1. Intro to Religions

2. What is religion - NOTES
The word "religion" can be defined in many ways but usually it involves one or more of the following three things:
the worship of a God or gods
guidelines about how to behave
answers to life's biggest questions

3. Why do YOU think people practice religion? Brainstorm some ideas…

4. Origins - NOTES
The origin of religious beliefs can be classified in three basic categories:
Polytheistic
Pantheistic
Monotheistic

5. Polytheism - NOTES Polytheism: a belief in multiple gods
Originated with Hinduism in about 2500 BC.
Hindu beliefs were recorded in the Bhagavad Gita
Many gods were subject to a supreme Brahman god
Polytheism was also the religion of many other ancient cultures
Egypt, Greece and Rome

6. Polytheism - NOTES Ancient polytheistic belief systems
Gods in control of all natural events such as rainfall, harvests and fertility
In general, polytheistic cultures believed in sacrifices to appease their gods.
The Greeks and Romans developed polytheism into a highly structured pantheon of gods and goddesses.

7. Pantheism - NOTES
Pantheism: the belief God and the universe can be equated; God is everything & everything is God.
Many ancient cultures practiced pantheism
The universe itself was divine
Pantheists do not believe in a distinct personal or anthropomorphic god.

8. Pantheism - NOTES
There is no divinity other than the universe and nature.
Reveres and cares for nature
All things are interconnected and interdependent.
In life and in death humans are an inseparable part of this unity.

9. Monotheism - NOTES Monotheism: a belief in one God
The foundation of the Judeo-Christian-Muslim line of religions
began with a man named Abraham in about 2000 BC.

10. Two main categories of religion

11. 5 main world religions Can you name all 5?
Watch the clip and pay attention to some key details about each religion
Video clip
Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism

12. Textbook Resources Buddhism: pp. 79-82 Christianity: pp. 167-170
Hinduism: pp
Islam: pp
Judaism: pp