Religions of the World - an overview

JudaismChristianityIslam

HinduismBuddhismSikhismConfucianismShinto

What are the major religions of the world?

Questions to ask and answer to yourself

Which religious tradition do you know the least about? The most about? What do you know about this religious tradition, and how do you know it? Do you have friends or relatives who are part of a religious tradition other then your own?

February 3, 2014

Objectives:Students will be able to compare and contrast different world religionsQuestion: Explain how religion affects our daily lives?Agenda: Notes/Worksheet

Comparative Religions:A brief introduction

Why study religions?It helps us to…

1. Understand differences• Nations, cultures, politics, philosophy

2. See similarities• Humans, nations, regions• Lessen hostilities

3. Appreciate our own beliefs• Self vs others• facilitate exchange between religious

groups

The eight major world religionsCan you name them?1. Hinduism2. Buddhism3. Taoism4. Confucianism5. Shinto6. Judaism7. Christianity8. Islam

Religious Similarities1. Belief in a power greater than man2. Holy writings3. Holy places4. Important people5. Symbolism6. Places of worship7. Liturgy (observances)8. Golden rule

Religious Differences

1. Idea of Sin vs Evil2. Idea of salvation3. Idea of priesthood4. Idea of a “personal” god

Categorizing Religions:- Ethnic vs. Universal1. Ethnic: the religion of a particular people or culture (e.g., Judaism,

Shinto, Hinduism) (tend to be localized and do not actively seek converts)2. Universal: a religion which sees its message as true for all people (e.g.,

Christianity, Islam, Buddhism) (have spread throughout the world and tend to be very large in population, have actively sought converts from many cultures)

Categorizing Religions:- Theistic vs. Non-theistic3. Theistic: focus on a personal God (mono-) or gods (poly-) (god = supernatural "person,” spirit being) (most common in western religions)4. Non-theistic: Ultimate Reality or ultimate goal of the religion does not involve a personal god (impersonal Ultimate Reality) (force or energy) (found mostly in the eastern religions)

Categorizing Religions:- Major vs. Minor5. Major religions: Religions that are high in population, widespread throughout the world, the basis upon which other religions were built and/or otherwise highly influential6. Minor Religions: Religions that are limited in population, geographic locale and/or influence

Categorizing Religions:- Western vs. EasternWestern: Religions that developed west of the Urals (e.g. in the Near East and Europe):

JudaismChristianityIslam

Eastern: Religions that developed east of the Urals (e.g., in India, China and Japan)

India– Hinduism– Buddhism– Sikhism–

Far East– Shinto– Confucianism–

Western and Eastern Religions in Contrast:

Time:

Western/Christian Eastern/Hindu

UltimateReality:

Afterlife:

The HumanCondition:(problem)Solution:(liberation)

Linear/Singular Cyclical/Repeating

Monotheistic(one personal god)

Poly- or non-theistic(many gods or impersonal)

Disembodied (one life thenJudgment, heaven or hell)

Embodied (many lives -Reincarnation)

Sin (separation fromGod due to bad deeds)

Ignorance & Karma(impurity of soul causedby good and bad deeds)

avoid, eliminate, or overcome sin (salvation)

elimination of ignorance& karma (moksha)

Western and Eastern Religions in Contrast:EncounterWith God:

Mediatedthrough:

Revelation/Enlighten-ment:

RelationshipBetweenSelf & God:

Western/Christian Eastern/Hindu

God is heard (texts) God is seen (images)

Prophets (messengers of God, bring God to people)

Gurus (personal spiritual guides, bring people to truth)

God revealed in the world through miraculoushistorical & relational Events (supernatural)

Gods revealed in nature;abstract truths revealed to the mind through wisdom & philosophical ideas

Dualistic("I and Thou")

Identity("That art Thou")

Final 2

What defines a Western and Eastern religion?

February 4, 2014

Objectives: Students will be able to explain the concepts of Hinduism and Buddhism.Question: What geographic location divides Western and Eastern Religons?Agenda: Notes/Due today: Hinduism and Buddhism worksheetsWork on packet!

Non classical religionsPrimal indigenous (Animists) (Tribal)

includes shamanism and paganism. Oral canon and lack of rigid boundaries between sacred and secular

African Traditional based in Yoruba nation states (West Africa)African Diaspora Western hemisphere spread of African tribal tradition (Vodoo in Caribbean and

South America)Neo-Paganism; Druidism.

HinduismOne of the world’s oldest faiths concentrated in South Asia; Hindus; established 5,000 years ago.Holy texts: VedasCenter of the Faith is in Varanasi, India on the Ganges RiverCaste System defines place usually based on profession; Karma; Destiny is usually fixed; Cycle of life, death, rebirth…Hindus may believe in one god or many gods: Brahman, Shiva, Rama, VishnuBelievers believe in “Reincarnation”

Some Hindu Gods

Brahma- The Creator

Shiva- The Destroyer

Vishnu- The Preserver

*each of these Gods visit Earth and can take any form*

Hindu beliefs

Improve your atman

By improving your atman, you can reach moksha, or union with Brahman

Hindu beliefs

Achieving moksha is very difficult.It requires studying the sacred texts, such as the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita.Upholding good dharma.Obeying karma.Cannot be achieved within one lifetime.

Therefore, reincarnation is a common belief in Hinduism.

BuddhismOffshoot of Hinduism; Buddhists; established 2,500 years ago near Nepal borderHoly texts are Sutras/Vedas Faith centered near Sarnath, India; Founded by Siddhartha Guatama also called the BuddhaRejected the Hindu idea of CastesCorrect way of living in order to reach Nirvana;

Karma-Destiny not fixedBuddhists may believe in one god or many godsBuddhist faiths- Theravada, Mahayana, Lamaism, and Zen; Believers innovated a method of defenseBelievers believe in “Reincarnation”

BuddhismWhen did it begin? Who founded it? What were its beliefs?Began in India during 6th century B.C.E. Founder Siddhartha Guatama ( Buddha or “Enlightened One” ). Hinduism fails to answer question of meaning of life, travels as ascetic holy man experiencing revelations of Buddhist beliefs.Four Noble Truths: 1) All life is suffering 2) Suffering caused by false desires for things that do not bring satisfaction 3) Suffering is relieved by removing desire 4) Desire is removed by following the Eightfold Path.Eightfold Path: Ultimate goal is to achieve nirvana (State of contentment occurring when soul unites with universal spirit) Step by step process beginning with changing thoughts and intentions, then lifestyle and actions to achieve higher thought process through meditation.

Differs with Hinduism in breaking with caste system beliefs about achieving Moksha. Does not require higher caste status but reliance on Eightfold Path by anyone. Hindus oppress religion after Buddha’s death because they see it as a threat to caste system.Mauryan emperor Ashoka converts to Buddhism and promotes it in India, but it thrives in places where cultural diffusion permits tolerance. (SE Asia, China, Korea, Japan)

Final 3

Explain the Hindu belief in achieving Moksha.

Sikhism1500’s – attempt to unify Hindu & IslamNW India region of PunjabNever cut beard or hair, wear turbansMilitant"A Sikh is any woman or man whose faith consists of belief in one God, the ten Gurus, the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and of the ten Gurus, who has faith in the amrit of the tenth Guru, and who adheres to no other religion." --Rahit Maryada (Religion Facts)

Sikhism

Sikh at the Golden Temple of Amritsar, Punjab.http://www.religionfacts.com/sikhism/

Belief systems in ChinaWhen did it begin? Who founded it? What were its beliefs?Confucianism Emerges during Warring States Period (403 -221 B.C.E.) between Zhou / HanTrying to understand the chaos of period, Confucius concludes Mandate of Heaven was lost due to poor behavior of the emperor and his subjects.. His plan for reestablishing Chinese society to order emphasized the importance of harmony, order, and obedience established through 5 basic sound relationships.

Emperor / subject: Emperor must be responsible in caring for subjects and subjects must obey him

Father / son: Father takes care of son and son obeys father Older brother / younger brother: Older brother cares for younger, and

younger obeys older brotherHusband / wife: Husband cares for wife, who in turn obeys himFriend / Friend: Mutual care and obedience where equality is assumed

Superior man exhibits ren (kindness) li (sense of propriety) and xiao (filial piety, loyalty to family)Philosophical system based on obedience to emperor and patriarchal family structure for social order

ConfucianismGood government dependent on moral officials (junzi) practicing benevolence, humanity, virtue, to guide their behavior as public officials. Ignoring it meant loss of mandate Two elements of Dao to live a good life are

Duty to family and community applies to all persons & subordination of personal interests to the broader needs of others

Maxim - “do not do unto others what you would not want done to you”

Organizes the societal canon of historical texts:Book of Documents - emperors and ministers rulings and

thoughtsBook of Changes - I Ching methods of predicting futureBook of Songs - poems of everyday lifeSpring / Autumnal annals - practices and recordings of fertility

and harvest seasonsRites and Rituals - Court philosophies and rituals

– Daoism: Founder Laozi 4th c BCE

Shinto“The Way of the Gods”Traditional religion of JapanWorship of nature & ancestorsComplex set of deities – inc. Emperor

Final 5

Explain what is meant by Nirvanna. Which religion is this associated with?

February 8, 2013

Objectives: You should be able to explain the main concepts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.NO FIRST 5Agenda: Notes/Complete Packet/Check off

JudaismJudaism: Monotheistic religion based in Covenant (agreement) with God that he would provide for them as long as they obeyed him. (Chosen people)Ten Commandments: rules for relationships among humans and with GodBelief as Chosen people, hence did not seek converts and limited its growth.Influence on other major religions like Christianity, Islam, makes it a significant “root religion’ Belief in coming of Messiah to restore Jewish kingdom

JudaismOldest of the SW Asia Religions concentrated in Israel; Jews; established 3,500 years agoHoly text is the TaNaKh; Torah- first five booksCenter of the faith is Jerusalem at the remains of a past temple called the Western Wall Star of David, Ten Commandments; TorahGod of Abraham and Moses - first of the interrelated monotheistic faiths of SW AsiaJudaic faiths- Reform (Modern) , Orthodox (Traditional)Believers believe in a “Heaven”

ChristianitySecond oldest of the SW Asia Religions concentrated in Israel; Christians, established 2,007 years ago.Holy text is the BibleCenter of the faith is Jerusalem at the point of Jesus’ execution and burial- Church of the Holy Sepulcher outside the walls of ancient JerusalemCross or CrucifixGod of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus; believers believe Jesus is the son of God For Christians, the story of the Jews is the Old TestamentChristian faiths- Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Lutheran, and othersBelievers believe in a “Heaven”

IslamFounded Mecca 622 CE by MuhammadVisited by Gabriel while meditating, decides he is last of the prophets and true god Allah spoke to him through Gabriel. Later insisted all other gods were false. Followers, Muslims, people who have submitted to will of Allah.Alienates Mecca city leaders who fear loss of pilgrims to Ka’aba temple site, exile him (hijrah) in 622 to Yathrib.Renames city Medina (city of Prophet)

Five Pillars of faith are duties to practice to show submission to will of God1.Faith: Declaration of one God Allah and Muhammad as his messenger2. Prayer: 5 times a day facing Mecca3. Alms: charity to the poor tax 4. Fasting: Month long Ramadan5. Pilgrimage: One hadj to Ka’aba in life

Spread of IslamWhere did it spread after Muhammad’s death?

Middle East, Northern Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia

How is Muslim government set up?Caliph (successor or deputy selected by leaders of umma) rules

caliphate 1st caliph was Abu-Bakr, close friend of Muhammad, followed by 3

successive caliphs who had known the Prophet and were rightly guided by the Qur’an and memory of Muhammad. They had conquered land from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indus River by middle of 8th century

What factors contributed to the spread of Islam from 622 to the middle 8th century?

Religious zealWell-disciplined, organized armies and tactically superior

commandersWeakness of Byzantine and Persian empiresTreatment of conquered peoples. Forbid conversions, so people

retained religions. No poll tax required and viewed Jews and Christians as monotheistic with written codes like Muslims (people of the book)

IslamYoungest of the SW Asia Religions concentrated in the lands of modern Saudi Arabia and Israel; Muslims; established 1,400 years agoHoly text is the Qu’ran or KoranCenter of the faith is Mecca at the Kaaba in the Great mosque of Mecca; also Medina and Jerusalem are importantClothing is very important to observant Muslims- Abaya, Sheedor, Hajib, Burqa God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and believers believe Mohammed is the messenger of Allah or GodFor Muslims, Christians and Jews are the people of the Book; Symbol used by some may be the use of the crescent moon and starIslamic faiths- Sunni and Shiite (Shia) and othersBelievers believe in a “Heaven”

Islamic Split * (Important in today’s world)

What led to a split in the caliphate?Muhammad’s son-in-law’s death (murdered by rivals) triggers civil war leading to family known as Umayyads taking control

What two groups emerged in this division and what were their contentions?

Sunni - Most Muslims accepted Umayyad’s rule, believing caliph should be selected by leaders of Muslim community (umma) Sunni means “followers of Muhammad’s example”

Shi’a (Shi’ites)- believed that the caliph should be a relative of the Prophet and rejected Umayyad’s authority.

Although united by religion the caliphate fragmented politically.

AnimisticGenerally used in traditional societiesOften belief in the divine forces of natureGod of the Sun, Moon, Wind, etc.Usually in remote areas of the world such as the Amazon river Basin, Indigenous peoples of North America, Aboriginals of Australia, and othersSometimes also referred to as Pagans in some cultures

Ethnic

Religions that have strong territorial and cultural group identification, usually one become a member by birth or by adoption of a complex lifestyle and cultural identity, not merely by a statement of faith (Fellman, 157)

Cultural Landscape

Christian structuresRoman Catholics – cathedral is literally the house of God, so the focal point and large

Protestant StructuresBuildings are merely a place to assemble

Amish & Mennonite

Islamic Mosques

Imposing, but not sanctified, a place of gathering

HinduismUsually dedicated to one deity

Varanasi on the Ganges River is  the holist city in Hinduism and is over 3,000 years old.  As the sun rises each day worshipers come to the ghats (steps) to perform rituals, such as washing themselves, drinking the river water, and making floating offerings.To die here is to be released from the cycle of life -- from reincarnation and reborn. If possible, Hindus want to die here, and then be burned on one of two funeral ghats -- which are clearly identified by the large piles of firewood.

www.uwec.edu/.../India/India/Varanasi-ghats.htm

Baha’iAre building temples around the world to emphasize the universality of the religion

For the N. American continent

Chile

India

Buddhism

Not designed for congregational worship

Todaiji TempleNara period, constructed 745

Shintoism

Not designed for congregational worship

The Nachi Shrine is a Shinto/Buddhist multiplex. Indigenous practices of Shinto gradually incorporated imported practices of Chinese Buddhism. The syncretic history of Japanese religion can be seen in the evolving architecture of sacred spaces

Can we all get along?

Which ones do you know?How has religion shaped culture?How have different religions treated each other?

They are (clockwise):

Pentagram (Wicca and others)Wheel of Dharma (Buddhism)Star of David (Judaism)Omkar (Hinduism)Chalice (Unitarian)Ying and Yang (Daoism)Cross (Christian- Reformed)Star and Crescent (Islam - Ottoman)

Summary Questions

What did you find most interesting or surprising?What did you find most confusing?What would you like to know more about?

Why? Why? Why?