Aim: What is religion and what does it have to do with history? Do Now: What does the word “religion” mean to you? NY State Learning Standards 2 Common Core RS 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and WS 1, 2

I What is religion? A) A religion is a system of beliefs, practices, and worship of a supernatural force (such as god). B) A belief system is similar to a religion, but it does not have to include a belief in the supernatural. C) Atheists do not believe in a god. D) Agnostics are unsure if a god exists.

This is a Shinto shrine in Japan. A shrine is a sacred space. II Animism Animism is the belief that spirits exist in objects found in nature. It is the earliest form of religion. Shamans are spiritual leaders and healers. This is a Shinto shrine in Japan. A shrine is a sacred space.

Shaman Rituals in Ecuador & Finland Right: Soyot people from 1898 

III Polytheism A) Polytheism is the belief in many gods. B) Many polytheistic religions had a pantheon/hierarchy (order of importance) of gods and goddesses. Zeus was the most powerful god in the ancient Greek pantheon. Below him were other gods such as Apollo (god of the sun), and Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty).

is a holy city for all 3 religions! IV Monotheism A) Monotheism is the belief in one god. B) Judaism was the first monotheistic religion. From Judaism came two other monotheistic religions; Christianity and Islam! Jerusalem is a holy city for all 3 religions!

Summary Questions What is the difference between a religion and a belief system? What do animists believe? Who practiced animism? What do polytheists believe? Who practiced polytheism? What do monotheists believe? Who practices monotheism?

Key Vocabulary Agnostic Polytheism Animism Religion Atheist Shaman Belief System Shrine Hierarchy Supernatural Monotheism Moral Pantheon