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What is religion? What is the purpose of religion? Are all religions the same?

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Humans have always expressed a need to understand natural phenomenon and to answer questions regarding their way of life and what happens once they die. These needs resulted in the development of a variety of religions and philosophies that can be found throughout the world today. At first, humans developed belief systems that were special to the area in which they lived. As civilization developed, polytheism, or worshipping many gods, became quite common. Often cities, such as Athens and Greece, would worship patron gods who were seen as their protector. River Valley civilizations like that of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Indus all practiced their own form of polytheistic religion that centered around the forces of nature.

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Animism Animism is the oldest known type of belief system in the world. It is still practiced in a variety of forms in many traditional societies. Animists practice nature worship. They believe that everything in the universe has a spirit. This is exemplified by the practices of the Plains Indians in North America who would praise the spirit of the buffalo that they killed for giving its life to them so that they might survive. Animists also believed that ancestors watch over the living from the spirit world. This belief resulted in ancestor worship as a means of communicating with and showing respect to ancestors.

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Hinduism is a polytheistic religion that was formed from a variety of different religious practices. Established- Elements of the Hindu religion can be traced back to the ancient Indus River Valley civilization (approximately 3000 BCE) in modern-day Pakistan. Founder- It has been theorized that Hinduism is a result of cultural diffusion that occurred between Aryan invaders and the native peoples of India sometime around 1500 BCE. Geographic Origin- Developed on the Indian subcontinent (India) Currently Practiced- Most common in India. Significant Writings-Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita. Places of Worship- While Hindu temples do exist, Hinduism is usually practiced in the home where there is usually a shrine dedicated to a favored deity. Significant Religious People- Hindu priests carry out traditional religious practices in temples.

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Universal Spirit Hindus believe in one unifying spirit, brahman. Because brahman is too complex for humans to understand, Hindus worship three main gods: Brahma- the Creator Vishnu- the Preserver Shiva- the Destroyer The goal of life is to achieve union with brahman.

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One is able to achieve union with brahman, by freeing themselves from selfish desires. Most people cannot achieve this union in one lifetime Reincarnation, or rebirth of the soul in a new body, allows people to continue their own journey toward union with brahman

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In each lifetime, a person can come closer to union with brahman by obeying the law of karma. Karma consists of all the deeds of a person s life that affect his or her existence in the next life By living the right way and doing good deeds, a person will be reborn at a higher level (closer to attaining brahman) Evil deeds cause individuals to be reincarnated at a lower level (farther from brahman) Dharma is the moral and religious code that is expected to be followed. By following ones dharma, one would attain good karma, which would then help that person be reincarnated at a higher level. Following Dharma= positive Karma and reincarnation

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The caste system is an important part of Hinduism. Castes are social groups into which people are born. People are not able to move outside of their caste during their lifetime. By following one s Dharma, one could receive positive karma, and then be reborn into a higher caste in their next life.

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Buddhism also developed in India but later spread into other areas, such as China. Its founder, a prince named Siddartha Gautama, was born a Hindu in the 500s BC.

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Siddartha Gautama left his wealthy home to search for the meaning of human suffering. On his journey Siddartha Gautama witnessed the old aged, the sick, and death While meditating under a sacred tree, he found the answer to his question. He was then referred to as the Buddha, or the Enlightened One.

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Holy Book- Tripitaka= Three Baskets of Wisdom The central philosophy of Buddhism revolves around the Four Noble Truths. Life is full of pain and suffering. Human desire causes this suffering. By putting an end to desire, humans can end suffering. Humans can end desire by following the Eightfold Path.

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Ultimate goal for Buddhists is to achieve nirvana, or union with the universe and release from the cycle of death and rebirth. Eight Fold Path: Right Views Right Intentions Right Speech Right Conduct Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Meditation

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O- eQ3tV9Zbg

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The late Zhou Dynasty was a troubled time in China. There were many wars, and economic and social changes disrupted everyday life. Two philosophies emerged, which helped direct people in China how to live. Confucianism and Taoism shared the common purpose of restoring harmony in China.

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Founder-Kong Fu Zi, which was translated as Confucius by Europeans. Confucius lived in China during the Zhou Dynasty, when there was mass disorder and confusion and a lack of moral standards. Confucius was appalled by what appeared to be the decline of Chinese society. He believed that the only cure was to stress a sense of social order and mutual respect, a philosophy that later became known as Confucianism. Confuciuss teachings were collected in The Analects

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Confucianism teaches that there is a natural social order to society which can best be explained through the Five Relationships: Ruler to ruled. Father to son. Older brother to younger brother. Husband to wife. Friend to friend. In these relationships, the second role is considered subordinate to the first. It was taught that if everyone knew their place in society, then order would prevail. Filial Piety- respect your elders

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Every person had duties and responsibilities that depended on his or her position. People are naturally good Education should be the road to advancement in society To ensure social order, the individual must find and accept his or her proper place in society.

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Another influential philosophy that developed in China was known as Taoism. Taoism sought to help people live in harmony with nature. Laozi founded Taoism, and taught people to contemplate the way of the universe. Taoists believe in a balance between yin and yang. The peace and well-being of the universe depend on the harmony between yin and yang

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The Hebrews were one of the nomadic groups who lived in the Fertile Crescent. According to Hebrew tradition, the Hebrews became enslaved in Egypt, and God helped them escape this slavery. By 1000 BC, the Hebrews had set up a kingdom in Israel with Jerusalem as its capital. This land was promised to the Hebrews by God.

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Judaism is monotheistic, teaching a belief in one God. Most other religions of the time worshiped many gods and goddesses (polytheistic). The Hebrews believed that God was their special protector and was all-powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere.

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Sacred scriptures are found within the holy book of Judaism, known as the Torah. According to the Torah, God made a covenant, or binding agreement to be God of the Hebrews. Jews also believe that God gave them the Ten Commandments through Moses. The Ten Commandments were laws that describe how people should behave towards God and each other. Prophets, or spiritual leaders, urged Hebrews to act accordingly and preached a strong code of ethics, or moral standard of behavior. Judaism had a strong influence on two other world religions; Christianity and Islam.

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Christianity began in Palestine with the teachings of a Jew named Jesus in 30 A.D. Beginning with a small group of followers, Christianity grew and became the official religion of the Roman Empire by A.D. 392. According to Christian tradition, Jesuss mother, Mary, had been told before his birth that he would be the messiah Messiah means savior sent by God

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The teachings of Jesus were rooted in Jewish tradition. Jesus accepted the Ten Commandments that God had given the Jews through Moses. At the same time, he preached new ideas; According to his followers, he was the son of God His mission was to bring salvation and eternal life to anyone who would follow his teachings. Jesus taught mercy and sympathy for the poor and helpless Golden Rule- Treat others how you wish to be treated

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The sacred text of Christianity is the Bible. The Bible is divided into two parts; Old Testament- includes Hebrew scriptures, books of law, history, and poetry. New Testament- includes gospels (describing Jesus and his teachings)

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Islam, similar to both Judaism and Christianity, is monotheistic. Allah is the name of God Followers of the Islamic religion are known as Muslims. Muslim means "one who submits to the will of Allah." According to Islamic faith, Allah was compassionate and all-powerful.

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According to Muslim tradition, an Arab named Muhammad received a message from an angel named Gabriel. In the message, Gabriel commanded Muhammad to spread the message of Islam. Muhammad and his followers embarked on a journey, known as the hijra, to spread the Islamic religion. This journey was a turning point for Islamic religion, for it ensured that the Islamic faith would grow.

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Under Mohammad's leadership, the basic teachings of Islam were established, which are known as the Five Pillars of Islam. Every Muslim is expected to follow these rules in order to lead an ethical life: Confession of Faith: The belief that "there is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is His prophet." Prayer: Muslims must pray five times per day, facing towards Mecca. Charity: Muslims must give alms to the poor, and support the local Mosque by donating a portion of their income. Fasting: During the Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, all Muslims must fast during daylight hours, except the very young or sick. Pilgrimage: If possible financially, each Muslim must make a hajj, or holy pilgrimage, to the city of Mecca. Qur'an/Koran- Holy Book which contains the final authority on all matters and provides the guide to life for all Muslims.

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Jews, Christians, and Muslims all believe in one God, and their holy writings share many themes and ethics. Despite these similarities, the three groups have often come into conflict. Even today, especially in the Middle East, these groups do not always coexist peacefully. We will see this first hand with our study of the Crusades.