World ReligionsBeliefs, Moral Standards, and Conflict

Religion ReviewHelps ppl answer the basic questions about the meaning of life; supports the values of culture; can shape morals & ethics of a group of ppl.● Monotheism - belief in 1 god● Polytheism - belief in more than 1 god● Nontheism - belief in no god (atheism)● Animism - belief that everything in nature has a

spirit5 major religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, & Islam

Hinduism: OriginsMix of Indigenous tribal beliefs from the Indus Valley and the Aryan tribes between 1000 BCE and 600 BCE

Beliefs and rituals derived from a series of ancient texts called the Vedas. These books contain poems and hymns to various gods and religious rituals.

Hinduism: BeliefsPolytheistic but believe that all gods are an aspect of a universal spirit called Brahman that created the world and preserves it.

3 major gods = ● Brahma the Creator● Siva the Destroyer● Vishnu the Preserver

Person’s ultimate goal is to reunite the soul with Brahman

Hinduism: Beliefs ContTo achieve the ultimate goal could take more than just one lifetime, so they believe in Reincarnation.● Reincarnation = process of birth, death, &

rebirth● Karma = effects that good or bad actions have

on a person’s soulBuild good karma so that when reincarnated, the soul will move closer to Brahman and ending the cycle

Hinduism: ConflictMost conflict between Hindus and other religions seem to be acts of terrorism. ● India vs Pakistan - the Muslims wanted their

own country

Judaism: OriginsBegins with Abraham in early Mesopotamia about 1800 BCE

God comes to Abraham to make a covenant with him. If he moves to a new land then God would make him a great nation.

Abraham is known as the Father of Judaism

Judaism: BeliefsThere is no official creed or doctrine that Jews believe in.

There are some principles of faith mainly dealing with the belief that God exists, that Moses’ prophecies are true and that one should follow the laws written in the Torah.

● Torah = Old Testament from the Bible

Focuses on relationships between God and their people

Judaism: Conflict● diaspora - Jewish forced to leave and spread

out● slavery in Egypt● WWII - Holocaust● War with Egypt● Constant terrorist attacks with Palestine and

other Arab nations

Christianity: OriginsDeveloped out of JudaismFounded on the life, teachings, & death of Jesus of Nazarene (1st century CE)

Christianity: BeliefsCentral Belief - Jesus Christ (Jesus of Nazarene) died on the Cross and rose from the dead as the Savior to all people. This made Jesus Christ the Messiah. It is through the belief in Jesus that people can get to heaven.

There are many branches of Christianity in the world today that all share the same central belief, but have different rules about how to do things.

Christianity: Conflict● Crusades - War with Muslims over the Holy

Land● Inquisition - Catholics war on being different● Border conflicts with Muslims in N. Africa● Acts of terrorism

Buddhism: OriginsBegan around 500 BCE with a man named Siddhartha Gautama (Indian Warrior)

Unhappy with life & went searching for answers about why people suffer

Spent 14 weeks meditating & found answers to why people suffer and reached enlightenment

Became known as the Buddha

Buddhism: Beliefs4 Guiding principles - 4 Noble Truths

1. Suffering & unhappiness are a part of human life. No one can escape sorrow.

2. Suffering comes from our desires for pleasure & material goods. People cause their own misery because they want things they cannot have.

3. People can overcome desire & ignorance & reach nirvana which frees the soul from suffering and need for more reincarnation.

4. People can overcome ignorance & desire by following an eightfold path that leads to wisdom, enlightenment, & salvation.

Buddhism: Beliefs ContThe Eightfold Path

1. Right Thought - belief in 4 Noble Truths2. Right Intent - act from love and compassion3. Right Speech - avoid lies & gossip, truthful speech4. Right Action - don’t hurt people5. Right Livelihood - reject work that hurts others6. Right Effort - prevent evil & do good - focus on the

path7. Right Mindfulness - control your feelings & thoughts8. Right Concentration - practice proper meditation

Buddhism: ConflictUsually Acts of Terrorism● Monks setting themselves on fire in protest● terrorism attacks between Muslims and

Buddhist

Islam: OriginsFormed around 622 CE with the Prophet Muhammad.

It is said that the Angel Gabriel came to him and he was called to be God’s (Allah) last prophet. What God said and taught Muhammad is what constitutes the Islamic faith.

Their holy book is called the Qur’anThere are many different branches

Islam: Beliefs5 Pillars:

1. Profession of faith - There is no God but God and Muhammad is His prophet

2. Prayer - Pray 5 times a day3. Charity - Share the wealth4. Fast - Ramadan 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca

Islam: ● Crusades● Wars to conquer other land and spread

Islam● Acts of terror or the use of the term ‘holy

war’ to cover up acts of violence○ 9/11○ Embassy Bombing○ most Muslims do not condone the acts of terror that

are common in recent history - religion is used as reason to act upon hatred and fear

Maps of War