History UnitYear 5

Key Learning:The background and development of the three monotheistic religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Outcomes:HB3.1 – Demonstrates a sound understanding of the key beliefs of the Catholic Church.HB3.2 – Demonstrates a sound understanding of the story of the Early Church.HB3.3 – Demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of different religious traditions.

Pre-test:

Who is Abraham? What are the three Abrahamic religions? What is the main thing they have in common? How are these three religions different? Name three important events in the life of the early Christian church. Name two women who played an important role in the life of the early Christian church. Who are Peter and Paul? What important role did they play in the life of the early Christian church?

Outline and compare the origins of the three Abrahamic faiths.

Key Concepts:• Abraham is the ancestor of many faiths.

He is a unique figure. His name means “Father of Many Nations”.

• Judaism, Christianity and Islam are referred to as Abrahamic religions. This is because all three faiths trace their roots to Abraham, revere him, and believe he was a major prophet in their respected religions.

View this clip -‘Big Bang & Birth of the Earth’

Reflect on the creation of the universe…..What are your thoughts…….?

Who was Abraham?Brainstorm what you know about him…..

Click here to read Genesis 12:1-3. What does God ask Abraham to do?

Record any information you know and will learn on this Profile Chart

View this clip and add any new information to your Profile Chart

In small groups, examine Abraham’s qualities and evaluate what you consider were the reasons God chose him to be ‘The Father of Many Nations’.

Create a Qualities Chart.

Using Resource Sheet 2: Abrahamic Faiths research and compare the origins of the three faiths that originated from Abraham and are referred to as the Abrahamic Faiths.

Answer the following questions:

• Where did the three Abrahamic faiths originate?

• What do the Abrahamic faiths have in common?

• Who was their founder?

View some examples of diagrams of the Genealogy of Abraham

These diagrams show how Judaism, Christianity and Islam all have common origin.

Choose one of these diagrams to record in your books/tablets.

Read Matthew 1:1-17 which traces the lineage of Jesus through David all the way back to Abraham.

View the Maps of War site that shows a silent moving pictorial timeline of the development of religions across the world

Research some important events and key people in the foundation of: Judaism, and Islam

Key Concepts:• Abraham’s belief in one God was a

revolutionary idea. Everyone else believed in multiple gods. Abraham’s shift to monotheism changed the world and the repercussions of this belief system are evident to the present day.

• Monotheism traditions have brought forth the world religions called Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The biggest relationship between the three faiths is their belief in only one God.

mon-o-the-ism

from Greek monos = single theos = God

A belief in one God. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all monotheistic religions.

Definition of monotheism:

Is there any where during our celebration of Mass where we state our beliefs?

Read the Nicene Creed

If we say this prayer as Catholics, are we monotheistic in our belief?

Working in pairs, research similarities/differences in the religious traditions of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

Use Resource Sheet 4a to write your facts.

Some helpful websites:

The Five Themes Through World Religions

Three Faiths With One God

Christianity in View

Judaism key events: Abraham’s call, God’s covenant, The Promised Land, Moses, Passover, The Ten Commandments, David, Torah.

Islam key events: Key episodes in Mohammad’s life, Journey to Mecca, Qur’an

In looking at the life of Abraham and Mohammad in the foundation of Judaism and Islam, note the significant actions that were taken as a result of their faith.

Complete this cloze activity to learn more about The Story of Mohammad

Discuss ways that the three Abrahamic religions are interconnected today.

Key Concepts

• Inter-faith dialogue is a way of promoting unity and peace.

• Inter-faith dialogue cannot be considered in isolation from its cultural, economic and/or historical context.

In groups research and identify the teachings about ‘peace’ that the three Abrahamic religions have in common.

Use Resource Sheet 5 to summarise what some members of the three Abrahamic religions are doing today to promote peace, harmony and interconnectedness.

Do we see evidence in the world that the peace of these religions is adhered to in their relationship with the rest of the world?

Read the following World Religions’ Commitment to Global Peace Pledge.

Justify what aspects of this peace commitment you consider to be the most important for today.

Personal Reflection:

Am I a person of peace: within myself? At home? At school? At sport? At work? In friendship?

What can I do to become more of a person of peace?

Why is it difficult to be a peace builder?

Does it take courage and strength to be a person of peace?

Research some important events in the life of the early Christian Church.

Key Concepts

• The authentic Christian community, was raised up by the power of the Holy Spirit, was devoted to, and passionate about the apostles teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.

The Secret Lives of the Apostles (trailer)

Research the following events:

Pentecost Acts 2:1-13The Spread of Jesus’ Message Acts 2:42-47The Conversion of Gentiles Acts 15:3The First Council of Jerusalem Acts 15:1-17, 19-31

Present above research on a timeline.Example of a timeline

Present some information about some important people in the foundation of the Early Church.

Key Concepts

• The early Christian leaders experienced a sense of empowerment from the Spirit, enabling them to understand the Christian message and to have the courage to carry out the mission of Jesus.

• The significant contribution of men and women in the early Church, gave the Church its lasting shape and character.

View this clip and record what Peter and Paul did to contribute to the development of the Church.

Discovering our Saints – Peter and Paul

Create information cards about the women in these scripture passages explaining the particular role they played in the establishment of the early Church. Include the qualities these women had and why they were admired by their fellow Christians.

Lydia, Acts 16:13-15, Acts 16:39-40; Tabitha, Acts 9:35-42;Priscilla and Aquila, Acts 18:1-3, 24-26, Romans 16:1-7

Use the Biblical People website for more information.