1. Early Religions

2. The Vedic Religion
Hebrew Monotheism
Zoroastrianism

3. The Vedic Religion Started by the ARYANS
Came to India around 1500 B.C.E.
They were pastoralists – relied on horses
Made effective use of wheeled vehicles and esp. chariots
They did not write but they did compose poems and songs
Passed orally through generations
The Rig Veda (hymns addressed to the gods) is the main collection of these songs and poems

5. It formed the basis of Hinduism
A strongly defined caste system
Polytheistic
Belief in reincarnation and karma
They are into ritual sacrifice
Animals not people
Eventually people see these as a waste of time
begin to question religion
Sparks a tradition of religious speculation

6. Hebrew Monotheism Comes out of Mesopotamia
Moses embraces the idea of 1 god
Sets the stage for Judaism, Christianity, and eventually Islam

7. Zoroastrianism Started in modern day Iran
“good words, good thoughts, good deeds”
Not exactly monotheistic
The source of all good, Ahura Mazda, was in constant conflict with Angra Mainyu, the source of all evil
After 12,000 years Mazda would win
Becomes the official religion of the Persian Empire