religions of the world. introduction major world religions can be divided into three categories...
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Introduction
Major world religions can be divided into three categories based on geographical location
All these religions have their origin in the East
Near East India Far East
Near East
Judaism 2000 B.C. Originate in Jerusalem Covenant between Abraham and
God Covenant is renewed between
Moses and God God’s laws and commandments
are revealed via the Torah
Near East
Christianity 1 A.D. Originated in Bethlehem Centered on the life & teachings of Jesus Christ
(Son of God & Messiah) in the New Testament Teachings are also shared with the Hebrew Bible
(the old testament)
Near East
Islam Originated about 500 A.D. Youngest of the three “Eastern”
religions Originated in Mecca (Arabia) Based on the teachings of
Mohammed For Muslims, Mohammed is not a
religious founder, but a great prophet who reestablished God’s message
Near East
All 3 religions have languages originating from either Hebrew or Arabic and therefore called SEMITIC
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are classified as Abrahamic Religions
Near East
Judaism, Christianity, & Islam share: Monotheism – belief in ONE god God is referred to in FATHERLY terms God is considered the CREATOR of the world This God:
• Made us in his image• Gave us commandments to follow• Told us to live in brotherly love with one another
Salvation Aspect – A belief that man has fallen from God’s grace (sin) but can be saved
Near East
One of the tragedy’s of the modern world is that despite all of the things held in common by so many people (all 3 religions), they continue to fight & persecute each other.
This is the HUMAN ELEMENT of religion
India
Hinduism Founded 2500 B.C. Originated in India No religious founder Many important teachings and
books (Vedas, Upanishads, Tantra’s, etc.)
Very complicated religion, having many system of beliefs
India
Buddhism 500 B.C.E Originated in India, but now
concentrated in Thailand, Indo-China
No belief in God, instead a philosophy & psychology on how to live life
Founded on teachings of the Buddha (Siddharta Gautama)
Teachings are in Dhamma meaning “teachings of the awakened one”
India
Sikhism 1500 B.C.E Originated in India, but now
concentrated in Thailand, Indo-China
Focuses on pursuit of salvation (union with God)
Salvation is attained by disciplined personal meditation, on the name of God
Teachings are from ten Sikh Gurus (enlightened leaders) and the Guru Gurū Granth Sāhib—which (holy scripture)
Far East
From the Far East, we have 3 major religions Confucianism (from China, about 500 B.C.E.) Taoism (from China, about 500 B.C.E.) Zen-Buddhism (from Japan)
Far East
Confucianism 551 B.C.E Founded by K’ung Fu Tzu (Confucius) A great teacher, believing education
was a means of self-transformation who travelled China teaching about morals, ethics, and the proper use of political power
Confucianism is a ethical system concerned with how people should act toward each other, rather than a traditional religion concerned with the metaphysical (spiritual)
Far East
Taoism 440 C.E Founded by Lao-Tse, with hope of ending feudal warfare Combination of psychology & philosophy Writings in Tao-te-Ching,
• describe the nature of life • the way to peace • how a ruler should lead his life
Tao is “the path”, a source of energy through the universe
The goal of life is to become one with the Tao through humility, compassion, virtue, and moderation
Parent vs. Derivative Religions
From the East
Judaism Christianity
Islam
Hinduism Buddhism
Sikhism
Zen-Buddhism
Confucianism
Parent Religions
Derivative Religions
Parent Religions
Often these religions remain within the region of origin
The religions are often a way of life
The real founder is not an individual, but a group of people and it develops over a number of years within the group
Example – the Hebrews, Israelites, Jews as the chosen people Example – Abraham, Moses, & Jesus etc. were leaders, not founders
Parent religions are a whole way of life for a distinct group of people who did not attempt to convert others (self contained)
Key Points: No founder group Way of life Slow growing
Derivative Religions
These religions grew from or out of a parent religion
They where founded by a single person Example – Christianity (Jesus Christ) Example – Islam (Mohammed)
Widespread, growing very rapidly
These religions are missionary They are not confined to a single group. These religions go out and covert others These religions grow rapidly These religions tend to be larger
How are Religions Most Similar?
All religions are similar in eight different ways
(1) Belief in a Power A power greater than
humans, worthy of being worshipped
A source of life
(2) Holy Places Place of religious importance Must make a pilgrimage
How are Religions Most Similar?
(3) Religious Symbols A symbol identifying
the religion Signs may also have
specific meaning
(4) Liturgy Having religious
observances Having “holy days”
How are Religions Most Similar?
(5) Holy Writings Literature of religious
importance May contain history, poetry,
rules, answers to problems, It is a form of worship
(6) Important People People who are revered or
worshiped These can include: founders,
missionaries, or historical characters
How are Religions Most Similar?
(7) Places of Worship Enclosed structure Location for coming
together to worship
(8) Golden rule The idea of “goodwill”
How are Religions Different?
(1) Sin & Evil Some believe people are basically evil Some religions say naturally good people are
corrupted by the evil world Some say people are a part of nature, neither good
nor evil
(2) Salvation Some religions are Messianic – having a belief that a
divine intervention will save people from destruction Other religions believe God to be remote
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