and guidance or "Written

Law” Books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,

Deuteronomy Covers history from creation through the Exodus and

wandering in the desert 613 commandments from God

Continued…

2. Prophets: Words and revelations of the minor and major prophets

Ezekiel, Isaiah, Amos, Jonah, etc.

3. Writings: poetic and devotional material written and used during the same time as the Prophets, words and works of the sages

Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, etc.

The TalmudOral tradition passed to Moses and beyondFinally written down in the 2nd centuryContains info on rituals, marriages,

agricultural laws, festivals, etc.

The Nature of God

Covenants with good peopleResponds to their needsdeliverance

Guides & directs His people Compassionate Controls with justice Source of forgiving, redeeming love Establishes peace on earth

The “Name” of God Written by Hebrew consonants YHVH

Means “I am” Jews do not have a personal name for God

Christians and others have Anglicized it to Yahweh or Jehovah

Written by Orthodox Jews as G-d God referred to as:

Adonai (The Lord)Elohim, or HaShem (the Name) - the

unpronounceable name of God

A Few Main Beliefs Jews do not believe in

"original sin" (no need for a "savior" in the Christian sense)

The Ten Commandments first 4 have to do with our

relationship with God Next 6 refer to our

relationship with other people

Importance of family Story/experience of exile and exodus

"Let my people go." Compassion and concern for freedom of all

peopleshistory of continual fight for freedom and

continued survival

Humans God’s highest creatures

Earth has been given to them for food & pleasure

They are the “caretakers” Created in God’s image

Each is a soul and body unitedEach should have a fellowship with God

ResponsibleAnswer to God for conductHumans have choices/can make

decisionssuffer consequences

Problem for Humans

Rebellion against God and consequential expulsionAdam and Eve

Who is the Messiah?Has not arrived yet to

usher in a new ageHe is expected

Life after Death

Emphasis on good life on earth more than good afterlife

References in Psalms to heaven and hellInfluenced by Zoroastrians?Lack specific descriptions of life beyond

death

Rituals Jewish calendar based on lunar month Sabbath/Shabbat

Observed each weekSundown on Fridaysundown on Saturday

Rosh HashanahNew yearBegins the Days of AweConcentrate on prayer, contemplation, self-searching

Yom Kippur10th day (of awe)Holiest day observedRepentance: 24 hours of atonement and fasting

Sweets for a sweet new year

Shabbat dinner

continued Chanukkah

Celebrated rededication of Jerusalem temple in 164 BCE (after destruction by Greeks)

Sacred oil lasted 8 days for celebration

Minor festival

Passover Most important holiday Marks deliverance form slavery in Egypt

under Moses’ leadership Sacred meal: seder

Unleavened bread (matzah)

Mitzvah 613 mitzvot 258 positive, 365 negative Boys: 13+1 day, girls 12+1 day

Bar Mitzvah means “son of the commandment”

Commands from GodNo immediate rewardObedience rewards in afterlife

Western Wall

Star of David

Christianity Christianity was heavily influenced by

Judaism. Some of the major beliefs of Christianity are:

A. Monotheism - There is one god who is all powerful and all knowing.

B. Jesus Christ died for the sins of humankind.

C. Salvation comes from faith in God.

Christianity

Christians believe the Old and New Testaments of the Bible are holy books. The first four books of the New Testament were written by followers of Jesus.

Christianity

Some branches of Christianity are: Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodox.

Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in the New Testament.

Adherents of Christianity, known as Christians, believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and the Messiah (Christ) prophesied in the Hebrew Bible (the part of scripture common to Christianity and Judaism).

Christian theology claims that Jesus Christ is a teacher, the model of a virtuous life, the revealer of God, as well as an incarnation of God, and most importantly the savior of humanity who suffered, died, and was resurrected to bring about salvation from sin.

Christians maintain that Jesus ascended into heaven, and most denominations teach that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead, granting everlasting life to his followers. Christians call the message of Jesus Christ the Gospel ("good news") and hence label the earliest written accounts of his ministry as gospels.

Christianity is classified as an Abrahamic religion. Christianity began as a Jewish sect in the eastern Mediterranean,

quickly grew in size and influence over a few decades, and by the 4th century had become the dominant religion within the Roman Empire.

During the Middle Ages, most of the remainder of Europe was christianized, with Christians also being a (sometimes large) religious minority in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of India. Following the Age of Discovery, through missionary work and colonization, Christianity spread to the Americas and the rest of the world.

Christianity has played a prominent role in the shaping of Western civilization at least since the 4th century. As of the early 21st century, Christianity has between 1.5 billion and 2.1 billion adherents, representing about a quarter to a third of the world’s population.

1. Beliefs In spite of important differences of

interpretation and opinion, Christians share a set of beliefs that they hold as essential to their faith.

1.1 Creeds

Creeds (from Latin credo meaning "I believe") are concise doctrinal statements or confessions, usually of religious beliefs.

They began as baptismal formulas and were later expanded during the Christological controversies of the fourth and fifth centuries to become statements of faith.

The Apostles Creed The Apostles Creed (Symbolum Apostolorum) was

developed between the second and ninth centuries. It is the most popular creed used in worship by Western

Christians. Its central doctrines are those of the Trinity and God the

Creator. Each of the doctrines found in this creed can be traced to statements current in the apostolic period.

i. belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Holy Spirit

ii. the death, descent into hell, resurrection, and ascension of Christ

iii. the holiness of the Church and the communion of saints iv. Christ’s second coming, the Day of Judgement and

salvation of the faithful.

The Nicene Creed, largely a response to Arianism, was formulated at the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople in 325 and 381 respectively and ratified as the universal creed of Christendom by the Council of Ephesus in 431.

The Chalcedonian Creed, developed at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, though rejected by the Oriental Orthodox Churches, taught Christ "to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably": one divine and one human, and that both natures are perfect but are nevertheless perfectly united into one person.

The Athanasian Creed, received in the western Church as having the same status as the Nicene and Chalcedonian, says: “We worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; neither confounding the Persons nor dividing the Substance.”

Most Christians (Roman Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants alike) accept the use of creeds, and subscribe to at least one of the creeds mentioned above. A minority of Protestants, notably Restorationists, a movement formed in the wake of the Second Great Awakening in the 19th century United States, oppose the use of creeds.

1.2 Jesus Christ

The central tenet of Christianity is the belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah (Christ).

A depiction of Jesus as a child with his mother, Mary, the Theotokos of Vladimir (12th century).

Christians believe that, as the Messiah, Jesus was anointed by God as ruler and savior of humanity, and hold that Jesus’ coming was the fulfillment of messianic prophecies of the Old Testament.

The core Christian belief is that, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, sinful humans can be reconciled to God and thereby are offered salvation and the promise of eternal life.

Jesus, having become fully human, suffered the pains and temptations of a mortal man, yet he did not sin. As fully God, he defeated death and rose to life again.

According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born from the Virgin Mary.

1.3 Death and Resurrection of Jesus

Christians consider the resurrection of Jesus to be the cornerstone of their faith and the most important event in human history.

Among Christian beliefs, the death and resurrection of Jesus are two core events on which much of Christian doctrine and theology is based.

The death and resurrection of Jesus are usually considered the most important events in Christian Theology, partly because they demonstrate that Jesus has power over life and death and therefore has the authority and power to give people eternal life.

1.4 Salvation Protestantism teaches that eternal salvation is

a gift that comes to an individual by God’s grace, sometimes defined as "unmerited favor", on the basis of one’s personal belief in and dependence on the substitutionary death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It is the belief that one can be saved (rescued) from sin and eternal death.

Other concepts used in the study of how salvation is accomplished include conversion, faith, justification, regeneration, and others.

The crucifixion of Jesus is explained as an atoning sacrifice, which, in the words of the Gospel of John, "takes away the sins of the world." One’s reception of salvation is related to justification.

The operation and effects of grace are understood differently by different traditions.

1.5 Trinity

Trinity refers to the teaching that the one God comprises three distinct, eternally co-existing persons; the Father (from whom the Son and Spirit proceed), the Son (incarnate in Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

Together, these three persons are sometimes called the Godhead, although there is no single term in use in Scripture to denote the unified Godhead.

1.5.1 Trinitarians

Trinitarianism denotes those Christians who believe in the concept of the Trinity. Trinity is defined as one God in three Persons.

1.5.2 Non-trinitarians Nontrinitarianism refers to beliefs systems that

reject the doctrine of the Trinity. Various nontrinitarian views, such as adoptionism

or modalism, existed in early Christianity, leading to the disputes about Christology.

Nontrinitarianism later appeared again in the Gnosticism of the Cathars in the 11th through 13th centuries, in the Age of Enlightenment of the 18th century, and in Restorationism during the 19th century. Non-Trinitarians often believe in Jesus as the Son of God, and not the same as God.

1.6 Scriptures Christianity regards the Bible, a collection of canonical

books in two parts (the Old Testament and the New Testament), as authoritative.

The Bible always includes books of the Jewish scriptures, the Tanakh, and includes additional books and reorganizes them into two parts: the books of the Old Testament primarily sourced from the Tanakh (with some variations), and the 27 books of the New Testament containing books originally written primarily in Greek.

The Roman Catholic and Orthodox canons include other books from the Septuagint which Roman Catholics call Deuterocanonical. Protestants consider these books apocryphal.

1.6.1 Roman Catholic Interpretation

In antiquity, two schools of exegesis developed in Alexandria and Antioch. Alexandrine interpretation, exemplified by Origen, tended to read Scripture allegorically, while Antiochene interpretation adhered to the literal sense, holding that other meanings (called theoria) could only be accepted if based on the literal meaning.

Roman Catholic theology distinguishes two senses of scripture: the literal and the spiritual.

1.6.2 Protestant Interpretation

Protestant Christians believe that the Bible is a self-sufficient revelation, the final authority on all Christian doctrine, and revealed all truth necessary for salvation.

Protestants characteristically believe that ordinary believers may reach an adequate understanding of Scripture because Scripture itself is clear (or "perspicuous"), because of the help of the Holy Spirit, or both.

Original intended meaning Protestants stress the meaning conveyed by

the words of Scripture, the historical-grammatical method.

1.7 Afterlife

Most Christians believe that human beings experience divine judgement and are rewarded either with eternal life or eternal damnation.

This includes the general judgement at the Resurrection of the dead as well as the belief (held by Catholics, Orthodox and some Protestants) in a judgement particular to the individual soul upon physical death.

2. Worship

Christians assemble for communal worship on Sunday, the day of the resurrection, though other liturgical practices often occur outside this setting.

Scripture readings are drawn from the Old and New Testaments, but especially the Gospels.

There are a variety of congregational prayers, including thanksgiving, confession, and intercession, which occur throughout the service and take a variety of forms including recited, responsive, silent, or sung.

Worship can be varied for special events like baptisms or weddings in the service or significant feast days.

In the early church Christians and those yet to complete initiation would separate for the Eucharistic part of the worship.

In many churches today, adults and children will separate for all or some of the service to receive age-appropriate teaching. Such children’s worship is often called Sunday school or Sabbath school (Sunday schools are often held before rather than during services).

2.1 Sacraments In Christian belief and

practice, a sacrament is a rite, instituted by Christ, that mediates grace, constituting a sacred mystery.

The most conventional functional definition of a sacrament is that it is an outward sign, instituted by Christ, that conveys an inward, spiritual grace through Christ. The two most widely accepted sacraments are Baptism and the Eucharist.

2.2 Liturgical Calendar

Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern Christians, and traditional Protestant communities frame worship around a liturgical calendar.

Christian groups that do not follow a liturgical tradition often retain certain celebrations, such as Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. A few churches make no use of a liturgical calendar.

2.3 Symbols The cross, which is

today one of the most widely recognised symbols in the world, was used as a Christian symbol from the earliest times.

Among the symbols employed by the primitive Christians, that of the fish seems to have ranked first in importance.

Christians from the very beginning adorned their tombs with paintings of Christ, of the saints, of scenes from the Bible and allegorical groups.

The catacombs are the cradle of all Christian art. Other major Christian symbols include the chi-rho

monogram, the dove (symbolic of the Holy Spirit), the sacrificial lamb (symbolic of Christ’s sacrifice), the vine (symbolising the necessary connectedness of the Christian with Christ) and many others.

3. History and origins 3.1 Early Church and Christological Councils Christianity began as a Jewish sect in the

eastern Mediterranean in the mid-first century. From the beginning, Christians were subject to

persecution. This involved punishments, including death, for Christians such as Stephen and James, son of Zebedee.

Christianity was legalized in the 4th century. From at least the 4th century, Christianity has played a prominent role in the shaping of Western civilization.

3.2 Early Middle Ages

The church also entered into a long period of missionary activity and expansion among the former barbarian tribes. Catholicism spread among the Germanic peoples (initially in competition with Arianism), the Celtic and Slavic peoples, the Hungarians and the Scandinavian and Baltic peoples.

Around 500, monasticism became a powerful force throughout Europe, and gave rise to many early centers of learning, most famously in Ireland, Scotland and Gaul, contributing to the Carolingian Renaissance of the 9th century.

From the 7th century onwards, Islam conquered the Christian lands of the Middle East, North Africa and much of Spain, resulting in oppression of Christianity and numerous military struggles, including the Crusades, the Spanish Reconquista and wars against the Turks.

The Middle Ages brought about major changes within the church. Pope Gregory the Great dramatically reformed ecclesiastical structure and administration.

In the early 8th century, iconoclasm became a divisive issue. In the early 10th century, western monasticism was further rejuvenated through the leadership of the great Benedictine monastery of Cluny.

3.3 High and Late Middle Ages

In the west, from the 11th century onward, older cathedral schools developed into universities Originally teaching only theology, these steadily added subjects including medicine, philosophy and law, becoming the direct ancestors of modern western institutions of learning.

From 1095 under the pontificate of Urban II, the Crusades were launched.

Over a period stretching from the 7th to the 13th century, the Christian Church underwent gradual alienation, resulting in a schism dividing it into a Western, largely Latin branch, the Roman Catholic Church, and an Eastern, largely Greek, branch, the Orthodox Church.

Beginning around 1184, following the crusade brought about by the Cathar heresy, various institutions, broadly referred to as the Inquisition, were established with the aim of suppressing heresy and securing religious and doctrinal unity within Christianity through conversion and prosecution.

3.4 Protestant Reformation and Counter-Reformation

Partly in response to the Protestant Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church engaged in a substantial process of reform and renewal, known as the Counter-Reformation or Catholic Reform.

Christianity spread to the Americas, Oceania, East Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.

Throughout Europe, the divides caused by the Reformation led to outbreaks of religious violence and the establishment of separate state religions in Western Europe.

3.5 Christianity in the Modern Era In the Modern Era, Christianity was confronted with

various forms of skepticism and with certain modern political ideologies such as liberalism, nationalism and socialism.

Christian commitment in Europe dropped as modernity and secularism came into their own in Western Europe, while religious commitments in America have been generally high in comparison to Western Europe.

The late 20th century has shown the shift of Christian adherence to the Third World and southern hemisphere in general, with western civilization no longer the chief standard bearer of Christianity.

4. Demographics With an estimated number of adherents that

ranges between 1.5 billion and 2.1 billion, split into around 34,000 separate denominations, Christianity is the world’s largest religion.

The Christian share of the world’s population has stood at around 33 per cent for the last hundred years.

It is still the predominant religion in Europe, the Americas, the Philippines, and Southern Africa.

In most countries in the developed world, church attendance among people who continue to identify themselves as Christians has been falling over the last few decades.

Some sources view this simply as part of a drift away from traditional membership institutions, while others link it to signs of a decline in belief in the importance of religion in general.

5. Denominations There is a diversity of doctrines and practices among

groups calling themselves Christian. These groups are sometimes classified under denominations, though for theological reasons many groups reject this classification system.

Christianity may be broadly represented as being divided into five main groupings: Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, Protestantism and Restorationism.

5.1 Roman Oatholicism and other Catholic Groups

The (Roman) Catholic Church is comprised of those particular churches, headed by bishops, in communion with the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, as its highest authority in matters of faith, morality and Church governance.

The Roman Catholic Church through Apostolic succession traces its origins to the Christian community founded by Jesus Christ.

Catholics maintain that the "one, holy, catholic and apostolic church" founded by Jesus subsists fully in the Roman Catholic Church, but also acknowledges other Christian churches and communities and works towards reconciliation among all Christians.

The Roman Catholic Church is the largest church representing over half of all Christians and one sixth of the world’s population.

Various smaller communities, such as the Old Catholic and Independent Catholic Churches, include the word Catholic in their title, and share much in common with Roman Catholicism but are no longer in communion with the See of Rome. The Old Catholic Church is in communion with the Anglican Communion.

5.2 Eastern Orthodoxy Eastern Orthodoxy is comprised of those churches in

communion with the Patriarchal Sees of the East, such as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.

Like the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church also traces its heritage to the foundation of Christianity through Apostolic succession and has an episcopal structure, though the autonomy of the individual, mostly national churches is emphasized.

Eastern Orthodoxy is the second largest single denomination in Christianity, with over 200 million adherents.

5.3 Oriental Orthodoxy

The Oriental Orthodox Churches (also called Old Oriental Churches) are those eastern churches that recognize the first three ecumenical councils — Nicaea, Constantinople and Ephesus — but reject the dogmatic definitions of the Council of Chalcedon and instead espouse a Miaphysite christology.

5.4 Protestantism

In the 16th century, Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli, and John Calvin inaugurated what has come to be called Protestantism.

Most Protestant traditions branch out from the Reformed tradition in some way.

In addition to the Lutheran and Reformed branches of the Reformation, there is Anglicanism after the English Reformation.

The oldest Protestant groups separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century Protestant Reformation, followed in many cases by further divisions.

Estimates of the total number of Protestants are very uncertain.

A special grouping are the Anglican churches descended from the Church of England and organised in the Anglican Communion.

Some Christians who come out of the Protestant tradition identify themselves simply as "Christian", or "born-again Christian"; they typically distance themselves from the confessionalism and/or creedalism of other Christian communities by calling themselves "non-denominational" — often founded by individual pastors, they have little affiliation with historic denominations.

5.5 Restorationism

Restorationism is composed of various unrelated churches that believe they are restoring the original church of Jesus Christ and not reforming any of the churches existing at the time of their perceived restorations.

They teach that the other divisions of Christianity have introduced defects into Christianity, which is known as the Great Apostasy.

Additionally, there are the following groups: Christadelphians, Churches of Christ with 2.6 million members, Disciples of Christ with 800,000 members, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the largest denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement with over 13 million members.

Though Restorationists have some superficial similarities, their doctrine and practices vary significantly.

6. Ecumenism In the 20th century Christian ecumenism

advanced in two ways. One way was greater cooperation between groups

The other way was institutional union with new United and uniting churches.

Steps towards reconciliation on a global level were taken in 1965 by the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches mutually revoking the excommunications that marked their Great Schism in 1054.

Orthodox Christianity

Saint Basil’s

Icons

Islam

Islam is a monotheistic religion that developed in Saudi Arabia in the early 600s. Islam is directly related to Judaism and Christianity.

Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammed who lived from 570 to 632 in Saudi Arabia.

Islam

Islam

The five pillars or central teachings of Islam are:

A. A statement of faith

B. Prayer (five times a day in the direction of Mecca)

C. Charity

D. Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your lifetime (called the Hajj)

E. Fasting (during the month of Ramadan)

Islam

The teachings of Muhammed were collected into a book called the Koran.

Muslims worship in buildings called mosques.

Dome of the Rock

Mecca

Crescent and Star

Basic Facts of Islam Islam is the third in succession

of the three great monotheisticfaiths born in the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity, Islam)

Islam is the second largest religion in world (1.2 billion adherents)

There is an estimated 650 000 Muslims living in Canada

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world

Islam Terms

Islam: an Arabic word that means “submitting to God” and “peace”

Muslim: a person who follows the teachings of Islam and “submits to God and finds peace in Him”. All creation is Muslim.

Shahadah: “There is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”.

Allah: Arabic name for God. It is preferred over other names because it has no gender affiliation and does not have plurality

Understanding Islam Islam is a rational religion:

“The vilest of creatures are those who choose to be deaf and dumb and do not use their reason.” (Qur’an 8:2)

Muhammad reminded his followers that “The first thing God created was reason”. Therefore, believers must take personal responsibility for one’s actions and faith.

Freedom of Conscience “There is no compulsion in religion.

Truth stands out clearly from falsehood; whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the strongest rope that never breaks. And God is All Hearing and All Knowing”

Qur’an 2:256

Beliefs1. Belief in only One God. He is defined as Eternal, Absolute,

Infinite, Compassionate and Merciful, the sole Creator and Provider.

2. Engage only in Righteous Actions in all areas: spiritual, intellectual and physical activity.

3. All God’s creation is “Muslim”. Only humans are given CHOICE to submit (be Muslim) or reject submission to God’s will.

4. All children are born without sin and are Muslim. As they grow older, they make their religious CHOICE.

5. God created human beings with a body and soul. The body is a temporal host for this life, whereas the soul is eternal. It is the soul that will survive beyond death.

6. Universality of the call. All Muslims are brothers and equals without any distinction of class, race or tongue. Superiority is only based on the greater fear of God and greater piety.

PracticesPrayer worshippers line up in rows and

enact ritual in unison (prostration) Friday midday prayers at mosqueFasting month of Ramadan (ninth month of lunar

year) to test the spirit, discipline the will and remind of the hungry and poor

Numerous important events took place during Ramadan (first revelation in 610 CE, flight to Mecca in 622 CE, victory in 624 CE)

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr (period of spiritual and moral renewal)

Mosque Muslim place of worship Muslims

come together in a mosque for prayers at midday on Friday (Muslim Holy Day)

MIHRAB= small arch or hole in wall indicates the direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca

MINARET= high tower or dome from which a muezzin calls the faithful to prayer

WUDU= cleansing process before prayer (water)

IMAM= chief officer in the mosque who leads prayers

PROPHET’S MOSQUE in Madinah: the first mosque in Islam

Qur’an

Holy book of Islam which means “recitation” Records the revealed word of God that came

through Angel Gabriel to Muhammad over 23 years Muhammad dictated revelations to scribes and

companions who memorized passages It is the only revealed book that has remained intact

and unchanged since its revelation (oral tradition) Principle source of Muslim faith and practice Children learn to memorize the Qur’an as a child Divided into 114 suras (chapters); longest chapter

has 286 verses, the shortest has 3 verses; approximately 78 000 words in length

al-Fatihah (The Opening)Qur’an 1: 1-7

“In the name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds. Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship and Thine aid we seek: Show us the straight way. The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose portion is not wrath and who go not astray.”

Ka’bah Ka’bah- cube shaped

building that was built by Abraham to honour God

Viewed as Adam’s original place of worship

Was filled with idols as people in Arabia followed polytheism

Muhammad- received revelations that led to Islam and monotheism (and removal of idols)

Site of hajj- pilgrimage to Mecca

Muhammad

SEAL of the Prophets (last in a line of 28Prophets who all preached the religion of Islam)

Born in 570 CE Each succeeding Prophet added or improved upon

the cumulative message of Islam Through Muhammand (PBUH), the message of

Islam was completed and is preserved intact in the Qur’an

In 622 CE, hijrah (migration) where Muhammad moved from Mecca to Madinah (marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar)

Islam spread to Arabia, Spain and as far East as China

Other Prophets These Prophets are regarded as

most significant: Muhammad, Moses, Abraham and Noah

Jesus is highly respected and considered as a great prophet by Muslims

Qur’an re-affirms the miraculous birth and abilities of Jesus

Muslims believe in the Second Coming of Jesus before the end of time

Human Equality

“O humankind! You were created from a single soul, male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes. So that you may know one another. Truly, the most honoured of you in God’s sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All Knowing, All Aware”

(Qur’an 49:13)

Day of Judgment All humans will be bodily

resurrected and assembled for final accounting of deeds

Soul will move on to afterlife Upon the Final Judgment = world will end and

we will stand before God to confront our own life and actions

Desire for purified soul= heaven (eternal abode of beauty and majesty)

Disbelievers and unpure soul= hell (abode of great torment and anguish)

Women’s Rights

According to Qur’an, men and women are equal before God

Under Islamic law, women have the right to own property, receive an education and take part in community life

Islamic rules for simple, modest and dignified dress applies to women and men equally

In many Muslim countries there are cultural practices that are inconsistent and contrary to the authentic teachings of Islam

3 major texts of Hinduism The Vedas

The oldest and most important is the Vedas (in 4 parts)○ First in the form of oral histories

The Bhagavad Gītā (400 BCE) It is perhaps the most famous, and definitely the most

widely-read text of ancient India.

The Upanishads (400 BCE) Focus on 1) meditation and 2) religious instruction with

a guru

Hindu Beliefs

Hindus believe in a single Divinity or supreme God that is present in everything called Brahman.

Hindus also believe in other gods who are aspects of that supreme God such as Shiva, Shakti, and Ganesh.

Brahman There is one big God The Vedas depict

Brahman as the Universal Soul

Polytheistic? Many Hindus believe in many deities

Key: These very interesting looking gods are not to be taken literally

The Hindu Trinity (the big 3):

After this top tier, there is a virtually endless list of second-string deities

Shiva

Shiva is the Destroyer Even though he represents

destruction, Shiva is viewed as a positive force

Shiva is the supreme God in Shaivism

Brahma

Brahma is the Hindu God of Creation

Brahma is traditionally depicted with four heads and four faces and four arms.

Vishnu Vishnu is the Preserver, he is most famously identified

with his human and animal incarnations (AKA, avatars) He manifested Himself as a living being in ten avatars.

They are (in order of avatar) (Fish) (Turtle) (Pig/Boar) (Lion man / from the torso upwards lion, below, human) (First fully human form as a dwarf sage who has the ability

to grow very, very tall) (Fierce man / Hunter) (Greatest Warrior/ Ideal man) (Mentally advanced man) (Sage who is completely still) (Prophesied, yet to take place)

For Vaishnavas, he is the Ultimate Reality or God. The Brahman.

Kali Kali is the kick-ass

goddess of destruction

Kali wears a necklace made from men's skulls

And let’s not forget Ganesha

Ganesha is one of the most well-known and venerated representations of God

The Lord of Good Fortune

Some Ideas That Unite Hinduism

1) ReincarnationBased on the idea that every living being has an eternally

existing spirit Reincarnation is the soul's cycle of birth and death until it

attains Mokṣha (Moke-sha) (salvation) and is governed by Karma (see below)

2) KarmaKarma rests on the idea of human free-will (not moved by

God)One’s actions determine the course of one’s life cycle &

rebirthYou can't refine your soul overnight, however. Hindus

believe it takes many lifetimes to achieve moksha


3) Moksha When a soul finally escapes the karmic cycle, it becomes

one with Brahman when the last bodily incarnation dies.

4) Stages of life There are stages to “lives” that we all go through—some quicker

than others All humans seek:

○ 1. kāma (pleasure, physical or emotional) ○ 2, artha (material wealth)○ 3. dharma (righteousness)

happens with maturitylearn to govern these desires within the higher framework

○ 4. mokṣha (salvation)Results in ultimate happinessEscape from the cycle of births and deaths


4) The Devil 5) No converting 6) No Good and Bad in the Western Sense


7) The Caste SystemThe caste system is a painfully rigid

system of class oppressionThe caste system has come to be

seen as a manifestation of karmaYour next lifetime is your only hope

for rising through the castesThere are four hereditary castes

Some Ideas That Unite Hinduism 8) Where’s the Beef?

A large section of Hindus embrace vegetarianism in a bid to respect higher forms of life.

While vegetarianism is not a requirement, it is recommended as a purifying lifestyle○ About 30% of today's Hindu population, especially in

orthodox communities are lacto-vegetarian (can use milk products)

○ Another 20% of the Hindu population practice vegetarianism on certain days, especially on the day of their deity of devotion.

Karma and Reincarnation Reincarnation is the belief that the soul

repeatedly goes through a cycle of being born into a body, dying, and being reborn again in a new body.

Karma, a force that determines the quality of each life, depending on how well one behaved in a past life.

Hinduism says we create karma by our actions on earth. If you live a good life, you create good karma. If you live a bad life, you create bad karma.

Moksha Each time a Hindu soul is born into a

better life, it has the opportunity to improve itself further, and get closer to ultimate liberation.

This liberation is called Moksha. One attains Moksha when one has

"overcome ignorance", and no longer desires anything at all.

The ones who reach this state no longer struggle with the cycle of life and death.

The way to get to Moksha is to not create any karma.

Krishna and Arjuna

Ramayana Ramayana was written in 3rd century BC,

and tells story of Rama, and his wife, Sita. Rama and Sita are generally seen as ideal

examples of great manly heroism and wifely devotion.

Reciting the Ramayana is considered a religious act, and scenes from the epic are portrayed throughout India and Southeast Asia.

Rama and Sita

Hindu Life Goals Hinduism is about the sort of life one

should lead in order to be born into a better life next time and ultimately achieve liberation. There are 4 legitimate goals in life:

dharma (appropriate living) artha (the pursuit of material gain by lawful

means) kama (delight of the senses) moksha (release from rebirth).













Hindu Duties

Each Hindu has 4 daily duties: Revere the deities Respect ancestors Respect all beings Honor all humankind

The Ganges RiverFalling fromIts source of Vishnu’s feetonto Shiva’shead and outfrom his hair, the water ofthe Ganges issacred enoughto purify all sins.

Banaras - Hindu’s Holy CityPilgrims come from all over to bathe in the Ganges.

Countless Hindus come to Banaras to die.

It has 1500 temples, most of them devoted to Shiva.

It is a gathering place for the religiously learned and their disciples.

Caste SystemFour major castes

Brahmin : priests

Kshatriya: warriors and administrators

Vaistrya: farmers, merchants, teachers, artisans

Sudras: servants,laborers

Gandhi: the Father of India

For Gandhi, social concern was deeply rooted in his conviction of theSacredness of life.

Gandhi believed that human beings should strive to live as simply as possible since overindulgence often meant that others may have to do without their basic needs.

Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic on January 30, l948 as India was gaining its independence.

The BuddhaSiddhartha Gautama(563-483 BC)

Buddhism is a religion and philosophy founded in India c.525 B.C. by Siddhartha Gautama, called the Buddha. There are over 300 million Buddhists worldwide. Born a prince and raised in luxury, he left his family and possessions at the age of 29 to search for an ultimate solution to the

problem of the suffering.

Basic Beliefs and Basic Beliefs and PracticesPracticeso The basic doctrines

of early Buddhism, which remain common to all Buddhism, include the four noble truths.

The Three Refuges(Jewels)

o The Buddhao The Dharma

(teachings, doctrine)

o The Sangha (the Order)

Tripitaka

“Three baskets”

1. Vinaya Pitaka—monastic rules

2. Sutta Pitaka—teachings of the Buddhaa. Versions of the Law

b. Other Lives

3. Abhidhamma Pitaka—supplement to the doctrines (esoteric)

The Four Noble Truths

What is Buddhism? Buddhism is a major world

religion, or in a better sense, philosophy.

It is the 4th largest religion of the world, and has about 300,000,000 people living by it.

It explains the purpose of life, injustices and inequality around the world.

It also helps people by providing a way of life that will lead to true happiness.

The History of Buddhism It was all started by Buddha, who was a

prince in Lumbini, 2500 years ago. He was very unhappy in his royal life, so he

set off on a 6 year journey, exploring other religions.

After his long journey and much meditation he was finally “enlightened”.

He found the middle path, the key to human happiness. For the rest of his life he wandered Asia, preaching his new religion.

What Did Buddha Teach? He taught the 4 Noble

truths which sum up Buddhism religion

He also taught the noble eight fold path

He taught to lead a moral life, be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions and to develop wisdom and understanding

He also taught the 5 precepts

What are the Four Noble Truths? The first was that life is suffering

○ You can’t live without death, frustration, etc. The second is that suffering is caused by

craving and aversion○ Getting what you want doesn’t guarantee happiness, it

deprives you of it The third is that suffering can be overcome,

and true happiness attained○ If we stop craving useless things, and live each day at

a time (not living in the future) we will be happy and free.

The fourth is that the Noble eight fold path leads to the end of all suffering

The Noble Eightfold Path It taught 8 simple rules: To have a right

understanding To have right thoughts To use right speech To do right actions To deal with right

livelihood To give a right effort To have a right

mindfulness To use the right

meditation

Elaboration of the Noble Eightfold Path

Right views (Samma ditthi) Right intent (Samma sankappa)

Right speech (Samma vaca) Right conduct (Samma kammanta) Right livelihood (Samma ajiva)

Right effort (Samma vayama) Right mindfulness (Samma sati) Right concentration (Samma

samadhi)

Wisdom (prajna)

Morality (sila)

Meditation (samadhi)

http://www.bergen.edu/faculty/gcronk/Buddhism.ppt

The 5 precepts

Do not take the life of anything living Do not take anything not freely given Abstain from sensual overindulgence Refrain from untrue speech Avoid intoxication

○ Do not lose mindfulness

This is the moral code of the Buddhists

The Five Components (skandhas) of personhood

Person

Body (rupa)

Mind (nama)

Sensation (vedana)

Consciousness (vinnana)

Perception (sanna)

Volition (sankhara)

(No-self, cont’d)

1.Ignorance

12.Aging & Dying

Impulse to Exist

Con- scious- ness

3.

5.Six Senses

11.Birth

10.Becom- ing

6.Contact

7.Sensations

8.Craving

4.Mind- Body

9.Cling- ing

Greed Delusion Hatred

Heaven

Hell

Human Realm

Demon Realm

Animal Realm

Hungry Ghost Realm

2.


of Buddhism

The Major Buddhist Traditions

Theravada (“The Way of the Elders”) - Sri Lanka & Southeast Asia

Mahayana (“The Greater Vehicle”) - China, Korea, & Japan (& Tibet & Mongolia)

Vajrayana (“The Way of the Diamond Thunderbolt”) - Tibet & Mongolia

Vajrayana is a development within the Mahayana tradition.

The Spread of Buddhism

Spheres of Influence

Theravada

Mahayana

Vajrayana

Buddhism out of India by 1000 AD


Chinese Buddhist celebration

“When there is this abstinence

from action, good order is universal.”

Founder(s) Many give credit to Laozi, born

around 614 B.C.E (older than even Confucius)

His writings began the Taoist movement.

Historians dispute over the exact time of founding, others disputes refer to the existence of Laozi at all.

Laozi is the author of Tao-te ching, which Taoism bases its philosophy off of.

Laozi literally means “Old Master”

Historical Context Of Founding The foundational text of Taoism is

“Daode Jing”, meaning Scripture of the Way and its Virtue. This was written by Laozi, the assumed founder of the philosophy. It was written to confront the reader with Daoism's essential point, which is: “The Dao that can be trodden is not the enduring and unchanging Dao. The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name”

Symbol(s) of TaoismTaoism had many different symbols, both derived from everyday items surrounding them and also other new formed symbols that originated based on their ideals. •The Yin-Yang is the infamous symbol of the Taoists that represents the main ideals of their philosophy involving balance of weakness (yin) and strength (yang). • Mountains are another important symbol of the Taoists, depicted in their art forms, that represents the land of the immortals and retreat from the negative. • Another sacred symbol of the Taoists was the tortoise which represented immorality in their philosophy. •The Yang, strength, is not only represented by the Yin-Yang symbol but also a dragon.

Deities’ NamesAlong with the philosophy of Taoism came a list of deities worshiped in their tempes. In these temples different ceremonies for each of their deities were conducted.

Yu-huang is considered the Jade Emperor, meaning he is the highest God of the Taoists. All other gods must report to him, and his function was to serve justice.

San-ch’ing is translated into The Three Ones. They are Yu-ch’ing, known as Jade Pure, Shang-ch’ing, known as Upper Pure, and T’ai-ch’ing, known as Great Pure. They were not rulers, but they sought to save mankind by teaching and benevolence.

Though Yu-huang is the High God, other dieties, such as Yuan-shih T'ien-tsun, are above him. He is considered the first principle, and he is self-existing, invisible, limitless, is present in all places, and is the source of all truths.

Location of Origin Taoism originated

in Classical China, providing explanation as to why all of central writings are in Chinese.

It is an Eastern religious philosophy.

Classical China

Major Locations Today Taoism has spread from it roots in

China all across the globe. While it is still popular today in

China, it is more popular in modern day Taiwan. It is also popular today in the United States of America. With the stress of everyday life at an all time high Americans like the simplicity and harmony of the religion.

Many “Taoist Hermits” are spread throughout the country, and practice the philosophies of Taoism by themselves in seclusion from the rest of civilization.

Number of Followers

While it is difficult to get an exact number of followers modern day, reliable data bases point towards approximately 20 million modern day followers spread throughout the globe.

Of the approximately 20 million followers, about 30,000 of them are believed to life in the US, predominantly in the western half of the country.

Number of Followers

How and Why the Philosophy Spread Taoism spread

successfully and swiftly from its roots in ancient China.

Taoism was a religion appreciated by the upper class and high level society, leading it to gain the respect of imperial governments and spread rather quickly.

Holy Books and Important Texts

Tao te Ching- “Morality Scripture” a collection of stories and poems written by Lao Tze. The book explains the way of the Tao, and how to properly live.

Chuan Tzu- written by Chuang Tzu or Zhang zi (same person) is a collection of primary Taoist doctrines. It includes the Wu-wei which talks about how to be in harmony with the Tao.

Lie Zi- written by Lie Yukou who was believed to be a hundred schools of thought philosopher.

Roles of Men and Women Men had a much higher role in

society than woman during the time period, and this was held true in the teachings of the Taoists.

However, Taoists did see women higher than normal because they create life, and there is an emphasis on harmony with the earth, which is seen in the natural qualities of females.

However, women were not allowed to make social decisions and were expected to run the household.

Places of Worship The Taoists worshiped in the Gong,

or temple, where they would perform their various ceremonies

Diverse in size relative to location and demography of attending people

Shows a new twist on traditional Chinese architecture like the Dragon and Tiger that are in the front of the temple and are wooden framed, typically built along mountains

Used Taoist symbols to decorate wood work of the hall of the temples

Holy Sites and WhyMap Key

(1) is the home of Lau Tsu

(2) where Tao Te Ching had a realization about Taoism

(4) Mao shan, a Taoist pilgrimage site.

(6) Ch’ ingchen Shan in Chengdu, another Taoist pilgrimage site where temples and a monastery are located.

HolidaysThe main holidays of the

Taoists are: Chinese New Year (beginning

of New Year – different than lunar calendar)

Lantern Festival (First Full moon of the year)

Tomb Sweeping Day (day of ceremonies at the tomb of ancestors)

Ghost Festival (like the Chinese Halloween)

Dragon Boat Festival (poet’s day)

Mid-Autumn Festival (family members celebrate, Spring Festival)

Major BeliefsCreation Story

The story of the Chinese philosophical creation talks about the Myth of Pan Ku: Creation and the Universal Egg. In the beginning of time, there was chaos, and the shape of the chaos was an egg. For 18,000 years the egg was incubating until it hatched, and when it hatched, the heavens and the earth came into existence. At the same, the giant Pan Ku was born. His size divided heaven and earth, and with the assistance of four creatures, a tortoise, a dragon, a phoenix, and a unicorn, he created the earth that’s seen today. When Pan Ku perished, he became “one with nature” meaning his body transformed into the environment.

Major BeliefsEnd Times Story

The Taoists did not actually believe in the end of time, they did agree with the fact of death as a natural part of life (did not have significance on their way of living)

They did not believe in an afterlife, but instead that death was the “ultimate end”.

Major Beliefs important commands and laws

1) Law of the Yin Yang-there must always be a balance of yin and yang, existing in every part of life

2) Law of Mutual Immanence-yin yang is mutually immiscible

3) Law of Dynamics -existence itself is dynamic

The Taoists basically wanted all of their people to focus more on internal balance with nature instead of the world and technology around them. Anyone that did not follow the laws of the universe and life depicted above were not only denying all that is right but also causing personal disorder. This relates to how Taoists believe that advancements in empires will actually bring their downfall and also the fact that simplicity is best.

Major Beliefs Purpose of Life

Taoists believed that if human nature was aligned perfectly with the rest of nature, the result would be both harmony and order. When people

deviate from the natural order, they are only bringing destruction upon themselves. The only way to encourage natural behavior is by using a model leader. A model emperor once said, “He who

governs his body, governs the country” (Patheos.com). Basically

you exist to become one with nature.

Influence on Architecture

Taoist architecture included various buildings in which religious ceremonies were held, such as temples, palaces, nunneries, and altars. It was very similar to Buddhist architecture, as it

could be divided into holy halls used for sacrifice or houses to live in. Most of the

temples are wooden framed, and surrounded by man-made gardens. The philosophy

pursues the unity of humans and nature, and Taoist architecture greatly reflects that.

Architecture

Influence on ArtTaoist art was ornate and was influenced mainly by immortals. The

immortals the closest any person could be to nature, so average followers wanted to become one with nature. An example of this art can be seen with the Fanghu Isle of Immortals, which was on

the previous slide. Because it is assumed that Laozi was the founder of Daoism, most of the art created emphasize him. The

artists were mostly Taoist masters, adepts, or scholars. The lotus was also a common Taoist symbol, because it was associated with humans’ true nature, and it was believed

humans grew out of mud.

Art

Immortal Laozi Daoist Immortals Vase with Immortal

Education

World major religion