Belief Systems

What you will learn today What are the characteristics of major religions? How are they similar and different? How have major religions affected culture? How have belief systems spread over large areas?

Animism          Animism is the belief that all living and nonliving things in nature have a spirit. Animism was the belief system of many early civilizations. Animism in early civilizations was often combined with ancestor worship.

Animism dates back to earliest humans and still exists Animism dates back to earliest humans and still exists. It can be practiced by anyone who believes in spirituality, but does not proscribe to an organized religion. Animist gods and beliefs often explain natural earthly things. The presence of holy men or women, visions, trances, dancing, sacred items and places are often characteristic of animist societies. Animism exists in traditional African, Asian, American and Aboriginal cultures.                                                                                                               

Hinduism

Hinduism began about 4,000 years ago Hinduism began about 4,000 years ago. It is the world’s oldest existing religion. It is the world’s 3rd most popular religion, and more than 80 percent of India's population practices this religion. The Indus River flows from Tibet to Pakistan. It began in Northern India, near the Indus river. The holy books of Hinduism are the Vedas and the Upanishads. The Ganges river is considered a very holy place to Hindus.

Hinduism-True or False The founder of Hinduism is Brahma. T or F Hindus often meditate. T or F Brahman is the universal god. T or F Reincarnation is a rebirth of a soul. T or F Reincarnation only happens to people. T or F Karma involves our actions in life. T or F “Moksha” is being one with Brahma. T or F Marriage is not important in Hinduism. T or F Dharma is the code for living. T or F

Three most important Hindu gods Brahma the Creator Vishnu the Preserver Shiva the Destroyer Hinduism is monotheistic, even though Hindus worship many gods and goddesses.

The holy books of Hindu are written in an ancient language called Sanskrit, The oldest texts are the Vedas. This word means: “knowledge”.

Hinduism is based more upon what you do, than what you believe. All Hindus believe in reincarnation, the idea that the soul does not die with the body, but enters the body of another being (human or animal). A soul is reincarnated over and over again until it is good enough to achieve moksha (freedom from the cycle). Hinduism is based more upon what you do, than what you believe. Hindus also believe that each person’s karma, or good or bad behavior, determines his fate.

Worship (Puja) Cremation Compliance with the rules of the Caste System

Caste System (Outlawed since 1948) Priests and Wise men- highest class Warriors, rulers, soldiers- next class Merchants, traders, small farmers- third class A fifth caste is considered even lower, the untouchables or pariahs, who do work that no one else would do. Peasants and field workers- last class

This life Next life Good Karma Higher caste Born into A caste Bad Karma Lower caste

Cremation Pilgrimage Means burning of dead bodies. Hindus often pilgrimage to sacred rivers, temples, and mountains in India because they believe that gods have appeared in these places.

Buddhism

Buddhism began in 580 BCE. It was based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. He is also known as the Buddha, or the enlightened one. Buddhism is approximately 2,500 years old. This religion is based upon suffering and the need to get rid of it. The goal of the Buddhists is to achieve Nirvana, or the most enlightened state.

Buddhist do not believe in God. Buddhist worship in a temple. A Shrine often has a statue of Buddha, candles, and an incense burner. It is here that Buddhists mediate and read from their holy book. Buddhist do not believe in God.

The Four Noble Truths. 1. Dukkha: Suffering exists. 2. Samudaya: There is a cause for suffering. Nirodha: There is an end to suffering. 4. Magga: In order to end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path.

Dukkha means suffering. Buddhists believe one is continually REBORN until they reach nirvana. This is called Enlightenment.

Buddhism has much in common with Hinduism, but important differences. Buddhism like Hinduism: Reincarnation Karma Dharma But not Caste system Hindu gods Hindu priesthood

Sacred Buddhist Texts                                         Buddha did not record his teachings, but after he died, his followers collected them into the Tripitaka.

Today’s Tibetan Buddhists are led by the Dalai Lama, who advocates for freedom from China.

Judaism

Judaism originated in the Middle East around 1000 BCE Judaism originated in the Middle East around 1000 BCE. According to Jewish tradition, God chose the Hebrews and helped them to escape slavery in Egypt. Judaism was one of the first monotheistic religions.

Basic Beliefs of Judaism ~The Torah is a sacred scripture recording laws and events in Jewish history. ~The Old Testament of the Bible includes the Torah.

~God gave Hebrews the 10 Commandments through Moses. ~The Ten Commandments describe how people should behave toward God and one another.

God made a covenant, or promise to Abraham to be the God of the Hebrews. Judaism had a great influence on the later development of Christianity and Islam.

Jews were discriminated against in the Roman Empire and eventually kicked out of their homeland, Israel, in what is known as the Diaspora.

Christianity

Christianity originated from Judaism about 30 CE. Christians believe that Jesus was a Messiah, or savior Sent by God to bring eternal life to anyone who would follow him. Jesus accepted the Ten Commandments and also preached equality of man before God. The sacred text of Christianity is the Bible. Although the Romans originally felt threatened by the Christians, and therefore allowed Jesus to be crucified, Christianity eventually became the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Islam

Islam originated in the Middle East around 622 CE with the Prophet, Muhammad. Muhammad was born in Mecca and traveled to Medina in a journey called the hijra, that became the founding of Islam. Muslim worshippers follow scriptures called the Quran, or Koran. The collection of Islamic laws is also known as the Sharia.

Five Pillars of Islam Faith in one God, Allah—monotheism Five times daily prayer toward Mecca Help for the poor Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan Pilgrimage to holy city of Mecca

Spread of Islam--In the 150 years following the death of Muhammad, Islam spread through trade, missionaries and conquest into Asia and Africa.

Questions: What do all these belief systems have in common? Which three all originated in the Middle East? Which two originated in India? Which religion gave rise to the caste system? How do religions spread? What is the similarity between the Five Pillars of Islam and the Ten Commandments? How are Hinduism and Buddhism alike and different?