Analyzing Religions Case Study: Hinduism Global Connections

What type of religion? Global Connections

Montheistic and Polytheistic Monotheistic Worship a single deity or God Polytheistic More than one god; many

Universalizing v Ethnic Universalizing Religion Actively seek converts to their religion Islam, Buddhism and Christianity fall within this category of religions Ethnic Religion Born into faith; not seeking converts Spatially centered

Hierarchical v. Automonous Hierarchical Religion A religion in which a central authority exercises a high degree of control. Autonomous Religion A religion that does not have a central authority but shares ideas/cooperates.

History of the Religion Global Connections

Hearth of a Religion Hearth Where did the religion originate? Though many distinct religions are prevalent around the world today, those that are the most dominant have origins in one of a few areas called "culture hearths." These are the heartlands of various cultures and historically, there are distinct areas where religious ideas have spread.

What do we mean when we analyze how a religion is diffused? The spread of ideas, beliefs, technology, etc. among places. How do religions spread around the world? Universalizing religions tend to spread more than ethnic religions.

What to look for when analyzing religions? Key Questions Who founded the religion and when? What are the types of diffusion (Map it) Why and how did the religion spread where it did? Is it related or does it have ties to other religions? Who are the key figures? What are the top 3-5 major events in the religion’s history?

What are the teachings of a religion? Global Connections

What is a deity? one exalted or revered as supremely good or powerful the rank or essential nature of a god

What to look for in how a religion is taught in society? Key Questions Who is/are the main/major deity(ies)? What are the central beliefs of the religion? How do people become a follower / member (adherent) of the religion? What is/are the major book(s) of the religion? What is/are the symbol(s) of the religion? What holy days does the religion have? Does the religion require pilgrimages? (If so, describe them) What calendars (if appropriate) does the religion use? What are the major divisions/branches/sects and their distribution?

What does religious distribution mean? Global Connections

Analyzing Distribution of Religion Key Questions How many people practice the religion worldwide? Where does it rank in number of followers compared to other religions? Is the religion growing or shrinking in number of followers? Where is it practiced? (Map it)

What does a cultural landscape of a religion look like?

Analyzing Religious Landscapes Key Questions What are the places of worship like? (Building structures/architecture) What and where are the sacred sites of the religion? What/where are burial practices/sites? Does the religion have an impact on the layout of homes, communities, towns and political structures?