World Religions

Timeline of religions

• 2000BCE: Hinduism• 1350BCE: Judaism• 628-527BCE: Zoroastrianism• 580-500BCE: Daoism• 563-483 BCE: Buddhism• 551-479BCE: Confucianism• 481-403BCE: Legalism• 1-33CE: Christianity• 100CE: Shinto

Buddhism Diffusion to China• Southern China began to adopt Buddhism

– Many monasteries set up along the Silk Road and in caves. – Buddhist arts flourished, especially in the caves at Dun-huang, Yun-gang and

Long-men. – 1,000 caves at Dun-huang = Buddhist paintings & there were thousands of

Buddha statues.

Caves at Dun-huang

Monasteries

China

Japan

Monasteries

Borobudur - Indonesia

Monasteries

Mongolia

Japan

Tibetan Buddhism

• Developed in Tibet in 7th century CE

• Mix of Theravada & Mahayana

• Dalai Lama– Manifestations of

Bodisattva– 14th incarnation of Buddha– Lives in exile in India due

to China annexation

Christianity

Basic Beliefs—Messiah

• Jesus of Nazareth = Son of God– Messiah ‘anointed one’

• Jesus Christ = savior of mankind– Suffered died resurrected – Brings salvation from sin for all

Christianity Foundation

• Jesus was Jewish and taught a reinterpretation of classic Jewish scripture

• Founded after death of Jesus by followers (Paul)– Moved further away from classic Jewish scripture

to create a new religion

Appeal of Christianity• Social Opportunities– Orthodox Jews found more relaxing approach– Women liked the emphasis on equality

• “You are all one in Christ Jesus”• Women were still subservient to men in many ways however

– Slaves like the emphasis on equality• 1/3

(33.33333333333333333333333333333333333333333%) in Greece

• 40% (2/5) in Rome were slaves• Taken by conquest & regarded as barbarians

Christianity & Rome

• Looking to keep the peace and avoid political upheaval

• Previously used ‘Diasporas’ to ‘spread out’ groups found unfavorable– Jewish population– Makes groups easier to control– Creates a disjointed and fragmented empire

Constantine, 312-337

• 1st Christian Emperor?– Fought Maxentius and won!– Legalized Christianity in 313

• Political or religious reasons?

Roman Influences on Christianity

• Evidence indicates Constantine merged the two– December 25th = Sol Invictus (Sun God) = Day of

birth• Roman festivals: Dies Natalis Solis Invicti “the birthday

of the unconquered sun”• Sunday (Sabbath): Roman day for Sol Invictus• Winter solstice or bruma: Sun is ‘unconquered’ despite

shortened days

First Council of Nicaea

• 325 by Constantine• 1st doctrinal conference

of bishops of Christian Church

• Significance?– Political and religious

power begin to merge

Results of Nicaea

• 300 Bishops attend• Trinity and divinity of Jesus was voted on • Separated Easter from Passover• Created Nicene Creed• 1st merger between Christian Church and

Roman Empire

Quick!

• Draw a Venn Diagram!• Identify the similarities and differences

between Buddhism and Hinduism!

Hinduism & BuddhismSimilarities

• Adopts many of the same teachings from Buddha

• Ordinary life is a delusion• Belief in Karma &

Reincarnation• Aim to overcome demands

of ego• Meditation• Hope for final release from

rebirth

Differences• Rejects religious authority of

Brahmins– Anyone can achieve

enlightenment– Rejects caste system

• Buddha ridiculed ritual & sacrifice

• Buddha not interested in philosophical ideas regarding creating or existence of god

• People had to take responsibility for own spiritual development

Primary Source Discussion

• What role did the Chinese government play in promoting religion throughout China?

• How might Zhu Seng Du have responded to emperor Wuzong’s edict?

• What features made Buddhism successful throughout East Asia?