1. Religion Big Idea & The Unification of China
Chapter 8
Religion Big Idea &
The Unification of China
©2011, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

2. Key concept 2.1
As states and empires increased in size and contacts between regions multiplied, religious and cultural systems were transformed.
Religions and belief systems provided a bond among the people and an ethical code to live by.
Why?
Should a ruler encourage the growth of religion?

3. Codifications and further developments of existing religious traditions
Judaism was developed with the codification of the Hebrew Scriptures, which reflected the influence of Mesopotamian cultural and legal traditions.
The Assyrian, Babylonian, and Roman empires all conquered Jewish states at different points in time = diasporic communities around Mediterranean and Middle East

4. Christianity
Based on core beliefs about the teachings and divinity of Jesus of Nazareth
Drew on Judaism
Rejected Roman and Hellenistic influences at first
Christianity spread through the efforts of missionaries and merchants (despite Roman imperial hostility at first).
Emperor Constantine supported Christianity

5. Greco-Roman
Philosophy and science emphasized logic, empirical observation, and the nature of political power and hierarchy.
©2011, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

6. Buddhism
New belief systems and cultural traditions emerged and spread, often asserting universal truths.
The core beliefs about desire, suffering, and the search for enlightenment were a reaction to Vedic beliefs
Buddhism changed as it spread over Asia.
Supported by Mauryan emperor Ashoka, and through the efforts of missionaries and merchants.
Establishment of educational institutions to promote its core teachings.

7. Vedic religions
Sanskrit scriptures formed the basis of what will become Hinduism.
Created a social and political roles of a caste system
Created the importance of multiple manifestations of Brahma to promote teachings about reincarnation.