1. Belief Systems

2. What are belief systems?
Belief systems are organized ways to view the world
Typically include a moral code, or way to live life
Religions are belief systems with a god(s)
Monotheistic- one god
Polytheistic- more than one god

3. Nature Religions Animism Shinto Taoism
Each of these religions focuses on living in harmony with nature and nature spirits (making them polytheistic)
Animism
Shinto
Taoism
Began in Africa and the Americas
Everything has a spirit
Communicate with dead ancestors
Began in Japan
Kami- ancient gods/nature spirits
Shrines are marked by Tori Gates
Began in China
Contemplate Tao- “the way”
Balance of Yin and Yang

4. Hinduism Started in India
Founded through cultural diffusion from the Aryans
Main Ideas:
Polytheistic
Goal is to unite with Brahman (unifying spirit)
Reincarnate to get closer to Brahman
Dharma- moral duty
Karma- good gets good, bad gets bad
Caste System
Ganges River is sacred

5. Buddhism Started in India, but moved to Southeast Asia
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama
Main Ideas:
No god
Goal is to reach Nirvana (enlightenment)
Reincarnation to try to reach Nirvana
Four Noble Truths- life is suffering because of desire
Eightfold Path- how to end desire and reach Nirvana

6. Confucianism Started in China Founded by Confucius Main Ideas: No god
Five Relationships- everyone has a position that must be respected to keep order in society
Ruler to ruled
Father to son
Older brother to younger brother
Husband to wife
Friend to friend
Filial Piety- respect for elders

7. Judaism Started in the Middle East, practiced worldwide
Founded by Abraham/Moses
Main Ideas:
Monotheistic
10 Commandments
Holy book is the Torah (Old Testament)
Diaspora- Jews were forced to leave Israel and searched for a place to practice

8. Christianity
Started in Israel, currently practiced worldwide
Founded by Jesus (the Messiah)
Main Ideas
Monotheistic
10 Commandments
Holy Book- the Bible (New Testament)
The primary difference between Judaism and Christianity is that the Jews do not thing the Messiah has come

9. Islam
Started on the Arabian peninsula, currently practiced worldwide but primarily in the Middle East
Founded by Muhammad
Main Ideas:
Monotheistic- Allah
Five Pillars of Faith
The Hajj- pilgrimage to Mecca
Sharia Law

10. Other Belief Systems Legalism
China- based on the idea that humans are evil and harsh punishments are needed to keep order in society
Humanism
Renaissance Europe- focus on humans/individuals and life on earth instead of on God and Heaven

11. Review
The Ten Commandments and Five Pillars of Wisdom are similar in that they
established a class structure for society
are guidelines for living
consist of prayers for salvation
promise a happy and easy life

12. Review Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are similar in that they all
place great value on having many statues and images of holy people
believe in Mohammed as the Prophet of God
are monotheistic in belief
require their members to settle in the Holy Land

13. Review Hinduism and Buddhism are similar in that both religions
practice a belief in many gods
provide followers with a rigid social caste system
stress attainment of a better life through spiritual rebirth
look to the teaching of one person for their basic beliefs

14. Review
The terms Brahma, dharma, and moksha are most closely associated with which religion?
Judaism
Islam
Hinduism
animism

15. Review Which term is most closely related to these three actions?
Showing respect for parents
Maintaining family honor
Honoring all elders
Which term is most closely related to these three actions?
nirvana
animism
filial piety
hadj (hajj)